The State government will contemplate to set up an agriculture commission in Himachal Pradesh. This was stated by Agriculture Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda while presiding over a meeting of Himachal Kissan Union, here today.The Union demanded to set up the agriculture commission in the state on which Dr. Markanda assured that he himself will take this matter with the Chief Minister. He said that the state government is committed for protecting the interests of the farmers and several steps have already been taken in this direction.He said that the government is considering to set up maize based industry in Mandi, tomato based industries in Solan and chips based industries in Kangra to benefit thousands of farmers of the state.The farmer union also raised the issue of damage to crops by the stray animals. The Minister said that the state government is working on war footings to overcome this problem.
The government is giving 80 percent subsidy to farmers for installing solar fencing so their crops can be saved from stray animals. A part from this state government was committed to build cow centuries in all districts. The first cow century is being constructed in Kotla of Sirmaur district.Dr. Markanda urged the farmers to raise their complaints directly to the government so that they can be redressed at the earliest. He also directed the officials to redress the problems received from farmers as soon as possible.The union handed over 29 point demand letter to the Minister who assured that their demands would be considered sympathetically.General Secretary, Himachal Kissan Union Sita Ram Verma said that it is for the first time any government has invited them for a meeting for which the Union is grateful to the government.President Sunka Ram presented vote of thanks.Director Agriculture Des Raj Sharma and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.