Question : REMUNERATIVE PRICE TO FARMERS

(a) whether condition of farmers has turned worst due to fall in price and in the absence of getting remunerative price for the agricultural produce in the country particularly in Kerala;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise

(c) whether the Government have formulated any policy to check the rising prices of implements used in the agriculture;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps being taken/proposed to be taken to lower the cost of farming and increase remunerative price of agricultural produce to improve the condition of the farmers of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a)&(b): The wholesale prices of certain agricultural commodities are ruling below the minimum support prices (MSPs) at some selected centres of the country including Kerala. Information about losses to farmers is not maintained. However, the farmers` income, which is reflected in Gross Value Addition (GVA) in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Forestry and Fishing has increased from Rs.269383 Crores in 1997-98 to Rs.290895 Crores in 2000-01 at constant prices.

(c)&(d): There is no statutory control on the prices of agricultural implements and these are determined by market forces.

(e): The Government has taken several steps for increasing the productivity of different crops so as to ensure higher incomes to the farmers. The yield of rice and wheat has increased by 10.7% and 20.2% respectively over the last decade. Moreover, the MSPs of major agricultural commodities have been raised substantially over the years.