Rs 15 cr for HP to develop wasteland

SHIMLA, June 17: The Union Agriculture Ministry has agreed to sanction Rs 15 crore to Himachal Pradesh for accelerating the ongoing watershed and wasteland development programmes in the state.Union Agriculture Minister Som Pal, who called on Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal here today, said the Centre was keen to extend a liberal financial help to the state for boosting state’s agriculture and horticulture production. He assured Dhumal that the NHDB would be asked to look into the benefits of horticulture development to Himachal.

Earlier, during the meeting, which was also attended by Himachal Agriculture Minister Vidyasagar, Dhumal seeking additional financial help in the agriculture sector, informed the Minister that 90 per cent of the population in the state was dependent on agriculture.

Chief Minister also urged him to give priority for setting up of agriculture and horticulture based industries in the state which would help in boosting the economy of the farmers in the state.

Chief Minister also urged the Minister to provide more funds for watershed and wasteland development, keeping in view the higher cost of development in hilly areas. Kishan Kapoor, Himachal Transport Minister was also present on the occasion.