Ratlam, MP, Feb 3 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kantilal Bhuria today said the UPA Government is launching several schemes for the welfare of farmers.

''A special package of Rs 1,600 crore has been prepared for agriculturists. Under this, peasants could get a loan of up to Rs three lakh on a mere seven per cent interest. Besides, the Centre would pay interest for loan up to Rs one lakh,'' Mr Bhuria told a press conference here today.

Alleging that the Madhya Pradesh Government was playing politics over red wheat, he said the matter was being raked in view of upcoming assembly election. He said every state had formed a committee for inspecting the quality of wheat before taking wheat from the Centre.

Mr Bhuria said efforts were being made to open a medical college in Ratlam. A proposal has been sent to the Medical Council of India in this regard. Besides, efforts were being made to set Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Ratlam and Jhabua.

Replying to a question, he said tribal leader Dilip Singh Bhuria, who had quit the BJP to join the Congress, had announced not to contest polls. Mr Dilip Singh Bhuria was present.

UNI XC-PS BJR HT2017