KOZHIKODE: On Tuesday, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala was seen on channels making the claim in New Delhi that the UDF Govt was giving high preference to the agriculture sector. However, it appears that the so-called ‘high preference’ remains in words only.The main reason is that Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) K Jayakumar, the topmost officer as far the production sector in the state is concerned, has been burdened with too many portfolios. The Additional Chief Secretary also looks after Home and Vigilance Department, Inland Waters Department and Devaswom Department. Besides, he is the government chief co-ordinator in Sabarimala and also holds the charge of Vice-Chancellor of Veterinary University.Secondly, the post of Agriculture Director has been lying vacant for the last nine months.‘‘All these show the laid-back approach of the state government towards agriculture,’’ says former Agriculture Minister and MLA Mullakkara Ratnakaran.‘‘If the government is serious, it should at least relieve the APC from holding other portfolios and allow him to focus on production sector. Farmers of the state are facing diverse problems. Instead of giving painkillers, the government should seriously focus on initiating steps to treat the disease,’’ he tells Express.A recent party meeting of the Socialist Janata (Democratic), which holds the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry portfolio in the UDF Government, also raised the same demand to the government.‘‘The party has asked the government to ensure that the service of the APC is focused on the productive sector. The meeting has also directed the Agriculture Minister to appoint an agriculture director immediately,’’ a senior SJ(D) leader says.Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan said the department is yet to get a suitable officer for the post. “We have been demanding the service of a senior IAS officer considering the significance of the post. Now, we are thinking of giving the charge to a senior officer in the department,’’ he adds.
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