(a) whether Andhra Pradesh has huge scope for production of small grains but due to lack of incentives and encouragement from the Government, the farmers are not coming forward for the production of small grains, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(b) the corrective steps taken by the Government to encourage production of small grains in Andhra Pradesh?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
???? ??? ????? ?????? ½ãâ¨ããè (SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 503 DUE FOR REPLY ON 3RD APRIL, 2018.
(a) & (b): In order to promote small grains (millets) in the country including Andhra Pradesh, Government of India has been implementing crop development programmes/schemes like National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Under NFSM, assistance is provided to the farmers through State Governments for organizing demonstrations on improved production technologies and seed distribution. Besides, Government of India declares Minimum Support Price (MSP) of jowar, bajra and ragi every year to protect the interests of the farmers. Under the programme, three National Centre of Excellences (CoEs) have been established i.e one at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar for pearl millet and one each at Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad for sorghum and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru for small millets.
In addition, State Government of Andhra Pradesh is also implementing a programme of ‘Comprehensive Revival of Millets’ in the state to improve productivity of millets, increase household consumption, popularizing millet products in urban areas and linking to market, special focus on primary processing and make millets available at record.
As per the provisions under National Food Security Act enacted in 2013, food grains including millets are provided for preparation of meals under Supplementary Nutrition Programme of Aaganwadi services under the Umbrella of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) at subsidized rates through Public Distribution System (PDS).
******