(a) whether the Government has discontinued the subsidy being given on
seeds of pulses;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether such a move would put economic burden on the farmers;
(d) if so,whether the Government proposes to reconsider its decision and
continue the subsidy in view of the increase in the agricultural cost and rise in
prices; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a): No, Madam. Under the National Food Security Mission-Pulses (NFSM-
Pulses) assistance is being provided for various interventions including distribution
of certified seeds of pulses @ Rs.22/- per kg on the seed of varieties less than 10
years of age and Rs.12/- per kg on older than 10 years of age.
(b) & (c): During 2012-13 the production subsidy on pulses has been clubbed
with distribution subsidy in order to provide benefit directly to the farmers, which will
reduce the economic burden to the farmers.
(d) & (e): In fact the subsidy of seed distribution on pulses has increased from
Rs.12/- per kg to Rs.22/- per kg during 2012-13 with a total outlay of Rs.107.61
crores.