<br/>The government has chalked out a multi pronged strategy to maximise rice production during the forthcoming kharif season. Under the strategy that was decided at a recent conference in New Delhi, areas under rice cultivation will be expanded through crop intensity, especially in eastern states including Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Orissa and Chhattisgarh. <br/><br/>More areas will be brought under irrigation in the eastern region through development of minor irrigation by using underground water which is in abundance in the region. Short duration and local-specific varieties will be adopted for increasing the yield. <br/><br/>Cultivation of hybrid rice will be promoted and seed replacement rate will also be increased to enhance production. Efforts will also be made to minimise crop losses through integrated test management.