Boost for agriculture sector in Kozhikode district panchayat budget

KOZHIKODE: Priority to agriculture and production sectors were the highlights of the  Kozhikode District Panchayat budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year presented on Monday. The budget presented by Vice President Reena Mundengad proposes Rs 117.58 crore income, Rs 116.69 crore expenditure and a surplus of Rs 88.58 lakh. The budget also included a carryover of Rs 1.57 crore from the previous year. For agriculture and related sectors, the budget earmarked Rs 8.98 crore. It proposed projects to extend paddy cultivation in the district.

Agri clinics which includes modern equipment to help farming will be strengthened. A project ‘Jaivam Haritham’ will be launched to encourage organic vegetable cultivation with the co-operation of Kudumbashree Mission. Incentives will be given to dairy farmers to encourage the sector. ‘Ksheera Gramam’ (Milk Village) project will be implemented in selected grama panchayats. Hi-tech farms will be established under the district panchayat. 

A new industrial park will set up by acquiring land at a suitable place. A new project ‘Aakasha Ganga’ in association with grama panchayats and block panchayats will be launched for the conservation of water. Through the project that will be implemented in 50,000 houses, rainwater will be collected from rooftops and filtered into wells. The budget also proposes issuing identity cards to transgenders and establishing a working women's hostel. The budget also envisages plans to push tourism in high range areas by promoting water sports including Kayaking.