(a) whether there are reports that acres of land have been left
uncultivated by the farmers in various parts of the country including Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. As per reports, 92.03 million hectare has been sown
under various crops against an average area of 105.70 million hectare (Kharif) by
23rd August, 2012 across the country which includes a shortfall of 1.56 million
hectare in Andhra Pradesh. This shortfall is mainly due to deficit and scanty rainfall
in various parts of the country during 2012.
(c): Government is closely monitoring monsoon and crop sowing situation in
consultation with State Governments. Contingency plans for 353 districts have
been made available to the States for implementing location specific interventions.
Besides, decisions have been taken for introduction of diesel subsidy scheme,
enhancement of seed subsidy, up-scaling the central sector scheme on feed &
fodder, waiver of import duty on oil cakes, release of interim assistance under
calamity component of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP),
release of funds under NRDWP and Integrated Watershed Management
Programme, allocation of additional power from the central pool, etc.