Plan to double grain output

The Centre proposes to seek the opinion of states and experts on the action plan for doubling foodgrain production by 2012. The plan has been prepared by the Centre for Management in Agriculture (CMA) of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.

The government would also set up sub-groups to look critical inputs like seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, credit, land and pesticides. They would be asked to submit their reports within three weeks, Agriculture Secretary Radha Singh said yesterday after watching CMA's presentation.

Representatives of state agriculture departments, associations of seed, fertiliser and pesticides industries and officials of the agriculture ministry were present on the occasion.

Singh said the macro plans would be drawn up on the basis of the reports received from the states and other sources. She categorically stated that financial constraints would not be allowed to come in the way of doubling foodgrain output.

If immediate action was not taken to increase production and manage natural resources, it would be difficult to survive in the post-World Trade Organisation era, she added.

She also urged state representatives to act fast on the endeavour to double grain production. They should come up with their strengths and delineate the areas where they could excel under this broad programme.