Panel recommends high-tech farming

The task force on micro-irrigation, headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has recommended a Rs 10,500-crore programme to cover about 3 million hectares under the hi-tech irrigation system during the Tenth Plan.

The report of the committee was handed over by Naidu to Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh here today.

The setting up of this task force was announced by Finance Minister Jaswant Singh in the 2003-04 Budget. It was asked to suggest strategies for increasing the area under micro-irrigation systems, like drip and sprinkler irrigation, to save on water.

The panel held nationwide consultations and obtained suggestions from experts, state governments and the public before finalising the recommendations.

The task force has pointed out that micro-irrigation technology does not only help save water but also improves the quality of the produce, boosting its marketability.

According to the task force's estimate, about 69 million hectares will ultimately have to be brought under micro-irrigation in a phased manner by 2030. This will include 27 million hectares under drip irrigation and 42 million hectares under sprinkler irrigation.

Of this, nearly 3 million hectares will have to be covered during the Tenth Plan and an additional 14 million hectares during the Eleventh Plan.