By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: The International Cooperative Agency of Japan has sanctioned Rs 108 crore (about $27 million) special scheme for raising pulses and oilseeds productivity in Bundelkhand region of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
According to Agriculture and Cooperative Minister Gopal Bhargava the five-year scheme will be implemented in 37 million hectare in Bundelkhand’s six districts – Sagar, Damoh, Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Datia.
Bhargava said Madhya Pradesh topped in production of both pulses and oilseeds contributing about 23 per cent of total production in India. However, production in Bundelkhand was much less than the state average also. At present, Madhya Pradesh’s annual production of oilseeds is 5.005 million tonnes and pulses 3.507 million tonnes.
The scheme aimed at raising the income of small and marginal farmers, increase productivity, raising ground water level, overcoming shortage of technology, speeding up rate of seed replacement, pest control, imparting training to farmers and agriculture extension officials, soil testing and food processing through self-help groups of women. ([email protected])