Utilize funds under RKVY to spur economic growth: Dr Gupta

SRINAGAR: Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Consultant with Union Ministry of Agriculture Dr. M.P. Gupta today called for full utilization of outlays under the flagship programme of RKVY so that benefits percolate to the farmers on time.
Dr Gupta, who is on visit to J&K to monitor the implemented of RKVY, observed that RKVY project is a comprehensive scheme aimed at holistic development of agriculture and its allied sectors like fisheries, bee- keeping, frozen Semen bank, micro irrigation mushroom growing, etc. He said judicious utilization of allocated funds would give much needed impetus to agriculture activities opening up vistas of gainful employment opportunities for the unemployed youth.
The consultant stressed on launching sustained awareness campaign through electronic and print media to sensitize farmers about the vast benefits accruing under the scheme and stimulate their interest.
Expressing concern over under utilization of funds, Dr Gupta asked the Agriculture Extension officer to activate their field staff to ensure that the funds are expeditiously spent on multi-farious agriculture activities, which he observed are in abundance in the State. He said technical guidance by agriculture and other sectoral officers to the youth would promote entrepreneurship in agro-based ventures in a big way.
It may be recalled that RKVY was introduced in J&K in 2008 and under the scheme as many as 153 projects with a accumulative outlay of Rs. 122 crores are going in agriculture and its allied sectors in the State.