Rajasthan mandis to serve meals to farmers for just Rs 5

Farmers going to mandis (wholesale markets) in Rajasthan to sell their crops will get a full plate of meals for just Rs 5.

The decision was cleared by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje during a presentation by the Agriculture Department about its two-month planning.

"Kisan Kaleva Scheme under which meals will be provided to farmers will be introduced in 17 mandis initially. The farmers who go to sell their crops will get benefit and later the scheme will be expanded," Agriculture Minister Prabhu Lal Saini told reporters after the meeting.

He said a decision regarding promotion of olive farming and ornamental fishing were also taken in the meeting. "Olive farming will be promoted. We have decided to cover seven more districts, including Nagaur and Pali, with olive farming. The concept of greenhouses and poly-houses from farming will also be encouraged for the benefits of the farmers," he said.

An olive park in Tonk and a tulip garden on Jaipur-Delhi highway will also be developed.

Chief Secretary Rajiv Mehirshi and other senior officials of the Agriculture Department were present in the meeting.

The Chief Minister has asked all the departments to prepare a two-month action plan and identify works which could be completed in the period.