Set up scrap-based steel production units: Birender Singh

Gurugram, Jan 11 (IANS) Union Steel Minister Birender Singh on Wednesday stressed the need for setting up of scrap-based steel production units, saying the Central government is contemplating bringing a policy for the same.

Addressing the second and final day of Pravasi Haryana Divas here, Singh urged the Pravasi Haryanvis to come up with such projects since making steel from scrap is not only cost-effective but also environment-friendly.

Singh said India at present is the third largest producer of steel after Japan but, as per recent data, the country would surpass Japan in steel production in the coming few months.

He said though industrialisation is considered the only way to move forward yet the contribution of farming community in the development process could not be ignored.

Singh said that like Haryana and Punjab, farmers in Australia and other Latin American countries have similar kind of attachment with the land but in the recent times a complete transformation has also been witnessed in agriculture techniques.

There is a need to acquaint the farmers with these techniques to increase their production, he said.

Haryana is a small state with only two per cent of the total population of the country but contributes 23 per cent foodgrains to the national kitty.

While exhorting the Pravasi Haryanvis to connect with their roots, Singh said: "Haryana has a lot of potential in youth and by supporting and contributing a bit, they could produce best of shooters, wrestlers and athletes."

"Your significant contribution would be of great help in the speedy development of the state," he told the Pravasi Haryanvis.