Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand on Monday said that the growth rate of the crop sector in Odisha state was double as compared to the growth rate of the entire country. The growth rate of livestock was 33 per cent more than India's growth rate, he said.

"If we look at the data of the last 10 years, a clear change can be seen in Odisha's agriculture. The growth rate of the crop sector in Odisha is double that of India. The growth rate of livestock is 33 per cent more than India's growth rate. The livestock sector is the only sector where Odisha's growth is lower than India's growth," said Chand, a member of the National Institute for Transforming India (Niti Aayog).

Overall, Odisha's growth rate in the agriculture and allied sectors was better than India's growth rate, he said, adding that the productivity with regards to crop and livestock productivity in the state was an issue.

"If we combine all these overall, even then Odisha's growth rate in the agriculture and allied sectors is better than India's growth rate. But despite this, Odisha's productivity, whether it is crop productivity or livestock productivity, is below India's productivity. However, it is a potential in itself to maintain the growth further," Chand said.

The Niti Aayog official suggested that Odisha should focus on accelerating its agricultural growth and extend the same to six per cent at least.

"Odisha should accelerate its agricultural growth. It should be taken to six to seven per cent. Like it has happened in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. For that, I have given 5-6 suggestions today. I hope the state will take action on them," Chand said.

Meanwhile, a five-day festival, named the Percussion Music Festival, was organized by Odi Art Centre in collaboration with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata, and the Government of India where eighty years old, Giridhar Gumang, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, who is also a musician, showcased the traditional 'Dhap' music belting out rhythms using bamboo instruments at the ongoing Chilika Shelduck International Folk Festival. (ANI)

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