(a) whether the Government proposes to evolve a policy for the harmonious development of the agriculture sector vis-a-vis the other core sectors of the economy like industry;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the steps being taken by the Government to secure the interest of agricultural sector in a rapidly industrializing economy?
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): The Government has announced the National Policy for Farmers (NPF) in
2007 based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF) set
up under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. The Policy document took note
of the variation in the growth rate achieved in the farm sector during the 10th Five
Year Plan vis-Ã -vis the non-farm sector. Therefore, one of the major goals announced
in the NPF is to improve economic viability of farming by substantially increasing
the net income of farmers and to ensure that agricultural progress is measured by
advances made in this income. The NPF mentions various initiatives for the
revitalization of agricultural sector, improvement in production and productivity,
stepping up the growth rates of the agricultural and allied sectors, enhancement of
the incomes of the farmers, etc.
Subsequently, an Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted by the Department of
Agriculture & Cooperation finalized a Plan of Action for operationalization of the NPF,
2007 and the same was circulated in October, 2008 to all the State Governments and the
central Ministries/Departments concerned for necessary action.
Besides this, the Government has also taken many other initiatives in this
direction like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Food Security Mission, National
Horticulture Mission, setting up of National Rainfed Area Authority and Protection of
Plant Varieties and Farmers` Rights Authority, Micro Irrigation, Agriculture Technology
Management Agency (ATMA) Scheme, National Agricultural Insurance Scheme, Comprehensive
Credit Package, Debt Waiver Scheme, Revival of Cooperative Credit Institutions,
Technology Mission on Oilseeds & Pulses, etc.