Government has said that augmenting investment in irrigation project is necessary for better crop yield and food management. Addressing the 5th Asian regional conference of international commission on irrigation drainage, the Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee said that harnessing water resources also helps in flood control. He said that there has been a 13 per cent increase in food grain due to sustained irrigation sector.<br/>Speaking on the occasion, planning commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said that he is favour of water pricing for conservation and legitimate fair distribution of water which is getting scarce day by day. He emphasised the need for linking financial grant to a state with willingness to have a water regulatory mechanism.