§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to support long-term agricultural projects in the Orissa region of India. [99235]
§ Clare ShortOur Country Strategy for India identifies Orissa, which is one of the poorest states in India, as one of the four states in which DFID's activities will be focused.
The £8 million Eastern India Rainfed Farming project has been working since 1995 in three states, including Orissa, to pilot new approaches to rural poverty including improved farming systems.
In July 1999, DFID agreed with the Government of India to provide £32.75 million over ten years for the new Western Orissa Rural Livelihoods Project. This initiative builds on lessons learned from the Eastern India Rainfed Farming project and works within the Government of Orissa's watershed development programmes in four very poor districts. The project has a strong agricultural component and will address issues of increased agricultural production and improved food security, through a comprehensive natural resource strategy. This strategy also includes a focus on soil and water conservation, livestock, fisheries, fodder and forestry.
The cyclone which hit the west coast of Orissa on 29 October has caused extensive damage to coastal regions, including agricultural land and crops. We are considering how we can best help the government to minimise the long-term impact of the cyclone and continue efforts to eliminate poverty in the state. It is currently too early to know whether or not this will include support for agricultural projects.