April 26, 2013

Indian state Bihar's milk production rises

Indian state Bihar's milk production had increased from 4.5 lakh (100,000) litres in 2005 to 18 lakh litres now as stated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

When the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had assumed power in November 2005, milk production in the state was 4.5 lakh litres which has risen to 18 lakh litres now due to hard work, the Kumar said after inaugurating a dairy project here in Rohtas district.

The project is the first plant in the state for production of cheese.

"We will continue to increase potential of milk production in the state," he said.

The Bihar chief minister said after division of the state into Jharkhand, the state was left with limited natural resources. "Agriculture is the backbone of Bihar and we wish to further develop it," he added.

The state would progress faster only when the income of farmers increase manifold, the chief minister said.

Addressing the function, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi asked while interest on agriculture loan was 3% and that for purchase of vehicles 7-8%, why was loan given for rearing animals, fishery and egg production at a flat rate of 12-13%. He urged Kumar to take up the matter with Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

Animal Husbandry Minister Giriraj Singh said that the state government was committed to economic empowerment of farmers in the state.