Odisha failed in utilising Horticulture Mission Funds: Radha Mohan Singh

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh along with Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday addressed the farmers on World Coconut Day and National Award presentation ceremony in the Capital City of Odisha.

Addressing farmers, Radha Mohan Singh informed that Odisha failed to spend Rs 4.15 crore out of the Rs 54.45 crore funds allotted to operationalise the Horticulture Mission for the year 2015-16.

Singh said, Rs 49.91 crore has been allocated to Odisha this year with an objective to promote overall development of bamboo and coconut plantation. So far Rs 26.83 crore had already been released to the state for the year 2016-17.

The Agriculture Minister further said, “Coconut is a major crop of Odisha and five coastal districts of Odisha produce more than 60 percent of the total coconut production in the state”.

To operationalise Horticulture Mission in Odisha, many cashew promotion units have been established in Koraput and Ganjam districts of Odisha, the Union Minister stated.

The P&NG Minister Pradhan has called upon farmers, entrepreneurs & policy makers to tap potential of opportunities in coconut sector in Odisha.