State to implement National Food Security Mission

The Orissa Government has decided to implement the National Food Security Mission and National Agriculture Development Plan in the state. The decision was taken at a high level meeting held at the Secretariat on Saturday, which was attended by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Agriculture Minister Surendranath Nayak, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy and Development Commissioner R. N. Bohidar.

The Food Security Mission has the following missions:

1) To augment production of paddy, wheat and cererals
2) To generate employment opportunities in rural areas
3) To raise the income of the farming community

The Orissa government would request for a grant of Rs 850 crore for the implementation of the food security mission. Special emphasis would be given to selection of proper seed variety, fertilizer and irrigation facility, according to the government press release. The state government has identified 15 districts for production of paddy, while 10 districts have been identified for cultivation of cereals.