A Task Force headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababau Naidu and a minister of agriculture from another state would be constituted to recommend measures to expand the coverage of drip and sprinkler irrigation in the country.

This was announced by Finance Minister Jaswant Singh while presenting the Budget 2003-04.

Adequate outlay is being provided to support the Task Force set up by the prime minister for inter-linking of rivers so that modalities for arriving at a consensus amongst states on transfer of water to deficit areas and for identifying priority links that could be implemented early as well as a mechanism for their clearance and funding, he said.

A special programme "Maru Gochar Yojana" is to be taken up for the desert districts of Rajasthan to provide for rehabilitation of traditional pastures.

This central scheme is meant for restoration of traditional water forces and other measures so as to provide effective drought proofing.

PTI