Question : FARMERS CLUB

(a) whether the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is contemplating to set up farmers club to promote agriculture in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the mair objectives of setting up of such clubs;

(c) if not, the time by which a decision is likely to be taken in this regard;

(d) the number of such clubs likely to be set up in the country State-wise particularly in Maharashtra;

(e) whether the Government have selected some nationalised banks in this regard;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the extent to which farmers are likely to benefitted from these clubs?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY FINANCE (SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM):

(a) Yes, Sir.,

(b) and (c) NABARD has started the program of setting up of Farmers` Clubs (earlier called Vi)( Volunteer Vahini) in 1983. Since then, under programme, NABARD is facilitating formation of Fame Clubs by banks, agriculture universities, Non-Governme Organisations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The bra objectives of the Farmers` club are:—

(i) Enrollment of farmers as club members drawing up of annual calendar of various agriculture events;

(ii) Co-ordination with banks to ensure timely craf flow among its members;

(iii) Interface with subject matter specialists in the various fields of agriculture and allied activities! and also arrangement for guest lectures;

(iv) Liaison with corporate input suppliers for purchase of bulk inputs on behalf of members, and

(v) Facilitation in organizing joint activities like value addition, processing,collective farm produce marketing etc. for the benefit oi members.

(d) The number of Farmers` Club likeiy to be set up in the country during the year 2005-06 are 3500, the details are as under;—

Andaman and Nicobar-12; Andhra Pradesh-200; Assam-120; Arunachal Pradesh-20; Bihar-150; Chhattisgarh-100; Delhi-10; Goa-35; Gujarat-225; Himachal Pradesh-65; Jammu and Kashmir-45; Jharkhand-115; Karnataka-250; Kerala-153; Madhya Pradesh-200; Maharashtra-370; Manipur-20; Meghalaya-20; Nagaland-20; Orissa-200; Punjab and Haryana-250; Rajasthan-225; Sikkim-20; Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry-200; Tripura-35; Uttar Pradesh-175; Uttaranchal-100 and West Bengal-165.

(e) and (f) All the Nationalised Banks have been sponsoring Farmers` clubs. The nationalized banks have sponsored 2467 clubs as on 31st March, 2004.

(g) These clubs have helped the farmers in the following manner:—

(i) Enhancing contact with support agencies like extension agencies, Government Departments and Banks;

(ii) Increasing awareness in respect of new technologies, package of agricultural practices, soil-testing and the support available from Government Departments and Banks; and

(iii) Empowering the rural populace, specially women through farmers club training programme. Organizing activities like cattle fair, village library, legal awareness camps, health camps and afforestation etc.