GUWAHATI, Dec 3 - Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday inaugurated the state level sensitization and planning workshop on Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) organized by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office in Itanagar. Minister Agriculture Tage Taki, senior officials from various State Government Departments and other dignitaries participated in the workshop.
Outlining the importance of agriculture and allied sectors in bringing economic development of the people of the state, Mein urged that a certain percentage of allocation under RIDF may be utilized for agriculture.
He said that Arunachal Pradesh having a large area of 83000 sq.kms, has a huge potential for agriculture and allied sectors. He said that irrigation is the most important sector, which needs to be taken care of. He suggested that state government will support progressive FPOs through KVKs from the state budget.
He also emphasized on sustainable and timely completion of projects financed under RIDF and need for convergence based approach in project implementation so as to drive more benefits to the rural masses.
He appreciated the role of RIDF in development of the State and advised all departments to effectively leverage the low cost financing.
Tage Taki appreciated the contribution made by NABARD for the development of the state and suggested changes in PMKSY as suitable to the state of Arunachal Pradesh with more emphasis on open channel irrigation.
He also appealed to the farmers to adopt modern agriculture technique to boost crop production.
Dr Gopa Kumaran Nair, General Manager, NABARD underscored the importance of RIDF as one of the major interventions in the state for sustained growth and boosting private investments. He also highlighted the need for timely completion of the sanctioned projects in quality to realize the envisaged benefits of the projects.
SS Vaseeharan, DGM, NABARD gave a detailed presentation on origin, genesis and operationalization of RIDF in the state as well as the country.
