(a) whether the Tamil Nadu continued to occupy the top place in all India ranking in productivity of major crops in spite of various constraints;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the budgetary allocation for agriculture had drastically reduced by your Ministry under various heads during 2005-06 in comparison to 2004-05;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA):
(a) and (b) Among the foodgrain crops the average productivity (average of five years
from 1998-99 to 2002-03) in Tamil Nadu is highest in respect of Rice (3.44 Tonnes per
Hectare), Jowar (0.95 Tonnes per Hectare), Bajra (1.35 Tonnes per Hectare), Ragi (1.98
Tonnes per Hectare). In case of oilseeds average productivity of Groundnut in Tamil Nadu
which is 1.82 Tonnes per Hectare is highest in India. Regarding other commercial crops
average productivity of Sugarcane at 106.41 Tonnes per Hectare in Tamil Nadu is highest
in India.
(c) to (e) There is substantial increase in the budgetary allocation for Department of
Agriculture & Cooperation in 2005-06 in comparison to 2004-05 as the plan outlay for
annual plan 2005-06 is Rs. 4179.32 crores as compared to budget estimates of Rs. 2650.00
crores for 2004-05. The Division-wise proposed outlays for annual plan 2005-06 of the
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation are given in the enclosed Statement.