(a) the incentives and schemes the Government propose for the development of organic
farming in the North East Region; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government to improve the State of agriculture in the North East
and check jhumming which is the biggest agrarian problem?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a): A National Programme for Organic production has been finalized by the Government of
India for encouraging farmers to take up organic farming in the North Eastern Region. Under
the programme, organic farming accreditation agencies have been identified and also guidelines
on the regulations and procedures for accreditation have been brought out by Department of
Commerce, Government of India.
The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India, is promoting
enhanced use of bio-fertilizers, green manure, vermin-compost, Farm Yard Manure and also
Neem based integrated Pest Management control measures in organic farming system.
(b): The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is implementing a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme on Macro management of Agriculture – Supplementation/Complementation of States`
Efforts through Work Plans`. Under this scheme states have greater flexibility to priorities their
needs and accordingly take up programmes for development of agriculture in all its aspects.
Identifying the potential for development of horticulture in North Eastern States, the Government
of India is implementing, since 2001-02, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on `Technology Mission
for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States including Sikkim`. The
Technology Mission addresses all the issues relevant to horticulture such as supply fo planting
material, production, post-harvest management and marketing. The plantation of fruits crops in
the region would help check the jhum cultivation.
Besides, the Department is implementing, since 1944-45, in seven North Eastern States a
Watershed Development Project in Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA) with a view to check
jhum cultivation. The scheme provides 100% grant and encourages settled agriculture through
socio-economic upgradation of jhumia families