Question : NEW AGRICULTURE POLICY

(a) whether in the wake of WTO regime the Government propose to bring new Agriculture Policy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the private sector participation will be promoted through contract farming and land lease agreements to allow accelerated technology transfer, capital inflow and assured market for crop production;

(d) if so, the details in this regard with their impact; and

(e) whether any special provision has been made for facing the national calamities and drought situation under the said New Agriculture Policy?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SRIPAD Y. NAIK)

(a) & (b): The National Agriculture Policy, which was announced in July 2000, adequately addresses the issues emerging out of the WTO regime. The Government, therefore, does not propose to bring out a New Agriculture Policy.

(c) & (d): Promotion of private sector participation though contract farming and land lease arrangements will be encouraged in so far as to allow accelerated technology transfer, capital inflow and assured markets for crop production, and also to meet the problems of small uneconomical holdings and enhance investment in agriculture and allied activities.

(e): Under the National Agriculture Policy, special provisions to meet natural calamities and drought situations are: National Agriculture Insurance Scheme, drought proofing measures, contingency agriculture planning, development of drought resistant crop varieties, watershed development programmes, drought prone areas and desert development programmes and rural infrastructure development programmes.