Now Gram panchayats to permit sand-mining in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, September 15: From now on the work of sand mining will be carried out through gram panchayats in the state. Gram panchayats will decide the spots and the quantity to be dug. Only gram panchayats will give permission for mining and the royalty obtained will be spent on the development works of the gram panchayat.

Chouhan said that government is committed to make farming a beneficial profession in state. Constant attempts are being made to reduce production cost. The CM said that seminars will be held in every development block headquarter in state from September 15 in which farmers, agriculture scientists and an Agriculture department squad will take part. It will be decided at the seminar which crop should be taken in which area.

He said that milk production, agro-forestry and food processing activities will be promoted to reduce dependability on agriculture. Loans will be provided to farmers from banks for food processing industry. Chouhan said that milk production has an important role in increasing the income of farmers. Government will now provide 5 milching animals to poor farmers. Nutritious fodder will also be given to these animals for three months. This will ensure additional source of income for poor farmers.

Chouhan said that a campaign is being launched in the state to settle cases of undisputed property distribution, demarcation and deed transfer within three months. Deed transfer forms are being provided from door to door.

He directed to take caution in crop cutting work so that farmers do not have to face much loss in case of scanty rainfall. The CM said that the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana has been launched for farmers. If the farmer wishes to sell his produce later in keeping with the market rates, government will pay the rent for the godown used for stocking crop.