Question : OILSEED PRODUCTION PROGRAMME IN ANDHRA PRADESH

(a) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh has urged the Union Government to revalidate the unspent balance of Rs.505.00 crores available with the State under the Oilseeds Production Programme (OPP) as on March 31, 2000 and use this amount for seed subsidy during Khariff;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Government has also urged to release additional amount of Rs.352 lakhs towards seed subsidy for distribution to groundnut and soyabean seeds in addition to Rs.110 lakhs already provided; and

(d) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Union Government on the demand of the State Government?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SRIPAD Y. NAIK)

(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. An amount of Rs.505.16 lakh was reported to be unspent by the State of Andhra Pradesh under Oilseeds Production Programme (OPP) as on 31.3.2000 and the same amount was revalidated to be utilized for the distribution of truthfully labeled seed and certified seed of groundnut and soybean during the year 2000-2001. In the month of May 2000, a request of additional allocation of funds of Rs.3.52 crores was received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh as distribution subsidy on groundnut and soybean. Subsequently, it has been intimated by the State that they have an amount of Rs.902.289 lakhs as revised unspent balance and the State Government does not need the additional assistance as requested.