BHUBANESWAR: Finance Minister Pradip Amat said the State economy is expected to grow in the range of 8 per cent to 8.5 per cent (pc) during 2017-18 going by the trends in the external and domestic economic environment.
Presenting the agriculture budget of Rs 14,930 crore in the Assembly, he said at the national level, the GDP forecast for the current year has been revised downwards mainly due to effects of demonetisation. “However, despite this downside pressure, the State’s economy is expected to grow at 7.94 pc in real terms and 10.85 pc in nominal terms during the current financial year especially due to higher growth in agriculture sector,” he said.
Stating that the strategy of the State Government is to complete ongoing major, medium and minor irrigation projects and also take up short gestation projects, Amat announced provision of Rs 2377 crore for eight ongoing AIBP projects. Besides, Rs 1546 crore has been allocated for Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme.
The Finance Minister announced that construction of about 4000 check dams will be taken up under Mukhya Mantri Adibandh Tiyari Yojana (MAY) with an outlay of Rs 556 crore. A provision of Rs 120 crore has been made to revive additional 1220 defunct lift irrigation points. While Rs 160 crore has been provided for the ongoing Jalnidhi scheme, Rs 620 crore has been allocated for Biju Krushak Vikas Yojana.
He said Rs 250 crore has been provided to the Agriculture Department to take up micro-irrigation under Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana with a state share of 40 pc. While Rs 268 crore has been provided for water use efficiency, Rs 270 crore has been allocated to complete 150 km canal lining work.
Announcing the government decision to take up construction of an additional spillway of Hirakud dam for enhanced safety, Amat announced Rs 887 crore for flood control and drainage work. A provision of Rs 265 crore was provided towards State share of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.