Date:24/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/24/stories/2006022404320600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

YSR keen on discussing farm issues with Bush

Special Correspondent

Chief Minister to meet U.S. President at agricultural varsity

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy is determined to discuss agriculture-related issues with U.S. President George W. Bush during the latter's visit to Hyderabad on March 3.

Blueprint underway

The setting is perfect for the discussion at Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, where the President is scheduled to spend nearly 90 minutes, possibly have a one-to-one interaction with Dr. Reddy besides talking to progressive farmers, agri-scientists and women members of the self-help groups. Sources said the Chief Minister revealed his mind at a review meeting with senior officials on Thursday when he also asked them to prepare a blueprint on the AP model of development and a note on developments in industry, IT and bio-tech.

Dr. Reddy is keen to discuss agriculture with President Bush for more than one reason. He is impressed by the fact that the U.S. accounts for 30 per cent of global food production and yet only 4 per cent of the population is engaged in farming. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who has spoken to Dr. Reddy more than once about the Bush visit, is also interested since agriculture accounts for 21 per cent of India's GDP.

From the U.S. viewpoint, the University visit is significant since it is involved in the `knowledge initiative on agriculture teaching and research', a project finalised when Dr. Singh visited the U.S. in July 2005. The second stop on President's Bush's tight itinerary is the Indian School of Business, Gachibowli, where the dignitary would meet young Indian entrepreneurs at a round table.

According to the tentative schedule, the President will arrive here by Air Force One at 9.50 a.m. A fleet of two U.S. Air Force choppers and two more of the IAF will transport the U.S. team to ANGRAU at 10.30 a.m. President Bush will reach ISB at 12.35 and fly 90 minutes later to the airport where Air Force One will leave for New Delhi at 2.20 p.m.

Tight security

The ITC Grand Kakatiya Hotel where U.S. officials are camping has been turned into a fortress with access strictly regulated.

A fleet of Indian and foreign cars were lined outside the hotel for the American visitors.