MP witnessed 25 per cent agriculture growth rate: Guv Yadav

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav today said that agriculture-friendly policies introduced by his government has enabled the state to register an agriculture growth rate of nearly 25 per cent in the current year.

"With the hard work of farmers and government's sustained efforts, the agricuture growth rate has risen to 25 per cent which resulted in the state bagging the prestigious ' Krishi Karman Award' for three consecutive years," the Governor said in his address after unfurling the tricolour at main function on the occasion of 66th Republic Day at the Lal Parade Ground.

Besides, the state's contribution in organic farming stands at 40 per cent of the total national output, the Governor said.

Under "Vision-2018" the state has set a target to raise irrigation potential to 40 lakh hectare from the present 30 lakh hectare, he said.

In milk production also, the state has registered a maximum growth rate of 8.6 per cent, which is the highest in the country.

Focussing on Swachhata Abhiyan, personal toilets were constructed in 37 lakh rural households while over 3,000 villages have become open defecation free in the state, the Governor said.

The government has launched a campaign to construct toilets in three lakh houses with the help of self-help groups and also constructing separate washrooms for boys and girls in schools.

So far, toilets have been constructed in 10,000 schools in the state, he said.

Referring to industrialisation, the Governor said that the government had recently organised " Global Investors Summit" (GIS) to attract investment in the state and has also launched "Make in Madhya Pradesh" campaign on the lines of " Make in India" drive.

The government has also formulated "Defence Production Investment Promotion Policy" in the state for tapping immense potential in the sector, Yadav said.