BIG DAY: Union Minister for Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy delivering the keynote address at the 39th ANGRAU convocation on Saturday. Chancellor Rameshwar Thakur and Vice-Chancellor Dr. S.Raghuvardhan Reddy look on. - Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

HYDERABAD: The Centre, in consultation with the States, is reviving the programme of agricultural extension to herald a new green revolution, according to Union Minister for Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy.

Addressing the 39th convocation of Acharyna N.G.Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) here, on Saturday he said the revival was necessary since the green revolution that took place in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh had fallen into disuse.

Simultaneously, the Government would ensure that credit to the agricultural sector was stepped up.

Targets

Already the target of doubling the credit in three years had been achieved in two years. The target of Rs.1.75 lakh crores for 2006-07 would be exceeded comfortably and was likely to reach Rs.1.90 lakh crores.

On the other hand, the Government had revamped the accelerated irrigation benefit programme to complete more irrigation projects in the quickest possible time. In 2006-07, 35 projects with an additional potential of nine lakh hectares would be created. The financial outlay on the programme had been increased significantly from Rs.7,121 crores in 2006-07 to Rs.11,000 crores in 2007-08. Of the amount, the grants to the States would be increased to Rs.3,580 crores from Rs.2,350 crores.

Indebtedness

Quoting Jawaharlal Nehru that `everything else can wait but not agriculture,' Mr. Reddy said the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers were under active consideration.

Chancellor of the University Rameshwar Thakur presented Ph. D., post-graduate and graduate degrees to 456 students. S. Raghuvardhan Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, presented a report.

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