Question : COST OF PRODUCTION

(a) whether there is a huge difference in the cost of production undertaken in the research centres and by the farmers in the fields;

(b) if so, facts thereof;

(c) whether any national level scheme has been formulated to educate the farmers in this regard; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and expenditure likely to be incurred on the implementation of this scheme?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a) & (b): The cost of production on experimental farm is marginally higher due to conducting the experiments following statistical design. There is also variation of cost in different components due to production technology adopted in research centres and in the farmer`s fields. The comparative study of cost of cultivation for paddy is indicated in Annexure.

(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. The Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have established 261 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) for taking up the activities including frontline demonstrations for establishing the production potentials on farmer`s fields, on farm testing for identifying the location specificity of technologies; and its dissemination through training of farmers and in-service personnel. During the last three years (1997-98 to 1999-2000) an amount of Rs. 138.77 crores was allotted for the purpose.


Annexure-I

Comparative Study - Cost of Cultivation
Farm Operation	Farmers` Field	Expermiental	Rs./ha)	Farm(Rs./ha)
Puddling	1215 750 
Nursery raising/transplanating	3690	6125 
Inputs (fertilizer and water)	2000	2150 
Plant Protection 280 350 
Weeding	2100	2000 
Harvesting	2088	3750 
Threshing	1800	562.5
	13173	15687.5