Panel To Review Grains Target

The foodgrain production target of 210 million tonnes for 1998-99, set by the Planning Commission, would be reviewed in the two-day meeting of the agriculture ministry with representatives of states beginning, here, tomorrow (Tuesday).

New targets are likely to be fixed for individual crops in the light of the production performance in 1997-98 and the Vajpayee governments avowed goal of doubling foodgrain output in 10 years.

Though the estimate of actual foodgrain production in 1996-97 has once again been revised upwards from 198.9 million tonnes to 199.32 million tonnes, the current agriculture years (1997-98) output is unlikely to be substantially different from this level. The break-up of the Planning Commissions targets for individual crops is: rice 86 million tonnes, wheat 74 million tonnes, coarse cereals 34.50 million tonnes and pulses 15.5 million tonnes.

Besides firming up the targets for the ensuing kharif, the two-day conference would also consider strategies for accelerating agricultural growth. It would focus on expanding the watershed development programme as the single most significant measure for improving the productivity potential of agriculture.

Agriculture secretaries and production commissioners of states are expected to participate in the meet. It would discuss the use of remote sensing and farm informatics to equip the government with real time and accurate data regarding crop output, weather and price situation.

The Centre proposes to lay stress on the promotion of new, location-specific crop varieties. The minikit programme, involving distribution of new seeds in small quantities to a large number of farmers, is proposed to be expanded further to achieve this objective. The requirement of states in this regard would be elicited at the conference.

Krishi Bhawan is also likely to impress upon the states governments the need for ensuring timely sowing of crops to realise production potential of new varieties.

Timely supply of canal water and power for operating pumpsets would have to be ensure to facilitate timely planting.