Kumar who assumed the office of Union agriculture minister for the second time said that the draft of the proposed new agriculture policy has already been sent to the Planning Commission for approval. Pending the approval of this policy, his ministry will set up a task force of scientists, experts and cultivators to assist and advise the government on relevant issues pertaining to agriculture.

The minister said that according to the WTO bound tariff rates, government can increase import duty on dairy products up to 60 per cent and that on poultry items up to 100 per cent. On poultry products, anti-dumping duty can also be imposed if necessary. The government is aware of the current situation of inflow of cheap products of dairy and poultry backed by heavy subsidies in exporting countries, after India removed the quantitative restrictions on imports of these products.

But the government has to consider what possible adverse effect these imports can have on farmers and to what extent the government can raise import duty on these products without affecting the price scenario in the country.

The minister stated that sustainable growth in agriculture, food security with increased nutritional value, increase in agro exports and welfare of individuals associated with agriculture will be the foremost task of his ministry. Action will be initiated to ensure doubling food production in the next 10 years and the major thrust will be to achieve a minimum of 4 per cent growth in agriculture, strengthening of credit structure and protecting the interests of farmers and all associated with agriculture in the wake of removal of quantitative restrictions on imports as per WTO agreements.

He said that emphasis will be given to organic farming for sustained growth of agriculture and providing farmers with better quality of seeds and fertilisers.

Nitish Kumar made a dig at the monsoon forecasts of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). He questioned why could not the IMD predict the severity of drought? Instead IMD stated that 1999 was `normal'. Then, in this context of `normal' monsoon, how could drought affect as many as 11 states in the country, he quipped and said that he would soon convene a meeting with IMD officials to discuss this issue.

He assured that all the drought affect states would be provided with required seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the coming kharif season. The government is strictly monitoring the drought situation in the country with adequate care and attention and is doing the needful.

Later, Nitish Kumar told the Sri Lankan delegation led by its fisheries and acquatic resources development minister, Mahinda Rajapakse that there is a need of friendly approach to accommodate each others problems and find an agreeable solution to the common issue of fishermen crossing territorial waters inadvertently. He assured them that attempts will be made to simplify procedures on receipt of comprehensive proposals about inadvertent tresspass, free passage and training of fishermen.