(a) whether the Government is aware of the loss in terms of rupees caused due to pre and post harvest crops in Bihar during the last three years;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of study conducted by the Union Government in this regard, crop-wise;
(d) whether any central assistance has been provided to Bihar to compensate for the losses of crops; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (c): The Government of India has not conducted any specific study in the State of Bihar during the last three year to assess on pre and post-harvest crop losses. However, Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has conducted two studies on ‘Assessment of Quantitative Harvest and Post-Harvest Losses of Major Crops and Commodities in India’ through All India Coordinated Research Project on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology to determine the level of losses during the year 2005-2007 and 2012-13. The economic value of quantitative loss of 45 crops/commodities was found to be in the tune of Rs.92651 crore at average annual price of 2014. Estimated monetary value of harvest & Post-harvest losses in India at production for the year 2012-13 & 2013-14 is at annexure.
(d): The State of Bihar has not submitted any Memorandum seeking financial assistance on account of crop loss due to natural calamity since last five years. In the eventuality of drought and other natural calamities, the State Government are empowered to initiate necessary relief measures from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them. Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is considered from NDRF on receipt of Memorandum from State Government and in accordance with extant norms and procedure.
(e): In view of above, does not arise.