The Prime Minister today said, there is a record production of foodgrain at 241 million tonnes (MT) in 2010-11. Dr Manmohan Singh said, the country still needs to produce more to meet the rising demand, besides controlling high food prices. Delivering the foundation day lecture of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR, in New Delhi, Dr Singh said, the overall growth of agriculture is likely to be 3 per cent during the 11th Five year Plan, which is less than the targeted 4 per cent. He said, the country is still facing problem of under-nutrition and depends on imports of pulses and edible oils. The Prime minister also underlined the need for a second Green Revolution, that is broad-based, inclusive and sustainable.The Prime Minister noted that foodgrains demand is projected at about 280 Million Tonnes by 2020-21. He said, to meet this requirement, the foodgrains output needs to grow by 2 per cent annually.He stressed on protection of crops, animals and farm produce against new and emerging diseases and careful application of biotechnology to improve productivity, for accelerating agricultural performance.Earlier, the PM gave Krishi Karman awards to five states, including Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, for performance in achieving record foodgrain production.Speaking to reporters later, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said, the government has decided to lift the over four-year-old ban on wheat exports. He said, the government has not announced the quantity of wheat allowed for exports as global prices are very low.
News On AIR | July 16, 2011 4:36 PM
Record foodgrain production; but need to produce more: PM