The West Bengal Cabinet has set the minimum support price (MSP) for potatoes at approximately $10.80 per quintal, as announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This decision aims to prevent farmers from engaging in distress sales. Banerjee stated, "We have decided to fix the new minimum support price (MSP) for potatoes at Rs 900 per quintal to help the farmers."
The Chief Minister also addressed issues with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), criticizing it for releasing water without prior notice, which resulted in crop damage. To mitigate losses, the state has established a $3.85 million fund for crop insurance and will purchase damaged potatoes from farmers.
In North Bengal, the Cabinet approved a proposal to lease land from six tea gardens to develop tourism centers and homestays, ensuring no disruption to tea cultivation. Banerjee clarified, "Those who are campaigning that we will give tea gardens for commercial use are trying to mislead people. That's not true." She emphasized that tourism initiatives will be confined to non-tea-growing areas.
During the Bengal Global Business Summit, Banerjee highlighted potential commercial uses for available land in tea gardens, stating, "Wherever land is available in tea gardens, where tea plantations are not there, we will allow 30 per cent for hotel business, commercial utilization, and eco-tourism purposes."
Additionally, the Cabinet announced the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha, Purba Medinipur district, set for 'Akshaya Tritiya' on April 30. The temple's board of trustees will include representatives from various religious and charitable trusts.
Source: Indian Express