The Hindu Business Line : NDC panel moots minimum support price for coarse grains

THE Working Group on animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries of the National Development Council (NDC) sub-committee has recommended minimum support price (MSP) for growers of coarse grains such as ragi, jowar and bajra.

A statement from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who is also the Chairman of the Working Group, said the inclusion of millet crop growers in MSP would not only bring them monetary relief but also curtail fodder shortage to a large extent.

The working group, which met on Wednesday, suggested a comprehensive National Livestock Breeding Policy to help multiply the bovine population and its productivity. It felt that the policy should cover issues of genetic upgradation and animal conservation.

The group discussed issues relating to the eradication and control of communicable diseases and pests, and increase in health cover for optimising livestock production, which was its primary concern.

The group stressed the need to constitute a Fodder Corporation of India. It called for adequate dissemination of market intelligence.

While advocating mandatory vaccination of the bovine population, it suggested financial assistance for animal rearing.

Calling for adequate infrastructure such as stall feeders, water and power supply for sheep and goat farming, it suggested creation of a database on animal population using "ear tag".

Insurance for sheep and goat farming, the importance of deep-sea fishing and the establishment of a National Fish Development Board were discussed. Backyard poultry, widely practised in Madhya Pradesh, must be encouraged, it said.

The group discussed specific models of development for small ruminants such as sheep and goat, and expansion of organised dairy marketing through synergies of cooperative and private sector efforts with a focus on quality and hygiene control.

Reducing milk production cost through promotion of high-yielding cow and buffalo varieties also came up for discussion. Efforts are on to streamline policies to promote inland aquaculture and reservoir fisheries, brackish and coastal aquaculture, and deep-sea fishing.

The working group would submit an interim report to the Centre by March 31. The Agriculture Minister, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, Animal Husbandry Minister, Mr G. Surya Rao, Fisheries Minister, Mr Md Fareeduddin, and Chairperson of NDDB, Dr Amrita Patel participated in the discussions.