(a) whether the cultivation of the tapioca contributes toward ensuring food security in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the production of tapioca during each of the last three years, State-wise;
(d) whether the Government proposes to formulate any scheme for augmenting tapioca production;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (c): Tapioca is a tuber crop which is used for edible purpose as well as for industrial
use for preparation of sago, starch etc. It is grown mainly in the States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and some of the North Eastern States like Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and
Sikkim. The State wise production of Tapioca during the last 3 years is given at Annexure.
(d) to (f): Tapioca being a regional tuber crop, at present, there is no proposal to formulate
any scheme for augmenting tapioca production. However, the concerned States are providing inputs
and technical guidance to the tapioca growers for augmenting tapioca production.