Ranchi, June 19: The government has decided to revive the bacon factory at Kanke.

The factory had been closed after the fodder scam. Animal husbandry minister (in-charge) Sudarshan Bhagat said a committee — formed under the chairmanship of the development commissioner — has recommended the revival of the factory.

The government had earlier decided to hand over the factory to a private hand. A Nagpur-based firm had submitted a detailed project for its take-over. However, the firm later decided to withdraw from the project.

“After their refusal, we have decided to run the factory on our own. The regional director is studying the matter and a formal decision will be taken soon,” the minister added. Bhagat said the department would conduct an animal census this year. “The work was not done since 1982. As a result, we are not receiving various facilities from the Centre,” he said. “We have asked deputy commissioners to provide logistic support to do the census. Ideally, this is done every five years. The date of reference for the census will be October 15,” he added. Bhagat said there are 197 vacancies in the department for which recruitment will be made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission. He said the list of vacancies will be given to the commission.

Cow gift to farmers: In an attempt to increase milk production and ensure its distribution through a co-operative, the district administration has decided to distribute cows to farmers, reports our Jamshedpur correspondent.

The cows are expected to be given to farmers by the end of next month. The district administration has also discussed the matter with officials of Sudha Dairy and Meso Project.