(a) whether there is a gap between the potential and the actual yield of pulses, oilseeds and crops sown in rainfed areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to bridge the gap?
(a) whether there is a gap between the potential and the actual yield of pulses, oilseeds and crops sown in rainfed areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to bridge the gap?
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): There is a gap between potential and the actual yield of pulses, oilseeds
and crops sown in rainfed areas. The yield gap ranges between 850 to 1320 kg/ha for
soybean, 550 to 770 kg/ha for Red gram, 610 to 1150 kg/ha for Bengal gram and 1180 to
2010 kg/ha for Groundnut. The yield gap in other rainfed crops viz., Jowar (kharif)
ranges from 2130 to 2560 kg/ha, 280 to 830 kg/ha in Jowar (rabi) and 680 to 1040 kg/ha
for Bajra. This gap is attributed to lack of adoption of improved varieties, quality seeds
and technologies. Since it is a rainfed crop, the crops several times suffer due to
moisture stress reducing the yield.
(c): Ministry of Agriculture is implementing various programmes in which frontline
demonstrations of varieties and technologies are being taken up in consultation with
Indian Council of Agricultural Research to bridge the gap between the potential and the
actual yield of pulses and oilseeds crops. Besides above, Watershed Development
Projects are being implemented by Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development for
conservation of soil and water which helps in increasing the productivity of rainfed
crops.