Chandigarh, May 6
The Planning Commission of India has accepted the report of the Johl Committee on diversification for implementation in the state.
This information has been conveyed to the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh by the Union Agriculture Ministry.
The report was submitted in the beginning of last year. The Union Government had raised several queries regarding the report in due course. Mr Johl removed various apprehensions of the government in this connection and discussed the report with members of the Planning Commission.
Capt Amarinder Singh said: "I am very happy as it is big news for the State where farmers were trying hard for diversification but are unable to do so because of financial insecurity. Now, the Planning Commission has assured financial support. There will be no difficulty in implementing the scheme".
Informed sources said the Planning Commission had made minor alterations in the scheme. It had reduced the proposed area for diversification from 25 lakh acres to 16.25 lakh acres.
In his
report, that was submitted for approval to the Planning Commission and the Union Government, Mr Johl had proposed transfer of 25 lakh acres of land from rice-wheat paddy rotation to other less water-consuming crops. Supporting his report with the relevant data, Mr Johl had stated that the Union Government would make a net saving of Rs 3720 crore even after paying Rs 1280 crore annually to farmers opting
for diversification.
