The government has decided to create new posts in farms coming under Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Departments apart from filling the existing vacancies.
“Farm superintendents pointed out non-existence of posts and shortage of staff and the decision was taken on this basis,” Minister K P Mohanan told a press conference here on Monday. Several other decisions have also been taken based on the suggestions at a meeting attended by district panchayat presidents, secretaries, farm superintendents, other than high officials such as agriculture production commissioner held here prior to the press meet. Only organic manure and pesticides would be allowed in farms from now.
A prize scheme would be introduced to create a healthy competition between farms. A cash award of Rs 15 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh would be given to agriculture farms as first, second and third prizes respectively, based on the performance within June 30, 2014. For farms under the Animal Husbandry Department, the prize money would be `10 lakh, `5 lakh and `3 lakh respectively for the first three positions. Steps would be taken to start cattle farms, with at least 10 cattle, in all agriculture farms. Infrastructure of the farms would be developed. A detailed survey would be conducted to determine the limits of land holdings under the farms and fences would be erected to protect the land.
A revolving fund would be created to be used by the superintendents during emergency situations. “District farm advisory committees would be reconstituted incorporating district panchayat members,” the minister said.