(a) whether there is a proposal to bring white paper on the agriculture sector;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the existing agriculture policy is adequate to meet the emerging challenges in the agriculture sector;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): Yes, Madam.
(d): National Policy for Farmers (NPF), 2007 aims to improve economic viability of farming and increase net income of farmers. Policy provisions in NPF- 2007 include, inter-alia, asset reforms in respect of land, water, livestock, fisheries and bio-resources; supply of good quality seeds and disease-free planting material, issue of soil health passbooks to the farmers and integrated pest management system; region and crop specific implements and machinery; support services for women; timely, adequate and easy reach of institutional credit at reasonable interest rates and farmer-friendly insurance instruments; support services and inputs like application of frontier technologies; agricultural bio-security system; use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and setting up of farm schools to revitalize agricultural extension; coverage of farmers under a comprehensive national social security scheme; effective implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) across the country and establishing community foodgrain banks; development of agricultural market infrastructure and terminal markets for agriculture; curriculum reforms in agricultural universities; special categories of farming like organic farming and contract farming; rural non-farm employment initiative for farm households; and integrated approach for rural energy, etc.
Plan of Action for operationalisation of policy provisions was circulated to different Ministries/ Departments and State/Union Territories (UTs) Governments for taking necessary follow up action. Many of the Schemes/Programmes being implemented by Central and State Governments are as per the provisions of NPF, 2007.
(e): Does not arise, in view of (c) & (d) above.