Question : IMPACT OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC RECESSION ON AGRICULTURE

(a) the details of the contribution of farm sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the country during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether there has been an adverse impact/effect of global economic recession on the growth of agriculture sector in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) whether projects/schemes run by the Government have succeeded in checking the declining growth rate of farm sector and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a): As per the latest estimates released by Central Statistics Office, the contribution of Agriculture & Allied Sectors (including agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishery subsectors) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the country at 2004-05 prices was at 14.6% in 2010-11, 14.4% in 2011-12, 13.9% in 2012-13 and 13.9% in 2013-14.

(b) & (c): There has not been an adverse impact/effect of global economic recession on the growth of agriculture sector in the country.

(d): The growth rate of agriculture (including agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishery subsectors) has shown improvement from 2.5% during the 9th Plan and 2.4% during the 10th Plan to 4.1% during the 11th Plan. As per the latest estimates released by Central Statistics Office, growth rate of Agriculture and Allied sectors (including agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishery subsectors) is 4.7% during 2013-14.

(e): Government has taken several steps to catalyze growth in the agriculture sector, by increasing investment, improving farm practices, rural infrastructure and delivery of credit, technology and other inputs, extension, marketing etc. Various programmes/schemes for the development of agriculture sector are being implemented in a decentralized manner with flexibility to State Governments to formulate and implement appropriate projects to suit their specific requirements.