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Centre okays WB-aided 5-year agri-tech project

A Rs 10.13 billion National Agriculture Technology Project for introducing major reforms in the sector has been recently approved by the Centre, said Minister of State for Agriculture Sompal on Thursday.

He said that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the World Bank-aided project in its last meeting.

The project will operate for five years from 1998-99 to 2002-03. The World Bank's share will be 82 per cent.

The minister said that the project will introduce major reforms in the agricultural research and extension systems of the country besides improving the research capabilities of agricultural scientists to meet future challenges of food security, sustainability and rural poverty.

The project pays special attention to the conservation and proper management of natural resources including land, water, environment and bio-diversity.

Sompal said that with a view to bridging the gap between technology generation and dissemination in agriculture, new models of technology dissemination are proposed to be introduced in 24 selected districts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

To be known as Agricultural Technology Management Agency, these agencies will bring together all state functionaries and other agencies involved in developing and disseminating agricultural technologies at the district level.

UNI

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