which have been rendered non-fertile will be taken up for revival of agriculture through the Central government’s ambitious National Agricultural Development Mission. A total of 18,000 hectares of such fertile land have been identified for the purpose.
The State cabinet on Friday approved a special scheme ‘Strengthening of bunds, desilting of ponds and protection of khazan land’ under the central mission for revival of agriculture, a fully government funded project.
The State also intends to introduce an independent Contract Farming bill in the winter session of the Legislative Assembly to promote contract farming in khazan lands.
Addressing media persons after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the Cabinet approved the scheme so as to revive agriculture in fertile lands.
Parsekar said the State has 18,000 hectares of fertile khazan lands, but little of it is being tilled by farmers. Non-cultivation of vast stretches due to costly labour and influx of saline water in cultivable areas has led to uncontrolled growth of vegetation.
He said that in the first phase, 4500 hectares – 38 bunds of 85kms length – would be taken up for revival costing of Rs 1.92 crore. The government has decided to appoint five junior engineers and seven supervisors for the project’s implementation.
“The aim of the project is to bring khazan land under cultivation. The concept of contract farming can be introduced, wherein crop with fish or crop as well as crab cultivation can be looked for,” he said.
