Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: During the Jharkhand Assembly budget session, MLA Arup Chatterjee emphasised that agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries form the backbone of the rural economy and require stronger policy support. He urged the government to take concrete steps to boost these sectors for sustainable rural development.
Push for Fisheries and Transparency in Resources
Chatterjee pointed out that major reservoirs such as Maithon and Panchet have not been effectively utilised for fisheries in recent years. He demanded that large-scale fish seeding be resumed in these dams. He also called for open auctions of government ponds to ensure transparency and increase state revenue. According to him, Jharkhand should aim to become self-reliant in fish and fish seed production instead of depending on other states.
Strengthening Poultry and Dairy Infrastructure
Highlighting the poultry sector, the Nirsa MLA said Jharkhand continues to rely on other states for chicks and eggs. Establishing large-scale poultry farms within the state, he argued, would create employment opportunities for youth.
He also raised concerns about cow and fish smuggling in border areas and urged stricter monitoring. Referring to overcrowding at the cowshed in Katras, he demanded the construction of additional gaushalas.
Speaking about the Medha Dairy Plant in Dhanbad, Chatterjee said it lacks full milk processing facilities and currently sends milk to Ranchi for pasteurisation. He called for the establishment of processing infrastructure in Dhanbad itself to benefit local farmers.
Agricultural Land and Diversification
Chatterjee expressed concern over alleged encroachment on agricultural department land in Nirsa and proposed setting up an agricultural training school there. He further advocated promoting high-value and diversified crops such as dragon fruit, mango, litchi, moringa, tulsi, and organic turmeric to strengthen the rural economy.
