"We have not done the needful, but it is a long journey. Our government is committed to development of these (desert) areas in the country," Planning Minister Ashwani Kumar said.
He was replying to a debate on a private member's resolution seeking special economic package for desert regions.
Kumar said government has spent Rs 64,438 crore during 2007-12 under various social sector schemes for development of these areas.
The resolution was later negated when it was put to vote in the absence of Harish Choudhary (BJP) who had moved it.
Kumar said the government has already initiated work on harnessing renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind energy, in these areas.
Mahendrasinh Pruthvisinh Chauhan (BJP) and Naranbhai Kachhadia (BJP) also participated in the debate.
