Patna, March 4: Chief minister Nitish Kumar today said a cabinet committee would be formed to ensure proper monitoring of agricultural roadmap in the state.

Nitish inaugurated a five-day Agriculture Mechanisation Fair on Bihar Veterinary College premises today.

To promote agriculture, the use of modern equipment is being ensured and the fair has been organised for the first time in the state and that too on a national level.

The department of agriculture and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) are managing the event.

Nitish said: “A cabinet committee would be formed soon to ensure proper monitoring of agricultural roadmap. It would be seen to it that all the departments work together and decisions made are carried out. I will be presiding over the committee and ministers of departments such as animal husbandry, fisheries and others would be members of the committee. In this way, the dream of having a developed Bihar by 2015 will be fulfilled.”

Nitish added: “The northern parts of the state has been affected by floods. It would be ensured that the rivers are connected to each other to control inundation. Also, it would be seen how flood water can be utilised in agriculture.”

Nitish also spoke about the Union budget. The chief minister said: “The amount being given by the Centre is Rs 400 crore and only Rs 40 to 50 crore would come in Bihar’s share. The development of agriculture is not possible with this amount. The Centre should open up its treasury for Bihar.”

Agriculture minister Narendra Singh said: “Under the agricultural roadmap, the budget amount has increased to Rs 843 crore from Rs 20 crore. More funds are needed for this. Farmers in the state have become independent. Manufacturers would get subsidy on starting agricultural equipment production units here.”

Nitish told the manufacturers: “You all should start agricultural equipment production units here and the state government will provide you with the infrastructure. This would ensure that farmers don’t migrate to other places.”

Manufacturers from across the state participated in the event. Manufacturers of modern agricultural equipment from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other states had also taken part.