Question : PEPPER PRODUCTION

(a) the status of implementation of the project on Pepper Production Programme under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in various States including Idukki in Kerala;

(b) whether the Union Government has reviewed the implementation of the programme;

(c) if so, the outcome thereof;

(d) the details of the funds released and utilised under the programme during the last three years and the current year; and

(e) whether the Government is considering to increase the allocation, and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 491 DUE FOR REPLY ON 30TH APRIL, 2013.

(a) to (e): Under National Horticulture Mission (NHM), various activities for promoting the production of pepper are undertaken by State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) and Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development (DASD) in major pepper producing states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa. In addition, a Pepper Production Programme is also being implemented under NHM in Idukki district of Kerala through Spices Board. The implementation of NHM is reviewed in the Executive Committee meetings held annually and through the visits of Joint Inspection Teams (JITs). On the basis of these reviews and inspections, it has been decided to focus on production of quality planting material and rejuvenation of existing old & senile pepper plantations.

Details of funds released and utilized by the SHMs, DASD and Spices Board during last three years are given below:-

Rs. In Lakh
State	2010-11	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14	Rele	Exp.	Rele	Exp.	Rele	Exp.	@Alloc	ase	ase	ase	ation#
Goa	8.50	3.29	5.10	2.05	0.85	6.62	5.00
Karnataka	221.00	272.61	229.50	347.00	326.18	287.09	275.75
Kerala	760.00	1236.26	202.87	340.48	342.50	87.48	350.00
Tamil Nadu	85.00	97.49	102.00	105.60	42.50	97.09	200.00
DASD	107.25	107.25	112.13	112.13	114.18	114.18	140.55
Spices	300.00	1047.00	1000.00	1127.00	800.00	1022.00	800.00
Board
(for
Idukki
district)