Bhubaneswar: Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers' welfare Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday said there was no need for any discussion with the Odisha government before his visit to the state.

Shekhawat said: "Odisha is passing through a critical time. Nearly 14 districts have been hit by the pest attack. The state government has failed to address the concern of farmers here. The Centre is committed and answerable to the people of the country. At this point, all efforts should be made to uplift the condition of the farmers instead of throwing mud at each other."

On Saturday, the state government had said it was not aware of any visit of any central team led by Shekhawat. "Agriculture is a state subject. They are infringing on the rights of the state. They have not informed us before their arrival of the state. It is an unauthorised visit. They might be coming to their relatives' house," state agriculture minister Damodar Rout had said.

Rout, however, softened his stand on Sunday: "I welcome the team. Let us all find out a common approach how can the issue of the farmers be addressed. They can also meet the chief minister and appraise him on the issue. However, all should refrain from using the tax payer's money for party's campaign purposes."

On the issue of Rout's comments on "unauthorised entry" of the central team, the Union minister on Sunday said: "All should remember that its the Centre that provides the major chunk of financial aid to states on agriculture head. We hold review meetings regularly for better co-ordination. As we are concerned for the farmers, we need not wait for any invitation for our visit to the state."

Shekhawat also made it clear that he would visit the Bargarh and meet the family member of the farmer Brunda Sahu who had recently committed suicide after setting his crops on fire. "I have asked the director general of the Indian Council for Agriculture Research for assessing the ground situation. Once he and other officials gather all information, we will chalk out a plan for addressing the issue of the farmers," he said.

The Union minister left for Boudh and Sonepur on Sunday. He also met a state BJP delegation on the issue.

The Odisha government officials, led by the state agriculture secretary Sourabh Garg and special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi, met the central team on Sunday. "We have urged the central team to enhance the assistance given to us and prepare a long-term plan to deal with pest attack," said Garg.