Question : CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME ON HI-TECH HORTICULTURE

(a) whether the Government propose to formulate a Central Sector Scheme on Hi-Tech Horticulture;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the funds provided for the purpose; and

(d) by when it is likely to be implemented?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI AJIT SINGH)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 429 DUE FOR REPLY ON 21ST APRIL, 2003.

(a): Yes, Sir. The Government has formulated a Central Sector Scheme on Hi-tech Horticulture and Precision Farming for implementation during the Tenth Five Year Plan.

(b): The Scheme envisages the deployment of modern hi-tech applications like micro propagation, hi-tech nurseries, fertigation, high density planting, green food production, hi- tech green houses, hi-tech mechanization, biological control besides Precision Farming technology for improving productivity and quality of horticultural crops with judicious use of resources.

(c): An amount of Rs.340.00 crores has been tentatively earmarked for the Scheme during the Tenth Five Year Plan.

(d): The Scheme is proposed to be implemented from the year 2003-04.