Bhubaneswar: There is no need for discussion with Odisha Government on farmers' problem as the Centre is committed and answerable to the people of the country, said Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday.
Shekhawat's remarks came after Odisha agriculture minister Damodar Rout had recently accused BJP and its central leaders for intervening in the matters of the state.
Asked on Minister Damodar Rout's comments on 'unauthorized entry' of the central team into the State, Shekhawat stated, "As the Centre provides major chunk of financial aid to States on account of agriculture, it holds review meetings regularly for better coordination. Therefore, there is no need hold prior meetings with any State ahead of any spot visit."
He added the Centre is answerable to the people of the country irrespective any region, class or creed.
After a preliminary review meeting, the Union Minister accused the Odisha government of not waking up to the present agriculture crisis that has assumed serious proportions here.
"I will meet the families of deceased farmers who have committed suicide in Bargarh district. Besides, I will vist Ganjam along with Dierctor General of the Indian Council for Agricultural Reserach (ICAR) for assessing the ground situation," Shekhawat added.
A high-level committee led by the Union Minister today arrived at Bhubaneswar airport earlier to take stock of the drought situation and pest menace in Odisha.
Shekhawat is also scheduled to visit Boudh and Sonepur districts after holding discussion with officials of the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) during his visit to the State.
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