Question : DECLINE IN DEMAND FOR BULLS

(a) whether the Government are aware that the demand for bulls has further declined with tractorization as tractors replace bullocks, male calves are being sold off or starved off as reported in Business Standard dated January 26, 2000;

(b) if so, whether NDA agenda item No.4 is desired development of cow and her progeny; and

(c) if so, the steps being taken to save wilful destruction of valuable resources and to withdraw subsidy on tractors and low price of diesel, when in other countries there is a parity of petrol and diesel prices?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN)

(a)&(b): The practice of selling off or starving off male calves were prevalent even before tractorization in the country. Decrease in demand for bulls is consistent with increase in mechanized agriculture. The progress of mechanization in the country is not likely to decimate demand for bulls altogether, nor this is inconsistent with item No. 4 of NDA agenda for governance.

(c): Government has launched National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding with a view to genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes and conservation of breeds including draught and dual purpose breeds.

The question of withdrawal of subsidy on tractor and diesel is a policy matter relating to a number of ministries on which information is being collected. A reply to this would subsequently be placed on the Table of the House.