Agriculture Min Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates ICFMD in Odisha

Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today inaugurated International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) at Argul near here which will work towards protecting livestock from foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV).

"The FMDV and other influenza virus pose a serious challenge to the health of livestock. More than 50 crore livestock across the country are prone to these disorders," Singh said.

Noting that a good livestock health is conducive for the welfare of farmers, he said the new centre would also help farmers of the state to increase their income.

Singh, who was accompanied by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also laid the foundation stone of KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) in Puri, Bolangir, Mayurbhanj and Ganjam.

He said 31 KVKs have been set up under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) which will provide complete financial assistance.

Singh, who also participated in Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Expo, 2017, said, "The National Agriculture policy will expedite the development work in agriculture by strengthening the infrastructure." "The policy will also create employment opportunities in the rural areas and uplift the condition of labourers," Singh said.

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