(a) whether production of cotton, jowar and soyabean in 2009-10 is likely to be less than
2008-09 in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to increase the production of these crops;
(c) whether the main reason for less production of these crops is unavailability of irrigation facilities; and
(d) if so, the steps taken to provide irrigation facilities to the farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): During 2009-10, the production of cotton and soyabean in Vidarbha region of
Maharashtra has increased by 2% and 33% respectively as compared to their production
during 2008-09. However, production of Kharif jowar during 2009-10 has declined as
compared to last year mainly on account of long dry spells during monsoon season.
(b): Some of the major steps taken by Government of Maharashtra to increase
production of the the above crops include launching of a massive campaign for in-situ
soil moisture conservation all over the State, campaign for utilization of rain water
harvested in farm ponds, issue of plant protection advisories to the farmers through mass
media etc.
(c) & (d): The above crops in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are mainly grown
as rain fed crops. To increase irrigation facilities in Vidharbha region, particularly in the
Amaravati Division, funds are provided to liquidate irrigation backlog. The expenditure
on Vidarbha has increased from Rs.354.00 crore in 2002-03 to 3254.00 crore in 2008-09.
Further, in the Prime Minister’s package, additional irrigation potential of 1.15 lakh
hectare has been created in distressed districts of Vidarbha region.