(a) whether an action plan is under the consideration of the Government to double the
agricultural output to meet the current challenges in the agricultural sector;
(b) if so, the estimated agricultural output during the current year;
(c) whether the Government are contemplating to provide additional funds for agricultural
sector to help the farmers to raise the output;
(d) whether such States have been identified; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): Keeping in view the importance of agriculture, the tenth Five- Year Plan has laid stress
on raising the productivity of land and water resources on a sustainable basis. Towards attaining
this objective, emphasis has been given to increased cropping intensity in agriculture. Since the
horticulture sector has a significant role in raising farm employment and income, the focus is on
doubling horticulture production by 2011-12. The Mid-term Appraisal of the Tenth Plan has
also underscored the fact that agricultural diversification has to be a major element in the
strategy for accelerating agricultural growth which calls for action on several fronts:-
? Diversification to be area/region oriented, implying focus on agro-climatic region.
? Shift of land from cereals to non-cereals (increasing both farm income and employment) coupled with increased productivity in cereals to ensure adequate per capita availability.
? Shift to horticulture crops to be supported by marketing arrangements including private sector involvement in marketing, encouragement of down stream food processing and research linked to market requirements.