(a) whether the Government is aware that farmers of the country particularly
Bundelkhand area are on the verge of death due to starvation, hunger and debt;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether package for Bundelkhand area has not reached the farmers; and
(d) if so, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): Ministry of Agriculture does not maintain data on death of farmers
due to starvation, hunger and debt. In so far as Bundelkhand region is concerned,
Government of India is implementing a Special Package for drought mitigation with an
outlay of Rs.7266 crore (Rs.3506 crore and Rs.3760 crore for Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh respectively) for a period of three years (2009-2012). The Package
focuses on rainwater harvesting and water management especially through
completion of ongoing and incomplete irrigation projects for speedy accrual of benefits
to farmers. Bundelkhand Package also includes components of crop diversification,
strengthening livelihood systems through appropriate interventions in animal
husbandry, horticulture and agricultural marketing sectors. Under this package, an
amount of Rs. 925.69 crore to Uttar Pradesh and Rs.1287.03 crore to Madhya Pradesh
has been released so far as Additional Central Assistance.