IN ORDER to tap the potential of unirrigated lands, the Union government is formulating a new national policy on agriculture. The thrust of the policy will be finalised after discussion with states. Som Pal, Union minister of state for agriculture, says that the government would try to reduce disconcerting disparities and imbalances in the production system.
The policy, a 25-year perspective plan, estimated to cost Rs 758 billion, would be launched to develop agriculture in unirrigated or rain fed areas on the basis of watershed management. Ministry officials say that the perspective plan has already been approved by the Planning Commission and its implementation would begin this year. The plan calls for close cooperation zand coordination among all agencies 'concerned.
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