Question : Production of Pulses and Oilseeds

(a) the details of the production and acreage of pulses and oilseeds in the country during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has formulated several schemes to promote/ increase the production and acreage of these crops in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated, released and utilised for the purpose and the extent to which the production of the said crops has increased during the said period, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether only one crop is being cultivated in the large parts of cultivable land in Chhattisgarh and the farmers are not getting benefits of vast cultivable land of the State and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether any separate irrigation schemes are under implementation to expand irrigated area for growing more crops in Chhattisgarh and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) to (c): The details of production and area of pulses and oilseeds in the country during last three years and current year i.e. 2013-14 to 2016-17 are given in the Annexure-I. It also indicates the trend in production of pulses and oilseeds over the years.

In order to increase the production and area of pulses and oilseeds, Government of India has been implementing various Crop Development Schemes / Programmes such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Soil Health Card, etc.

Under the above schemes, assistance is provided for purchase of breeder seed, production and distribution of certified seed, planting material, establishment of seed gardens of oil palm,
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distribution of production inputs, transfer of technology through block demonstrations, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, irrigation devices and cropping system based trainings, supply of plant protection equipments / chemicals, farmers training, establishments of bio-fertilizer, bio-control units and distribution of seed minikits of pulses free of cost to the farmers etc.

Further, the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of pulses and oilseeds have also been increased over the years to encourage farmers to grow more pulses by ensuring remunerative prices.

State-wise details of allocation, release and expenditure under NFSM-Pulses and National Mission of Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) during 2013-14 to 2016-17 are at Annexures-II and III.

(d): Yes. Madam. Large part of State of Chhattisgarh, especially Bastar Plateau & Northern Hilly Region, are covered with light soils. Low water holding capacity of these soils restricts opportunity for cultivation of second crop.

In 2000-01 (i.e. at the time of formation of State), the double crop area was merely 5.64 lakh hectare with cropping intensity of 112%. Accordingly, State Government of Chhattisgarh focused on schemes related to creation of irrigation facilities and promotion of double crop. These steps have led to increase in the area under double cropping to 10.47 lakh hectare with cropping intensity of 122% by 2014-15.

(e): Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aim to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc. It comprises of various components as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), Per Drop More Crop and Watershed Development.

The Department of Land Resources has sanctioned 8214 watershed development projects in 28 States (except Goa) covering an area of about 39.07 million hectare under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) principally for development of rainfed portions of net cultivated area and culturable waste (since 2009-10 to 2014-15). As on 23.03.2017, an amount of Rs.13991.76 crore has been released as Central share to various States including Rs.217.40 crore to Chhattisgarh under aforesaid Scheme. Similarly, Government has provided financial assistance to Chhattisgarh under PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop) during 2015-16 and 2016-17.