NEW DELHI: The Union Agriculture Ministry has asked States to prepare action plan targeting specific issues for the coming kharif season.

Addressing State Agriculture Secretaries and scientists on "Kharif Campaign 2007," Agriculture Secretary P.K. Mishra said State-wise, region-wise and agro climatic zone-wise details showed that 4.1 per cent growth was achievable during the 11th Five Year Plan.

The budget had increased the outlays for agriculture, irrigation, land resources development and production of quality seeds in order to achieve this.

The Ministry had identified areas needing special focus including food security, production of pulses and oilseeds, ensuring availability of quality seeds, revamping the extension system and development of horticulture.

Focus would also shift to improving productivity of rain-fed areas that constituted over 60 per cent of the total farm area in the country.

On charges of delay in the availability of fertilizers, J.S. Sarma, Secretary, Fertilizer, said stocks to the tune of 20 lakh tonnes of urea, 11 lakh tonnes of di-ammonium phosphate and 14 lakh tonnes of muriate of potash were available for the kharif season.

Supplemented by indigenous production, they would be sufficient to meet the requirements.

Besides, buffer stocks were being maintained in different States.

The movement and availability of fertilizers up to the district level was being monitored through the on-line Fertilizer Management System.

Mr. Sarma advised the States to prepare district and month-wise plans of their fertilizer requirements and follow them rigorously so that no localised shortages occurred.

On its part, the Centre would ensure that 75 per cent of the monthly requirement would be available at the beginning of the month and the rest by the 15th.

Animal Husbandry Secretary Charusheela Sohoni called upon the States to pay attention to fodder production.

This was especially important because the livestock sector contributed 27 per cent to the farm income and provided subsidiary income to farmers.

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