Question : National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif and Rabi Campaigns

(a) whether the Government organizes National Conferences on Agriculture for Kharif and Rabi campaigns before each crop season with the officials of State Governments/UT Administrations, research scientists and extension functionaries to formulate strategy for Kharif and Rabi crops and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of the area under cultivation of Rabi crops during the current season as compared to the last season, crop and State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the overall sown area of Rabi crops has dipped as compared to that of the last year, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the practice of unplanned growing of crops is still prevalent in various parts of the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard and the outcome thereof?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.



STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 44 DUE FOR REPLY ON 6TH FEBRUARY, 2018.

(a) : Yes Madam, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare organizes two National Conferences on Agriculture for Kharif and Rabi Campaigns every year. The Conferences are organized over two days before the commencement of each crop season. Main objectives of the conference are; (i) To review production performance of preceding crop season; (ii) To develop Crop productions strategy for ensuing season; (iii) To discuss Crop-wise production targets with state Government officials; (iv) To ensure Input supply position; (v) To exchange experiences with the States on new technology and innovation in Agriculture. The Conference provides a unique opportunity for discussions on important topics related to Agriculture and schemes / programmes for the development of Agriculture and allied sector. The Conference is attended by the scientists and officials of States / UTs, Central Ministries/ Departments concerned and National Level Organizations.

(b) & (c): As per the reports of the State Government, area coverage under rabi 2017-18 is 632.34 lakh hectare as compared 641.72 lakh hectare last year as on 2.2.2018, which is less by 1.46 %. The normal rabi area (average of 5 years) is 623.43 lakh hectare. The Crop –wise and state-wise sown area under rabi crops as on 2.2.2018 is at Annexure–I & II, respectively.

(d) & (e): Farmer’s decision on the choice of crops to be planted depends upon a number of factors and to help them in making proper choices, advisories are issued from time to time and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) are announced before the sowing season. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) – Indian
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Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in technical collaboration with stakeholders from National Agricultural Research Systems including State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and line departments, develop contingency plans to cope with contingency situations such as droughts, floods, hall storms, unseasonal rains and heat wave etc. State Governments are sensitized about the agricultural contingencies to address these issues in a holistic way for the ultimate benefit of the farming community of the country. Advisories are issued to the States & farmers to maximize their production sowing latest technologies of crop production, and to educate farmers, demonstrations and trainings are organized at farmers field under various crop development programmes including National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) and National Mission on Oilseed & Oilpalm (NMOOP).

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on “Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms (ATMA)” implemented in 676 districts of 29 states & 3 UTs of the country grants-in-aid is released to the State Governments for revitalizing the extension system and making available the latest agricultural technologies to the farmers different thematic areas to increase agricultural production. The activities under ATMA include Farmers Training, Demonstrations, Exposure Visits, Kisan Mela, Mobilization of Farmers Groups and organizing Farm Schools etc.

In order to increase production and acreage of Rabi and Khairf crops in the country, Government of India is implementing through State Governments several Crop Development Schemes / Programmes such as NFSM, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), BGREI, NMOOP, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA),
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Soil Health Card (SHC) etc. Under these Schemes / Programmes, funds are provided to States for implementation of State-specific agricultural strategies including incentives to farmers for use of quality seeds; Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), farm-mechanization etc.,

Further, in order to increase the production of field crops in the country, crop based institutes and All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) undertake research programmes to develop high yielding varieties / hybrids. As a result of concerted efforts, a total of 907 high yielding varieties / hybrids of field crops were released during 2012-2017 for cultivation in different states and agri-ecologies. Front line demonstrations were organized to demonstrate the new technologies, including IPM and farmers training programmes, farmers’ fairs, farmers’ field days, etc. were also organized for awareness generation among the farmers so that they can adopt new varieties and technologies to increase production.