A Central
team is to be sent to Andhra Pradesh soon to assess the drought
situation and recommend central assistance for the state. This
was stated by the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Ajit Singh
during his meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Chandra
Babu Naidu, here today. During discussions, Shri Naidu asked for
the release of subsidy under the Central Sector Capital Investment
Subsidy for construction/renovation/expansion of rural godowns.
He said that Andhra Pradesh has constructed a large capacity of
storage for foodgrains for which Central Subsidy may be reimbursed.
He was told that for the implementation of the scheme during 2002-03,
Rs. 90 crore has been allocated as central subsidy out of which
all State Governments have to be reimbursed. However, the Agriculture
Minister said that the scheme is going to continue during the
Tenth Plan Period and has a higher allocation of 290 crore out
of which Andhra Pradesh can be reimbursed their due.
Shri
Naidu said that the farmers in his State are being exploited by
unscrupulous seed manufacturers and dealers/sellers. He wanted
Central Government intervention in controlling this menace. Shri
Ajit Singh said that the Centre is contemplating amendment to
the Seeds Act, which is almost ready. This Act when passed in
Parliament will check spurious seeds by offering severe penalty/punishment
for such offence. However, he suggested to the Chief Minister
that the State government can take appropriate action under the
Seed Control Order which is already in force.
During
the discussion, the Chief Minister was informed that a plant quarantine
and immigration station has been established at Hyderabad for
handling import of agricultural commodities for consumption purposes
only. Shri Naidu requested for setting up of cold-storage facility
at Hyderabad Airport for facilitating export of agricultural produce.
He was told that the Ministry is taking action for the purpose.
