Minister: Cow dung purchase scheme to be rolled out soon

Una, August 16

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar unfurled the national flag during a district-level Independence Day function at Government Senior Secondary School grounds here on Thursday.

He also took the salute from the contingents of Himachal Police, Home Guards, NCC and NSS volunteers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Agriculture Minister said as per the poll promise, the Congress government will soon purchase cow dung from farmers. After processing and enhancing its quality, it will be made available to the farmers who practice chemical-free agriculture at Rs 10 to 12 per kg. Besides, he said the manure will also be used in government’s agricultural and horticultural farms. He said the government was also making efforts to improve the irrigation system and increase the area under irrigation.

He said the farmers of the state were also being motivated to cultivate exotic fruit varieties and saplings had been distributed during the monsoon season.

Chander Kumar said the government had initiated steps to fill vacant posts in various departments, enabling the percolation of government schemes to the beneficiaries at the grassroots.

He added that the government is also making efforts to introduce new agricultural practices and techniques to motivate the youth to take up self-employment opportunities in agriculture and horticulture.

The minister awarded appreciation citations to Jarnail Singh from Una, who was appointed Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Indian men’s Under-19 cricket camp at Bangalore conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India from June 20 to July 20.

The minister also felicitated police personnel for exceptional service. Cultural troupes from local educational institutes made patriotic presentations, while tableaus depicting government schemes also moved past the audience. — OC