Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that his Ministry will start a mission to stop desertification of land.

Addressing a function on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification in New Delhi today, Mr Javadekar said, the Mission Degradation Neutral will be taken in cooperation with Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Land Reforms and other concerned Ministries.

He said that the government is committed to eradicate poverty and the mission can provide livelihood to many people.

AIR correspondent reports that the World Day to Combat Desertification is being observed on 17th June since 1995 to promote public awareness relating to international cooperation to combat desertification and effects of drought.