(a) the details of groundnut production during each of the last three years, State-wise;
(b) whether production of groundnut in the country has declined or remained stagnant;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to increase the production of groundnut?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): State-wise details of estimated production of groundnut in the country during
last three years, i.e., 2006-07 to 2008-09 are given in the Annexure.
(b) & (c): The production of groundnut in the country increased from 4.86 million
tonnes during 2006-07 to 9.18 million tonnes during 2007-08 and, thereafter, declined
to 7.17 million tonnes during 2008-09. Fluctuations in the production/productivity of
groundnut are attributed to climatic factors coupled with lack of adoption of appropriate
technologies.
(d): To increase the production of oilseeds including groundnut in the country, the
Government is implementing an Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and
Maize (ISOPOM). Further, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
and All India Coordinated Research Programmes(AICRPs), several high yielding and
trait specific varieties of groundnut suitable for different agro ecologies have been
developed and released in the country. The matching crop production and protection
technologies suitable for these varieties have also been developed for enhancing the
productivity. The varieties and production technologies are being demonstrated
through front line demonstrations for dissemination and adoption by the farmers.
Further, emphasis is being laid on balanced use of nutrients and micro-nutrients.
Considering the high productivity during rabi/summer cultivation, raised bed planting
with drip irrigation is also being promoted in some parts of the country.