Bhubaneswar, Mar 6:The Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development issued Go-ahead letters to 58 Goshalas and farmers for setting up Vermicompost Unit. Ranendra Pratap Swain, Minister, Agriculture and FE, Fisheries and ARD handed over the Go-ahead letters at a function organised at Krushi Bhawan today.
Addressing the meeting Minister Swain said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is committed to the welfare of animals and livestock farmers. The State Government is providing financial assistance for setting up Goshalas for the welfare of cattle. The State Govenment is also providing support for setting up Vermicompost Godhan Units to make their Goshalas economically self-sufficient. Apart from Goshalas, the livestock farmers, milk producers cooperative society members can also take advantage of this scheme.
An amount of 50 percent assistance and a maximum of Rs. 10 Lakh as financial assistance will be provided to Goshalas for setting up Vermicompost Units for producing of vermicompost, using waste materials such as cow dung and urine. This is an innovative initiative of the State Government. By producing vermicompost, Goshalas can become self-sufficient and livestock farmers can multiply their income. Vermicomposts will also promote organic farming and can be useful for soil health, said Sri Swain.
Minister Swain further said that the State Government is also providing financial assistance to the registered Goshalas for its maintenance, apart from providing assistance for setting up new Gohsalas in the State. About Rs. 9 Crore has been distributed during the current Financial Year for this purpose. In addition to this, Mukhyamantri Mobile Veterinary Units have been launched in all the 314 Blocks to provide veterinary services at the doorsteps of the farmers. Similarly, Veterinary Ambulance Units have also been provided in urbanareas in the State.
At the outset, Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Ramashis Hazra delivered the welcome address. A training programme was also organised on the occasion to impart training for successful setting up Vermicompost Godhan Centre.
