YSR reviews bio-fuel plantation

Hyderabad, July 28 (UNI) Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today reviewed the implementation of Bio Diesel plantation in the state with senior officials of Agriculture, Rural Development and Rain Shadow Area Development departments here today.

The officials informed that six lakh acre of land was identified for Pongamia plantation for 2006-07. In all 11.09 crore seedings were raised in 680 nurseries mainly through self-help groups.

So far, plantation was completed in 16.140 acre and digging of pits completed in 21,975 acres and was in progress in 13 Employment Guarantee Scheme districts.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and instructed to complete the area identified for plantation during this monsoon season and implement the programme effectively.

He also directed officials to identify the entrepreneurs for the remaining ten districts and allot areas for carrying out the programme.

He also agreed for establishment of a Bio diesel Board and wanted a clear road map prepared for 2007-08 to cover nine lakh acre under the programme.

It may be recalled that the state government has taken up bio-diesel plantation in the state in a big way with the prime objective of creating energy security, generating sustainable source of income to rural communities, for optimum utilization of marginal lands and prevention of desertification of degraded lands in rain shadow areas of the state, a press release said.

UNI BR JJ 2033