PM urged to give agriculture ministry its due

PUNE, March 22: Former Union minister and president of `Vanrai’, Mohan Dharia, has urged Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee not to undermine the importance of the ministries of agriculture and rural development. In a letter sent to Vajpayee, Dharia requested Vajpayee to retain both the ministries with himself, considering its importance. Dharia pointed out that massive, unproductive and barren wastelands in the country, if put to proper use, could generate considerable national wealth. Dharia also mentioned that it could generate employment opportunities to nearly 6 to 7 crore families in rural areas.