(a) whether the implementation of Kuttanadu Package in Kerala has been completed;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total amount of money spent by the Government so far for Kuttanadu Package, along with the components of the package;
(d) whether the State Government of Kerala has requested to extend the time for the Kuttanadu Package and enhance the allocation; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (e): The Government had granted ‘in-principle’ approval in July, 2008 for providing financial support amounting to Rs.1840.75 crore for implementing various programmes/interventions suggested by M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation for development of Kuttanad Wetland Eco-system. The programme/interventions were to be implemented by the concerned Ministries/ Departments within their existing schemes. The detailed projects reports have been prepared for the activities recommended by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. As on August, 2015, out of Rs.1268.13 crore sanctioned for implementation of various programmes and activities, Rs.606.08 crore and Rs.569.22 crore have been released and utilized respectively.
A request of Government of Kerala was received for extension of implementation period. Implementation of Kuttanad package ended in July, 2012. However, Government has not extended the period but has advised the State Government to implement the approved activities of Kuttanad package under various on-going schemes/ programmes of Government like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) etc.
Details of amount spent/utilized are annexed.