Abhinandan Granth (English Article)

Third Plan Objectives

3. Economic growth of Maharashtra has to be an integral part of the economic development of the country as a whole. The main objectives of our country's Third National Plan are (1) to secure during the quinquenium a rise in national income of at least 5 per cent per annum, the pattern of investment being designed also to sustain this rate of growth during subsequent Plan periods ; (2) to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains and increase agricultural production to meet the requirements of industry and exports; (3) to establish basic industries and particularly to increase machine-building capacity; (4) to ensure a substantial, expansion in employment opportunities and (5) to bring about a reduction of inequalities in income and wealth and a more even distribution of econo­mic power. These principal tasks have to be achieved by the country as a whole and some of them could be achieved by the Central Government. They are not to be attained separately by each State. For the economic development of the coun­try as a whole, there has to be a division of labour among the States, each trying to exploit its resources in a way as will lead to optimum industrial and agricultural production. Therefore to achieve at least an increase of 5 per cent in the State income, the resources of the Maharashtra State have to be properly harnessed, to yield the maximum income.

Proper Crop Pattern

4. Viewed from the above criterion, the State policy in respect of agriculture should be directed towards maximisation of irrigation facilities and improving the basic production of land. Where the cash and commercial crops are likely to yield the best return no attempt be made to divert lands under them to food production. The attempt made during the last World War at crop planning under statute proved an utter failure. What therefore should be systematically done as a considered policy is the evolution of a proper crop pattern. Since after the full utilisation of water resources, some 80 per cent of the gross cropped land will still remain under dry farming, the only means of increasing the basic productivity of such land will be contour bunding and terracing and sinking wells wherever practicable. Improved methods of agri­cultural production have to be practised and ade­quate supplies of proper seed have to be assured.