Centre’s intervention in agriculture against federal structure, says WB govt

The state government will make intervention of the Centre in agriculture “which is a state subject” an issue soon. Purnendu Basu, the state agriculture minister, said that it often happens that various policies of the Centre related to agriculture don’t go with the state’s situation in the sector.

But it had to be applied and followed. “This is affecting the federal structure,” he said adding that the agriculture is a state subject. Thus the state governments should be given priority to form a policy.

After all the policies are getting implemented in the states and the situation of the each state differ in terms of agriculture. He said that, at present, in the state there are 18 Krishi Vikash Kendras (KVKs) those are run by the Centre. The state government has good coordination with the KVKs and they also know what should be the subject of their research based on the need of the state where those are located. But the clearance is given and funds are allotted to them to undertake research work based on the Centre’s policy.

Thus it is affecting the state’s interest. He said there are many states which have strong “lobby” in the Centre and they get benefits of the Centre’s policy. Bengal is not in the lobby and thus get deprived, he said.

Basu further said that the research wings of the state agriculture department are holding a two-day meeting to discuss on their findings for development in the agriculture sector of the state. There is a direction of the Centre that 10-year-old seed cannot be used for cultivation. Thus the researchers in the state have come up with their studies to develop new types of seed.

Work is on to develop seeds that will allow a sustainable cultivation of rice even in areas like South 24-Parganas where salty water is available.