Question : USE OF ORGANIC FERTILISERS

(a) whether the Government proposes to provide incentive for the use of organic fertilisers based on natural products like Neem, Tulsi and other plants;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study on the excessive use of pesticides which adversely affects agricultural crops, human health and leads to water pollution;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the outcome of the study;

(e) whether the Government proposes to impart training to farmers on the judicious use of pesticides; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

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) & (b): Under National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) financial assistance is provided as back ended subsidy @ 33% for setting up fruit/vegetable waste compost and 25% for bio-fertilizer production units of total project cost. Besides under “National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fetility” (NPMSF) there is provision for subsidy on promotion of organic fertilizer up to Rs.500 per hectare. Assistance is also available for organic fertilizer under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

(c) to (f): The Government is popularizing the strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through a scheme “Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India” launched in 1991-92. IPM approach includes cultural, mechanical, biological and other methods of pest control and only safe and judicious use of pesticides. IPM programme under the scheme is implemented through 31 Central IPM Centre located in 28 States and one Union Territory mainly by organizing Farmers’ Field Schools (FFSs).