Question : EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR



(a) whether the rate of employment and number of employment opportunities in the agricultural sector has decreased due to drought in many parts of the country including Vidarbha region;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to make special provision for women to empower them under the present schemes/ programmes related to agriculture being run in the country including Vidarbha; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


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) & (b): Agriculture area under cultivation decreased marginally from 714.28 lakh hectars in Kharif 2008 to 693.25 lakh hectares during Kharif 2009 on account of drought. This could have resulted in marginally lower employment during Kharif 2009. However, the Government is implementing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in all districts which provided adequate employment to agriculture labourers.

(c) & (d): 30% of total plan outlay of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is earmarked for women for implementation in the country, including Vidarbha.