Many central projects to be launched on Utkal Divas: BJP

Bhubaneswar: BJP today said that a host of projects including setting up of a Rs 200 crore international centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) would be unveiled in Odisha on its foundation day, 'Utkal Divas', on April 1.

The centre, the first of its kind in South Asia where higher studies and research would be undertaken, would be set up at Arugul in Khurda district, BJP state unit vice-President Samir Mohanty told reporters.

It would be of immense help to farmers of Odisha and other states.

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Besides, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh would launch a series of projects aimed to benefit farmers, he said.

Describing Odisha as an farm-based economy with around 70 per cent of the population engaged in agriculture, Mohanty said agriculture contributes only 15 per cent to the state's revenue earnings.

Therefore, the Narendra Modi Government is determined to take concrete steps to boost agriculture in the state where people, especially farmers, have been suffering during the BJD rule for the last 17 years, he claimed.

Radha Mohan Singh, accompanied by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, would also lay foundation for five new Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Puri, Balangir, Ganjam, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj districts, the BJP leader said.

This apart, a mobile medical and health centre would be dedicated to the people, he said.