Hoping to get some aid for developing priority areas like agriculture, irrigation and water, India's Planning Commission will make a presentation before World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz in New Delhi on August 19.
The government has declared its commitment to accelerate agriculture growth and double it to 4 per cent from the current 2 per cent-level to achieve overall economic growth of 8 per cent in the Tenth Plan period.
But the commission's Mid-Term Appraisal of the Tenth Plan had noted that completion of nine ongoing mega irrigation projects (estimated at Rs 27,700 crore -- Rs 277 billion) would require additional resources.
The presentation is expected to highlight the government's agenda for the agriculture sector, which includes operationalising a national fund for strategic agricultural research, rejuvenating support systems in extension, credit and delivery system of inputs, stepping up investments in irrigation projects and initiating steps for water management.
Wolfowitz, who would be visiting India for the first time after taking charge as World Bank chief, is scheduled to meet key ministers in the government and visit some of the World Bank assisted projects.
The government is also likely to take up with Wolfowitz, the issue of granting $1 billion credit line to India, sources said.
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