Amid egg-pelting row, Bengal’s Animal Resources MoS Rajesh Mahato explains plan to boost egg production

Amid the recent egg-pelting incidents which have received much political mileage, West Bengal reportedly faces a shortage of egg supplies and has to import from Andhra Pradesh to meet its demand. The state’s Animal Resources Development Minister of State (MoS) Rajesh Mahato said in an exclusive conversation with The Statesman that it will nudge more individuals to get into poultry farming so that the supply crunch is resolved.

“More poultry farms will be set up. Farmers who are progressive are already involved in this, and we will motivate more individual beneficiaries who want to enter this business to come forward. The government will extend all available support to them so that the crisis is resolved and West Bengal emerges as one of the frontrunners in egg-production,” the MLA from the Gopiballavpur constituency of Jhargram said.

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Speaking about improving fisheries in Bengal, which is also a large consumer of fish, Mahato said, “Fish farming will be revived in a new way with the help of modern technology. We will adopt new schemes and seek advice from our officials and experts in this domain. We will implement them completely.”

The MoS highlighted that the priority of his department is to “strengthen Bengal’s rural economy” and hence the Animal Welfare department is on its way to plan schemes and implement all central government schemes related to these sectors.

Mahato also pointed out that the central government schemes which were stuck for several years due to political differences with the previous state government, will now get a smooth go-ahead, ensuring inclusive development for all sections of the society.

“Earlier, many schemes from the Centre were either not allowed into the state or were not implemented by the previous state government. It was a case of political conflict in which ordinary people suffered. That will no longer happen now,” the MoS explained.

“Under the double-engine government, both central and state government schemes related to my departments will be implemented fully so that everyone becomes self-reliant,” he added.

Speaking on the development of his constituency, which has been a historically backward region, the Gopiballavpur MLA said, “My constituency is dry and underdeveloped. I want the educated unemployed youth there to become self-reliant. There will be no shortage of support from my department. They should come forward and take advantage of Central and State Government schemes.”