Question : PROBLEMS OF ARECANUT GROWERS

(a) whether the Union Government has constituted a Central team to study the problems of arecanut growers of Karnataka under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gorakh Singh;

(b) if so, whether the Central team has submitted the report;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the outcome thereof;

(d) whether the report includes the problems being faced by the Arecanut growers with regard to alternate crops suitable for the areas and identification measures to control the Yellow Leaf Disease (YLD) of arecanut; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) to (e): The Union Government constituted a Central team to study the problems of arecanut growers of Karnataka under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gorakh Singh. The details of the report submitted by the committee are Annexed. The Government has taken following steps to address the problems faced by arecanut growers:-

(i) Under National Horticulture Mission, an amount of Rs. 705.08 lakh was provided for rejuvenation including Yellow Leaf Disease (YLD) affected gardens of arecanut. Under this Mission, assistance is also provided for Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management to improve production and productivity of horticultural crops including arecanut.

(ii) Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance has formulated a scheme for providing financial relief to the farmers in Karnataka for implementation through NABARD.

(iii) Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod is undertaking various research and extension activities to promote alternative uses of arecanut and for effective control of Yellow Leaf Disease of arecanut.

(iv) During the year 2011-12, MIS was implemented for procurement of 8000 MTs White and 4000 MTs Red variety of arecanut from 06.04.11 to 31.05.11 with a Market Intervention Price of Rs.75,900/- per MT for white and Rs.97,900/- per MT for red variety of Arecanut in Karnataka.