KOTTAYAM: The projected growth for agriculture sector for the 2010-11 financial year has been put at four per cent, K.V. Thomas, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, has said. Addressing the executive committee meeting of the Kerala Karshaka Congress here on Tuesday, Mr. Thomas said this would mean doubling the growth rate for agriculture sector from last year’s rate. To achieve the projected growth rate, the poultry and fisheries sectors would have to grow at the rate of eight per cent, he said.

The Central government has decided to unveil a series of strategies to bring about a quick-paced growth in agriculture sector, he said.The Minister said that the edible oil sector would have to develop rapidly to meet the increasing needs. The Central government will extend both financial and technical support for projects in the sector. As such the government has decided to support any number of projects being placed before it. The Oil Palm India Ltd has been asked to forward viable proposals for the development of oil palm cultivation, he said.

A proposal to revamp the Coconut Development Board is under the consideration of the government, he said. The board will be restructured along the lines of the Rubber Board, which will enable coconut farmers to avail of single window support covering all aspects of coconut cultivation.A massive cashew plantation drive and the setting up of a Cashew Board are under the active consideration of the government, he said.