Question : USE OF ANIMAL DUNG

(a) the quantity of animal dung being burnt annually in the country alongwith its estimated value in terms of usefulness to the soil and production;

(b) whether as per latest research and development, crops grown on adequate nutrition in the soil are by and large free from pest attacks thereby reducing use of pesticides and their danger to health and environment;

(c) if so, whether the Government propose to utilize the dung as manure and for biogas instead of burning it resulting in reduction/elimination of chemical fertilizers; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a): No systematic study about the quantity of animal dung being burnt in the country, along with its estimated value in terms of usefulness to the soil and productivity has been undertaken so far. However, rough estimates suggest around 50% of the animal dung is being burnt in the country, especially in fuel deficiency areas.

(b): Crops provided with adequate nutrients in required proportions are generally healthy and therefore, less susceptible to disease and pest attack. The Government has been recommending soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of fertilizers including biofertilizers to provide proper healthy nutrition to plants.

(c)&(d): The National Project on Biogas Development (NPBD), which caters to promotion of family type biogas plants for domestic use, has been under implementation as a Central Sector Scheme since 1981-82 under which Central subsidy is provided for setting up of biogas plants. The objectives of NPBD are to provide clean and convenient fuel for cooking and lighting purposes and to produce enriched organic manures for use in conjunction with chemical fertilizers, improve sanitation and hygiene in rural households and to reduce the drudgery of women. It is implemented in all States and Union Territories. So far, a total of 33.15 lakh family type biogas plants have been set up in the country.

The programme is being continued during the year 2002-03 with a target of 2.00 lakhs biogas plants.