National Food Security Mission to be implemented in UP

Moradabad, Dec 3 (UNI) To increase the production of cash crops like paddy, wheat and pulses, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to implement 'National Food Security Mission' under the the ongoing 11th Five Year Plan.

A target to augment production by one crore, 80 lakh and 20 lakh tonnes respectively in paddy, wheat and pulses had been fixed under the 'National Food Security Mission', sources said today.

Besides, orders for commencement of agriculture diversification scheme in second phase at 38 state districts has been issued.

A state-level committee under the aegis of Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC) had been formed to set the diversification scheme in motion at the selected districts, the sources added.

The UP agricultural management institute and agricultural technical management authority have been identified as implementation agencies at the state and district levels respectively.

Besides, assistance from agricultural groups, non-government organisations, production groups and self-help groups has been sought, they said.

An action plan would be laid down with the coordination of agricultural universities and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

World Bank would lend a financial support for the implementation of second phase of the diversification scheme, sources informed adding, Rs 869 crore has been identified as the cost of this phase.

UNI