(a) whether total area of arable land in the country is increasing;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether irrigation facilities including micro and lift irrigation facilities are
extended to more number of villages every year in the country;
(e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including the funds invested in such
schemes/projects;
(f) whether area of barren land is also increasing; and
(g) if so, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a)to(c): No, Sir. The total cultivable land was 185.09 million ha. In 1980-81
which has reduced to 182.57 million ha. In 2005-06 mainly due to diversion of
agricultural land to non agricultural uses. During the same period, land under non-agricultural
uses has increased from 19.66 million ha. to 24.94 million ha.The State-wise details of
cultivable land for 2005-06 are given at Annexure-I.
(d)&(e): Irrigation is a State subject and planning, execution, funding and priority
of construction of irrigation projects is within the purview of State Governments. Under
major and medium irrigation projects, irrigation potential has been created in about 42.3
million ha. And under minor irrigation projects, irrigation potential has been created in
about 60.4 million ha. The State-wise details are given in Annexure-II and III
respectively. Also, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation was launched in
January, 2006 (during 10th Plan) for implementing drip and sprinkler irrigation in the
country. Under this scheme, assistance is provided to all categories of farmers @ 50% of
the cost of drip and sprinkler system. The programme is being implemented in all the
States. During last two years (2005-06 and 2006-07) an area of 3.48 lakh ha has been
covered under above scheme. The details of physical and financial targets and
achievements are given at Annexure-IV.
(f)&(g): No, Sir. The extent of barren land was 19.96 million ha in 1980-81 which
has reduced to 17.54 million ha. in 2005-06 in the country.