The Hindu Business Line : AP seeks Rs 1,550-cr aid for land survey project

Hyderabad, Sept. 9 Andhra Pradesh has sought Rs 1,550 crore from the Centre for conducting a comprehensive land survey in all 23 districts in the State to facilitate introduction of conclusive titles in land.

A pilot survey, ‘Bhubharati’, is currently under way in Nizamabad district and its progress was satisfactory, Mr Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce, told newspersons here on Sunday after a two-day visit to Nizamabad and Warangal districts.

“All land in Nizamabad district will be surveyed by March 2008. Later, five more districts – Karimnagar, Srikakulam, Nellore, Anantapur and Kadapa – will be brought under similar survey,” the Union Minister said.

Plea for aid

The State Government is planning to take up similar survey in 23 districts and a proposal for financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1,550 crore has been sent to the Centre. “The Prime Minster indicated his willingness to extend support to the programme,” he added.

Mr Ramesh said introduction of conclusive land rights in the country (currently presumptive deed system is being followed throughout India) would go along way in ensuing proper land transactions in urban areas where the land valuation appears to be faulty.

“However, the States will have to create necessary legal framework for conclusive titles by bringing out legislation in respective assemblies. The legal modalities are being worked out,” he added.

Organic farming

Expressing satisfaction on efforts to promote organic farming in Warangal district, Mr Ramesh said the State Government had prepared a project to bring over 25 lakh acres of dry land under organic farming over next five years. “This will cost about 182 crore and the Government of India will support this entirely,” the Minister said.

The organic farming programme would primarily cover cotton, paddy and Chillies. “We are making a determined effort to promote organic farming as it will cut costs for a farmer. About 50 per cent of entire chilli crops in Andhra Pradesh will come under organic farming in the next five years,” he said.

Punukula (Khammam) and Enubhavi (Warangal) were the first villages to achieve complete organic farming in the country, he added.

On the export of Andhra Pradesh mangoes to Japan, Mr Ramesh said two vapour treatment plants were being set up in Nujividu and Tirupati with technological aid from Japan.

“These plants will be ready by November and mango export to Japan will pick up significantly in next season,” he explained.

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