Hanumangarh : The first Agri Clinic will open in the agricultural district on the lines of Hanumangarh Government Hospital. The state government has approved a budget of Rs 11 lakh 42 thousand for the construction of 303 square feet building of Agri Clinic. After identifying the place, the process of construction of the building has started through the Marketing Board. Till the time the building is constructed, the temporary Joint Director’s office is expected to start functioning this month.
Four posts including Deputy Director of Agriculture (Plant Diseases/Pests), Agricultural Research Officer, Assistant Agriculture Officer and Assistant Statistics Officer have also been approved in Agri Clinic. Through Agri Clinic, crop survey will be conducted by subject experts and forecast of outbreak of pests and diseases will be issued. In case of outbreak of pests and diseases in the crop, their effective control and appropriate advice will be given at the right time. Farmers will be made aware of the latest plant protection practices. If necessary, farmers will also be given training.
Along with soil and water testing, farmers will also be able to get advice and training related to plant protection for different types of crops at one place. At present there are no subject experts anywhere except agricultural universities. Due to this, farmers are not able to get information related to plant protection and pest management. For this reason, the government had announced in the Chief Minister’s budget announcement to open Agri Clinics in all 48 districts of the state.
