(a) whether there has been huge losses to the farmers due to widespread damage of cotton
crop in the country during the current season;
(b) if so, the main reasons therefor;
(c) the financial loss caused to the farmers, State and UT-wise;
(d) whether the Government have provided any financial assistance to the State/UTs;
(e) if so, the reasons thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The cotton crop in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan have
suffered losses on account of attack of American boll worm. The early onset of the rains in the
month of May and June 2001 led to early buildup of pest. Subsequent intermittent rains and
cloudy weather helped further multiplication of pest and hindered the spray operations, causing
damage to cotton.
(c): The financial losses based on Minimum Support Price (MSP) estimated for these states
is as under:
Sl.No. State Financial Loss (Rs. in crores)
1 Punjab 380.88
2. Haryana 684.13
3. Rajasthan 298.60 Total 1363.61