(a) whether the Government is aware of the plight of farmers as a result of the crash the
prices of Onion, Tomato, Maize and some other crops;
(b) if so, the response of the Government alongwith the details of the action plan to help the
farmers;
(c) whether the Union Government has received any requests from the States seeking
financial assistance; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action of the Union Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)
(a): Month-end wholesale prices of onion, tomato and maize have shown an increasing trend
in recent months.
(b)to(d): On the request of a State/UT Government, the Government of India implements
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement of agricultural and horticultural
commodities generally perishable in nature and not covered under Price Support Scheme.
During 2005-06, on the request of Government of Rajasthan, Government of India implemented
MIS for procurement of 5000 MT of onion at Rs.250/- per quintal from 1.6.2005 to 31.7.2005.
No proposal from any other State Government has been received for implementing MIS for
onion during the current year.
Regarding Maize Government of India has appointed Food Corporation of India as the
Central Nodal Agency for procurement of Maize. The MSP for Maize for the year 2005-06 is
Rs.540/- per quintal.