H I M A C H A L   P R A D E S H

Maize industry to be set up in Himachal: Dhumal

SHIMLA, Mar 20 (UNI) — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Perm Kumar Dhumal has said that maize industry would be set up in the state to benefit the farmers of the state.

The Chief Minister, who was presiding over the concluding function of two-day training programme organised by the Indian Farmers Fertilisers Corporation (IFFCO) at Baroha near Hamirpur district yesterday, said crop insurance scheme had been started in the state from this rabi season for few crops including maize and added that government had decided in principle to bring all commercial crops under its fold in a phased manner, he added.

He urged scientists to 'take research to the fields' so that farmers in the state could be benefited. He also lauded the role of IFFCO in imparting training and other assistance to the farmers to raise their production.

While addressing a huge gathering at Nauni Devi in Hamirpur district on the occasion of prize distribution function of senior secondary school Tauni Devi, he reiterated his government's commitment for speedy upliftment and development of those sections which had remained neglected so far.

The Chief Minister said in next year's budget, various schemes had been included aiming at speedy upliftment of the downtrodden. He said these included "mahrishi balmiki scholarship scheme" under which Rs 9000 would be given annually to girl students so that they do not discontinue studies.