Put development in mission mode, says Kalam

Bhopal, July 17(UNI) Advocating putting development in a mission mode to make Madhya Pradesh a developed state by 2015, President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam today suggested 11 missions to strive for progress in agriculture, horticulture, education, global human resource cadre, healthcare, water management, infrastructure development, e-governance, tourism promotion, special economic zone and tribal development.

Addressing the legislators on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, which began its 12-day monsoon session today, Dr Kalam said funds for integrated action for development could be generated from Bharat Nirman programme, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme.

''Members of the Assembly, bureaucrats and the administrative system have to ensure that funds are sought in time and are fully and effectively utilised for the purpose for which they have been allocated,'' he said.

The core competence of Madhya Pradesh, according to Dr Kalam, are mineral and forest resources, water resources, agro-climatic zones, wildlife preserves and cultivation of oilseeds and pulses.

Stressing the need for promoting horticulture with food processing in all 48 districts, he said at least 10 lakh hectares should be brought under horticulture and floriculture in 10 years.

Food processing units could be created as a cooperative venture to ensure value addition to farmers.

Lauding the state's initiative in river linking project, the President said the irrigated area should be doubled in few years in partnership with NABARD. Production of cereal should be increased from 12.2 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes and pulses from 3.3 million tonnes to five million tonnes in four years.

Soyabean productivity should be increased from 1,000 kg to at least 2,000 kg per hectare against international productivity of around 3,000 Kg per hectare.

Stating that dairy has great potential in the state, he said per capita availability of milk should be increased from 233 grams to at least 500 grams per day.

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