(a) whether large scale destruction of crops, fruits, vegetables, livestock is taking place in
Bihar every year due to heavy and scanty rainfall;
(b) if so, the extent of such loss incurred in the state during the last three years;
(c) whether the economic condition of farmers of Bihar has worsened as a result thereof;
and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to improve the condition of the farmers and to
compensate them?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) to (d): The State of Bihar is predominantly affected by floods. Drought was reported in
some parts of the State in 2001-02. As per the information available floods caused damage to 3.49 lakh hectare of cropped area in 1999, 1.63 lakh Hectares in 2000. Floods recurred in 2001
damaging 1.01 lakh Hectare. During the early part of monsoon, 2001, there was drought
causing loss of 1.72 lakh hectares in terms of cropped area. Subsequent rains brought
considerable improvement in the drought situation. Central Government contributed its share of
the Calamity Relief Fund of Rs.45.05 crores in 1999-2000, 52.73 crores during 2000-01 and
Rs.26.36 crores so far during the current financial year.
Besides, Rs.38.18 crores were sanctioned during 1999-2000 from the National Fund for
Calamity Relief (NFCR) and Rs.29.67 crores from the National Calamity Contingency Fund
druring 2000-01 (Which succeeded NFCR).
For the current year`s floods 1 lakh MT of Rice was issued free of cost to undertake the
Food for Work Programme.
A number of schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development and Water
Resources are under implementation to provide long-term benefits to the farmers.