Farm lands to be mapped for effective delivery: Sibal

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) The Centre is planning a massive scheme for the mapping of all agricultural lands in the country, in what is seen as a major geospatial exercise to collect data which can be used for effective delivery of different schemes on the ground.

Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said here today that it might take up to five years to complete the mapping of all agricultural lands. The scheme was proposed to be implemented on Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

"We must know the ground situation for effective delivery of different development schemes. The mapping would help the planners and policy makers with a whole lot of data required for the purpose," he said while inaugurating a "Brain Storming Discussion with Science and Technology ministers from states." He said the scheme would be implemented by combining geospatial and IT. "It will help to bring about a qualitative change in the delivery system at the national nevel." Mr Sibal sought the support of the state governments in ensuring that the national mapping scheme was a success. Aimed at rejuvenating the rural economy, he said weather advisories would be provided at the district level from June 7. This would go a long way in helping the farmers as they would be provided with a lot of information about the weather in their respective areas.

Mr Sibal said India would have a most modern weather system in the world by 2012-13. In this context, he pointed out that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) would be modernised at a cost of Rs 900 crore.

Science and Technology Secretary T Ramasami said a weather television channel would soon be started. It would have a six-hour broadcast initially. However, it would eventually be made a 24-hour channel.

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