Question : FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

(a) whether the Union Government has provided financial assistance to the States during the last three years for the development and upgradation of agricultural infrastructure;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government proposes to announce a Rs. 5000 crore package for agriculture to deal with natural disasters;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the contribution of Centre and States therein;

(f) whether the Government also proposes to generate extra resources for National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to increase its refinancing capabilities; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) & (b): The Plan expenditure during the last three years under various schemes being implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation for development of agriculture including upgradation of agricultural infrastructure is as follows:

 (Rs. in crore)
Year	Actual expenditure on Plan Schemes

2004-05	2676.77

2005-06	3848.16

2006-07	4675.03

2007-08	5428.30