AP aims at making agriculture a paying occupation

The outlay for agriculture at Rs 16,250 crore was confirmed by AP Agriculture Minister Prattipati Pulla Rao on Thursday. He pointed out that TDP government's aim was to make agriculture a paying proposition in the shortest possible time. It was also aimed at freeing the State from the stalking of scarcity. Pulla Rao was particularly happy that the Pattiseema project on the Godavari was completed in record time. He revealed that the fisheries achieved 32.6% growth rate and gardens 9.9% growth. The government was considering a fodder policy. About 100,000 hectares have been brought under gardens. A farmers' products society was being set up. As livelihood project, watershed and tanks programme was being taken up. After the Agriculture Minister's presentation, the House was adjourned to meet again on March 14.