New Delhi (PTI): Eminent agriculture scientist, M S Swaminathan, on Thursday criticised flawed government policies for a decline in the country's farm production, which is estimated at 2.6 per cent for the current fiscal.

"The government packages that were meant to boost agricultural output in the country are not working at all. The government has failed to give an integrated approach to the sector," he told PTI in a telephonic interview.

According to the advanced estimates released by the government on Thursday, agriculture output is expected to grow at slower rate of 2.6 per cent during 2007-08 against 3.8 per cent in 2006-07.

He said "I am surprised to know that growth figures have been estimated less than previous year's level. While Agriculture Minister has been saying that the sector would achieve four per cent growth during 11th plan period."