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Rajya Sabha
Qno
Min_name
Ans_date
Qtitle
Name
Qtype
522 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Effect of MGNREGA on
agriculture
T.N. SEEMA STARRED
529 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Drought in Maharashtra AJAY SANCHETI
STARRED
531 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Misuse of pesticides DEVENDER
GOUD T.
STARRED
535 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Action takes on complaints
lodged at Safal booths
A.A. JINNAH STARRED
537 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Labour problem in
agricultural sector
PRABHAKAR
KORE
STARRED
539 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Corporate farming PRABHAT JHA STARRED
4031 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Farming of soyabean MAHENDRA
SINGH MAHRA
UNSTARRED
4032 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Shrinking of agricultural
land
KANWAR DEEP
SINGH
UNSTARRED
4033 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Regulation of Bt. Cotton
prices
SMIRTI ZUBIN
IRANI
UNSTARRED
4034 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Introduction of new policy
for farmers
K. C. TYAGI UNSTARRED
4035 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Drought assistance to Kerala K.N.
BALAGOPAL
UNSTARRED
4036 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Insurance of fish ponds RAMACHANDRA
KHUNTIA
UNSTARRED
4037 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 MSP of paddy RAMACHANDRA
KHUNTIA
UNSTARRED
4038
AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Irrigation facilities GYAN PRAKASH
PILANIA
UNSTARRED
4039 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Price rise of vegetables PANKAJ BORA UNSTARRED
4040 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Group accident insurance
scheme for fishermen
RAJKUMAR
DHOOT
UNSTARRED
4041 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Involvement of youths in
agriculture sector
ANIL MADHAV
DAVE
UNSTARRED
4042 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Subsidy in organic farming ANIL MADHAV
DAVE
UNSTARRED
4043
AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Drought in Andhra Pradesh PALVAI
GOVARDHAN
REDDY
UNSTARRED
4044 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 National mission on crop
diversification
RAM
JETHMALANI
UNSTARRED
4045 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Food scarcity due to drought KIRANMAY
NANDA
UNSTARRED
4046 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Negative impact of chemical RAM UNSTARRED
fertilizers JETHMALANI
4047 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Implementation of National
Project for Cattle and
Buffalo Bread
CHANDAN
MITRA
UNSTARRED
4048 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Assistance to drought
affected States
RENUBALA
PRADHAN
UNSTARRED
4049 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Cold storage requirements MOTILAL VORA UNSTARRED
4050 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Development of high
yielding seeds
PARSHOTTAM
KHODABHAI
RUPALA
UNSTARRED
4051 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Development of dairy sector
in Gujarat
MANSUKH L.
MANDAVIYA
UNSTARRED
4052 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Welfare schemes for
agricultural workers
MOHD. ALI
KHAN
UNSTARRED
4053 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Compensation under crop
insurance scheme
MOHD. ALI
KHAN
UNSTARRED
4054 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Milk produced by indigenous
cows
RAVI SHANKAR
PRASAD
UNSTARRED
4055 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Supply of free seeds to
drought affected farmers
RAJKUMAR
DHOOT
UNSTARRED
4056 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Tissue culture in banana
plantation
TARUN VIJAY UNSTARRED
4057 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Revival package for poultry
industry
A. ELAVARASAN UNSTARRED
4058 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Post harvest losses of
agricultural products
PARIMAL
NATHWANI
UNSTARRED
4059 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Setting up of NDRC NARENDRA
KUMAR
KASHYAP
UNSTARRED
4060 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Assistance to Maharashtra
for addressing the drought
YOGENDRA P.
TRIVEDI
UNSTARRED
4061 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Assistance to small scale
farmers
RAM KRIPAL
YADAV
UNSTARRED
4062 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Sale of DMS milk VINAY KATIYAR UNSTARRED
4063 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Registration of seed
companies on false claims
C.M. RAMESH UNSTARRED
4064 AGRICULTURE 03.05.2013 Weather based crop
insurance
N.K. SINGH UNSTARRED
441 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Demand and consumption of
rice and wheat
AAYANUR
MANJUNATHA
STARRED
447 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Promoting indigenous
varities of cows
K.N.
BALAGOPAL
STARRED
454 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Development of quality
seeds
NARESH
CHANDRA
AGRAWAL
STARRED
456 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Impact of climate change on K.V.P. STARRED
crop yeilds RAMACHANDRA
RAO
459 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Assessment of drought
situation in Maharashtra
ISHWARLAL
SHANKARLAL
JAIN
STARRED
3411 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Protection of domestic cows PRABHAKAR
KORE
UNSTARRED
3412 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Growth rate of foodgrain
production vis a vis
population
P. RAJEEVE UNSTARRED
3413 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Selling of organs by farmers ARVIND KUMAR
SINGH
UNSTARRED
3414 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Compensation to farmers of
Vidarbha
ANIL DESAI UNSTARRED
3415 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Talks on agricultural issues
with former P.M. of New
Zealand
T. RATNA BAI UNSTARRED
3416 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Co ordination among
agricultural universities
PARSHOTTAM
KHODABHAI
RUPALA
UNSTARRED
3417 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Suggestion for alternative
crops
MOHD. ALI
KHAN
UNSTARRED
3418 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Drought situation in the
country
MOHD. ALI
KHAN
UNSTARRED
3419 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Disbursement of funds to
Chhattisgarh under
agricultural schemes
SHIVPRATAP
SINGH
UNSTARRED
3420 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Promotion of drip irrigation
system
SANJAY RAUT UNSTARRED
3421 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Price rise in NCAER report RAM
JETHMALANI
UNSTARRED
3422 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Food to poor VIJAY
JAWAHARLAL
DARDA
UNSTARRED
3423 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Complaints at Safal
Vegetable booths
A.A. JINNAH UNSTARRED
3424 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Profit margin of milk sold by
DMS
VINAY KATIYAR UNSTARRED
3425 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Increase in the price of milk RAVI SHANKAR
PRASAD
UNSTARRED
3426 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Over sowing of cash crops in
Maharashtra
RAJKUMAR
DHOOT
UNSTARRED
3427 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Availability of quality seeds BHARATKUMAR
RAUT
UNSTARRED
3428 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Increase in agricultural wage
rate
K.V.P.
RAMACHANDRA
UNSTARRED
RAO
3429 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Market intelligence to
farmers
V. MAITREYAN UNSTARRED
3430 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Promotion of organic
farming
K.P.RAMALINGA
M
UNSTARRED
3431 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Adoption of crop
diversification
ANIL DESAI
UNSTARRED
3432 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Proposal for managing DMS DILIPBHAI
PANDYA
UNSTARRED
3433 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Implementation of Micro
Irrigation Scheme in Andhra
Pradesh
T. SUBBARAMI
REDDY
UNSTARRED
3434 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Decentralising Agriculture
Schemes
BHAGAT SINGH
KOSHYARI
UNSTARRED
3435 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Implementation of
Kamdhenu Project in
Karnataka
RAJEEV
CHANDRASEKH
AR
UNSTARRED
3436 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Share of agriculture in GDP RAVI SHANKAR
PRASAD
UNSTARRED
3437 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 PPP in agriculture sector KIRANMAY
NANDA
UNSTARRED
3438 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Fodder crisis JAI PRAKASH
NARAYAN
SINGH
UNSTARRED
3439 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Revival of closed cold
storage
MAHENDRA
SINGH MAHRA
UNSTARRED
3440 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Assistance to Gaushalas JAGATPRAKASH
NADDA
UNSTARRED
3441 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Justification of amount paid
to Krishak Mitra
DHIRAJ PRASAD
SAHU
UNSTARRED
3442 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Production of foodgrains in
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
K. C. TYAGI UNSTARRED
3443 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Shabby condition of Safal
vegetable booths
A.A. JINNAH UNSTARRED
3444 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Low allocation to
agricultural sector
KIRANMAY
NANDA
UNSTARRED
3445
AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Allocation for drought relief SUKHDEV SINGH
DHINDSA
UNSTARRED
3446 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Farmers suicide in
Maharashtra
GYAN PRAKASH
PILANIA
UNSTARRED
3447 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Use of harmful pesticides C.M. RAMESH UNSTARRED
3448 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Decline in cotton products PERVEZ HASHMI UNSTARRED
3449 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Implementation of National
Policy on Farmers
PANKAJ BORA UNSTARRED
3450 AGRICULTURE 26.04.2013 Violating of water agreement
by Pakistan
AVINASH RAI
KHANNA
UNSTARRED
368 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Agricultural and non
agricultural land
AVINASH RAI
KHANNA
STARRED
375 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Cotton yield from Bt. Cotton
seeds
D. RAJA STARRED
376 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Warehousing facilities in
rural areas
SHADI LAL
BATRA
STARRED
377 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Shortage of manpower in
Kisan Call Centres
VASANTHI
STANLEY
STARRED
378 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Centres of Excellence with
help of Dutch Embassy
K.N.
BALAGOPAL
STARRED
2791 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Workshops on dairy
development
RAJEEV
CHANDRASEKH
AR
UNSTARRED
2792 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Shortage of farm labourers MANSUKH L.
MANDAVIYA
UNSTARRED
2793 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Schemes to make agriculture
profitable
ALOK TIWARI UNSTARRED
2794 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Installation of ineffective
anti hail guns in Shimla
PRADEEP
KUMAR
BALMUCHU
UNSTARRED
2795 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Oil palm farming CHANDAN
MITRA
UNSTARRED
2796 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Productivity of various crops
in the country
AAYANUR
MANJUNATHA
UNSTARRED
2797 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Reduction in area of
cultivation of pulses
PIYUSH GOYAL UNSTARRED
2798 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Assistance to drought and
flood hit farmers
KUMAR DEEPAK
DAS
UNSTARRED
2799 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Horticulture Technology
Mission in Floriculture
BAISHNAB
PARIDA
UNSTARRED
2800 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Training programmes on
seed production and seed
technologies
NAJMA A.
HEPTULLA
UNSTARRED
2801 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Production of edible oilseeds
in Rajasthan
GYAN PRAKASH
PILANIA
UNSTARRED
2802 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Status of proposals of
Chhattisgarh Government
BHUSHAN LAL
JANGDE
UNSTARRED
2803 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Creation of Drought Relief
Fund
PIYUSH GOYAL UNSTARRED
2804 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Functioning of ICAR RAJIV PRATAP
RUDY
UNSTARRED
2805 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Production of off season
crops
K.N.
BALAGOPAL
UNSTARRED
2806 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Assistance to farmers for
obtaining agricultural
implements
NAZNIN
FARUQUE
UNSTARRED
2807 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Houses for fishermen under
Fishermen Welfare Fund
NAZNIN
FARUQUE
UNSTARRED
2808 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Wastage of agro products PARVEZ
HASHMI:
UNSTARRED
2809 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Proposal for managing DMS SMIRTI ZUBIN
IRANI
UNSTARRED
2810 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Precarious condition of
farmers
ANIL KUMAR
SAHANI
UNSTARRED
2811 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Strategy for farm
mechanization
NAND KUMAR
SAI
UNSTARRED
2812 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Action plan to improve soil
health and productivity
T. SUBBARAMI
REDDY
UNSTARRED
2813 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Implementation of NHM in
Jammu and Kashmir
G.N. RATANPURI UNSTARRED
2814 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 National Saffron Mission in
Jammu and Kashmir
G.N. RATANPURI UNSTARRED
2815
AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Impact of climate change N.K. SINGH UNSTARRED
2816 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Twelfth Plan for agriculture
sector
HUSSAIN
DALWAI
UNSTARRED
2817 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Investment in agriculture
sector
P. RAJEEVE UNSTARRED
2818 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Development of hybrid crops
for drought prone areas
RAJKUMAR
DHOOT
UNSTARRED
2819 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Functioning of KVKs in
Maharashtra
RAJKUMAR
DHOOT
UNSTARRED
2820 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Steep fall in prices of
coconut
C.P.
NARAYANAN
UNSTARRED
2821 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Growth rate of agriculture
production
RAVI SHANKAR
PRASAD
UNSTARRED
2822 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Suicide by farmers RASHEED
MASOOD
UNSTARRED
2823 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Research and invention in
agriculture sector
RAVI SHANKAR
PRASAD
UNSTARRED
2824 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Introduction of GM crops for
commercial farming
RAGHUNANDAN
SHARMA
UNSTARRED
2825 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Use of banned pesticides PANKAJ BORA UNSTARRED
2826 AGRICULTURE 22.03.2013 Implementation of Grameen
Bhandaran Yojana
GUNDU
SUDHARANI
UNSTARRED
Effect of MGNREGA on agriculture
522 DR. T.N. SEEMA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware that introduction of MGNREGA has led to acute shortage of farm
labour across the country, not only affecting food production, but also increasingly forcing small
farmers to abandon agriculture;
(b) if so, the preventive steps taken by Government;
(c) whether guidelines for convergence of MGNREGA with programmes of his Ministry, issued by
Government, are not being followed; and
(d) what concrete steps are being taken to save farmers from prevailing agrarian distress apart from
notifying new works related to agriculture and allied activities under MGNREGA?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 522 FOR 03/05/2013 REGARDING EFFECT OF MGNREGA ON AGRICULTURE.
(a) to (d): Studies conducted on the impact of MGNREGA reveal that its implementation leads to
reduction in distress migration to urban areas as well as increase in wages in rural areas. Temporary
shortage of labour has also been reported in some regions during the peak agricultural season.
However, food production has not been affected due to implementation of MGNREGA and has
increased from 217.28 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 259.32 million tonnes in 2011-12. As per the
census results though the number of cultivators has decreased from 127.3 million in 2001 to 118.7
million in 2011, number of agricultural labourers has increased from 106.8 million in 2001 to 144.3
million in 2011.
In order to improve convergence of MGNREGA with other development programmes and to
strengthen its implementation, the fourth edition of MGNREGA operational guidelines 2013 have
been issued which have strengthened the synergy between MGNREGA and rural livelihoods,
particularly agriculture.
Government has taken several steps to revitalize agriculture sector and improve condition of
farming community on sustainable basis by increasing investment, improving farm practices, rural
infrastructure and delivery of credit, technology and other inputs, extension, marketing, etc.
Various programmes/schemes for the development of agriculture sector are being implemented in a
decentralized manner with flexibility to State Government to formulate and implement appropriate
projects to suit their specific requirements. The focus of Government is primarily on expansion of
farm income, creation of non-farm income opportunities, improvement in productivity of rainfed
agriculture, increasing coverage of farming areas under protective irrigation and forging
appropriate backward and forward linkages. Other measures taken by the Government for the
benefit of farmers include enhancement in minimum support prices of agricultural commodities,
increase in credit flow to agriculture sector, debt waiver/relief, interest subvention on crops loan
etc.
Drought in Maharashtra
529 SHRI AJAY SANCHETI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of the magnitude of drought in Maharashtra along with the number of districts and
villages affected by the drought;
(b) the details of the loss suffered by farmers of these districts;
(c) the amount of drought relief sought by Government of Maharashtra and provided by the Central
Government; and
(d) how this amount has been utilized by the State Government?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 529 FOR 03/05/2013 REGARDING DROUGHT IN MAHARASHTRA.
(a) to (d): Government of Maharashtra has declared drought in 125 talukas in 16 districts during
Kharif 2012 and in 3905 villages in 9 districts during Rabi-2012/13. As per assessment of Inter-
Ministerial Central Teams (IMCT), about 30.52 lakh hectare kharif area and 15.51 lakh hectare rabi
area had suffered crop loss of 50 per cent and above in these drought notified talukas/villages.
State Government had submitted memoranda seeking central assistance of Rs.3232.15 crore and
Rs.1801.32 crore for mitigating drought situation during Kharif-2012 and Rabi-2012/13
respectively against which Central Government had approved Rs.778.09 crore and Rs.807.84 crore
respectively from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Details of assistance approved from
NDRF are at Annexure-I.
The State Executive Committee constituted by the State Government under section 20 of the
Disaster Management Act, 2005, is responsible for ensuring that expenditure incurred out of the
funds received under the NDRF is in accordance with the items and norms of expenditure of
NDRF/State Disaster Fund (SDRF).
Misuse of pesticides
531 SHRI DEVENDER GOUD T.
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it has come to the notice of Government that the report of Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE) indicates blatant violations by Government agencies, such as, agriculture
universities, agriculture departments and other boards which have recommended use of pesticides
for crops and pests not approved by Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action Government proposes to take to contain this misuse of pesticides?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 531 FOR 03/05/2013 REGARDING MISUSE OF PESTICIDES.
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. The CSE report on ‘State of Pesticide Regulations in India’ has made several
observations on registration and use of pesticides and have stated that “the pesticide
recommendations made by State Agriculture Universities, Agriculture Departments and other
Boards for a crop do not adhere to the pesticides that the Central Insecticide Board and Registration
Committee (CIB&RC) has registered for these crops. The Agriculture Universities, Departments &
Boards have recommended many pesticides that have not been registered for some crops”.
All State Governments have been advised to ensure that the advisories on pesticides usage that are
issued by their Agriculture Universities and Agriculture Departments are strictly in accordance with
the terms under which these pesticides have been registered by CIB&RC. Government of India
promotes the safe and judicious use of pesticides and works with State Governments, State
Agriculture Universities, pesticide dealers, farmers etc. towards this end.
Action takes on complaints lodged at Safal booths
535 SHRI A.A. JINNAH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
) whether complaints from consumers are being received in complaint books provided at Safal
Vegetable booths in Delhi/New Delhi in respect of poor quality vegetables/fruits/frozen items;
(b) if so, booth-wise number of complaints lodged in complaint books during the period from 1
January, 2012 till 28 February, 2013 along with name of complainant, date of complaint and date
on which reply was given by authorities to complainants in each case; and
(c) the details of action taken on each of such complaints by authorities concerned and remedial
steps taken to check the recurrence of such incidents?
ANSWER
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.535 FOR 03.05.2013 REGARDING ACTION TAKEN ON
COMPLAINTS LODGED AT SAFAL BOOTHS
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) and (c) Details of complaints lodged in complaint books at Safal Vegetable booths in respect of
poor quality vegetables/fruits/frozen items during the period from 1 January, 2012 till 28 February,
2013 including booth number with location in Delhi/New Delhi, name of complainant, date of
complaint, date of redressal of complaint and action taken on each of such complaints are given in
the Annexure. No specific reply has been sent to each of the complainant although appropriate
action has been taken by Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable (P) Ltd. for redressal of the complaint as
indicated in the Annexure. The following remedial steps have been taken to check recurrence of
incidents leading to complaints:
(i) Advising and educating the concessionaires operating the booths.
(ii) Regular inspections by Field Supervisors to check quality of products on sale.
Labour problem in agricultural sector
537 SHRI PRABHAKAR KORE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that apart from successive deficient monsoons, there has been a negative
trend in agricultural labour force since 2004-05;
(b) whether the rolling out of MGNREGA has worsened the agricultural labour problem; and
(c) if so, the steps taken by Government to bring back rural labour to agricultural sector?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 537 FOR 03/05/2013 REGARDING LABOUR PROBLEM IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR.
(a): No, Sir. As per the census results though the number of cultivators has decreased from 127.3
million in 2001 to 118.7 million in 2011, number of agricultural labourers has increased from 106.8
million in 2001 to 144.3 million in 2011.
(b) & (c): Studies on the impact of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) have shown that its implementation leads to reduction in distress migration from
rural areas and substantial increase in rural wages. Temporary shortage of labour has also been
reported during the peak agricultural season.
Government has initiated steps for better convergence between MGNREGA, agriculture and other
development programmes. Operational guidelines of MGNREGA aim to strengthen the synergy
between MGNREGA and rural livelihoods, particularly agriculture.
Corporate farming
539 SHRI PRABHAT JHA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has allocated funds to promote corporate farming in the country during
2013-14;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the reasons for promotion of corporate farming;
(d) the details of facilities that would be available for corporate sector to enter into corporate
farming; and
(e) the details of funds allocated for development of agriculture and making it profitable during the
current year?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 539 FOR 03/05/2013 REGARDING CORPORATE FARMING.
(a): No, Sir.
(b) to (d): Do not arise.
(e): A total plan outlay of Rs.21609 crore has been made for the agriculture sector during the
current year (2013-14) comprising Rs.11,655 crore for Centrally Sponsored/Central Sector
Schemes and Rs.9,954 crore for the State Plan Scheme, “Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana” (RKVY).
Farming of soyabean
4031 SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH MAHRA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the substances in soyabean that prevent farmers to produce other crops in the same fields
immediately after continuous production of soyabean crops two-three times;
(b) whether Government has ever tried to ascertain the reasons therefor; and
(c) if so, the details of the substances which can maintain the fertility of soil and can help farmers to
produce other crops immediately after the farming of soybean?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) No scientific evidence is available which suggests that other crops cannot be grown after
continuous production of soybean in the same field.
(b) Question does not arise.
(c) Soybean is a leguminous crop and fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, thus adding nitrogen to
the soil and maintains general soil health status. In order to ensure profitable yield of soybean and
subsequent crops in specific agro-climatic situation, remunerative soybean-based cropping systems
and integrated nutrient management practices have been developed by Directorate of Soybean
Research, Indore. Wheat, chickpea, mustard, potato etc., are being grown successfully after the
harvest of soybean with application of recommended doses of nutrients to respective crops.
Shrinking of agricultural land
4032 SHRI KANWAR DEEP SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that agricultural land across the country has shrunk over the years;
(b) if so, the size of agricultural land across the country over the years during 2001—2013;
(c) the current status of agricultural land usages in Haryana;
(d) whether agricultural land in Haryana has reduced during 2001—2013;
(e) the details of agricultural land usages in Haryana over these years; and
(f) the corrective steps being taken to address the same?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): As per the latest Land Use Statistics data (LUS,2010-11) compiled by Directorate of
Economics and Statistics; Ministry of Agriculture, the agricultural land in the country has
marginally shrunk to 182.0 million hectares in 2010-11 as compared to 183.6 million hectares in
2001-02.
(c) to (e): As per LUS, 2010-11 the details of agricultural land usages in Haryana during 2001-2011
is tabulated below:
(in thousand hectares)
Classification of Agricultural land usages 2001-02 2010-11
Net area sown 3566 3518
Current fallows 173 122
Fallow lands other than current fallows 0 3
Culturable waste land 30 27
Land Under miscellaneous tree crops 7 11
Agricultural Land 3776 3681
It can be observed from the above table that agricultural land in Haryana has marginally shrunk to
3681 thousand hectares in 2010-11 as compared to 3776 thousand hectares in 2001-02.
(f): As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, Land falls under the purview of State
Government and therefore, it is for the State Governments to bring in suitable Policy/Act
Legislation to check the diversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural Purposes. With a view
To prevent conversion of agricultural land for non agricultural purposes, Government of India has
also taken several steps, viz.
National Policy for Farmers 2007 (NPF 2007): National Policy for Farmers, 2007 has
recommended that “Prime farmland must be conserved for agriculture except under exceptional
circumstances, provided that the agencies that are provided with agricultural land for non-
agricultural projects should compensate for treatment and full development of equivalent
degraded/wastelands elsewhere. For non-agricultural purposes, as far as possible, land with low
biological potential for farming would be earmarked and allocated.” State Governments have been
advised to earmark lands with low biological potential such as uncultivable land, land affected by
salinity, acidity, etc. for non-agricultural development activities, including industrial and
construction activities.
National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 (NRRP, 2007): National Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Policy, 2007 formulated by Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Land
Resources has recommended that as far as possible, projects may be set up on wastelands, degraded
land or un-irrigated land. Acquisition of agricultural land for non agricultural use in project may be
kept to the minimum; multi-cropped land may be avoided to the extent possible for such purposes,
and acquisition of irrigated land, if unavoidable, may be kept to the minimum. These policies have
been sent to the States/UTs for implementation.
Further, to increase the agricultural land area in the country and for maintaining balance in different
types of land uses,, the Government is implementing various Programmes/Schemes, such as, (i)
National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA), (ii) Soil Conservation in
the Catchments of River Valley Projects and Flood Prone Rivers (RVP &FPR), (iii) Reclamation &
Development of Alkali and Acid Soils (RADAS) and (iv) Watershed Development Project in
Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA).
Regulation of Bt. Cotton prices
4033 SHRIMATI SMIRTI ZUBIN IRANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government had reintroduced cotton seed in the list of essential
commodities from 22.12.2009;
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;
(c) whether Government propose to deregulate cotton seeds prices;
(d) if so, reasons therefor and how it will help farmers;
(e) whether Government is willing to make rules to regulate cotton seeds prices
under provision of ECA;
(f) if not, why;
(g) whether reintroduction of cotton seeds under ECA is not against policies of
reforms, liberalization and market-led economy and WTO obligations; and
(h) whether Government would consider empowering States to regulate Bt.
Cotton prices if it is not doing so?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (f): Cotton seeds were brought under the purview of the Essential
Commodities Act, 1955 initially for six months by notifications issued by
Department of Consumer Affairs on 22.12.2009 & 18.06.2010 and permanently
since 22.12.2010 to protect the interest of cotton producing farmers by regulating
the production, supply, distribution of quality of cotton seeds and not regulating
seed price, as free and competitive market environment will spur the production
of quality seeds in the country.
(g): Re-introduction of cotton seeds under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955
is only to regulate production, supply, distribution and quality of cotton seeds and
not to regulate the prices of cotton seeds.
(h): There is no such proposal before the Government at present.
Introduction of new policy for farmers
4034 SHRI K. C. TYAGI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government proposes to introduce a new policy for farmers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether small and marginal farmers are likely to get special benefits under the new policy; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): No, Sir.
(b) to (d): Question does not arise.
Drought assistance to Kerala
4035 SHRI K.N. BALAGOPAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has noticed the severe drought situation in Kerala;
(b) whether State Government of Kerala has made any request to Union Government for a special
drought assistance, considering the huge agrarian crisis caused due to severe drought in the State;
and
(c) if so, the details of action taken by Union Government thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): During Kharif-2012, Government of Kerala had declared drought in 4 districts and
submitted a memorandum seeking financial assistance of Rs.1996.07 crore. Based on the
assessment of Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) and recommendation of Inter-Ministerial
Group (IMG), Government of India has approved a central assistance of Rs.62.61 crore to Kerala
from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for mitigating the situation.
During Rabi-2012-13, Government of Kerala has declared drought in 14 districts of the State and
sought central assistance of Rs.492.80 crore for mitigating drought situation. An Inter-Ministerial
Central Team (IMCT) has visited the State and assessed the situation.
Insurance of fish ponds
4036 SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
whether Government would impress upon the insurance companies to insure the fish ponds; and
(b) whether Government would give status to fisheries at par with Agriculture?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a): The existing Centrally Sponsored Scheme “National Scheme of Welfare of fishermen” does not
cover insurance of fish ponds and there is no proposal to include insurance of fish ponds during the
12th Five Year Plan.
(b): The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture had
requested Ministry of Finance to consider treating Aquaculture at par with Agriculture so that the
subsidy, income tax benefits and other incentives available to agriculture could be extended to
Pisciculture. The Ministry of Finance has informed that the income from fisheries does not qualify
as agricultural income under the Income Tax Act, 1961 and hence is subject to income tax.
However, some incentives are available for cooperatives and enterprises for fisheries activities
under section 80P, 80-IB (11A) and 35 AD of the Income Tax Act, 1961. In respect of provision of
loans at low interest rates, it has been clarified that the provision of interest subvention is available
for crop loans upto Rs. 3 lakhs to the farmers. Loans for the purpose of fisheries sector are not
covered under this scheme at present.
MSP of paddy
4037 SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
whether Government would consider to enhance MSP of paddy due to increase in cost of fertilizer,
power, labour and seeds for the current marketing season 2013-14?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
Commission for Agricultural Costs ad Prices (CACP) has submitted its Report on Price Policy for
Kharif Crops of 2013-14 Season recommending Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of kharif crops,
including paddy.
The Government finalises the MSPs recommended by CACP after consultation with the State
Governments and concerned Central Ministries/ Departments
Irrigation facilities
4038 DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the total land area of the country and how much out of this, is agricultural land under
cultivation, percentage thereof;
(b) out of this how much is rainfed, indicating the percentage thereof;
(c) out of cultivated land how much is irrigated, indicating the percentage thereof;
(d) out of irrigated land how much is fed by surface water and ground water, indicating the
percentage thereof;
(e) how much new land has been brought under irrigation during Eleventh Plan Period and what
was the target thereof; and
(f) whether developed countries depend very little on rains, statistics thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): As per the latest Land Use Statistics data (LUS, 2010-11) complied by Directorate of
Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, the details of total land area of the country,
agricultural land under cultivation, rainfed and irrigated land are given in the table below:
Table
Total land area/geographical area of the country in million hectare 328.7
Agricultural land under cultivation/Cultivated
Land (Net area sown + current fallows in million hectare) 155.8
Net area sown in million hectare 141.6
Net irrigated area out of Net area sown (percent) 44.9
Net irrigated area by surface water (percent) 38.6
Net irrigated area by ground water (percent) 61.4
Net Unirrigated/Rainfed area out of Net area sown (percent) 55.1
(e): Irrigation is a State subject and planning, funding and implementation of the irrigation projects
are primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. In the Eleventh Five Year Plan period
(2007-12) it was targeted to create 16 million hectares of irrigation potential. However, keeping in
view the performance reported by the States, the target was scaled down to 9.5 million hectares by
the Planning Commission at the time of Mid-Term Appraisal of the Eleventh Five Year Plan. The
anticipated irrigation potential creation is 10.47 million hectares as reported by the State
Government.
(f): Agriculture in both developed and developing countries depends on rains, as rains determine
the water availability for irrigation and crop development. However comparable statistic across
countries on the same are not available.
Price rise of vegetables
4039 SHRI PANKAJ BORA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware that there is massive difference in wholesale and retail prices of
vegetables;
(b) if so, whether Government has any mechanism to maintain rationality in wholesale and retail
prices;
(c) whether Government is prepared for applying those mechanism to contain price rise of
vegetables; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. With a view to maintain rationality in wholesale and retail prices of vegetables,
the Government has taken up a number of initiatives which includes the following:
Government has launched National Horticulture Mission (NHM) from 2005-06 for holistic
development of horticulture sector. Under NHM, financial assistance is provided for taking up
various activities relating to horticulture crops including vegetables.
Government has also launched a scheme on Vegetable Initiative for Urban Clusters (VIUC) during
2011-12 under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Scheme.
In order to protect the growers of agricultural/horticultural crops which are not covered under Price
Support Scheme (PSS), the Government of India implements Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
on the request of States/UT Governments.
Procurement under MIS is made by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of
India Limited (NAFED) as central agency, and by State designated agencies.
(d): Does not arise.
Group accident insurance scheme for fishermen
4040 SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
) whether Government is implementing any Group Accident Insurance Scheme for fishermen in the
country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of fishermen covered under the scheme in the State of Maharashtra and the number
of fishermen benefited therefrom in the State, so far?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) &(b): Yes, Sir. Under the component Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen of the
Centrally Sponsored Scheme “National Scheme of Welfare of fishermen”, an insurance cover for
Rs. 1,00,000/- against death or permanent total disability and Rs. 50,000/- for partial permanent
disability is provided. The annual premium payable is not more than Rs 30 per head, which is
shared by Centre and the State Government in the ratio of 50:50.
(c): Under the existing scheme 3,22,838 fishers have been covered in the State of Maharashtra and
45 families of the fishers have been benefitted from the scheme till date.
Involvement of youths in agriculture sector
4041 SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that very less people are interested in agriculture sector, specially youths;
(b) whether Government has any record of youths involved in the agriculture sector; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to motivate youths towards agriculture sector so as to provide an
alternate employment?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): No such information is available in the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
(DAC).
(c): Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers have been established by the Government since 2002
for creating gainful self employment opportunities to unemployed agricultural graduates, agri
diploma holders etc. supporting agriculture development and supplementing the efforts of public
extension as well. The scope of the scheme has been expanded so as to harness the potential of
rural unemployed youth to start agri enterprises in rural areas for serving farming community.
National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur under the Department of Agriculture
& Cooperation offers two-year Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Agri-business Management
(PGDABM), which equip the youth with unique skills required for a career in Agri-business.
Besides, through various Central Sector/ Centrally Sponsored Schemes and State Plan Scheme of
the Ministry, the efforts of State Governments are supplemented to make agri sector an attractive
vocation so that youth are not tempted to leave agriculture.
Subsidy in organic farming
4042 SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government intends to promote organic farming;
(b) if so, the list of various schemes to promote organic farming in the country;
(c) whether Government provides subsidy in organic farming sector; and
(d) if so, the details of subsidy provided, State-wise and product-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): The Government is already promoting Organic farming through various schemes like
National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture
Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Project on Management of Soil
Health and Fertility (NPMSHF) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
(c): Under National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), financial assistance is provided as back
ended subsidy through NABARD for setting up/strengthening of existing Bio-fertilizer and /or Bio-
pesticide Production Units, assistance upto @ 25% of total financial outlay or Rs.40.00 lakh,
whichever is less; and for setting up of Fruit and Vegetables Wastes/Agro-Wastes Compost
Production Units @ 33% of total financial outlay or Rs. 60.00 lakh, whichever is less; National
Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States
(HMNEH) provide financial assistance for adoption of organic farming @ Rs.10,000/- per hectare
for maximum area of 4 hectare per beneficiary, for setting up of vermi-compost units @ 50% of the
cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 30,000/- per beneficiary, and for organic farming certification @
Rs.5.00 lakh for a group of farmers covering an area of 50 hectares; National Project on
Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSHF), financial assistance is provided @ Rs. 500
per ha for promoting use of organic manures; Assistance for promotion of organic farming on
different components are also available under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) for projects
formulated and approved by the State Level Sanctioning Committee.
(d) : Details of subsidy provided through various schemes are at Annexure- I to V.
Drought in Andhra Pradesh
4043 SHRI PALVAI GOVARDHAN REDDY
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that recently a Central Team has visited Andhra Pradesh to assess the
damage caused due to drought in the State;
(b) if so, whether the Team has submitted its Report;
(c) if so, the details of the recommendations made by the Team; and
(d) the action taken/proposed to be taken on the recommendations of the Team?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): During Kharif-2012, Government of Andhra Pradesh has declared drought in 234
mandals spread over 9 districts of the State. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has visited
the State to assess crop damage/loss due to drought. Report of the IMCT is awaited.
National mission on crop diversification
4044 SHRI RAM JETHMALANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has implemented national mission on crop diversification in
the country;
(b) if so, whether a fund of Rs.500 crore has been set up under this mission;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the action plan Government has decided to implement under the said mission?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): An amount of Rs. 500 crore has been allocated in the Budget for 2013-14 to start a
programme of Crop Diversification in original Green Revolution States of Punjab, Haryana and
Western UP. The programme would promote technological innovation and encourage farmers to
choose crop alternatives to ensure long-term sustainability of agriculture in the North-West region
of the country.
Food scarcity due to drought
4045 SHRI KIRANMAY NANDA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has any estimate of the food scarcity caused due to drought in the country;
(b) if so, the steps Government proposes to overcome the food scarcity caused due to drought; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): There is no shortage or scarcity of foodgrains in the wake of drought in some parts of the
country during 2012-13.
Government makes additional allocation of foodgrains to the States/ Union Territories (UTs) over
and above normal allocation under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), for relief in the
wake of natural calamities viz. floods, drought, earthquake etc. at economic cost or open sale rates
whichever is less, with immediate effect. Such allocations are made post event on the request of
States/UTs or the recommendation of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCT) constituted by the
nodal Ministries after assessment of actual damage to the crops and requirement of foodgrains.
There is stock of 596.75 lakh tones of foodgrains (rice and wheat ) in the Central Pool as on
01.04.2013 which is sufficient to meet the requirement of TPDS, other welfare schemes and any
other special contingencies in the country.
Negative impact of chemical fertilizers
4046 SHRI RAM JETHMALANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that usage of chemical fertilizers in agriculture in the country has negatively
effected the agriculture land and water utilization;
(b) if so, the reaction of Government thereto;
(c) whether a proposal of suggestions has been made by Government to save the farmers from this
negative effect; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): There is no scientific evidence of deterioration of land with judicious use of chemical
fertilizers. However, indiscriminate and imbalanced use of fertilizers coupled with low addition of
organic matter over years may result in to micronutrient deficiencies and deterioration of soil
health.
There is possibility of nitrate contamination in ground water due to excessive use of nitrogenous
fertilizers particularly in light textured soils.
The Government is promoting balanced use of fertilizers through soil test based judicious use of
chemical fertilizers in conjunction with organic manures, use of customized fertilizers etc to
minimize adverse effect on the agricultural land and ground water.
(c) & (d): The Government is advocating soil test based Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)
envisaging conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of nutrients to sustain soil health,
higher crop productivities and prevent contamination of groundwater.
National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fertility (NPMSH&F) has been taken up from
2008-09 to promote soil test based balanced and judicious use of fertilizers through setting
up/strengthening of soil testing laboratories, trainings and demonstrations on balanced use of
fertilizers.
In addition, split application and placement of fertilizers, use of slow releasing nitrogenous
fertilizers, growing leguminous crops and use of Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) are
advised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). ICAR also imparts training, organizes
frontline demonstrations to educate farmers on this aspect.
Implementation of National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Bread
4047 DR. CHANDAN MITRA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
the total amount allocated, released and utilized for establishment of private Artificial Insemination
(AI) service under the National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Bread to various States/UTs during
the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
(b) the number of camps organised in Madhya Pradesh for treatment of animals for infertility and
also for training of workers for management of dairy animals during the said period; and
(c) the fresh steps taken by Government to strengthen the implementation of the project and deliver
breeding inputs at the farmer's doorstep all over the country?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) The details of the funds released and utilized for establishment of private Artificial Insemination
Service (AI) under National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB) during each of the
last three years and current year State wise and year wise is given at Annexure-I.
(b) The details of the camps organized in Madhya Pradesh for treatment of animals for infertility
and workers trained in AI are presented in the following table:
Particular Year
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
Fertility camps 1042 1058 NIL
Private AI workers trained 580 480 1029
(c) The National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding was evaluated by an independent agency
(NABARD Consultancy Services - NABCONS) in 12 States, which had substantially completed
implementation of Phase-I. Phase-II of the project incorporated the recommendations of the
evaluating agency. Implementation of the project is also reviewed at regular intervals by the senior
officers in the Department during the various meetings with State officials and videoconferencing.
Further Advisories have been issued to the States to train and establish private AI worker as
multipurpose worker for improving viability of AI workers and delivery of quality breeding inputs
at farmers’ doorstep.
Assistance to drought affected States
4048 SHRIMATI RENUBALA PRADHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) how many States have been declared drought affected in 2012-13;
(b) the name of the States and the drought affected districts thereof;
(c) the quantum of Central assistance provided to these drought affected States; and
(d) the details thereof, State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): During 2012-13, States of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have declared drought. State-wise details of drought affected districts are
at Annexure-I. Quantum of central assistance approved so far from National Disaster Response
Fund (NDRF) to the States in the wake of drought-2012-13 are at Annexure-II.
Cold storage requirements
4049 SHRI MOTILAL VORA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware that barring potato, there are no arrangements for storage of other
horticultural products;
(b) whether it is a fact that the country has only 3 crore tonnes of cold storage capacity against the
required 23 crore tone capacity;
(c) whether it is also a fact that despite Government incentive, private sector is unresponsive in this
regard;
(d) if so, whether Government would provide a hundred per cent assistance to gram panchayats for
constructing cold storage based on latest technique and for maintenance thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): About seventy five percent of cold storage capacity in the country is used to store potato, while
twenty five percent falls in multi-chamber, multi-product category which includes storage of
horticulture crops in different temperature ranges.
(b): As per National Spot Exchange (NSE) study (2010) on Cold Chain Grid in India, the
requirement (on the basis of peak season production and highest arrival/harvesting of storable fruit
and vegetables in a month) was 61.00 million MT cold storage capacity against which capacity of
24.30 Million MT was available at that time. The present cold storage capacity available in the
country is 30.3 million MT.
(c) to (e): The pattern of assistance for cold storage component under the schemes of National
Horticulture Mission and National Horticulture Board was enhanced from twenty five percent to
forty percent in general areas and fifty five percent in scheduled areas during 2010. The assistance
for establishment of cold storage has been linked to adoption of technical standards which includes
establishment of multi-chamber, multi-product cold storages. An additional capacity of 3.68 million
metric tones has been created in private sector since 2010 under these schemes. The construction of
cold storages is entrepreneur driven for which credit linked back ended subsidy is available.
Government agencies, cooperatives, growers’ associations, farmers groups, self-help groups,
women farmers groups are also entitled to avail assistance for establishment of cold storage to the
same extent.
Development of high yielding seeds
4050 SHRI PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware that farmers are suffering from huge financial losses due to
inferior quality of seeds;
(b) if so, the action taken by Government in this regard; and
(c) whether Government has advised State Governments and ICAR to conduct detailed study with
latest scientific techniques for development of various varieties of seeds which can yield more in
prevailing conditions?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): This Department has not received any specific complaint about huge financial losses due
to inferior quality of seeds supplied to the farmers. Moreover, under the Seeds Act, 1966, the Seed
Rules, 1968 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, the State Governments are empowered to check
the sale of fake/inferior/spurious seeds.
(c): The ICAR Institutes and State Agricultural Universities regularly conduct studies with latest
scientific techniques for the development of new varieties of different crops. The new varieties are
evaluated under different agro-climatic conditions through multi-locational trials over the years for
abiotic and biotic stresses; nutritional value and yield potential before being recommended for
cultivation to the farmers after the varieties are duly approved by the Central Seed Committee
constituted under the Seeds Act, 1966 and notified.
Development of dairy sector in Gujarat
4051 SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
the amount of fund provided to cooperative diaries of Gujarat under improved infrastructure
facilities for quality milk production during last five years including the details thereof; and
(b) the amount of fund from recent World Bank finance has been allocated to Gujarat for
development of dairy sector?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) An amount of Rs 2522.38 lakh was released to 11 Cooperative milk unions of Gujarat during
the last five years under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Strengthening Infrastructure for Quality
and Clean Milk Production” by the Department Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. The
details of funds provided are as under;
(Rs in lakh)
S No. Name of Cooperative Milk Union 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 TOTAL
1 Surat Milk Union 75.00 53.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 128.69
2 Baroda Milk Union 100.87 25.53 0.00 0.00 0.00 126.40
3 Ahmedabad Milk Union 100.00 100.00 77.69 0.00 0.00 277.69
4 Mehsana Milk Union 68.40 113.65 50.00 61.75 0.00 293.80
5 Panchmahal Milk Union 0.00 60.00 100.00 0.00 40.18 200.18
6 Valsad Milk Union 0.00 40.00 0.00 93.00 0.00 133.00
7 Banaskantha Milk Union 85.17 60.00 60.00 63.91 0.00 269.08
8 Sabarkantha Milk Union 0.00 144.45 138.45 0.00 92.70 375.60
9 Amreli Milk Union 0.00 50.00 0.00 114.37 47.54 211.91
10 Rajkot Milk Union 0.00 50.00 44.88 0.00 100.00 194.88
11 Surendranagar Milk Union 0.00 0.00 90.00 221.15 0.00 311.15
TOTAL 429.44 697.37 561.02 554.18 280.42 2522.38
(b) Under the National Dairy Plan Phase- I (NDP-I) being implemented with the World Bank
assistance, 17 sub projects from 6 End Implementing Agencies(EIAs) of Gujarat have been
approved with a total outlay of Rs. 14351.77 Lakh during 2012-13. The details of the approved sub
projects are as below:
Sr. No. Activity EIA Name Grant Assistance EIA Contribution Total Approved Outlay
(Rs. Lakh) (Rs. Lakh) (Rs. Lakh)
1 Progeny Testing Banaskantha Milk Union: Mehsana 1211.49 0.00 1211.49
2 Progeny Testing Mehsana Milk Union: Mehsana Buffalo 1265.36 0.00 1265.36
3 Progeny Testing SAG, Bidaj: CB HF 2175.63 0.00 2175.63
4 Progeny Testing SAG, Bidaj: Murrah 1061.7 0.00 1061.7
5 Pedigree Selection Banaskantha Milk Union: Kankrej 527.96 0.00 527.96
6 Pedigree Selection SAG Bidaj: Gir 743.99 0.00 743.99
7 Pedigree Selection SAG Bidaj: Jaffarabadi 743.99 0.00 743.99
8 Strengthening Semen Station Mehsana Milk Union: Jagudan Semen Station 687.77 0.00 687.77
9 Strengthening Semen Station SAG, Bidaj 2160.38 0.00 2160.38
10 Fodder Development Sabarkantha Milk Union 73.93 0.00 73.93
11 Fodder Development Surat Milk Union 111.28 0.00 111.28
12 Ration Balancing Programme Banaskantha Milk Union 351.61 0.00 351.61
13 Ration Balancing Programme Mehsana Milk Union 362.7 0.00 362.7
14 Ration Balancing Programme Sabarkantha Milk Union 365.85 0.00 365.85
15 Ration Balancing Programme Surat Milk Union 364.92 0.00 364.92
16 Village based Milk Procurement System Panchmahal Milk Union 422.78 248.58 671.36
17 Village based Milk Procurement System Sabarkantha Milk Union 790.88 680.97 1471.85
Total 13422.22 929.55 14351.77
Welfare schemes for agricultural workers
4052 SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether incidence of suicides by farmers have come down in some States, including Andhra
Pradesh due to implementation of some welfare schemes for agricultural workers and their related
works; and
(b) if so, the details thereof during the last five years, year-wise and State-wise, particularly in
Andhra Pradesh?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir. Incidence of suicides by farmers have come down in most of the States, including
Andhra Pradesh, as compared to previous years since 2006. The Government has initiated several
measures for mitigation of farmers’ distress. The major steps taken by the Government are as
follows:
(i) Effective implementation of the rehabilitation package for mitigation of agrarian distress in 31
identified farmer’s suicide prone districts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra.
(ii) Other schemes/programs such as, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), National Food
Security Mission (NFSM), Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA), National Horticulture
Mission (NHM), Agriculture Extension, National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) etc. are
being implemented to rejuvenate agriculture sector, improve productivity, production & viability of
farm operations, increase income of farmers and thereby ameliorate agrarian distress.
(iii) Other measures taken by the Government for the benefit of farmers include enhancement in
minimum support prices of agricultural commodities, increase in credit flow to agriculture sector,
debt waiver/relief, interest subvention on crop loans, etc.
(b): State-wise, year-wise, details regarding incidence of suicide by farmers due to agrarian reasons
during last five years since 2006, as reported by respective State Governments, including
Government of Andhra Pradesh, are at Annexure.
Compensation under crop insurance scheme
4053 SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has not released compensation under Agriculture Crop Insurance Scheme
to lakhs of acres in the Kharif and Rabi seasons in some States including Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof for the current year, State-wise; and
(c) the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): Compensation under Crop Insurance Schemes is worked out and settled by the concerned
insurance companies as per provisions of the respective scheme.
The settlement of compensation is sometimes delayed due to delays in providing matching share in
premium subsidy and claims liability by implementing States, verification of farmers etc.
Details of compensation for Rabi 2011-12 and Kharif 2012 are given in Annexure-I & II.
Milk produced by indigenous cows
4054 SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that indigenous cow milk produced in India is lower than the average per
cow milk production at international level;
(b) if so, the facts in this regard;
(c) the details of quantum of milk production per cow, per day in India and average milk produced
per cow, per day at international level;
(d) whether it is also a fact that Indian cow is capable of producing 56.17 litre milk per day in
Brazil; and
(e) if so, the details in this regard?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a)&(b) The information related to indigenous cow milk produced for comparability at international
level is not available in the FAOSTAT reports published by Food and Agriculture Organisation of
United Nation. However, in India the average estimated daily milk production of exotic/crossbred
cow and native Indigenous/ non-descript cows is 6.97 kg and 2.27 kg respectively during 2011-12.
(c) As per the FAOSTAT reports for quantum of milk production, the yield of cow milk, whole,
fresh in India and the world are 11693 Hectogram /Animal and 23935 Hectogram /Animal
respectively in 2011.
(d)&(e) The FAOSTAT report does not contain the specific information on production of milk of
Indian cow in Brazil.
Supply of free seeds to drought affected farmers
4055 SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government is implementing Seed Bank Scheme (SBS) to meet the
requirement of seeds during natural calamities;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government proposes to provide seeds to the drought affected farmers of Maharashtra
free of cost for the ensuing crop season from SBS;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Seed banks are in operation in States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In Kerala Seed Bank is operated by
Kerala State Seeds Development Authority while in Tamil Nadu through State’s Department of
Agriculture. National Seeds Corporation and State Farms Corporation of India also operate Seed
Banks at national level. The objective of the Seed Banks is to meet requirement of seed arising due
to natural calamities and other unforeseen conditions like drought, floods etc. The certified and
Foundation seeds of location specific varieties including local varieties, which are suitable for such
situations are generally kept in the Seed Bank.
(c): Seed bank scheme for supply of seed to the farmers during contingency situation in
Maharashtra is being implemented through Maharashtra State Seed Corporation. Presently, there is
no such proposal with Maharashtra Government to provide seeds to the drought affected farmers of
Maharashtra free of cost, for the ensuing the crop season from the Seed Bank Scheme.
(d) & (e): In view of (c) above, question does not arise.
Tissue culture in banana plantation
4056 SHRI TARUN VIJAY
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether banana tissue culture plants are more resistant to viral diseases; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by Government to promote tissue culture in banana
plantations?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) Tissue culture generated planting material ensures freedom from viral diseases but tissue culture
plants are not more resistant to viral diseases.
(b)
• The planting material produced through tissue culture are free from virus (though it does not
prevent infection of virus during growth), hence tissue cultured plants are promoted in banana
cultivation.
• Tissue culture protocols are standardized in Cavendish group. Cultivar G-9 is most popular and
lakhs of seedlings are supplied through different companies who obtained the technology from
research carried out through research institute of Indian Council of Agricultural Research/State
Agriculture Universities.
• Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme
“National Horticulture Mission” and “Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan State”
for holistic development of horticulture including promotion of tissue culture banana plantations in
India, under which subsidy is provided for taking up area expansion of Tissue Culture Banana.
Support is also provided for setting up of tissue culture units for mass multiplication of tissue
culture banana plants.
Revival package for poultry industry
4057 SHRI A. ELAVARASAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
whether the National Egg Coordination Committee has urged Government to extend a revival
package of ` 57,000/- crore for poultry industry, as the poultry industry is facing the worst crisis
due to an unprecedented rise in the price of poultry feed raw materials, soya meal and maize;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is a fact that maize prices increased from ` 1170/- per quintal to ` 1630/- per quintal
and the price of soya meal increased from ` 1821/- per quintal a year ago to ` 3512/- per quintal;
and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to extend revival package to this sector to overcome
the crisis?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b) The Government has received a petition from National Egg Coordination Committee
(NECC) citing severe crisis due to abnormal increase of prices of Maize and Soya, which are the
main poultry feed ingredients. No amount is mentioned in the petition.
Various measures are sought in the representation of NECC, like moratorium for a period of one
year on repayment of term loans availed by the poultry industry, rescheduling of outstanding term
loans, grant of 6% interest subvention for 2-3 years, additional working capital loans, allocation of
damaged wheat and rice by Food Corporation of India for exclusive use of poultry farmers, and
import of soya meal by farmers at zero rate of customs duty.
(c ) & (d) 1. The prices of both soya and maize have fluctuated during the last year and as per the
Price Monitoring Cell, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, wholesale
Mandi rates as on last week of April (25th April 2013) current prices for maize and soybean seed
show increase of around 5% and 21% respectively over last year. In August and September, 2012,
to bring down the cost of feed ingredients, Government of India has brought the standard rates of
import duty to nil upto 31st March, 2013 in case of de-oiled soya extract, groundnut oil cake/ oil
cake meal, sunflower oil cake/ oil cake meal, canola oil cake/ oil cake meal, mustard oil cake/ oil
cake meal. Import duty on maize bran has also been waived. Further, Government of India in July
2011, has included State Departments and agencies having poultry feed manufacturing plants to be
eligible for open bidding (tender/ auction) for feed category stocks of the FCI, provided that they
confirm to having feed stock manufacturing plants and/or poultry feed manufacturing plants.
Post harvest losses of agricultural products
4058 SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether the Central Institute for Post Harvest Engineering Technology (CIPHET) has made an
assessment of post harvest losses of agricultural products in 2010;
(b) if so, the outcome of the study; and
(c) the details of policies formulated and schemes implemented to reduce wastage and increase
value addition in the food chain?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) Yes, Sir. A study of the quantitative harvest and post harvest losses of major crops and livestock
produce was carried out by All India Coordinated Research Project on Post Harvest Technology,
Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, India Council of Agricultural
Research during 2005-07 on the recommendations of Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Agriculture (PSCA). The final report of the study has been submitted to PSCA in September, 2010.
(b) & (c): The survey on estimation of post harvest losses was undertaken in 106 districts of India
with respect to 46 crops and commodities comprising 5 cereals, 4 pulses, 6 oilseeds, 8 fruits, 8
vegetables, 8 plantation crops and spices, 6 livestock produce and jaggery. The data collected by
enquiry and by observations in the field were scrutinized and statistically analyzed to arrive at the
overall estimates of quantitative harvest and post harvest losses at national level.
The losses in selected cereals, pulses and oilseeds were found in the ranges of 3.9-6%, 4.3-6.1%
and 2.8-10.1%, respectively. The losses in selected fruits and vegetables were observed in the range
of 5.8-18%. The average losses in inland and marine fisheries were 6.9% and 2.9% respectively.
The losses in milk sector were 0.8% and, meat and poultry sectors were 2.3% and 3.7%
respectively.
The suggested interventions for reduction of wastage and increase value addition in the food chain
are (i) Development and popularization of technologies for reduction in post-harvest losses; (ii) Use
of latest scientific methods in preservation of food grains; and (iii) Proper storage for Horticultural
produce.
Setting up of NDRC
4059 SHRI NARENDRA KUMAR KASHYAP
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is considering to set up National Drought Relief Commission (NDRC) on
the lines of National Water Commission (NWC);
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when this Commission is likely to be set up?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Agriculture is not contemplating any proposal for establishing a National
Drought Relief Commission (NDRC) on the lines of National Water Commission (NWC).
Assistance to Maharashtra for addressing the drought
4060 DR. YOGENDRA P. TRIVEDI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government of Maharashtra has demanded for additional amount in order to deal with
the severe drought in the State;
(b) if so, the date of such demand and the amount of money sought by Government of Maharashtra;
(c) whether Central Government has taken any decision on this demand;
(d) if so, the amount Central Government is going to provide to Maharashtra State; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (e): Government of Maharashtra had submitted memoranda dated 13.08.2012 and 15.02.2013
seeking central financial assistance of Rs.3232.15 crore and Rs.1801.32 crore from National
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for mitigating drought situation during Kharif -2012 and Rabi
2012-13 respectively.
Based on the report/assessment of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team’s (IMCT) that visited the
State, Government of India has approved Rs.778.09 crore and Rs.807.84 crore from National
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to Maharashtra for mitigating drought situation of Kharif-2012
and Rabi-2012-13 respectively. Besides, Central Government has also approved Rs.400 crore
during 2012-13, for implementing a special package for rejuvenation of horticulture crops in
drought affected districts of Maharashtra.
Assistance to small scale farmers
4061 SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the amount spent by Government in current financial year for providing improved high yield
variety seeds and fertilizers to the small scale farmers in the country to increase their crop-yield,
Statewise;
(b) whether Government has any plan to provide tools and training programmes to the farmers to
increase production at the local level;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Government provides assistance to farmers for improved high yielding variety seeds and
fertilizers to increase crop yield. However, for the current year, the season has just started as such
the amount spent cannot be stated. The rates at which assistance is provided is at Annexure I & II.
(b) to (d): Government provides tools and training to the farmers under various crop development
programmes. Field Demonstration, Front Line Demonstration, Farmer’s Field School on latest
improved crop production technologies, Integrated Nutrient Management, Integrated Pest
Management, Integrated Resource Conservation Technology etc., are organized to enhance
capacity of farmers in increasing agricultural production. In addition, an institutional arrangement
for technology dissemination in the form of an Agricultural Technology Management Agency
(ATMA) at district level have been put in place for capacity building of the farmers for achieving
higher production.
Sale of DMS milk
4062 SHRI VINAY KATIYAR
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
the number of concessional sale booths of Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS) in Delhi, as on date;
(b) whether Government proposes to increase the number of DMS milk booths;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether it is a fact that sale of DMS milk has gone down at present;
(e) if so, the reasons therefor;
(f) whether Government has made any plans to increase the sale of DMS milk;and
(g) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
( DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT )
(a) As on date, 521 DMS milk booths are in operation in Delhi/New Delhi.
(b)&(c) DMS has proposed to set up 20 new milk booths in slum areas of Delhi. The details are
enclosed in Annexure-I.
(d)&(e) The sale of DMS milk has gone down at present on account of market competition and
increased availability of milk of other brands.
(f)&(g) DMS is taking up sale of milk in new areas through appointment of distributors to increase
sale of DMS milk.
Registration of seed companies on false claims
4063 SHRI C.M. RAMESH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether seed companies in Andhra Pradesh are registering their seeds by falsely claiming
before State Seed Registration Authority informing that seeds have been produced after carrying
out extensive farming in hundreds of acres and are selling the same to farmers;
(b) whether indulgence of three seed companies in unscrupulous practices in Mahaboobnagar,
Nizamabad and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh have come to light; and
(c) if so, the action Government has taken action against these companies to protect the interest of
farmers?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): The Government of Andhra Pradesh has reported that no seed companies have been
registered in Andhra Pradesh on false claims. Moreover, under the Seeds Act, 1966, the Seed
Rules, 1968 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, the State Government is empowered to check the
unscrupulous practices if any, by the seed companies in supply of certified/quality seeds to the
farmers.
Weather based crop insurance
4064 SHRI N.K. SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether there is any provision for weather based crop insurance in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the number of subscribers to any weather based crop insurance policy and the
number of insurance claims;
(d) whether Government is proposing any measures to mitigate the effects of weather variations in
the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. With a view to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in
the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of adverse weather conditions, a Weather
Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) is under implementation from Kharif 2007 on pilot basis.
WBCIS was initially approved to implement in 3 States and further extended in more States. It was
approved to implement in 20 States from Rabi 2008-09. State of Jammu & Kashmir has also been
allowed from Rabi 2010-11.
It provides insurance protection to the farmers against adverse weather incidence, such as
deficit/excess rainfall, un-seasonal rainfall, low/high temperature, frost, relative humidity etc.
which are deemed to impact adversely the crop production. It has the advantages to minimize moral
hazards; lowering of administrative costs; speedy settlement of claims etc. All farmers both, loanee
and non-loanee in the notified area/crop are eligible for coverage under the pilot. However,
insurance is compulsory for loanee and optional for non-loanee farmers.
(c): During the period of the last eleven crop seasons i.e. from Kharif 2007 to Kharif 2012, 3.25
crore farmers have been covered and out of them 1.92 farmers have been paid claims.
(d) & (e): The WBCIS provides support to the farmers in the event of major weather variations.
Demand and consumption of rice and wheat
441 SHRI AAYANUR MANJUNATHA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has assessed the likely demand and consumption pattern of rice and wheat
for the next five years;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State and Union Territory-wise;
(c) whether the current production of rice and wheat is sufficient to meet the growing demand in
the country; and
(d) if not, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by Government to increase the production of these
staple crops to feed the growing population of the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 441 FOR 26/04/2013 REGARDING DEMAND AND CONSUMPTION OF RICE AND
WHEAT.
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The “Working Group on Crop Husbandry, Demand and Supply Projections,
Agricultural Inputs and Agricultural Statistics for the Twelfth Five Year Plan” set up by the
Planning Commission has projected the demand, including demand for exports, of rice at 110
million tonnes in the terminal year i.e. 2016-17 of the Twelfth Plan against which between 98 to
106 million tones is projected to be produced. The demand for wheat has been projected at 89
million tonnes against which between 93 to 104 million tonnes is projected to be produced by the
terminal year i.e. 2016-17 of the Twelfth Plan. The Group has not estimated State-wise and Union
Territory-wise demand and consumption pattern of these commodities.
(c): The production of rice and wheat is sufficient to meet the domestic demand keeping in view
that the country has been exporting sizable quantities of these commodities during the last few
years.
(d): In order to increase production of rice and wheat in the country, Government has been
implementing several Crop Development Scheme/Programmes such as National Food Security
Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern
India (BGREI) under RKVY, etc. Under these schemes, funds are provided to States for
implementation of State specific agricultural strategies including incentives to farmers for
production/use of quality seeds, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest
Management (IPM), farm mechanization etc. Besides, Frontline Demonstrations are also organized
by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)/State Agriculture Universities on the
farmers’ fields to popularize frontier technologies among farmers. Further, to ensure remunerative
price to farmers, the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of paddy and wheat have also been increased
from time to time.
Promoting indigenous varities of cows
447 SHRI K.N. BALAGOPAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether Government is aware that the practice of cross breeding Indian cows with imported
bulls and semen, that started in 1960s, has set off a systematic destruction of the indigenous Indian
cows, which includes precious breeds developed over a millennium;
(b) if so, whether Government will bring amendments to legalize the possession of indigenous desi
bulls along with other measures to promote the desi varieties of cows;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
******
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION No. 447 PROMOTIING OF INDIGENOUS VARIETIES OF COWS TO
BE ANSWERED ON 26th APRIL 2013.
(a) to (d) As per 18th Livestock Census 2007, the country has 166.015 million indigenous cattle as
compared to 160.495 million as per livestock census 2003. Indigenous cattle population constitutes
about 83.39% of total cattle population. Although formulation of breeding policy for development
of cattle and buffalo population is within the purview of the State Government, Government of
India supplements the efforts of States by providing necessary assistance to States for improving
productivity through genetic upgradation of bovine breeds including development and conservation
of indigenous cattle. Crossbreeding is generally undertaken for non-descript cattle in areas having
better resources of feed and fodder and limiting the exotic inheritance as per the breeding policy of
the respective States.
Currently, about 7 million semen doses of indigenous cattle bulls and 20 million semen doses of
indigenous buffalo bulls are produced at the semen stations maintained by the States, Milk
Federations, NGOs and NDDB for development of indigenous bovine breeds. Development and
conservation of indigenous bovine breeds is promoted under the schemes of National Project for
Cattle and Buffalo Breeding and National Dairy Plan. States can also avail resources from
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna for this purpose. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying &
Fisheries is also implementing the Schemes viz. Central Cattle Breeding Farms, Central Frozen
Semen Production & Training Institute and Central Herd Registration Scheme for development of
bovine population including indigenous breeds.
Development of quality seeds
454 SHRI NARESH CHANDRA AGRAWAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has taken any steps to increase development of high quality seeds of rice,
wheat and pulses;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has taken any steps to provide these high quality seeds to farmers at low
cost;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
******
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 454 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26/04/2013 REGARDING “DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY
SEEDS”
___________________________________________________________
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) A total of 157 varieties/hybrids of rice (68), wheat (28) and pulses (61) have been notified
during the last three years based on the research work conducted by National Agricultural Research
System (NARS) comprising of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes and All
India Coordinated Research Projects of ICAR located in State Agricultural Universities.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DoAC) of the Ministry of Agriculture
provides assistance for production and distribution of quality seeds of rice, wheat and pulses under
the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), thus making quality seeds of these crops available to
farmers at low cost.
(e) Question does not arise.
Impact of climate change on crop yeilds
456 SHRI K.V.P. RAMACHANDRA RAO
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has conducted
climate change impact assessment studies using the crop simulation models;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) what reduction in crop yields has been projected?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
******
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 456 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26/04/2013 REGARDING “IMPACT OF CLIMATE
CHANGE ON CROP YIELDS”
___________________________________________________________
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has conducted climate change
impact analysis on crop yields using crop simulation models (INFO-CROP and HAD CM3)
incorporating future projections for 2020, 2050 and 2080.
(c) Simulation studies projected reduction in yields of irrigated rice by about 4% in 2020, 7% in
2050 and by 10% in 2080 scenarios. On the other hand, rainfed rice yields in India are likely to be
reduced by nearly 6% in 2020 scenario, but in 2050 and 2080 scenarios, they are projected to
decrease only marginally (<2.5%).
Similarly, climate change is projected to reduce timely sown irrigated wheat production by about
6% in 2020 from the existing values. In case of late sown wheat, the projected reduction levels are
to the extent of 18, 23 and 25 percent in 2020, 2050 and 2080 respectively.
The yields of irrigated kharif maize are projected to reduce by about 18% in 2020 and 2050
scenarios and about 23% in 2080 due to climate change. Rainfed sorghum yields are projected to
marginally (2.5%) decline in 2020 scenario and about 8% in 2050.
Assessment of drought situation in Maharashtra
459 SHRI ISHWARLAL SHANKARLAL JAIN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has taken stock of the drought situation in Maharashtra or whether any
Committee has been set up to keep a watch over the situation;
(b) whether State Government has sent a proposal recently demanding special fund to deal with this
situation;
(c) whether Government has paid attention towards availability of fodder and water, particularly for
cattle in Maharashtra;
(d) whether cattle are dying due to unavailability of fodder and water in the State;
(e) whether Government has given any special fund to the State Government for providing fodder
and water to cattle; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (f) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 459 FOR 26/04/2013 REGARDING ASSESSMENT OF DROUGHT SITUATION IN
MAHARASHTRA.
(a) to (f): Yes, Sir. Government has constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to
assess and monitor drought situation and take timely decisions on policy issues including approval
of new/innovative schemes for effective management of drought/rainfall deficit situation in the
affected States including Maharashtra. In view of rainfall deficit in several parts of the country
during Monsoon-2012, the EGoM has approved several schemes viz. (i) diesel subsidy scheme (for
providing protective irrigation in rainfall deficient areas), (ii) enhancement of ceiling on seed
subsidy (to partially recompense farmers for re-sowing/purchasing drought tolerant varieties of
seeds), (iii) up-scaling the central sector scheme on feed & fodder, (iv) waiver of import duty on oil
cakes, (v) additional allocation of funds under Accelerated Fodder Development Programme
(AFDP), (vi) providing assistance for feed and fodder supplements under National Mission for
Protein Supplements (NMPS), (vii) introducing drought impact mitigating interventions for
perennial horticulture crops, (viii) reducing interest on rescheduled crop loans to mitigate drought
conditions, and (ix) implementation of a special package for rejuvenation of orchards in drought
affected districts of Maharashtra.
Besides, additional wage employment upto 50 days per household beyond 100 days under
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in drought notified
areas, interim assistance under calamity component of National Rural Drinking Water Programme
(NRDWP) and fast tracking release of instalments under NRDWP and Integrated Watershed
Management Programme etc. were also approved by EGoM as drought relief measures.
Contd…2/-
-2-
Government of Maharashtra had submitted memoranda seeking central assistance of Rs.3232.15
crore and Rs.1801.32 crore for mitigating drought situation during Kharif-2012 and Rabi -2012/13
respectively, against which Central Government had approved Rs.778.09 crore and Rs.807.84 crore
respectively from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Details of assistance approved from
NDRF are at Annexure-I.
No report of cattle dying due to unavailability of fodder and water has been received from Govt. of
Maharashtra. An Inter-Ministerial Crop Weather Watch Group takes stock of drought situation in
the country, including in Maharashtra, on a weekly basis.
Protection of domestic cows
3411 SHRI PRABHAKAR KORE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
whether it is a fact that India is importing cows from Europe and other western countries for
increasing the production of milk;
(b) if so, whether it has any impact on the Indian society and its agrarian economy;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Government is taking any measure to preserve and protect the domestic animals; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) to (c) Government is not importing dairy cows from European and other western countries to
increase the production of milk.
(d) and (e) In order to complement and supplement the efforts made by the States in development
and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds Government of India is implementing the following
schemes for genetic upgradation of bovine population with a focus on development and
conservation of indigenous breeds:
(i) National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB)
(ii) National Dairy Plan-I (NDP-I)
(iii) Central Cattle Breeding Farms (CCBFs)
(iv) Central Herd Registration Scheme (CHRS)
(v) Central Frozen Semen Production and Training Institute (CFSP&TI)
Growth rate of foodgrain production vis a vis population
3412 SHRI P. RAJEEVE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the growth rate of foodgrain production is lesser than the growth rate of
population in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the both growth rates during the last three years; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to address this issue?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): As per data of Population Census 2001 and the provisional figures for Census 2011, the
decadal growth rate of population in the country during 2001-2011 has been 17.64% i.e. an average
annual growth rate of 1.76%. As against this, the average annual growth rates of foodgrain
production in the country during the last three years i.e. 2009-10 to 2011-12 has been 3.73%.
(c): In order to increase the production of foodgrains in the country, Government is implementing a
number of Crop Development Schemes/Programmes, namely: National Food Security Mission
(NFSM), Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) and Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) through State Governments. In addition to above schemes, during
2010-11, two new programmes viz. Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India and Integrated
Development of 60,000 Pulses and Oilseeds Villages in Rainfed Areas have been initiated under
RKVY. Further, a new programme “Accelerated Pulses Production Programme (A3P)” in the form
of block demonstrations has also been started in 16 pulses growing States of the country.
Selling of organs by farmers
3413 SHRI ARVIND KUMAR SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware of the recent report regarding selling of organs by farmers in
Andhra Pradesh to escape debt trap;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of farmers who have sold their organs to escape debt trap and the number of farmers
committed suicide during last three years, State-wise;
(d) the reasons for the same;
(e) whether Government would take fresh steps to redress the problems of farmers in view of the
above;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): The Government has no reports about the farmers who have sold their organs to escape debt
trap. However, State-wise information regarding the number of farmers who have committed
suicide due to agrarian reasons during the last three years is annexed.
Contd…2/-
-2-
(d): Loan for the purpose of capital or current expenditure in farm business combined with
successive crops failure, loan for meeting health, marriages and other social ceremonies related
expenses have been identified as major reason for suicide by the farmers in the country.
(e) & (f): Government announces each season minimum support prices for major agriculture
commodities to ensure remunerative prices to the growers taking into consideration the relevant
factors including the cost of production and changes in the input prices and organizes purchase
operations through public and cooperative agencies. Besides, to raise farm income and to improve
agriculture production and productivity, Government is implementing various schemes like
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National
Horticultural Mission (NHM), Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize
(ISOPOM), Agriculture Credit Initiatives, Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), Crop Insurance etc.
In order to reduce dependence of farmers on private money lenders, Government has taken several
measures to increase institutional credit flow and bringing more and more farmers including small
and marginal farmers within the institutional credit fold. These measures, inter alia, include fixation
of annual targets for improving agricultural credit flow, provision of crop loans upto Rs.3.00 lakh
@ 4% per annum to such farmers who repay their loan as per the repayment schedule fixed by the
banks, extention of benefit of interest subvention scheme to small & marginal farmers having Kisan
Credit Card for a further period upto six months for storing their produce in warehouses against
negotiable warehouse receipts, collateral free loan upto Rs.1.00 lakh, scheme for financing of Joint
Liability Group (JLGs) etc.
(g): Does not arise.
Compensation to farmers of Vidarbha
3414 SHRI ANIL DESAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether farmers of Vidarbha have not received compensatory fund for the loss of crops for the
year 2011-12;
(b) if so, the extent of amount still pending; and
(c) by when, the amount will be paid to farmers?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): During Rabi- 2011-12, Government of Maharashtra declared drought in 15 districts
including 5 districts of Vidarbha region viz. Nagpur, Gondia, Gadchiroli, Amravati and Buldhana.
Based on the recommendations of the Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) that visited the State
for assessment of crop loss, Central Government had approved Rs.574.71 crore from National
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to Government of Maharashtra for mitigating drought situation.
This amount was fully released to the State.
Talks on agricultural issues with former P.M. of New Zealand
3415 SHRIMATI T. RATNA BAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether former Prime Minister of New Zealand visited Hyderabad and held talks with State
Government officials on technology to be adopted by small and marginal farmers, water
management, strengthening of co-operative societies, crops to be adopted in the rainfed areas and
other issues; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the outcome therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir. The former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. James B. Bolger visited Hyderabad
in November last year, in the capacity of Chairman, Advisory Board, World Agricultural Form
scheduled to be organized on 4th to 7th November, 2013 at Hyderabad.
(b): In his address to the State Agricultural Ministers, in the Conference held on 24.11.2012, he
emphasized importance of agriculture sector in fighting the challenge of hunger facing developing
countries. To increase production and productivity he discussed the increasing role of science and
technology, investment in research for better seed, fertilizer, better infrastructure, improving
management of co-operatives to improve the future of the smaller and marginal farmers, role of
gender in agriculture sector etc. He also outlined the role of trade policy, International Trade Policy
and WTO to have fair-trade environment.
Co ordination among agricultural universities
3416 SHRI PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that due to lack of proper co-ordination among all agricultural universities,
the useful information and technological development are not being shared for development of
agriculture sector as a result of which farmers are not getting benefits of new research taking place
in the farming sector; and
(b) if so, the action taken by Government for proper co-ordination among various agricultural
universities?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. Useful information and technologies are being shared for development of
Agricultural Sector by Agricultural Universities through various mechanisms. These are:-
(a) All India Coordinated Research Projects and Network projects (79 numbers in operation)
coordinated and funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Information is shared
during annual workshop.
(b) Krishi Vigyan Kendras (631 Nos.) all over the country and majority are under Agricultural
Universities. The co-ordination is being done through 8 (eight) Zonal Project Directorates and
national workshop are also held.
(c) Summer Schools and Winter Schools organized by agricultural Universities through funding
support from ICAR, where scientists from all over country are participants.
(d) Symposium/conferences in specific areas are also organized where participation is across the
Universities.
(e) Annual Conference of Vice Chancellors of all Agricultural Universities sharing their
achievements, problems, new technologies etc. on common platform.
(f) Accreditation of Agricultural Universities for quality in higher agricultural education,
uniformity in academic and course standards curricula, monitored by ICAR.
The Planning Commission’s working group on Agricultural Research and Education for XII Plan
had constituted a sub-group on Agricultural Education. Adequate State Funding, University
governance, faculty strength and inbreeding, faculty and students development programmes,
demand-driven curriculum and its delivery, quality assurance and modern infrastructure for
education and research are the areas needing attention.
Based on existing concerns and emerging scenario, a national Agricultural Education Project is
being developed imbibing the suggestions of the various stakeholders for improving quality and
higher agricultural education in the country.
Suggestion for alternative crops
3417 SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is suggesting farmers for alternative crops in some States including
Andhra Pradesh to benefit them; and
(b) if so, the details thereof including the status of alternative crops in each State and the results
yielded so far?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Government is implementing various crop development schemes in the States, including
Andhra Pradesh for promoting cropping patterns and scientific agronomic practices that are most
suited to the agro-ecological conditions of the State/region for providing maximum benefits to the
farmers; these schemes include National food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
(RKVY), Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP), Special
Programme on Oil Palm Area Expansion (OPAE), National Horticulture Mission, Technology
Mission on Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM), Technology
Mission on Cotton (TMC), Jute Technology Mission (JTM), etc.
Drought situation in the country
3418 SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether farmers are facing difficulties due to drought situation in the country, particularly in
Andhra Pradesh; and
(b) if so, the details thereof comparatively during the last five years and the amount released to each
State Government to help the farmers, year-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): During Kharif- 2012, Governments of Karnataka (142 talukas in 26 districts), Rajasthan (12
districts), Gujarat (132 talukas in 17 districts), Maharashtra (125 talukas in 16 districts), Kerala (4
districts), Andhra Pradesh (234 mandals in 9 districts) and Tamil Nadu (31 districts) have notified
drought. In addition, Government of Maharashtra (3905 villages in 9 districts) and Kerala (14
districts) have also declared drought during Rabi- 2012-13.
(b): Details of central assistance approved from National Calamity Contingency Fund
(NCCF)/National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to drought affected States during last five years
are at Annexure-I.
Disbursement of funds to Chhattisgarh under agricultural schemes
3419 SHRI SHIVPRATAP SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the amount of funds disbursed to the State of Chhattisgarh under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana,
Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM), National Mission on
Micro-irrigation scheme;
(b) the details thereof; and
(c) by when the second installment of funds will be released?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): The funds released to the State of Chhattisgarh during 2012-13 under Rashtriya Krishi
Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) and
National Mission on Micro-Irrigation (NMMI) scheme are as under:
Name of Scheme Amount released
(Rs. In crore)
RKVY 571.22
ISOPOM 7.55
NMMI 31.72
(c): Funds for the year 2012-13 have already been disbursed against the above scheme.
Promotion of drip irrigation system
3420 SHRI SANJAY RAUT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that sugarcane crop and rose plants consume a lot of water;
(b) whether it is also a fact that cultivating these crops regularly is one of the reasons for drought
situation in Maharashtra;
(c) whether Government of Maharashtra has made it mandatory for sugarcane growers to use drip
irrigation system over the next three years for sugarcane crop; and
(d) if so, whether Government would encourage drip irrigation system across the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Sugarcane consumes relatively more water for realizing optimum crop yields as
compared to many other crops like wheat, pulses and coarse cereals. However, Maharashtra is
witnessing consecutive drought situation beginning from Rabi-2011-12 and continuing through
Kharif-2012 and Rabi-2012-13, primarily on account of deficit rainfall in several parts of the State
during intervening period; there is no empirical evidence to suggest that the drought situation in
Maharashtra is due to cultivation of sugarcane and rose.
(c) & (d): For judicious use of water, Government of India is promoting implementation of drip and
sprinkler irrigation system for both horticulture and agriculture crops including sugarcane and rose
in the country, including Maharashtra under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on
Micro Irrigation.
Price rise in NCAER report
3421 SHRI RAM JETHMALANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether as per the quarterly agricultural outlook report prepared by the National Council of
Applied Economic Research (NCAER) of the department of Agriculture the prices of wheat, rice
and onion will continue to remain increased upto March 2013;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether the grounds of rise in inflation have also been mentioned in this report; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) has sponsored a Project to National
Council of Applied Economic Research (an independent body and not a part of DAC) on
“Agriculture Outlook and Situation Analysis for Food Security” under National Food Security
Mission. As per “The Quarterly Agricultural Outlook Report” December, 2012 submitted by
NCAER under the project, wheat price is to stabilize at the current high level and expected to
decline from April, 2013. The price increase scenario is seen to be a concern in the next few
months in the case of wheat, pulses and onion also. In general, for the food sector as a whole, the
prices would remain a concern until the rabi harvest 2012-13 produce begins to come into the
market.
(c) & (d): As mentioned in the report, the factors affecting the price scenario in the report are the
poor production of wheat and coarse cereals globally in 2012-13 because of weather related adverse
conditions particularly in the USA, Ukraine and Russia; weak monsoon in India affecting kharif
production and the increase in minimum support price of rice and wheat.
The projections for the next few months are based on models that incorporate seasonal and trend
patterns for each food commodity and extend the estimated patterns for the short term future. The
two alternative approaches were applied i.e. one approach that used the data on wholesale prices of
food commodities in Delhi and second that used Wholesale Price Index at the All India basis. The
projections of Delhi market prices of food commodities were provided until April 2013 and the
Wholesale Price Index analysis was provided upto February 2013. The analysis indicates continued
price pressure until April 2013.
Food to poor
3422 SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether India observes 'October 16' annually as World Food Day;
(b) if so, whether on this day, an appraisal is made to know whether our poor and hunger
countrymen are able to afford one square meal a day;
(c) whether due to resource constraints, co-operations of philanthropic organizations like Indian
Food Banking Network is being solicited and they are actively helped to evolve a modality to
systemically acquire donated food and make it available to needy persons through community
agencies; and
(d) whether Government would stress upon FICCI, CII etc., to motivate their members to discharge
their corporate social responsibility to support such a noble cause?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): World Food Day is celebrated by all the member countries of United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization. Thematic discussions are organized on this day to give focus to specific
food security related issues. In year 2012, the theme, dedicated for the purpose was “Agricultural
Cooperatives-key to Feeding the World.” Government is committed to ensuring food and
nutritional security for all its citizens. Several welfare schemes and programmes are implemented
throughout the country.
(c): Indian Food Banking Networking is understood to be a recent, ‘not for profit’ non-government
organization, aiming to connect corporate groups and other stakeholders in supporting the country
level efforts for achieving food and nutritional security. It is a welcome initiative supplementing the
governmental efforts.
(d): Activities under corporate social responsibilities are essentially voluntary in nature. FIICI, CII,
etc. are free to motivate their members to discharge their corporate social responsibility in this
regard.
Complaints at Safal Vegetable booths
3423 SHRI A.A. JINNAH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware that Safal Vegetable booth authorities expect that complaints be
lodged by consumers in complaint books provided at Safal booths;
(b) if so, the action taken on such complaints lodged by consumers; and
(c) what are the detailed reasons that the officers in management of Safal do not try to contact the
complainant what to talk of giving any written reply to consumers about the action taken?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) Complaints if any by customers can be lodged in the Suggestion Book available at the booths or
through telephone or e-mail.
(b) & (c) Action is taken to address the complaints by communicating the complainant through
phone/email or in person and then a report is submitted to the superior officer.
Profit margin of milk sold by DMS
3424 SHRI VINAY KATIYAR
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS) is purchasing unprocessed milk at Rs.28.5
per litre on the basis of fat and SNF (Solid Non Fat) and selling it at Rs.41.5 litre;
(b) whether it is also a fact that there is a profit of Rs.13 per litre which is Rs. 7 higher compared to
last two years;
(c) if so, the purchase price and sale price of milk during each month of the last two years; and
(d) whether Government would reduce the sale prices of DMS milk so that consumers may be
benefited?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS) is purchasing milk at the rate of Rs.29.50 per kg. on the basis of Fat
and Solid Not Fat (SNF). However, current selling prices for DMS milk for Double Toned Milk,
Toned Milk and Full Cream Milk are Rs.26.00, Rs.30.00 and Rs.39.00 per litre respectively, which
includes retailer margin of Rs. 0.90 per litre.
(b) No, in view of (a) above.
(c) The monthly purchase price and sale price of DMS milk during the last two years is annexed.
(d) There is no proposal at present to reduce the sale prices of DMS milk.
Increase in the price of milk
3425 SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the milk production in the country has become highest in the world in
the year 2012-13;
(b) if not, the facts in this regard;
(c) the annual average growth rate of milk production assessed in the country since the last one
decade;
(d) whether the milk prices have also increased annually during the said decade; and
(e) if so, the annual average price-hike thereof?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b) As per FAOSTAT, India has become the largest milk producing country in the world in
1997 and her status has been counting since then. During year 2011-12, the estimated Milk
production in India is 127.9 million tonnes.
(c) The Annual Average Growth Rate in milk production in India between 2001-02 to 2011-12 was
4.29 percent. However, The estimated production of milk and annual growth rate since 2001-02 is
given below:
Year Milk Production Annual Growth
(March to February) (million tonnes) (Year-wise)
2001-02 84.4 4.71
2002-03 86.2 2.13
2003-04 88.1 2.20
2004-05 92.5 4.99
2005-06 97.1 4.97
2006-07 102.6 5.66
2007-08 107.9 5.17
2008-09 112.2 3.99
2009-10 116.4 3.74
2010-11 121.8 4.64
2011-12 127.9 5.01
(d) & (e) The Wholesale Price Index of milk (base year 2004-05=100) stood at 208.1 in 2012-13.
The annual growth rate of Wholesale Price Index of milk from 2005-06 is given below:
Yearly Wholesale Price Index (Base Year 2004-05 = 100)
Financial Year 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06
Index 208.1 194.01 175.88 146.41 123.24 114.58 108.98 101.01
Annual Growth (%) 7.26 10.31 20.13 18.80 7.56 5.14 7.89 1.01
Over sowing of cash crops in Maharashtra
3426 SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether experts have opined that the present worst drought in Marathwada and other parts of
Maharashtra is the result of over sowing of cash crops such as water guzzling sugarcane and fruits
instead of traditional Jower-Bajra over the past decade resulting in depletion of groundwater level;
(b) if so, the reaction of Government in this regard; and
(c) the action Government propose to take to convince the farmers to go for traditional crops
instead of water consuming cash crops to avoid droughts?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): Compared to many crop particularly coarse cereals, crops like sugarcane consume
relatively more water for realizing optimum yields. However, the current drought situation in
Maharashtra is primarily on account of deficit rainfall in several parts of the State in Rabi-2011-12
and 2012-13; there is no empirical evidence to suggest that the drought situation in Maharashtra is
due to cultivation of sugarcane and fruits.
Government of India is promoting cultivation of rainfed crops that require less water, like millets
including jowar and bajra in various States including Maharashtra through Initiative for Nutritional
Security through Intensive Millets Promotion, a sub-scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Availability of quality seeds
3427 SHRI BHARATKUMAR RAUT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of source from where farmers can get quality seeds;
(b) whether there are reports of non-availability of quality seeds in several States of the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for shortage of good quality seeds; and
(d) the role played by Krishi Vigyan Kendras in enlightening farmers for getting quality seeds?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Farmers can get quality seeds from the sales depots of National Seeds Corporation Ltd, State
Farms Corporation of India Ltd., State Agricultural Universities, State Seeds Corporations in the
public sector and from the authorized sale depots of private seed producing organisations.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): Question does not arise.
(d): The following activities are carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendras(KVKs) in enlightening the
farmers in getting quality seeds
i) Providing the farmers with sources and availability of quality seeds and importance of use of
quality seeds.
ii) Providing technical knowhow on quality seed production.
iii) Capacity building of farmers in technical skills for quality seed production.
iv) Popularise new improved varieties of different crops by Front line Demonstration on farmers
field.
v) Encouraging the farmer’s participation in participatory seed production programmes.
vi) Production of quality seeds and planting materials on KVK farms for distribution to the farming
community.
Increase in agricultural wage rate
3428 SHRI K.V.P. RAMACHANDRA RAO
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether the Commission for Agricultural Cost and Prices (CACP) has pointed that the
agricultural wage rate has recorded a perceptible increase from 2006-07 onwards;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to reduce its impact on the overall inflationary conditions in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has pointed out that during 2008
to 2011, the increase in wage rate in second half of 2011 over that of 2008 has been estimated at 74
per cent at all India level; with states recording the highest wage being Odisha at 101.56 per cent,
Tamil Nadu at 93.64 per cent, Maharashtra at 93.54 per cent, Andhra Pradesh at 88.00 per cent,
Punjab at 75.36 per cent.
(c): Several schemes have been launched by the Ministry of Agriculture to increase production and
productivity in agriculture to increase of the supply of agricultural commodities in order to meet the
rising demand for food and agricultural commodities. Important programmes implemented in
agriculture sector include National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
(RKVY), Grameen Bhandaran Yojana, Development of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure,
Micro Irrigation, Integrated Scheme of Oilseed, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) and
National Horticulture Mission (NHM).
Market intelligence to farmers
3429 DR. V. MAITREYAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government provides market intelligence to farmers to help them get remunerative
prices for their agricultural produce;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Marketing Research and Information Network (MRIN) Scheme ‘AGMARKNET’
provides computer connectivity to all important wholesale markets in the country and to the central
portal; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated to States/UTs for development and connectivity
of all APMCs in various States under one roof for the benefit of farmers across the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the Information and Communication
Technology(ICT) based Central Sector Scheme of ‘Marketing Research and Information Network’
in March, 2000 to provide electronic connectivity to important wholesale markets in the country for
collection and dissemination of price and other market related information. Out of a total of 7190
markets, more than 3200 markets from all over the country have been linked to a central portal
(http://www.agmarknet.nic.in). Of these, more than 2100 market are reporting prices and arrivals
information in respect of more than 300 commodities and 2000 varieties covering all major
agricultural produce.
There is no state wise allocation of funds under the scheme. Computers with internet connectivity
and training are provided, based on the proposals received from the State Marketing Boards,
through National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee
(APMC) personnel are incentivised to provide regular data reporting on AGMARKNET portal.
Besides market led extensive activities and marketing research studies are also conducted under the
Scheme.
This Ministry is also implementing another scheme viz. ‘Marketing Information Service for
Horticulture Crops’ with the objective to generate information on wholesale and retail prices,
arrivals and trends in various markets of the country for important fruits, vegetables & flowers etc.
The information is displayed on the website of National Horticulture Board (NHB),
www.nhb.gov.in on daily basis. Comparative analysis in the form of weekly, monthly and annual
bulleting is also made available on the NHB website for use by the farmers. NHB also publishes a
monthly Market Information Bulletin under the scheme.
Promotion of organic farming
3430 DR K.P.RAMALINGAM
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government is considering to promote organic farming in the country in
a big way;
(b) whether Government is also considering to grant subsidy to farmers who cultivate through
organic manure;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether it has been reported in many parts of the country that organic manure provides better
yield?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): The Government is already promoting Organic farming in big way through various
schemes like National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Horticulture Mission (NHM),
Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Project on
Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSHF) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
Under National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), financial assistance is being provided as
credit linked back ended subsidy through NABARD for setting up of fruit/vegetable waste/agro-
waste compost unit @ 33% of the total financial outlay of project or Rs. 60.00 lakh per unit
whichever is less; National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Horticulture Mission for North East
and Himalayan States (HMNEH) provide financial assistance for adoption of organic farming @
Rs.10,000/- per hectare for maximum area of 4 hectare per beneficiary, for setting up of vermi-
compost units @ 50% of the cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 30,000/- per beneficiary, and for
organic farming certification @ Rs.5.00 lakh for a group of farmers covering an area of 50
hectares; National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSHF), financial
assistance is provided @ Rs. 500 per ha for promoting use of organic manures ; Assistance for
promotion of organic farming on different components are also available under Rashtriya Krishi
Vikas Yojna (RKVY) for projects formulated and approved by the State Level Sanctioning
Committee.
(d): Preliminary results under a Network project on organic farming with lead center Project
Directorate for Farming System Research, Modipuram of Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) indicates higher crop yields with organic nutrient system in several crops/cropping systems
tested. Use of organic manure/compost improves soil physical, chemical & biological health to
sustain higher agricultural productivity.
Adoption of crop diversification
3431 SHRI ANIL DESAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government went whole hog to encourage farmers to adopt the rice-wheat monoculture
in the 70s;
(b) whether Government is planning to come to the rescue of farmers to encourage them to adopt
crop diversification;
(c) if so by when; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir. Farmers adopted rice-wheat cropping system on a large scale due to advent of high
yielding, disease resistant, irrigation and fertilizer responsive varieties of rice and wheat in 70s.
(b) to (d): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing various schemes, viz., National
Food Security Mission, including Accelerated Pulses Production Programme (A3P); Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), including its sub-schemes, Bringing Green Revoluation to Eastern
India (BGREI) & initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP),
Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP), Special Programme on Oil Palm Area
Expansion (OPAE), Vegetable Clusters, National Horticulture Mission, Technology Mission on
Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM), Technology Mission on
Cotton (TMC), and Jute Technology Mission (JTM) etc. for promotion of cultivation of crops
suited to different agro- ecologies.
Besides, Rs.500 crore has been announced in the budget 2013-14 for crop diversification in original
Green Revoluation States to promote technological innovation and to encourage farmers to choose
crop alternatives. It will be implemented as sub-scheme of RKVY.
Proposal for managing DMS
3432 SHRI DILIPBHAI PANDYA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the milk production and packaging capacity of Delhi Milk Scheme per day;
(b) whether it is a fact that Government has been looking for a partner to manage DMS as it is not
doing well;
(c) whether Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which sells milk and
other Dairy products under Amul brand has submitted any proposal to Ministry of Agriculture in
managing Government owned Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS); and
(d) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereon ?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) The present installed milk production and packaging capacity of Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS) is
5.00 lakh litres per day.
(b) No, Sir.
(c)&(d) The Chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has written to
the Government proposing to take up the operation of Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS). However,
GCMMF has been requested to submit a comprehensive and detailed proposal covering various
aspects of the matter including the proposed valuation and monetization of assets of DMS, pending
legal disputes and liabilities of DMS, infusion of equity and terms of engagement of employees of
DMS etc. Such proposal has not been received from GCMMF.
Implementation of Micro Irrigation Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
3433 DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of the works carried out under Micro Irrigation Scheme in Andhra Pradesh during the
Eleventh Five Year Plan along with the achievements thereof; and
(b) the amount of funds allocated to Andhra Pradesh under the said scheme during the last three
years and the current year?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): The details of works and achievements under Micro Irrigation scheme in Andhra Pradesh
during the Eleventh Five Year Plan including funds allocated during the last 3 years and the current
year are annexed.
Decentralising Agriculture Schemes
3434 SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is contemplating to decentralise Agriculture Schemes allowing thereby the
States to prepare need based programmes under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when this programme is likely to be implemented?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): Decentralized planning of agricultural development by way of formulation of
comprehensive District Agriculture Plans and State Agriculture Plans is mandated to the states
under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
RKVY launched during 2007-08 provides complete flexibility to the States to plan and execute
interventions across agriculture and allied sectors as per their priorities based on agro-climatic
conditions, availability of technology and natural resources.
Implementation of Kamdhenu Project in Karnataka
3435 SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that NABARD has recently launched a Kamdhenu Project in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the status of the implementation of Project Kamdhenu in Karnataka?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) and (b) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has informed that
the Kamdhenu Scheme is implemented by Government of Andhra Pradesh with the financial
support from banks at the Farmer level and to Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS). NABARD has
also informed that during December 2010, they had sanctioned the livelihood project under
Umbrella Programme for Natural Resource Management (UPNRM) in the State of Andhra Pradesh
with a total project outlay of Rs.1.09 crore per Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS) for financing
their members for procurement of milch animals and providing support services like Veterinary
Services, supply of Motorized Chaff cutters, Azolla Cultivation, capacity building of farmers,
organizing fertility camps etc. Support at the Farmer level is provided to existing milk pourers for
two animals along with soft loan for feed and fodder.
(c) Does not arise, in view of (a) above.
Share of agriculture in GDP
3436 SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether the share of agricultural production was 56 per cent in the Gross Domestic Product of
the country in 1950 which has now come down to less than 14 per cent;
(b) if so, the facts in this regard;
(c) whether a large portion of population is dependent on agriculture sector for their livelihood even
now as was in 1950; and
(d) if so, whether income of farmers has decreased constantly in comparison to that of people
working in other sectors during 1950 to 2013?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): As per the latest estimates released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) the share of
Agriculture & Allied Sectors in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country was 51.9 per
cent in 1950-51 which has now come down to 13.7 per cent in 2012-13 at 2004-05 prices.
(c): As per Census 2001, population dependent on agriculture sector (agriculture including allied
activities) is 61.7 per cent.
(d): The decrease in share of Agriculture and Allied Sectors in the GDP of the country in
comparison to other sectors is on account of structural changes due to a shift from a traditional
agrarian economy to a service dominated one. This phenomenon is generally expected in the
normal development of an economy. However, Government has launched several schemes to boost
agricultural production and productivity and to ensure remunerative prices/ income to farmers such
as, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM),
Development and Strengthening of Infrastructure facilities for Production and Distribution of
Quality Seed, National Horticulture Mission(NHM), Rainfed Area Development Programme
(RADP), Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM), Gramin
Bhandaran Yojana etc. In addition, Government has substantially improved the availability of farm
credit; implemented a massive programme of debt waiver; introduced better crop insurance
schemes; increased Minimum Support Price (MSP), improved marketing infrastructure, etc.
PPP in agriculture sector
3437 SHRI KIRANMAY NANDA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has some plans to increase Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Agriculture
sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the reasons for not making any remarkable impact of PPP in Agriculture sector in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has issued a “Framework for Public Private
Partnership for Integrated Agricultural Development (PPPIAD)”, which is essentially a set of
guidelines for the benefit of interested States to leverage resources of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana for encouraging private sector in agricultural development projects. PPPIAD framework
aims to facilitate integrated projects led by corporates in the agriculture & allied sectors. A copy of
the scheme guideline is annexed.
Fodder crisis
3438 SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
a) whether there is large gap between demand and supply of feed and fodder for live stock in the
country;
b) if so, the details thereof;
c) whether country is now envisaging rapid growth in milk production and meat production in the
next one year; and
d) if so, the steps being proposed to enhance the seed output to beat the fodder crisis?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
a & b) Yes, Sir. The shortage of fodder as estimated by NABARD consultancy services
(NABCONS) in 2007 is as under:
Dry matter in million tones
Sr No. Feed Demand Availability Gap
1 Dry Fodder 416 253 163 (40%)
2 Greens 222 143 79 (36%)
3 Concentrate 53 23 30 (57%)
c) The country is envisaging growth in milk production and meat production in the next one year
d) Government of India is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Fodder and Feed Development
Scheme, under which 75 % Central Assistance is provided to the States for fodder seed
procurement and distribution. In addition, the National Dairy Plan, the Accelerated Fodder
Development Programme, and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana also provide funds for enhancing
seed output to beat the fodder crisis. The regional fodder stations of Government of India also assist
the States in augmenting production of fodder and fodder seeds by way of demonstrations,
trainings, and supply of fodder seeds.
Revival of closed cold storage
3439 SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH MAHRA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the number of cold storages in the country including in the State of Uttarakhand which have
been established after 1980 in the agricultural sector;
(b) whether the cold storage constructed in Champawat district of Uttarakhand is being used for
storage of fruits and vegetables produced by farmers;
(c) if not, the time since when this cold storage is not in operation;
(d) whether Government has ever paid attention to the closed cold storages in the country; and
(e) if not, the steps to be taken by Government to make these closed cold storages operational
again?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (e): There are 4222 cold storages in the country including the State of Uttarakhand, which
have been established after 1980.
As informed by the Government of Uttarakhand, the cold storage constructed in Champawat
district has been given on lease to Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora
under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research for research purposes.
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is implementing schemes namely National Horticulture
Mission and Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States for overall development of
horticulture sector including establishment of cold storages in the country. Under these schemes,
assistance is provided for construction, expansion and modernization of cold storages. In addition,
National Horticulture Board provides assistance for establishment and modernization of cold
storages.
Assistance to Gaushalas
3440 SHRI JAGATPRAKASH NADDA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
whether Central Government has prepared any scheme to give assistance to Gaushalas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the Gaushalas in the country, State-wise;
(d) the details of funds provided to the States during the last three years, Statewise;
(e) whether any Board has been constituted in Jammu and Kashmir at State level for assistance to
Gaushala; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF THE STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b): There is no scheme in the Deptt. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries to provide
assistance to Gaushalas. However, Ministry of Environment & Forest provides financial assistance
through Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs)
recognized by AWBI under the scheme for the provision of construction of shelter houses for the
welfare of animals. The board is also providing financial assistance under the scheme for provision
of Ambulance Services for the animals in distress in which Gaushalas are also beneficiaries. The
regular grant under AWBI plan schemes provides financial assistance to AWOs including
Gaushalas for maintenance of animals and animal shelter
(c): State-wise details of Gaushalas in the country, is given at Annexure-I.
(d): Details of the funds released by Ministry of Environment and Forests during each of the last
three years, State wise, has been tabulated and is given at Annexure-II to VII.
(e) & (f): No Sir. However, State has constituted Jammu & Kashmir State Implementing Agency
(J&K SIA) for Implementation of National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding.
Justification of amount paid to Krishak Mitra
3441 SHRI DHIRAJ PRASAD SAHU
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that a 'Krishak Mitra' has been appointed for every two villages in different
States of the country particularly in Jharkhand and they are paid an amount of Rs. 4000 every year
for meetings and office work etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the amount being paid to Krishak Mitra is justified; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): The Guidelines of Modified ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension
Reforms’ Scheme, 2010 (popularly known as ATMA Scheme) provides for identification of
progressive farmers as Farmer Friends at Village level at the rate of one Farmer Friend (FF) per
two villages in all the States including Jharkhand. A sum of Rs.4000 per annum (shared equally
between State and Central Governments) has been provided for under the Scheme to meet
contingent expenditure by every Farmer Friend in assisting fellow farmers. There is no provision of
any remuneration to these Farmer Friends who are expected to be progressive farmers and expected
to lead by example to activate the much-needed village-based, bottom-up planning process and
serve as vital link, between extension system and farmers at village level. A total of 1,13,158
Farmers Friends have been identified till now in all the States including 15,255 Farmer Friends in
Jharkhand.
(c) & (d): The amount of Rs.4000 per Farmer Friend per year is provided to meet contingent
expenditure for assisting fellow farmers by disseminating their upgraded skills. This amount is not
a remuneration to these farmers who are otherwise earning reasonably good livelihood from
agricultural activities.
Experienced, progressive and practicing farmers are selected as Farmer Friends. These Farmer
Friends are also provided special opportunities for up-gradation of their skills through trainings,
study tours and exposure visits to State Agriculture Universities and other Institutes, by utilizing
funding support available under the scheme for these activities.
Production of foodgrains in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
3442 SHRI K. C. TYAGI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of production of foodgrains in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the last three years,
crop-wise;
(b) the total demand of foodgrains in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the said period;
(c) the current trend of production of foodgrains in the country, specially in Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar; and
(d) the steps taken by Government to increase the acreage and production of foodgrains in the said
States?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Crop-wise details of production of foodgrains in the States of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during
the last three years, i.e., 2009-10 to 2011-12 are as under:
(Lakh Tonnes)
Crop Uttar Pradesh Bihar
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
Rice 108.1 119.9 140.2 36.0 31.0 71.6
Wheat 275.2 300.0 302.9 45.7 41.0 47.3
Coarse Cereals 29.7 32.2 35.7 15.1 14.8 16.5
Pulses 19.0 20.4 24.0 4.7 5.4 5.1
Food-grains 432.0 472.5 502.8 101.5 92.2 140.5
Contd…2/-
-2-
(b): As per Working Group of Planning Commission for the 11th Five Year Plan, the demand of
foodgrains in the country during 2009-10 to 2011-12 had been estimated at 224.04 million tonnes,
229.12 million tonnes and 234.26 million tonnes respectively. State-wise assessment of demand
was not done by the Working Group.
(c): State-wise details of production of foodgrains in the country during 2012-13 (2nd Advance
Estimates) are given in the Annexure.
(d): To increase the production of foodgrains in all States/UTs of the country including Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar through area expansion and enhancement in the productivity, Government is
implementing a number of Crop Development Schemes/Programmes, namely: National Food
Security Mission (NFSM), Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM)
and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) through State Governments. In addition to above
schemes, during 2010-11, two new programmes viz. Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India
and Integrated Development of 60,000 Pulses and Oilseeds Villages in Rainfed Areas have been
initiated under RKVY. Further, a new programme “Accelerated Pulses Production Programme
(A3P)” in the form of block demonstrations has also been started in 16 pulse growing States of the
country.
Shabby condition of Safal vegetable booths
3443 SHRI A.A. JINNAH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Safal Vegetable booths have been opened in Delhi/New Delhi;
(b) if so, the number of Safal Vegetable Booths, where whitewash/distemper work have not been
done for more than three years and due to this, booths are in a very shabby condition ;
(c) if so, the officials responsible for not taking care of such booths; and
(d) by when work relating to whitewash/distemper will be got done in such booths ?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) There are no booths which have not been painted for more than three years. As per policy the
booths are painted after every three years. This year the process to repaint 92 booths, which were
painted in 2010 and are due for repainting, has been initiated.
(c) Question does not arise in view of (b) above.
(d) The process of repainting of these 92 booths is expected to be completed by December 2013
Low allocation to agricultural sector
3444 SHRI KIRANMAY NANDA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that more than 70 per cent Indian population depend upon agricultural sector
where very small fraction of investment of our GDP is allocated to it which is unjustified; and
(b) if so, the details of measures Government proposes to take to strengthen this sector?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): As per Census 2001, population dependent on agriculture sector (agriculture including allied
activities) is 61.7 percent. Further, as per the latest estimates released by the Central Statistics
Office (CSO), the fraction/share of Agriculture and Allied sectors in the GDP of the country is 13.7
percent in 2012-13 at 2004-05 prices. The small fraction of Agriculture and Allied sectors in the
GDP of the country is on account of structural changes due to a shift from a traditional agrarian
economy to a service dominated one. This phenomenon is generally expected in the normal
development of an economy.
(b): Government has launched several schemes to strengthen this sector such as, Rashtriya Krishi
Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Development and Strengthening
of Infrastructure facilities for Production and Distribution of Quality Seed, National Horticulture
Mission (NHM), Rainfed Area Development Programme (RADP), Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds,
Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM), Gramin Bhandaran Yojana etc. In addition, Government
has substantially improved the availability of farm credit; implemented a massive programme of
debt waiver; introduced better crop insurance schemes; increased Minimum Support Price (MSP),
improved marketing infrastructure, etc.
Allocation for drought relief
3445 SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that some State Governments have represented to the Central Government
for denying them adequate allocations for "drought relief" from the Calamity Relief Fund;
(b) if so, the details of complaints received from each State Government during the last two years;
and
(c) the status of the requests made by States in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): States are empowered to undertake drought relief measures with funds available in the
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). If the severity of the calamity is such that balances in SDRF
are insufficient to meet the expenditure on relief measures, States can submit memorandum to
Central Government seeking additional assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is then deputed to visit the State and assess the
situation. Government of India approves assistance from NDRF based on the assessment of IMCT
and recommendation made by Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG).
So far none of the States has sent any representation for denying them adequate assistance for
drought relief from NDRF.
Farmers suicide in Maharashtra
3446 DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether according to Maharashtra's Law and Order Department, 860 farmers committed
suicides in Maharashtra in the year 2011, the highest figure in last four years, which included 435
suicides in Marathwada, 276 in Vidarbha and 133 in Khamdesh;
(b) whether in 2010, this figure was 244 in Vidarbha, 82 in Marathwada and 6 in Western
Maharashtra;
(c) whether the reason for this desperation was the failure of BT cotton crop due to lack of
irrigation, scanty rainfall, and massive debt; and
(d) if so, Government's reaction to above horrendous scenario?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): As per information provided by the Government of Maharashtra, the number of farmers
in the State who committed suicide due to agrarian distress declined from 1035 in 2006 to 485 in
2011. Similarly, the number of farmers in the six identified suicide prone districts of Vidarbha
region who committed suicide due to agrarian distress declined from 565 in 2006 to 346 in 2011,
and is 228 during the last ten months till 31.01.2013.
Government has taken several steps to further revitalize the agriculture sector and improve
condition of farming community on sustainable basis. Various programme/schemes are being
implemented in a decentralized manner with flexibility to State Governments to formulate and
implement appropriate projects to suit their specific requirements. The focus is primarily on
enhancing farm incomes, creating non-farm income opportunities, improvement in productivity of
rainfed agriculture, increasing coverage of farming areas under protective irrigation and forging
appropriate backward and forward linkages. Other measures taken by the Government for the
benefit of farmers include enhancement in minimum support prices of agricultural commodities,
increase in credit flow to agriculture sector, debt waiver/relief, interest subvention on crop loans
etc.
Use of harmful pesticides
3447 SHRI C.M. RAMESH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that it is the objective of Government to reduce pesticides as much as
possible;
(b) if so, whether it is also a fact that Government's own agencies such as National Horticulture
Board, Tea Board, Spices Boards are promoting the use of harmful pesticides among farmers as per
the Report of the Centre for Science and Environment; and
(c) if so, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): The objective of Government is to promote integrated pest management, which includes the
judicious and need based use of pesticides, as the cardinal principle covering plant protection.
(b): National Horticulture Board, Spice Board and Tea Board have informed that they do not
promote the use of harmful pesticides. Further, farmers are advised through Farmers Field Schools
to adopt integrated pest management, which includes the judicious and need-based use of pesticides
as per their recommended dosages, etc.
(c): Does not arise.
Decline in cotton products
3448 SHRI PERVEZ HASHMI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that production of cotton in the country has come down;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total production of cotton in the country during last three years, year-wise;
(d) whether Government has any plan to encourage production of cotton in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): The details of production of cotton in the country during the last three years and the
current year, i.e., 2009-10 to 2012-13 are given in the table below:-
Year Production
(Million bales of 170 Kg each)
2009-10 24.02
2010-11 33.00
2011-12 35.20
2012-13* 33.80
*2nd Advance Estimates
It may be observed that after achieving ever highest production of 35.20 million bales, cotton
production in the country has marginally declined to 33.80 million bales during 2012-13.
(d) & (e): To improve production, productivity and quality of cotton, assistance is provided to
farmers under Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) for seeds, agriculture implements, water-
saving devices, bio-agents/bio-pesticides, integrated pest management, demonstrations, trainings
etc. Further, All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Cotton is being implemented by
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to develop new high yielding varieties/hybrids and
production technologies in cotton. Central Institute for Cotton Research at Nagpur is also
conducting basic and strategic research on cotton.
Implementation of National Policy on Farmers
3449 SHRI PANKAJ BORA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Apex Court has asked Government to implement the National Policy
on Farmers as farmers, inspite of spiralling agricultural products prices, are found to commit
suicide and are debt-ridden;
(b) if so, the steps Government proposes to take to check the suicides by farmers; and
(c) the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): While no direction from the Apex Court is available, National Commission on Farmers
(NCF) under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan submitted its final report on 4.10.2006.
The Commission also submitted a ‘Draft National Policy for Farmers’ containing important
recommendations made by it.
Based on ‘Draft National Policy for Farmers’, and after consultation with State Governments,
National Policy for Farmers (NPF), 2007, was finalized and approved by Government and was laid
on Table of Rajya Sabha on 23.11.2007. An inter-ministerial committee finalized Plan of Action
for Operationalisation of NPF, 2007 which was circulated to all State Governments as well as
Central Ministries/Departments concerned for appropriate action.
The number of suicides by farmers due to agrarian reasons during 2012 has not risen in comparison
to previous years. No State Government has so far reported any case of suicide by farmers due to
agrarian reason during 2013.
However, Government continues to take several steps to revitalize agriculture sector and improve
condition of farming community on sustainable basis by increasing investment, improving farm
practices, rural infrastructure and delivery of credit, technology and other inputs, extension
marketing etc. Various other programmes /schemes for the development of agriculture sector are
also being implemented in a decentralized manner with flexibility to State Governments to
formulate and implement appropriate projects to suit their specific requirements. The focus of
Government is primarily on expansion of farm income, creation of non-farm income opportunities,
improvement in productivity of rainfed agriculture, increasing coverage of farming areas under
protective irrigation and forging appropriate backward and forward linkages. Others measures
taken by the Government for the benefit of farmers include enhancement in minimum support
prices of agriculture commodities, increase in credit flow to agriculture sector, debt waiver/relief,
interest subvention on crop loans etc.
Violating of water agreement by Pakistan
3450 SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the land/crops of Distt. Fazilaka, Punjab has been destroyed as Pakistan
has stopped the water going from India, by violating an agreement, for passing of the water
between the two countries;
(b) if so, the steps Government is taking to save the land/crop of farmers or whether any
compensation will be granted, if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether it is a fact that due to non passing of water, the drinking water has started polluting; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/will be taken by Government to solve this problem permanently?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): No, Sir. There is no occurrence of violation of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 between
India and Pakistan that has been reported by the Government of Punjab.
Agricultural and non agricultural land
368 SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has conducted a survey to know the status of agricultural and non-
agricultural land in the country;
(b) if so, when the said survey was done and the outcome thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) by when the said survey is likely to be conducted and completed; and
(e) the steps Government is taking to protect the agricultural land so that it may not decrease?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 368 FOR 22/03/2013 REGARDING AGRICULTURAL AND NON-AGRICULTURAL
LAND.
(a) to (d): State wise and district wise Land Use Statistics (LUS) comprising agricultural and non-
agricultural land are furnished annually by State Agricultural Statistics Authority (SASA) of each
State/UT. These are compiled and posted on the website of Directorate of Economics & Statistics,
Ministry of Agriculture at http://eands.dacnet.nic.in. As per the data supplied by SASA, agricultural
land in the country was 182 million hectares and non-agricultural land comprising forests, area
under non-agricultural uses, barren and unculturable land and permanent pasture and other grazing
land was 123 million hectares in 2009-10.
(e): With a view to prevent the use of agriculture land for non-agricultural purposes and sustaining
food security of the country, the National Policy for Farmers 2007 has recommended that prime
farmland must be conserved for agriculture except under exceptional circumstances, provided that
the agencies that are provided with agricultural land for non-agricultural projects should
compensate for treatment and full development of equivalent degraded/wastelands elsewhere. For
non-agricultural purposes, as far as possible, land with low biological potential for farming would
be earmarked and allocated. State Governments have been advised to earmark lands with low
biological potential such as uncultivable land, land affected by salinity, acidity, etc., for non-
agricultural development activities, including industrial and construction activities.
In addition, the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 formulated by Ministry of
Rural Development, Department of Land Resources came into effect on 31.10.2007. The policy
provides that only the minimum area of land commensurate with the purpose of a project may be
acquired. Also, as far as possible, projects may be set up on wasteland, degraded land or un-
irrigated land. Further, acquisition of agricultural land for non-agricultural use in the project may be
kept to the minimum; multi-cropped land may be avoided to the extent possible for such purposes
and acquisition of irrigated land, if unavoidable, may be kept to the minimum. The Policy has been
sent to the States/UTs for implementation.
Cotton yield from Bt. Cotton seeds
375 SHRI D. RAJA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the cotton yield from boll worm-resistant Bt. Cotton seeds has been
falling since 2006 after it was introduced in 2002;
(b) if so, the details of the acreage, production and yield since 2002; and
(c) the reasons for the falling yield and Government’s reaction thereto?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
******
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 375 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22/03/2013 REGARDING “COTTON YIELD FROM Bt.
COTTON SEEDS”
_______________________________________________________
(a) No, Sir. The yield per unit area has increased from 421 kg per hectare in 2006-07 to 491 kg per
hectare in 2011-12.
(b) The area, production and yield of cotton in the country are given in Annexure-I.
(c) However, the reasons for yield fluctuations noticed during the period (2008-10) are unfavorable
weather conditions, including delayed onset of monsoon and erratic distribution. Integrated water
management strategies, remunerative cotton-based cropping systems besides location-specific
cotton crop management practices are advocated in order to realize profitable cotton yields even
under adverse climatic conditions.
Warehousing facilities in rural areas
376 SHRI SHADI LAL BATRA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government proposes to create warehousing facilities in rural areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total number of rural godowns constructed till 1 March, 2013 and the number of farmers
benefited, State-wise, including Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh; and
(d) how the creation of storage facility would be utilized for agriculture and food processing
industry?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 376 FOR 22/03/2013 REGARDING WAREHOUSING FACILITIES IN RURAL AREAS.
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. Government is implementing ‘Grameen Bhandaran Yojana’ since 01.04.2001
for creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas.
Under the Scheme, subsidy is given @ 33.33% for (i) North Eastern States, Sikkim and Hilly areas
with a maximum ceiling of Rs.3.33 crores, and (ii) for Women Farmers/ SC/ST entrepreneurs and
their Self Help Groups/Co-operatives with a maximum ceiling of Rs.3.00 crores. Subsidy is given
(iii) @ 25% for farmers, agriculture graduates, cooperatives & CWC/SWCs with a maximum
ceiling of Rs. 2.25 crores, and (iv) @ 15% for all other categories of individuals, companies and
corporations with a maximum ceiling of Rs. 1.35 crores.
The normative cost for creation of storage capacity per metric tonne (MT) is Rs.3500/- for godowns
up to 1000 MT, Rs.3000/- for godowns exceeding 1000 MT, Rs.4000/-, irrespective of capacity, for
godowns in North Eastern, Sikkim & Hilly areas and Rs.750/- for renovation of godowns for
cooperatives only. The maximum size of the godown eligible for subsidy is 25000 MT in North
Eastern States, Sikkim and Hilly areas and 30000 MT in other areas. The subsidy, which is back
ended, is calculated based on the project cost as appraised by the financing Bank or actual cost or
normative cost given above, whichever is the lowest.
As on February, 2013, 30,923 godowns with a capacity of 391.16 lakh tonnes had been sanctioned
under the scheme, as per State-wise details in the Annexure.
The creation of storage capacity would meet various requirements for storing farm produce,
processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, etc.
Shortage of manpower in Kisan Call Centres
377 SHRI VASANTHI STANLEY
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether there is an acute shortage of manpower in the extension services for farming
community;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) how many farmers are currently being taken care of by one extension worker under the Kisan
Call Centre Scheme;
(d) whether Government plans to increase the manpower under the said Scheme; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the timeframe to cover all farmers under the Scheme?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 377 FOR 22/03/2013 REGARDING SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER IN KISAN CALL
CENTRES.
(a) & (b): In order to augment manpower for agricultural extension, Government is implementing a
scheme for Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA) under which
28 States have been provided assistance for creation of 18558 posts, out of which 12256 posts have
been filled as per details at Annexure-I.
(c) to (e): Kisan Call Centres (KCCs) have been established to provide extension support on
telephone to farmers in all States and Union Territories using a nation-wide toll free number. The
average number of calls per day handled by each KCC agent is 57. Call flow in KCCs is regularly
monitored to assess the requirement of increase in number of agents. With the improvement in the
quality of KCC services due to state of the art infrastructure and new technological features such as
Voice Media Gateway, Dedicated Internet Bandwidth, 100% Call Recording, Call Barging Facility,
Provision of Voice Mail during call waiting period and SMS to farmers (conveying gist of
advisories given), number of calls flowing in to the KCCs has increased during the last 10 months.
Therefore, number of seats have been increased from 144 in January, 2012 to 278 in October,
2012.
Centres of Excellence with help of Dutch Embassy
378 SHRI K.N. BALAGOPAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Dutch Embassy in India, through Ministry of Agriculture is
establishing Centres of Excellence covering vegetables, floriculture and fruit ripening in Kerala;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether formal orders of approval have been given by the Government for the purpose?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION
NO. 378 FOR 22/03/2013 REGARDING CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE WITH HELP OF
DUTCH EMBASSY.
(a) to (c): Kerala is one of the States identified for cooperation under the Indo-Dutch Joint
Agriculture Action Plan (2012-15). Two Centres of Excellence (CoEs) feature under this
cooperation agreement, one for demonstration of production technologies in flowers & vegetables
and the other for demonstration of latest technologies for banana ripening. Government of Kerala
has been advised to finalize the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for identified CoEs and seek
approval thereof from within their annual allocation under NHM.
Workshops on dairy development
2791 SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
WORKSHOPS ON DAIRY DEVELOPMENT
2791. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRA SEKHAR:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE
be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) holds
orientation workshops in various parts of the country to promote dairy development;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of workshops held so far by NDDB in the State of Karnataka?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a)&(b) NDDB has been organizing workshop and meetings with the potential End Implementing
Agencies(EIAs) in states that have fulfilled or commit to fulfill the regulatory measures within a
specified time frame for preparation of Sub Project Proposals under National Dairy Plan (Phase-I).
As on date, 48 EIA level workshops/meetings and 15 state level workshops/meetings have been
organized in 13 major milk producing states.
(c) In Karnataka, as on date, 10 EIA level workshops/meetings and one state level
workshop/meeting have been organized.
Shortage of farm labourers
2792 SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the action taken by Government in consultation with State Governments to enhance the use of
agro machineries and modern techniques for farm related works as farmers are facing severe
shortage of farm labourers;
(b) whether Government is going to enhance research work for development of agro-machineries
according to geophysical requirement and increase their use to overcome the shortage of farm
labourers; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Agriculture is implementing two Central Sector Schemes, namely, Promotion
and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization through Training, Testing and Demonstrations
and Post Harvest Technology and Management for Promotion of Agro Machinery & Modern
Technology by their training and demonstration to the farmers through State Governments to
overcome the shortage of labour.
Research and Development is an ongoing activity in the field of agricultural machinery.
Development of agro-machineries are carried out as per the requirement of various crops and
commodities, agro-climatic regions, socio economic conditions of farmers and availability of farm
power in various agro-physical regions. These are conducted through prototype feasibility testing,
prototype manufacturing, front-line demonstrations, on-farm trails in farmers’ field and prototype
refinement based on feedback obtained from users. The Central Institute of Agricultural
Engineering, Bhopal with its regional station at Coimbatore and the 24 Cooperating Centres of All
India Coordinated Research Project on Farm Implements and Machinery are mandated to address
these issues for the requirements of the country.
Schemes to make agriculture profitable
2793 SHRI ALOK TIWARI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of schemes announced/to be announced to make agriculture profitable during 2013-
14;
(b) the details of funds allocated for the same, scheme-wise and year-wise;
(c) the details of the schemes announced and implemented to make agriculture profitable during
2012-13; and
(d) the details of funds allocated, released and spent on these schemes during 2012-13, scheme-
wise and State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): Details of major schemes/programmes to make agriculture economically viable, funds
allocated, released and spent state-wise during financial year 2012-13 are annexed. As against
budget provision of Rs. 17,867.32 crore (Revised Estimates 2012-13), the amount released as on
11.3.2013 is Rs. 16,666.45 crore.
These schemes would be continued, rationalized into five missions, five central sector schemes and
one state plan scheme in order to improve focus and to avoid overlap. An allocation of Rs. 21,609
crore has been proposed for these schemes for the year 2013-14.
Installation of ineffective anti hail guns in Shimla
2794 DR. PRADEEP KUMAR BALMUCHU
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that ineffective Anti hail guns have been installed in apple belt of Shimla in
Himachal Pradesh without scientific evaluation and against the norms;
(b) if so, the reasons for installing such hail guns which is not a trust worthy technique and action
taken against the concerned officials who have misused public money;
(c) whether Government will remove these guns in near future and provide Anti-Hail Nets to the
apple growers on subsidised rates; and
(d) if so, whether State Government had sent any proposal in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): Government of Himachal Pradesh had sought assistance for installing Anti-hail guns for
protecting apple crop from hailstorm during 2008-09. Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
approved Rs.3.00 crore for installation of Anti hail guns on pilot basis. Consequently, State
Horticulture Department installed Hail Control System at 3 selected sites viz. Deori Ghat (Tehsil
Rohru), Kathasu (Tehsil Jubbal) and Tumru (Khara Pathar) in Shimla district during 2010-11.
Further, Government of Himachal Pradesh sought assistance of Rs. 284 crore for installing 300 anti
hail guns and 30 radars during 2011-12. After receipt of the proposal, Department of Agriculture &
Cooperation constituted a committee comprising of members from Department of Agriculture &
Cooperation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Meteorological Department,
Government of Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture &
Forestry(UHF) and representative of apple growers association to assess the effectiveness of the
existing anti hail guns in Himachal Pradesh. Based on the observations of the committee,
Government of Himachal Pradesh has been suggested to take action on the following points:-
(i) to designate a Nodal Officer to monitor the existing hail control system;
(ii) to provide uninterrupted power supply to the system besides deploying 24X7 manpower at the
sites;
(iii) to undertake a study by the scientists of UHF, Solan, Himachal Pradesh and Department of
Horticulture jointly, and
(iv) to continue the prevalent method of protecting apple crops from hail by using anti hail nets.
Contd…2/-
-2-
As reported by Government of Himachal Pradesh, the orchardists in these areas have shown mixed
reaction on the effectiveness of the anti hail guns.
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is implementing Horticulture Mission for North East and
Himalayan States (HMNEH), under which assistance is provided for anti hail nets@50% of the cost
of Rs.20 per sq. m limited to 5000 sq.m per beneficiary to protect horticulture crops including apple
from hails.
Oil palm farming
2795 DR. CHANDAN MITRA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that interventions by the Technology Missions on Oil Seeds have failed to
keep pace with demand of oil seeds production over the last 25 years;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the concrete steps taken by Government to push oil palm farming in the country for enhancing
edible oil production?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Due to the interventions under Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMOP), the production
of oilseeds increased from 112.70 lakhs tonnes in 1986-87 to 324.80 lakhs tonnes in 2010-11. The
productivity of oilseeds increased from 605 kg. per ha. to 1193 kg. per ha. during the same period.
Consequently, the domestic production of edible oils also increased from 33.19 lakhs tonnes in
1986-87 to 97.82 lakhs tonnes in 2010-11. However, growth in production has not matched growth
in consumption, which has increased from 5.0 Kgs. of edible oil per capita per year in 1986-87 to
13.6 Kgs. in 2010-11.
(c): In order to promote Oil Palm cultivation in the Country, Government of India is implementing
the Centrally Sponsored Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm & Maize (ISOPOM)
since 2004-05. In 2011-12, Government of India launched Oil Palm Area Expansion (OPAE) under
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 8 potential states. Under these Schemes, support is
provided for new Oil Palm plantations, maintenance of existing plantations and for other
components like, installation of drip irrigation systems, diesel pump sets, bore wells, construction
of vermi-compost units, development of wastelands and transfer of technology through
demonstrations, trainings and publicity etc.
Productivity of various crops in the country
2796 SHRI AAYANUR MANJUNATHA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether productivity of various crops like paddy, wheat, pulses, etc. in the country is far less in
comparison to the neighbouring countries and the research activity in the field of agriculture has
also slowed down to a great extent;
(b) if so, the details of productivity of different crops, country-wise;
(c) whether Government proposes to strengthen research activity in the country so as to ensure that
farmers are benefited to a large extent; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Details of productivity of major crops in India vis-a-vis other neighbouring countries
during 2011 are given in the Annexure. There is no slowdown of agricultural research activity in
India. During the last five years (2008-2012), 645 high yielding crop varieties/hybrids that have fair
degree of tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses have been released. In addition, 4.34 lakh quintal
of breeder seeds of different crops were also produced and supplied to different seed producing
agencies so that quality seeds of improved varieties/hybrids could reach to the farmers for
cultivation.
(c) & (d): There are 99 institutes, 5 deemed universities and 79 All India Coordinated Research
Projects (AICRPs) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) engaged in conducting basic
and applied research to cater to needs of farmers across the country. 631 Krishi Vigyan Kendras
(KVKs) in the country have been established for fine-tuning and transfer of the technologies
developed at these institutes for the farmers. Further, Consortia Research Platform including
climate resilient agriculture have been identified in XII Plan to carry out research on the new
frontier areas in enhancing yield and value addition for the overall benefit of farmers and the
country.
Reduction in area of cultivation of pulses
2797 SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that there is a gap in demand and supply of pulses in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the demand and supply of pulses in the country for past five years, State-
wise;
(c) the reasons for the wide gap in demand and supply of pulses;
(d) whether it is a fact that cultivation area for pulses has shrunk in the country;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the reasons for reduction in area of cultivation of pulses?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): The domestic demand for pulses is higher than the domestic supply and the gap is met
through import of pulses. The domestic production of pulses and the net imports of pulses during
the last five years are as under:
(Million Tonnes)
Year Domestic Net Imports
Production
2007-2008 14.76 2.67
2008-09 14.57 2.34
2009-10 14.66 3.41
2010-11 18.24 2.49
2011-12 17.09 3.13
State wise details of demand and supply are not maintained.
(d) to (f): The total pulses area under cultivation during the last five years are as under:
Year Area
(Million Hectares)
2007-08 23.63
2008-09 22.09
2009-10 23.28
2010-11 26.40
2011-12 24.46
Area under cultivation of a crop including pulses depends upon, inter alia, the weather situation,
farmers' perception about the risk factors and comparative profitability of different crops.
Assistance to drought and flood hit farmers
2798 SHRI KUMAR DEEPAK DAS
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has any plan of action to help the drought hit poor farmers;
(b) if so, the details thereof and total allocated funds utilized in last five years, State-wise;
(c) whether Government has given any compensation to the flood hit poor farmers who have lost
their lives, land and crops; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and total fund utilized so far during last five years, State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): Government of India provides financial assistance in the form of input subsidy to farmers
who suffer crop loss of 50% or more due to natural calamities (including drought & flood) from
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as per extant norms and procedures. Financial assistance
from NDRF is provided towards relief and is not to be construed as compensation for crop loss.
The objective of NDRF is to assist affected farmers to commence farming operation by way of
providing agriculture input subsidy etc. State-wise details of central assistance released from NDRF
in the wake of natural calamities including drought & flood during each of last five years are at
Annexure-A.
In view of rainfall deficit in several parts of the country during Monsoon-2012, Government of
India introduced several schemes to mitigate sufferings of farmers such as (i) Diesel Subsidy
Scheme (for providing protective irrigation in drought declared areas), (ii) enhancement of subsidy
on seeds (to partially recompense farmers for re¬sowing/purchasing drought tolerant varieties of
seeds), (iii) up-scaling the Central Sector Scheme on Feed and Fodder, (iv) waiver of import duty
on oil cakes, (v) additional allocation under Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP),
(vi) providing assistance for feed and fodder supplements under National Mission for Protein
Supplements (NMPS), (vii) introducing drought impact mitigating interventions in perennial
horticulture crops and (viii) reducing interest on rescheduled crop loans.
Besides, additional wage employment upto 50 days per household beyond 100 days under
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), interim assistance
under calamity component of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), fast tracking
release of installments under NRDWP and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
were extended to drought affected areas.
Horticulture Technology Mission in Floriculture
2799 SHRI BAISHNAB PARIDA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the status of Horticulture Technology Mission in Floriculture;
(b) whether this technology has helped in a great measure to the farmers of North East region;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the status of the above Mission in Odisha region;
(e) how far has it helped in production of cash crops and fruits in NE and other States of the
country; and
(f) the status of export of flowers from NE region to other countries?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (f): The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation implements two schemes viz. (i)
Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) and (ii) National Horticulture
Mission (NHM) under which assistance is provided for development of horticulture including
floriculture. As per the latest estimates, the total area covered under floriculture in the country
including North Eastern Region and Odisha is 2.72 lakh ha with production of 16.77 lakh tones of
loose flowers and 7541 million cut flowers.
These Missions have helped the farmers in adoption of improved production systems to ensure
better returns per unit area. This has also helped in improving the production of cash crops like
tomato, capsicum, potato, roses, orchids, anthurium, gerbera, carnations, tulip, lilium and fruits like
apple, banana, mandarin, kiwi, grape, strawberry, etc. The production of horticulture crops in the
country has increased from 146 million tonnes in 2001-02 to 257.27 million tonnes in 2011-12. The
estimated production of horticulture crops during 2012-13 is 265.88 million tones.
Under NHM, an additional area of 6804 ha has been brought under floriculture in Odisha during
last three years. Detail of fund released for area expansion of flowers in Odisha is as under:
Year Rs. In lakh
2009-10 739.33
2010-11 182.32
2011-12 460.70
2012-13 182.49
During 2012-13, 21325 metric tonnes of flowers have been exported from the country including
North East Region.
Training programmes on seed production and seed technologies
2800 DR.(SMT.) NAJMA A. HEPTULLA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether training programmes on seed production and seed technologies for farmers are
organized by Government throughout the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) the number of farmers including women farmers benefited under the scheme during the last
three years and the current year, State-wise including Madhya Pradesh; and
(d) the details of the financial assistance provided and utilized by the States for conduction of such
training programmers during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): Government organises training programmes for farmers on Seed Production and Seed
Technologies under the Seed Village Programme. Trainings are imparted in different stages of crop
growth. The state wise details of training including Madhya Pradesh, the funds released and
number of farmers including women farmers benefited under Seed Village Programme during the
last three years and current year are enclosed at Annexure-I.
Production of edible oilseeds in Rajasthan
2801 DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the production of edible oilseeds in Rajasthan during last three years, yearwise;
(b) whether it is a fact that Rajasthan has the potential of growing edible oilseeds;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the incentives being given or proposed to be given by Government to farmers to tap the
potential and promote cultivation of these oilseeds in the State?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Details of production of edible oilseeds in Rajasthan during last three years i.e., 2009-10 to
2011-12 are as under:
(Lakh Tonnes)
Year Production of edible oilseeds
2009-10 43.21
2010-11 63.94
2011-12 53.35
(b) & (c): Rajasthan has the potential of growing edible oilseeds. The agro-climatic conditions of
Rajasthan favour cultivation of edible oilseeds particularly, rapeseed & mustard, groundnut and
sesamum. Rajasthan has been contributing to almost half of the national acreage of rapeseed &
mustard. The sesamum also has substantial area and production in the State. To tap the potential of
these edible oilseed crops in Rajasthan, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has
established Directorate of Rapeseed & Mustard Research in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan which
is known as the mustard bowl of the country. The All India Coordinated Research Projects
(AICRPs) on rapeseed & mustard, groundnut, soyabean and sesamum of ICAR have eight
cooperating centres in different agro-ecologies of the State under the jurisdiction of the two State
Agricultural Universities (SAUs) to cater to research needs of edible oilseeds in the State.
(d): To increase production and productivity of oilseed crops in the country, a centrally sponsored
Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) is being implemented in 14
major oilseed growing States of the country including Rajasthan.
Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided for purchase of breeder seed, production of
foundation seed, production and distribution of certified seed, distribution of seed minikits,
distribution of plant protection chemicals/equipments, weedicides, supply of micro nutrients &
improved agricultural implements, supply of rhizobium culture/phosphate solubilising bacteria,
distribution of gypsum/pyrite/liming/dolomite, distribution of sprinkler sets and water carrying
pipes, training, publicity, etc. to encourage farmers to grow these crops. Further to incen1tivise
farmers, the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of oilseed crops have also been increased
significantly.
Status of proposals of Chhattisgarh Government
2802 DR. BHUSHAN LAL JANGDE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether a proposal has been sent by Government of Chhattisgarh regarding second installment
of funds under Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize Scheme and National
Mission on Micro Irrigation covered under RKVY;
(b) if so, by when the said funds are to be released;
(c) whether inspite of a letter written by Government of Chhattisgarh, Central Government has not
released second installment of funds to strengthen 41 veterinary hospitals and 98 veterinary
dispensaries for ensuring health of live stocks and prevent them from diseases; and
(d) if so, by when the said funds are to be released?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): The funds allocated to States under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) including its
sub-schemes are released on the basis of projects approved by State Level Sanctioned Committee
(SLSC) headed by Chief Secretary and pace of utilization reported by the State Government.
The allocation for Chhattisgarh under RKVY (including sub-schemes) for 2012-13 is Rs.581.12
crore and an amount of Rs.571.22 crore has already been released to the State after adjusting the
unspent balance of Rs.9.90 crore out of funds released in 2011-12.
Creation of Drought Relief Fund
2803 SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether any assistance has been provided for development of agriculture and improvement of
land in drought prone areas in various States;
(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last five years, State-wise;
(c) the resultant achievements thereof during the above period;
(d) whether Government has any proposal to create an exclusive Drought Relief Fund; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the fund is likely to be created?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (e): Government of India is implementing Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) with an
objective to minimise the adverse effects of drought on production of crops and livestock and
productivity of land, water and human resources finally leading to drought proofing of the affected
areas. From 26.02.2009, DPAP has been subsumed under Integrated Watershed Management
Programme (IWMP). State wise details of financial and physical achievements under DPAP in last
five years is annexed.
State Governments are empowered to initiate appropriate relief measures in the wake of
loss/damage to crops due to natural calamities including drought from funds readily available under
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which consists of contributions from the Centre and State in
the ratio of 75:25 in case of General category States & 90:10 ratio in case of Special Category
States. Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is provided from National Disaster
Response Fund (NDRF), upon receipt of detailed memorandum from the State Government
following which Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is deputed for assessing the situation and
recommending central assistance as per established procedure and extant norms. Ministry of
Agriculture is, at present, not contemplating any proposal for creating an exclusive Drought Relief
Fund.
Functioning of ICAR
2804 SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of various research activities and the number of research projects carried at
institutions of ICAR;
(b) the details of number of students/fellows/scholars and degrees offered;
(c) whether posts are lying vacant at ICAR;
(d) if so, the details thereof including the time since when they are lying vacant and the reasons
therefor; and
(e) the measures taken by Government to fill them up?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) The number of research projects in Crop Science Division, Animal Science Division, Fisheries
Division, Agricultural Extension Division, Agricultural Engineering Division, National
Agricultural Innovation Project, Natural Resource Management Division, Education Division,
Horticulture Division are 1198, 738, 283, 30, 289, 191, 28, 15 and 729 respectively. The total
research projects in ICAR are thus 3501.
(b) The total number of students/fellows/scholars at Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New
Delhi; Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar; Central Institute of Fisheries Education,
Mumbai; National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal are 719, 671, 129 and 816 respectively. Thus
the total number of students are 2335.
The degrees offered in different disciplines in agricultural sciences at IARI, New Delhi; IVRI,
Izatnagar; CIFE, Mumbai; NDRI, Karnal are 24, 42, 22 and 26 respectively. Thus the total number
of degrees offered are 114.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) Presently 23% of the positions in the scientific category (1475 posts) are vacant comprising of
367 Scientists, 725 Senior Scientists and 383 Principal Scientists and Research Managers.
Recruitment of Scientists is a continuous process and vacancies are filled up through an established
procedure subject to availability of appropriately qualified candidates in the required areas of
specialization.
(e) Steps have been initiated to get these vacancies filled up on priority through the Agricultural
Scientists’ Recruitment Board (ASRB).
Production of off season crops
2805 SHRI K.N. BALAGOPAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is promoting the use of Shade Nets, Plastic/poly houses and Green houses
to produce off season/ high value crops for local consumption and export;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has done the cost-benefit analysis of the above kind of Agri-Technology
and the change of productivity; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Government is promoting the use of plasticulture applications such as green houses, poly
houses and shade net houses under the centrally sponsored schemes of National Horticulture
Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) and through
the schemes of National Horticulture Board (NHB) for cultivation of vegetables and flowers, and
for nursery raising, including hardening of tissue culture plants.
(c) & (d): Studies conducted on the cost-benefit analysis of protected cultivation indicate that
cultivation in green houses is profitable. Depending on the type of structure and crops, yield
increase of 92 to 338% has been reported in comparison to open field cultivation.
Assistance to farmers for obtaining agricultural implements
2806 SHRIMATI NAZNIN FARUQUE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the number of farmers below poverty line in the country, particularly in Assam;
(b) whether Government proposes to provide special assistance to farmers for obtaining agricultural
implements and machineries; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): According to Planning Commission the number of persons below poverty line during 2009-10
in the country and in Assam were as under:
(No. in Lakhs)
Rural Urban Total
All India 2782.1 764.7 3546.8
Assam 105.3 11.2 116.4
Occupation wise information on poverty is not maintained.
(b) & (c): The Government is providing financial assistance to the farmers including farmer below
the poverty line from the 25% to 50% on the procurement of agricultural implements in the country
including Assam under Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme (MMA).
Houses for fishermen under Fishermen Welfare Fund
2807 SHRIMATI NAZNIN FARUQUE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
HOUSES FOR FISHERMEN UNDER FISHERMEN WELFARE FUND
2807. SHRIMATI NAZNIN FARUQUE:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE
be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the number of houses provided to fishermen, under Fishermen Welfare Fund being
sponsored by the Central Government, State-wise;
(b) whether Government of Assam has submitted a proposal to Central Government for
construction of houses for fishermen of the State under Fishermen Welfare Fund;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) by when the sanction would be accorded and fund would be released according to the proposal?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a): The details of the number of houses approved for fishermen, state-wise under the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme (CSS)- National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen are given at the Annexure.
(b)to(d): A proposal from Government of Assam for release of Rs 27 lakh towards Central Share
was received under this scheme. The proposal could not be considered as the State Government has
not provided the progress report for the amount released earlier to the State.
Wastage of agro products
2808 SHRI PARVEZ HASHMI:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that agro products got wasted on a large scale due to lack of cold storage and
transit facilities;
(b) if so, the details thereof for last three years;
(c) whether there is any deficiency in the present system of storing agro products cereals;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by Government for making effective arrangement to store/ preserve food
products from insects, rats and weather?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): As per the report of Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology
(ICAR), published in September, 2012, based on nationwide sample survey, conducted during 2005
to 2007, the losses for selected cereals are in the range of 2.8% to 4.7%, while in the case of pulses,
it is 3.4% to 5.0%. The annual wastage of fruits and vegetables is estimated in the range of 5.8% to
18%.
(c) & (d): Long and fragmented supply chains, inadequate post-harvest infrastructure such as cold
storages and cold chain logistics, lack of proper transport facilities and poor road connectivity,
translate into wastages of agricultural produce in the country. Fruits and vegetable, being perishable
in nature, are prone to higher percentage of losses than foodgrains.
(e): The Government has taken a number of steps to address the problem of storage and
preservation of food products. These include encouraging reforms in agricultural marketing sector
to facilitate private sector investments, implementation of Central Sector Schemes, namely,
Development/ Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization
(AMIGS), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Horticulture Mission for North East and
Himalayan States (HMNEH). Further, another scheme ‘Grameen Bhandaran Yojana’ is also being
implemented under which rural godowns are bein
Proposal for managing DMS
2809 SHRIMATI SMIRTI ZUBIN IRANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
PROPOSAL FOR MANAGING DMS
2809. SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI:
SHRI NATUJI HALAJI THAKOR:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE
be pleased to state:
(a) the milk production and packing capacity of Delhi Milk Scheme(DMS) per day;
(b) whether it is a fact that Government has been looking for a partner to manage DMS as it is not
doing well;
(c) whether the proposal of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) to take up
the operation of Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS) has been examined by Government.;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the Government’s reaction thereto; and
(e) if not, by when the proposal is likely to be examined and finalized?
ANSWER
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
( DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT )
(a) The milk processing and packing capacity of DMS is five lakh litre per day.
(b) No Sir.
(c) to (e) The Chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has written
to the Government proposing to take up the operation of Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS). However,
GCMMF has been requested to submit a comprehensive and detailed proposal covering various
aspects of the matter including the proposed valuation and monetization of assets of DMS, pending
legal disputes and liabilities of DMS, infusion of equity and terms of engagement of employees of
DMS etc. Such proposal has not been received from GCMMF.
Precarious condition of farmers
2810 SHRI ANIL KUMAR SAHANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the steps taken by Government to improve the financial condition of farmers;
(b) whether it is a fact that heavy flood is a main reason behind precarious financial condition of
farmers;
(c) if so, whether Government has any scheme to deal with such natural calamities; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Disproportionate pressure of population on agriculture resulting inter-alia in low per
capita income in farm sector, disparity between per capita income in farm sector and non-farm
sector and other constraints such as preponderance of small & marginal holdings, imperfect market
conditions and lack of backward and forward linkages adversely affect income levels of farmers.
Natural calamities including heavy floods also adds to the miseries of the farmers.
In addition to various developmental interventions such as National Food Security Mission,
National Horticulture Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Technology Mission on Horticulture
for North Eastern States, Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India, etc., Government has taken
several steps for improving financial condition of farmers including enhancement in Minimum
Support Prices of agricultural commodities, interest rate subvention for timely repayment of crop
loans, debt waiver/debt relief, increase in credit flow to agriculture sector etc.
(c) & (d): In the event of notified calamity, financial assistance is extended from the State Disaster
Response Fund (SDRF)and National Disaster Response Fund(NDRF) in accordance with the
Government of India approved norms of scheme. As per existing scheme of financing relief
expenditure, the State Governments are primarily responsible for undertaking relief and
rehabilitation measures in the areas affected by natural calamities. The distribution of relief on
ground is the responsibility of the concerned state. The Government of India supplements the
efforts of the State Government by providing financial and logistic support, wherever necessary.
Strategy for farm mechanization
2811 SHRI NAND KUMAR SAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether there is any proposal to formulate a new strategy for farm mechanization through
various schemes and programmes of Agriculture during the Twelfth Five Year Plan;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the aim and objectives thereof;
(c) whether small and marginal farmers in various parts of the country will be able to obtain their
own appropriate farm equipments after the introduction of such strategy;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which such new strategy for farm mechanization will be finalized?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The aims & objectives of the proposed Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
under National Mission on agricultural Extension & Technology are as under:
? Increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers;
? Establishment of ‘Custom Hiring Centre’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to
small landholding and high cost of individual ownership.
? Passing on the benefit of hi-tech, high value and hi-productive agricultural machinery to farmers
through creating hubs for such farm equipment;
? Promotion farm mechanization through demonstration and capacity building activities ; and
? Ensuring quality control of newly developed agricultural machinery.
(c) to (e): It is expected that the small and marginal farmers would avail the benefits under the
scheme to acquire farm implements of their use.
Action plan to improve soil health and productivity
2812 DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government has assessed the health of soil including the quality after continued use of
chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc. and its likely impact on the overall food production;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the plan of action initiated to improve soil health and
productivity;
(c) whether Government proposes to promote sustainable growth in agriculture in the country;
(d) if so, the steps taken by Government in this direction;
(e) the number of soil testing laboratories in each State/UT at present; and
(f) the steps taken by Government to set up more such laboratories?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research under All India Coordinated
Research Project on ‘Long-Term Fertilizer Experiments’ has assessed the soil health and quality in
different soil types (fixed locations) under dominant cropping systems. The investigation over the
last few decades indicated that continuous use of nitrogenous fertilizer alone produced the highest
decline in crop yields at almost all the locations showing deficiencies of other nutrients. Even in
NPK fertilized system, the deficiency of micro and secondary nutrients surfaced after few years
affecting crop productivity. Only integrated use of optimal dose of NPK and organic manure
maintained soil health/quality with higher crop productivity.
Similarly, increased use of pesticides may cause decline in beneficial agriculturally useful soil
organisms (earthworms, microbflora).
The Council is advocating soil test based integrated nutrient management and integrated pest
management to sustain good soil health and higher crop productivity in the country.
(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. The Government of India is implementing various schemes/programmes,
namely, Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY),
National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI),
National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses & Maize
(TMOPM), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), National Project on
Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSHF) and National Mission on Micro Irrigation
(NMMI) to promote sustainable growth in agriculture in the country.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is providing requisite technology support,
training and extending improved agro-advisories on real time weather data for appropriate
agronomic interventions. The Council has completed contingency plans for 400 districts out of the
572 target districts of the country. A Network Project entitled ‘National Initiative on Climate
Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) has also been initiated to cope up with climatic vulnerability.
(e) Given in Annexure-I.
(f) The Government under National Project for Management of Soil Health & Fertility (NPMSHF)
has made provision for setting up soil testing laboratories (STLs) in the country. The ICAR has also
proposed setting up of soil testing facilities in 156 more Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) during XII
Plan.
Implementation of NHM in Jammu and Kashmir
2813 SHRI G.N. RATANPURI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of projects undertaken, progress on these projects and amount spent so far under
National Horticulture Mission (NHM), State-wise;
(b) the details of fiscal and physical achievements of National Horticulture Mission in Jammu and
Kashmir, projectwise;
(c) the reasons for deficit, if any, in achievements in Jammu and Kashmir; and
(d) whether Government proposes to extend the duration and enhance the grounds of the mission
activities in Jammu and Kashmir?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation implements Horticulture Mission for
North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) and National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in
remaining States/UTs of the country. Under these missions, assistance is provided for establishment
of nurseries & tissue culture units, area expansion of horticulture crops, rejuvenation of old and
senile orchards, creation of water resources, protected cultivation, bee keeping for pollination
support, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management, organic farming,
establishment of cold storages, creation of marketing infrastructure, setting up of processing units,
human resource development, etc. Detail of funds released so far under these missions are given at
Annexure-I.
State of Jammu and Kashmir covers under HMNEH, which comprises of four mini missions i.e.
Mini Mission-I (Research), Mini Mission-II – (Production and Productivity), Mini Mission-III
(Post harvest Management & Marketing) and Mini Mission-IV(Processing). The scheme is being
implemented during the 12th plan. The details of financial and physical achievements on major
components are given at Annexure-II.
National Saffron Mission in Jammu and Kashmir
2814 SHRI G.N. RATANPURI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of National Saffron Mission and projects undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir;
(b) the details of targets and achievements made under the mission;
(c) the percentage of allocation expended so far, year-wise and activity-wise;
(d) the expected date of completion of projects undertaken under the mission; and
(e) how is the mission expected to benefit the saffron growers and enhance the quality and
production of saffron?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Government of India sanctioned National Mission on Saffron in 2010 to be implemented
over a period of 4 years. The Mission is designed to cover all aspects from production to marketing
and quality check with an outlay of Rs.372.18 crore, out of which Government of India share is
Rs.288.06 crore under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and balance amount to be met by
the beneficiaries/farmers. The Mission has components of rejuvenation, replanting, planting
material, irrigation systems, enhancing product quality, mechanization, weather station,
infrastructure development, transfer of technologies, quality testing & marketing and enhancing
research and extension capabilities. The targets and achievements under major components of the
mission are Annexed.
(c): (Rs. in crore)
S. No. Year Allocation Release Expenditure % Expenditure against allocation
1 2010-11 39.44 19.72 0.84 2.12
2 2011-12 104.30 10.00 25.06 24.02
3 2012-13 80.36 50.00 25.34
(upto Feb 2013 31.53
(d): The activities taken up under the Mission are expected to be completed by 2014.
(e): The Mission is expected to benefit the farmers by increasing the production and productivity of
Saffron through adoption of improved production technologies, improving soil health and by
strengthening of irrigation system. The Mission is also expected to improve the quality of Saffron
and promotion of marketing through establishment of quality control laboratory and e-trading
centre at Dassu, Pampore.
Impact of climate change
2815 SHRI N.K. SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether any studies have been performed to assess the impact of climate change on agriculture;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether Government has undertaken or proposes to implement any adaptation measures in
response to the impact of climate change on agriculture;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. ICAR has assessed the impact of climate change on agriculture using the crop
simulation models under the Network Program on Climate Change. Reduction in crop yields has
been projected for irrigated maize, wheat, irrigated and rainfed rice to the extent of 18, 6, 4 and 6
percent respectively in 2020.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) & (e): Yes, Sir. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under ‘National Initiative
on Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) has undertaken adaptation measures through
demonstration of improved practices on farmers’ fields in 130 districts to cope up with various
climatic aberrations. Contingent plans for 400 districts have been completed out of targeted 572
districts in the country. Automatic weather stations have been established in 100 Krishi Vigyan
Kendras (KVKs) located in vulnerable districts to improve the agro-advisory services to the
farmers. Besides, 100 Village Climate Risk Management Committees (VCRMCs) and Custom
Hiring Centers (CHCs) are being established. A total of 34 training programmes were conducted to
train 1443 scientific personnel on climate resilient agriculture and more than 27,000 farmers were
trained through 370 farmers’ awareness programmes.
Department of Agriculture Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has
implemented various schemes/programmes, namely, Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA),
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National
Horticulture Mission (NHM), and National Mission on Microirrigation (NMMI) etc. to make
Indian Agriculture climate resilient by embedding and mainstreaming various adaptation measures.
Besides, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is under consideration in XII Plan
for implementation of various interventions to address the issue of climate change.
Twelfth Plan for agriculture sector
2816 SHRI HUSSAIN DALWAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether the Twelfth Five Year Plan for agriculture sector has been finalized;
(b) if so, the salient features thereof;
(c) how the plan envisages increase in productivity of foodgrains as well as cash crops; and
(d) the details of the measures stipulated for the welfare of farmers in the plan?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir. Twelfth Five Year Plan was approved by the National Development Council at its
meeting held on 27th December, 2012.
(b) to (d): Twelfth Plan aims to continue with the decentralization thrust of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana while rationalizing the Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored schemes in order to provide
more focused attention on food and cash crops and transfer of technology to the farmers, thereby
increasing productivity, incomes and welfare of farmers. The main objectives of the plan, inter alia,
are: bringing in scale for economic viability through development of Farmer Producer
Organizations; emphasizing technology, both on the research and development sides; stressing
standards and protocols in schemes; improving statistics and evaluation; initiating a shift towards
sustainable and climate resilient agriculture.
Investment in agriculture sector
2817 SHRI P. RAJEEVE
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether public investment in agricultural sector has increased during the last two decades of
liberalization;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether it is sufficient to address the problems faced by this sector?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): As per the latest estimates supplied by Central Statistics Office (CSO), Public
investment/Gross Capital Formation (GCF) in agricultural sector has increased from Rs.9239 crore
in 1991-92 to Rs.22095 crore in 2011-12 at 2004-05 prices.
Present rate of public investment (GCF) in 2011-12 in the agriculture and allied sectors is at 3 per
cent of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As per the draft Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-
17) document, the plan aims to realize public investment in agriculture to 4 per cent of agricultural
GDP.
Development of hybrid crops for drought prone areas
2818 SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed hybrid
crops for the drought prone areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action Government has taken to percolate this achievement of ICAR amongst the farmers of
the drought prone areas; and
(d) the action Government proposes to take to distribute the hybrid seeds of ICAR to the farmers of
Maharashtra facing worst drought conditions?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) For drought prone areas, hybrids have been developed mainly in crops grown in rainfed areas
like pearl millet, maize, sunflower, sorghum, cotton and castor. The list of such important hybrids
is given in Annexure-1.
(c) The popularization of such hybrids is undertaken through Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) by
ICAR and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). In food crops, the seed is also provided to
farmers under the programmes like National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Bringing Green
Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) and Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive
Millets Promotion (INSIMP).
(d) The public institutes are now having MOUs with private companies to produce and sell seeds of
ICAR and SAUs hybrids. Additionally, per indent from Department of Agriculture and
Cooperation (DAC), ICAR produces the breeder seed of parental lines of hybrids and in turn, State
Seed Corporations, like MAHABEEJ in Maharashtra, produce the foundation and certified seed of
these hybrids. Seed of hybrids is also sold by ICAR institutes and SAUs at the time of Farmers’
fair.
Functioning of KVKs in Maharashtra
2819 SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the number of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) presently functioning in Maharashtra and how
many of them are in the worst drought affected regions like Marathwada, Khandesh etc. in the
State;
(b) the details thereof; and
(c) the action KVKs have taken to educate farmers to face the drought conditions in drought
affected areas of Maharashtra?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): There are presently 44 KVKs functioning in Maharashtra of which 4 districts in
Marathwada and 5 districts in Western Maharashtra region are affected by drought. The KVKs
functioning in these areas are shown in Annexure-A. The details of KVKs functioning in
Maharashtra are given in Annexure-B.
(c) The KVKs have taken action to educate farmers to face drought conditions by conducting
demonstrations of drought tolerant varieties, in-situ moisture conservation, rain water harvesting,
training for crop management under drought micro-irrigation management, fodder preservation etc.
and extension related activities. In addition, under National Initiative on Climate Resilient
Agriculture (NICRA) programme, KVKs of Ahmednagar, Aurangabad and Pune have undertaken
various technological interventions in selected villages to help the farmers to overcome drought
conditions.
Steep fall in prices of coconut
2820 SHRI C.P. NARAYANAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it has came to the notice of Government that there is a steep fall in the prices of coconut
in Kerala putting thereby millions of coconut growers into horrendous misery and destitution;
(b) whether Government knows that discontinuance of NAFED from purchasing copra has
accentuated the situation; and
(c) whether Government would direct NAFED to continue purchase of copra and extend at least the
same subsidy it is now giving to palm oil to coconut oil as well, to mitigate the plight of coconut
farmers?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): NAFED, the Central Agency for procurement of copra has reported that the prices of
copra ruled below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during January/February, 2013 and therefore
it has purchased 261 MTs of Milling Copra and 46 MTs of Ball Copra under PSS during 2013
season, till 18.02.2013. However, thereafter, NAFED has suspended procurement operation of
Copra under PSS due to restriction on reimbursement of loss @ 15% of procurement cost.
(c): There is no such proposal.
Growth rate of agriculture production
2821 SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government had fixed target of annual growth rate of agricultural
production at 4 per cent for Eleventh Five Year Plan in the country;
(b) if so, whether it is also a fact that the target of 4 per cent was also fixed during Tenth Five Year
Plan;
(c) if so, the facts thereof;
(d) whether Government could not achieve the target of 4 per cent agriculture production growth
rate fixed during Eleventh Five Year Plan; and
(e) if so, the facts thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (e): As against the targeted growth rate of 4 per cent during the Tenth and Eleventh Five Year
Plans for the Agriculture and Allied Sectors, achievement was 2.4 per cent during the Tenth Plan
and 3.6 per cent during the Eleventh Plan.
Suicide by farmers
2822 SHRI RASHEED MASOOD
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the number of farmers who have committed suicide in the country during last three years and
the current year, till now;
(b) the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) the reasons for these suicides; and
(d) the measures taken to prevent these suicides?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (c): State-wise details of suicides by farmers due to agrarian reasons, during last three years
and the current year, till now, as reported by respective State Government are at Annexure. Reasons
of suicide by farmers, as reported by State Governments, are manifold which, inter-alia, include
indebtedness, crop failure, drought, socio-economic and personal reasons.
(d): Government has taken various measures to ameliorate agrarian distress, prevent suicides by
farmers, revitalize agriculture sector and improve economic condition of farming community on
sustainable basis, which include implementation of rehabilitation package in identified districts,
increase in minimum support prices of agricultural commodities and credit flow to agriculture, debt
waiver/relief, crop insurance, interest subvention on crop loans, issue of Kisan Credit Cards,
assisting formation of Joint Liability Groups, provision of agricultural inputs and support services,
infrastructure for storage, transportation and marketing of agriculture produce, increase in public
investment in agriculture & allied sectors through implementation of various other
programmes/schemes etc.
Research and invention in agriculture sector
2823 SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that the role of research in agricultural sector is important for making
agriculture remunerative;
(b) if so, the Government’s reaction thereto;
(c) whether it is also a fact that new seeds have been developed by scientists and researchers to
increase the production of pulses, oilseeds, wheat, paddy and sugarcane during the last five years;
and
(d) if so, the details of these seeds, their rate of yield and the quantity of commercial production of
the above seeds in 2012-13?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The agricultural research conducted in the country has made impressive contribution towards
making agriculture remunerative to farmers.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) Details are given in Annexure.
Introduction of GM crops for commercial farming
2824 SHRI RAGHUNANDAN SHARMA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the number of GM crops introduced for commercial farming and the research has been/is being
done by ICAR regarding such crops;
(b) whether any objections were raised by certain parties regarding farming of Bt. Cotton;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of Government thereto;
(d) whether the objectives of increasing the production of these crops and lessening the use of
pesticides and insecticide have been achieved;
(e) if so, the details thereof and the benefit farmers have got from this; and
(f) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by Government to tackle their likely ill effects on the
health of human beings?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) Bt cotton is the only transgenic crop approved for commercialization in India. Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) is undertaking agricultural research projects related to biotechnology
and GM Crops like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, cotton and vegetables through its Research Institutes.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) From the inception of the Bt cotton, there has been a sustained objection from some of the Non-
Governmental Organizations besides Civil Society, Technical Expert Committee (TEC) constituted
by Hon’ble Supreme Court, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, etc. on the grounds
that (i) Biosafety assessment of Bt cotton before its introduction and post release monitoring of Bt
cotton is not adequate; (ii) Bt cotton is not suitable for cultivation in rainfed areas which has
adversely affected the economy of small farmers, and (iii) Cattle death and farmers’ suicides have
been attributed to introduction of Bt cotton in some regions such as Warangal and Vidarbha.
The objections have been very speculative, without any reasonable assessment of the technological
strengths of Bt-cotton. In spite of the controversy regarding Bt cotton, the ground reality is that
during the last decade, area under cotton cultivation (approx. 12 million hectares of which 90% is
under Bt cotton) and productivity of cotton has gone up significantly. During the post Bt cotton era,
Indian economy has benefited as India is the second largest exporter of cotton. Pursuant to the
release of Bt cotton in 2002, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of Ministry of
Environment and Forests had sought the views of the State Governments in 2005 on whether
approval for Bt cotton cultivation should be renewed or not. So far, the Ministry of Environment
and Forests has not received any request from any of the State Government to withdraw the
approval for Bt cotton cultivation in the cotton growing States. There is no scientific evidence to
show that Bt cotton has adversely impacted the biodiversity or human/cattle health.
(d) Yes, Sir.
(e) The main purpose of Bt cotton was to control the dreaded insect pests, viz., bollworms. Bt
cotton effectively controls bollworms, especially Helicoverpa armigera, thus preventing yield
losses from an estimated damage of 30 to 60% each year in India. The biggest gain from the
technology was in the form of reduced insecticide usage for bollworm control. Prior to the
introduction of Bt cotton, about 9,400 metric tonnes of insecticides were used for bollworm control
in cotton during 2001-02, while only 222 metric tonnes were used for bollworm control in 2011-12.
Yields are estimated to have increased at least by 30% due to effective protection from bollworm
damage.
(f) The Government of India is following a policy of case by case approval of genetically modified
(GM) crops. Extensive evaluation and regulatory approval process takes place before any GM crop
is approved for commercial cultivation. This includes generation of relevant biosafety information,
its elaborate analysis to ensure food, feed and environmental safety. The environmental safety
assessment includes studies on pollen escape, out-crossing, aggressiveness and weediness, effect of
the gene on non-target organisms, presence of protein in soil and its effect on soil micro-flora,
confirmation of the absence of terminator gene and baseline susceptibility studies. A final view on
the commercialization of GM crop plants is taken only when there is a clear economic and
technical justification besides suitability for environment and human consumption.
Use of banned pesticides
2825 SHRI PANKAJ BORA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether Government is aware that farmers are using banned pesticides to grow fruits and
vegetables;
(b) whether Government is aware that pesticides used in eatables in the country is as higher as 750
times as per European standards;
(c) whether it is a fact that banned pesticides cause serious neurological problems, kidney damages
and skin diseases;
(d) whether there is any mechanism and device to stop forthwith use of pesticides in growing fruits
and vegetables in the interest of people’s health;
(e) if not, whether Government proposes to introduce the required mechanisms and devices; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): In the past, certain reports in the media have referred to vegetables available in the market
containing banned pesticides. However, analysis of samples of agricultural commodities, including
vegetables, collected for detection of pesticide residues under the Central Sector Scheme of
“Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level” does not indicate use of any pesticide banned
under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
(b): Government is not aware that pesticides used in eatables in the country is as higher as 750
times as per European standards.
(c): Registration Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 registers safe
and effective pesticides only after evaluating comprehensive and exhaustive data on Chemistry,
Bio-efficacy, Safety (Toxicity) & Packaging. Based on data, maximum residue limits are fixed by
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
‘Pesticides are banned in the country when efficacy against pest and diseases, and safety to humans
and animals can no longer be assured.’ Contd..2/-
-2-
(d) to (f): The Government is popularizing the strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
through a Central Sector Scheme “Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management
Approach in India” which includes cultural, mechanical, biological and other methods of pest
control and emphasizes safe and judicious use of pesticides.
Under the ambit of IPM programme, the Government has established 31 Central IPM Centers in 28
State and one UT. The mandate of these Centers is pest/disease monitoring, production and release
of bio-control agents/bio-pesticides, conservation of bio-control agents and Human Resource
Development in IPM by imparting training to Agriculture/Horticulture Extension Officers and
farmers at grass root level by organizing Farmers Field Schools (FFSs) in farmers’ fields. The basic
aim of FFS is to train the farmers on the latest IPM technology so that they are able to take decision
in pest management operation. Besides, large number of locally available bio-control agents are
augmented from field to field based on the requirement. Major emphasis is given on judicious use
of chemical pesticide as a last resort and safety in use of pesticides, alternate tools for pest
management viz; cultural, physical, mechanical methods of pest control as well as use of
biopesticides and biocontrol agents, effects of pesticides on natural enemies of pests, do’s and
don’ts of pesticide use including proper application equipment and the technique. FFSs are run by
trained personnel to train 30 farmers and 5 Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) for 14 weeks.
At the end of training, Kisan Mela is organized at the FFS site to popularize the IPM approach
among neighboring farmers.
Partly as a result of re-orientation of plant protection strategy and adoption of IPM as the main
plank of plant protection strategy since 1994, the consumption of chemical pesticides in the country
has declined from 65,462 metric tonnes (technical grade) in 1994-95 to 50,583.47 MT (Technical
Grade) in 2011-12.
Implementation of Grameen Bhandaran Yojana
2826 SHRIMATI GUNDU SUDHARANI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that more than 70 per cent of rural godowns are owned by farmers;
(b) whether it means that the Grameen Bhandaran Yojana is a success;
(c) if so, how farmers are facing problem in storage of foodgrains they produce;
(d) the total number of rural godowns constructed in the country since inception of the scheme in
2001, State-wise and yearwise;
(e) the details of subsidy given under this scheme;
(f) whether farmers are demanding for increasing the subsidy; and
(g) if so, the steps Ministry has taken thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): As per the Report of the evaluation study of Central Sector Scheme of Construction of Rural
godowns received in 2006, the godown owners are predominantly farmers (70%).
(b) & (c): Yes, Sir. As against the target of 90 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT), capacity of 135.01 lakh
MT has been sanctioned under the scheme during XI Plan period. The scheme is being continued in
order that the storage issue for farmers are gradually resolved.
(d): Since inception of the scheme in 2001, 30,929 godowns have been sanctioned upto February,
2013 under the scheme. The State-wise and year-wise details are given in Annexure-I.
(e): Subsidy of Rs.1065.30 crore has been released upto February, 2013 under the Scheme. State
wise details of subsidy released are given in Annexure-II.
(f) & (g): There is no representation with the Ministry from farmers for increase of subsidy.