The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Indian farm method to attract Bush

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 03, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Indian farm method to attract Bush

Special Correspondent

Hyderabad: The exotic Ongole breed of cattle, traditional Indian farming methods and convergence of tradition and technology are some of the issues that US President George Bush is interested in exploring during his brief visit here on Friday. The State Government, which is laying heavy emphasis on rural economy was pleasantly surprised when the Ministry of External Affairs informed it that Mr. Bush was keen on a quick study of the farm practices here.

A communication received by the Chief Minister's Office here sometime ago spoke of the American President's wish to "study the old and the new in India". When it was pointed out that Hyderabad was the destination for "exploring the Heart of India", the State administration quickly entered the scene.

Teams lined up

The State Government prepared a six-minute documentary that will give a glimpse of modern India with a backdrop of the freedom struggle to highlight the impressive strides the nation had made. Also, the Government has lined up teams of farmers, self-help groups and scientists to interact with Mr. Bush.

The Chief Minister told The Hindu on Thursday: "I am happy that he is visiting us on a different mission.

That the State was selected to showcase rural India by the Government and the American authorities is a welcome feature. Though our agricultural policies differ in some matters, we have common interests like increasing foodgrain production."

As for the business opportunities, the US officials preferred a different setting, the International School of Business (ISB), a senior official said.

"They have hired the premises of the ISB for the Mr. Bush to interact with young entrepreneurs. It is a private function, just as our Heads of State interact with certain sections on their visits abroad.

We have rendered what little assistance we could,'' he added.

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