Planning commission, on Wednesday, indicated slippage in agricultural growth rate of 4.5 per cent fixed for the ninth plan period (1997-2002) on account of yield levels plateauating in the traditional green revolution belt of north-western region. There is evidence that yields have plateaued in the traditional green revolution areas and the spread of productivity increases outside the irrigated areas has been limited, Commission said in its mid term plan appraisal. The mid-term appraisal is likely to be placed before the full planning commission meeting to be chaired by the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on September 30. With 26.8 per cent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the sector provides employment to nearly two-thirds of the work force and any situational change in the agriculture sector (positive or negative) would have a multiplier effect on the entire economy, the commission warned. The panel suggested deregulation of controls on movement and storage of agricultural produce in order to improve connectivity and create better marketing infrastructure in the sector. The national agricultural policy which has remained in the process of formulation for long, would address issues concerning higher growth rate in agriculture, the commission said but added the policy should focus on overcoming structural imbalances and removal of impediments to grow at the targeted 4.5 per cent annually during the entire plan period. Bureau Report