RAIPUR: The Agriculture Department, Government of Chhattisgarh and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of United Nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Secretariat (Mahanadi Bhavan), Nava Raipur on Friday.

Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Director Agriculture Chandan Sanjay Tripathi signed the MoU on behalf of the state government and United Nations representative Takayuki Hajiwara signed for the UN. Project Director FAO Prashant Kumar Swain was also present.

As per the MoU, FAO will provide a financial aid o fRs 31.404 crores for organising special programs in Balrampur and Dantewada districts to encourage the production of wheat and rice. It will have a period of 5 years.

Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr. Kamalpreet Singh stated that there is immense scope for export of non-basmati paddy, the possibilities of coffee and tea production, the facilities of crop loans available at zero percent interest for the farmers for agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fishery. The additional input grant amount is being provided to the farmers growing aromatic paddy and other crops.

He also spoke on different schemes being extended to farmers, promotion of organic farming and implementation of Millet Mission.