Chandy demands extension of Kuttanad package

New Delhi: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Thursday called on Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and sought extension of the deadline for Kuttanad package for rejuvenation of the farm sector in the state.

The Rs 1,850-crore Kuttanad package was approved in July 2008 and ends in July 2013.

In this meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister, the Chief Minister raised the issue of extension of Kuttanad package for the state. He also sought a hike in subsidy for developing fisheries harbour and Rs 100 crore financial support for fisheries university in the state, an official statement said.

Establishment of Plant Quarantine Station at Kollam port was among various issues that the Chief Minister discussed during the meeting, it said.

Singh assured that efforts will be made to extend the Kuttunad package. He also said that other pending issues will also be addressed, it said.

Chandy's cabinet colleagues K M Mani, K Babu and P J Joseph accompanied him to the meeting.