The two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2011 concluded in New Delhi today with a resolve to accord high priority to boost food production. The aim is to achieve the target of 245 million tonnes of food grains in the next Rabi season.

According to an official release, the conference reviewed production prospects during current Kharif season and strategy for the Rabi season. It sought cooperation of states in proper implementation of the new programmes and initiatives taken by the Ministry of Agriculture to improve the productivity of various crops.

Expressing concern on the reports of fertilisers continuing to be sold above MRP, it urged states to exercise utmost vigilance to prevent smuggling of fertilisers. It also called upon the states to take proactive measures for infrastructure development in agriculture, diversification, reducing post-harvest losses, adoption of new techniques to maximise production and profitability of the agriculture sector.