The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee while presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha today said that the Eastern Region was poised for a Green Revolution. He said that to realize the potential of the Eastern Region, last year’s initiative would be continued in 2011-12 as well. He announced a further allocation of Rs.400 crore for the region.

The programme would target the improvement in the rice-based cropping system of Asam, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Chattisgarh, he added.

Green Revolution initiative extended to Eastern Region, continuing targeted funding and measures to improve rice based cropping systems. Allocation of additional central funds continues to support a targeted agricultural development programme to bring a Green Revolution to the Eastern Region, extending last year's initiative into 2011 12 with a further allocation to improve rice based cropping systems across Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh through coordinated, state targeted interventions.