Question : DECREASING SOWING AREA OF COTTON CROP

(a) whether the net sown area under cotton has declined during the last year and current year in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor, State-wise;

(c) whether the pest attack has led to decline in cotton production during the said period;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to take concrete steps under Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for protection of cotton from pest attack;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the number of IPM centres functioning at present in the country, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) & (b): Sir, the area under cultivation of cotton in the country has increased from 86.77 lakh hectare in 2005-06 to 91.58 lakh hectare in 2006-07 (provisional).

(c): The decline in cotton production due to any major pest attack has not been reported by any state during 2005-06 and 2006-07. The production of cotton has increased from 184.99 in 2005-06 to 209.64 lakh bales in 2006-07.

(d) & (e): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Technology Mission on Cotton is under implementation in 13 States with a focus on Integrated Pest Management.

(f): The Government of India has established 31 central Integrated Pest Management centres. The State-wise list of IPM centres in the country is given in the Annexure.