Government is implementing three ambitious programmes for promotion of dry land farming to increase food grain production. <br/> <br/>In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Friday the Minister of State for Agriculture Mr. K.V. Thomas said apart from these programmes Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, National Food Security Mission, Micro Irrigation will also be given special attention for increasing production in the rain fed areas. <br/> <br/>Mr. Thomas said that Research projects on dry land agriculture are also being implemented apart from over 5500 micro water shed projects in place. <br/> <br/>He informed the House that 16 lakh hectares of land have been developed under watershed development programmes in the current plan period. This he said will go a long way increasing crop production.<br/>