Question : PRODUCTION OF COTTON

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps/launched any intensive programme for improving the production and productivity of cotton in the country;

(b) if so, the number of beneficiaries of such initiatives along with details of financial, institutional and technological assistance demanded and given to the farmers thereunder to encourage them for cultivation of cotton in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government proposes to set up a centre for Cotton Excellence in Gujarat to boost cotton production and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether there are reports regarding huge loss of Bt. cotton crop due to use of fake seeds in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to check the supply of fake seeds and punish the culprits?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Mini Mission-II (MM-II) of Technology Mission on cotton (TMC) in 13 Cotton growing states for improving production & productivity of cotton in the country since 2002.


(b): Under the MM-II of TMC, assistance is provided for production and distribution of seeds, field demonstrations, farmers trainings, through Farmers Field School, use of water saving devices and integrated pest management etc.

The funds allocated to the States covered under the scheme during last three years & current year till November, 2013, is enclosed at Annexure-I. As per the guidelines of the scheme, the State Department of Agriculture select the beneficiaries in consultation with local Block Development/Panchayat Office.

(c): To boost cotton production in Gujarat, the Central Institute for Cotton research (CICR), Nagpur and All India coordinated Cotton Improvement Project (AICCIP) of the ICAR are conducting basic, strategic, applied research for development of cotton cultivation through Navasari Agricultural University and Junagarh Agricultural University. Besides, Krishi Vigyan Kendras are disseminating the cotton production technologies.

(d): None of the States have reported any loss of Bt. cotton crop due to use of fake seeds.

(e): Question does not arise.