Cabinet approves agreement to improve rural development programmes

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved agreement between Ministry of Rural Development and and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to improve the effectiveness of rural development programmes and to facilitate knowledge sharing.

"An inter-governmental MoU on Joint Technical and South-South Cooperation to provide a framework for collaboration will be signed between Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and FAO," said a cabinet communique.

The agreement will facilitate South-South cooperation mechanisms around Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)'s experience through exchange visits and dialogues, and establishment of a good-practice Learning Centre.

"It will strengthen the vertical upscaling of the livelihoods of rural populations that are supported by DAY-NRLM, help to develop inclusive and sustainable value chains for key crops and agro-industrial products, employment diversification and skills development," it added.

--IANS

sid/vd