PM expresses concern over farm research

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed concern over the state of agricultural research and extension services for farmers. He conveyed this at a meeting of the Planning Commission, which reviewed the current state of agriculture in the country and the problems faced by farmers.

Dr Abhijit Sen, member of the Commission, gave a detailed presentation about current programmes like the Bharat Nirman, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Rainfed Area Authority, besides a steep hike in credit and reduction in the rate of interest on farm loans offered to farmers.