Scheme announced for dryland areas in six states

New Delhi, Apr 07 (UNI)The Union Agriculture Ministry today announced that it would implement a new scheme to enhance the agricultural production in dryland areas in identified arid and semi arid districts in seven states.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told the Lok Sabha that the scheme -- Ehancing Sustainability of Dryland Farming Systems-- would be implemented in states of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Replying to written questions, he said the scheme sought to focus on rainwater harvesting and its efficient utilisation, in-situ moisture conservation, use of organic manures, alternate land use and adoption of improved dryland farming technologies.

An allocation of Rs 200 crore has been made in the Annual Plan for 2007-08. "The state-wise allocation will be made after getting the approval of the scheme," he said.

To begin with, the scheme would be implemented in 55 districts in the seven districts.

Rajasthan will be the major beneficiary with 20 of its districts being covered under the scheme, followed by Karnataka (12 districtsw), Gujarat (11 districts), Maharashtra (7), Andhra Pradesh (3) and Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu ( one each).

UNI