Sen said that significant achievements have been made in the agricultural sector and now the state is concentrating its energies on emerging sectors such as automobiles, petrochemicals, fruit technology, knowledge- based industry, bio-technology. “Simultaneously, our aim is to bring about a proper balance between the traditional sectors and the sunrise sector,” the minister said.

Expressing concern over the opposition to industrialisation without naming the Trinamool Congress, Sen said: “It is sad that in several quarters an apprehension is being expressed that our government has been relegating the interests of the farmers to the background in its stride towards faster industrial growth,” Sen said. However, the Left Front government has not shut its doors for discussion.

“We believe in inclusive democracy where dialogue, debate and suggestions are integral components...we want to resolve the differences in perception and approach to development in the present scenario through discussion,” Sen added.