(a) whether production of agricultural products is likely to fall in the next few years,
as reported in `The Statesman` dated January 8, 2000;
(b) if so, whether the Government propose to formulate any schemes to check
declining trend in agricultural products; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SRIPAD Y. NAIK)
(a): The production of agriculture crops generally shows a long term upward trend,
albeit with fluctuations. The foodgrains production during 1999-2000, for instance,
increased to 208.87 million tonnes from 176.39 million tonnes during 1990-91.
(b) & (c): To increase production and develop agriculture in different parts of the
country in future, the Government has decided to switch over from the conventional
Schematic approach to Macro Management mode for providing assistance to States.
The scheme integrates 27 schemes into one scheme for
supplementation/complementation of states` efforts through work plans which gives
flexibility to states to address the specific problems faced by them, avoid overlapping in
the contents of different schemes and aim for all-round development of agriculture.