New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar Tuesday said he was ‘anxiously waiting’ for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s reply on his request for reducing his ministerial burden.

‘I am anxiously waiting for the reply,’ Pawar told reporters when asked about the latest position on his demand.

Pawar, who assumed charge as president of the International Cricket Council recently, had met the prime minister and made the request. Pawar holds additional charge of the food and consumer affairs and public distribution departments.

Currently, K.V. Thomas is the only minister of state to assist him in both the ministries.

Pawar, who came under fire from the opposition in parliament over rising food prices, said he had asked the prime minister six months ago to relieve him of some of his ministerial duties.