Farm sector growth must be risen to 2.3 pc: Rajasekharan

Bangalore, Nov 20 (UNI) Expressing serious concern over the slow growth of agriculture sector in the country, Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekaran today said there was a need to push the farm sector growth to 2.3 per cent from the present 0.7 per cent to maintain the current economic growth of eight per cent.

Speaking at the concluding day of the four-day 'Krishi Mela', an annual event organised by the University of Agriculture, Bangalore, here, he said that taking into consideration the slow pace of farm growth, the UPA Government at the Centre had taken pro-active measures to boost agrarian economy. The projected growth of four per cent in agriculture sector in the 11th five-year plan could be achieved if sustained efforts were made for the successful linkage of advanced technology in the agro-bio sector with farmers field.

Mr Rajasekharan said that while the average productivity per hectare in neighbouring China stood at 4.7 tonne, it was only one tonne in India. ''China was able to increase productivity through the successful adoption of technology, where we are lacking,'' he added.

The Minister said lack of technology, vagaries of monsoon, soil degradation and unscientific use of available water and poor infrastructure have contributed to the slow growth of farm sector.

Thrust was given to address all these problems in the 11th five-year plan. He exhorted the farmers to diversify their activities from traditional farming by foraying into horticulture, floriculture, aromatic flowers and medicinal plants which offered greater opportunities.

Varsity Vice-Chancellor Sheelavanthar said over 1.5 lakh farmers had visited the 'Krishi Mela'.

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