Patna: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide $3 million (Rs. 12 crores) for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, and Uttar Pradesh as part of disaster relief efforts in India. The devastating floods of 2007 affected these states. This is part of a total grant of $13 million for India given by USDA to CARE, a humanitarian organization for emergency relief and rehabilitation.
While announcing the details of the grant at a press conference held at the Bihar Industries Association USDA Science Attaché Gerald Smith said, “By working with government and community leaders, we are confident that this program will improve disaster preparedness in these flood impacted states. USDA is confident in CARE’s professional management of this program and we are proud to be able to lend support to those most in need.” The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.
The Assistant Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata, Moulik D. Berkana noted, “This grant, given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a concrete example of ongoing U.S. support and engagement in this region of India. Besides Uttar Pradesh, the grant covers Orissa, Bihar, and West Bengal. We work in each of these three states, which comprise part of our consular district."
Mr. Berkana further explained, “Here in Bihar, within the past year, the U.S. Consulate has opened an American Corner in Patna at the Bihar Industries Association. We have conducted high-level programs on several topics of interest regarding our growing bilateral relationship. Of special note is a program with the Bihar State Assembly last December on World AIDS Day. We have also focused on anti-trafficking efforts and the promotion of human rights through a series of events in the region. So, we have an active and engaging bilateral relationship, and I believe this relationship will become even stronger in the coming months and years.”
