(a) whether Globalization has adversely affected our agricultural sector;
(b) if so, the remedial measure that could protect the farming community;
(c) whether the Government proposes to reduce the subsidies to agricultural sector;
and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a) & (b): Agriculture imports constitute less than 4% of the agricultural GDP in
India. India also has a surplus of exports over imports in agriculture trade as is evident
from the following table:-
Hence, It is difficult to conclude that globalization has adversely affected the
agriculture sector in general.
Government`s response to globalization in the agriculture sector has been two
fold. On the one hand, tariffs have been appropriately adjusted to protect farmers from
import surges. On the other, steps have been taken to increase the competitiveness of
Indian Agriculture, so that our exports can increase and farmers can get remunerative
prices. Towards this end, the Government has introduced a number of initiatives and
interventions for enhancement of production and productivity of agricultural products,
which inter alia, include Integrated scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm and Maize
(ISOPOM), National Horticulture Mission and Integrated Cereal Development
Programmes. Schemes such as the Transport Assistance Scheme and Vishesh Krishi
Upaj Yojna are implemented to ensure that the farmers get remunerative prices for their
exports as well as increased access to the international market.
(c) & (d): There is no proposal for reduction in the subsidies to the agriculture
sector.