2-day state agri ministers meet in Delhi from Oct 31

Mumbai, Oct 11 (UNI) A two-day meeting of Agriculture ministers from all states will be held in Delhi from October 31 to discuss the prevailing agricultural scenario and steps needed to improve the situation.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said here today that the meet will deliberate upon the report submitted by noted agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan and his recommendations on preventing farmers suicides, on cropping pattern, and improvement in production would be discussed for implementation.

Based on the deliberations at the meet, the Union Agriculture Ministry will prepare an action plan at the macro and micro levels to implement the recommendations, he added.

Mr Pawar said Dr Swaminathan had toured about nine to ten states and conducted a study on the prevailing agricultural scenario.

''I have read the report and both Dr Swaminathan and myself have had informal discussions with the Prime Minister on this issue,'' he added.

Mr Pawar was speaking to reporters at the inauguration of a jewellery store in Bandra here. He was accompanied by his wife Pratibha who inaugurated the new store.

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