Patiala has achieved the distinction of being the first district in the state to come up with a comprehensive agriculture development plan.

This was announced at the first meeting of the newly formed district planning committee on Monday, where a budget of Rs 228 crore was allocated.

Chaired by former Samana MLA Surjit Singh Rakhra, the meeting saw participation from all officials of the district. The plan covers every village in the district after a detailed study of the demographic profile.

The planning committee aims to ensure at least 4 per cent farm output growth in every village, as per the targets provided to it.

Addressing officials, Rakhra said people should ensure speedy development of rural areas and asked DDPOs to put up boards in every village bearing details of all developmental works of each village to make people aware of the ongoing projects.

Rakhra sought cooperation of residents and officials in this regard and said Suvidha camps would soon be put up in villages to take up complaints and ensure their redressal.