(a) whether due to non-remunerative pricing policy of the Government for farm products, the
farmers in various States are migrating from villages to cities in search of jobs;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the remedial steps being taken by the Government particularly in drought prone districts
of Gujarat?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) to (c): No, Sir. The migration of farmers from villages to cities may be ascribed mainly
to search for better employment, expectation of better wages and living conditions, transfer of
service/contract, housing problems, social/political problems etc.
One of the main objectives of the Government`s price policy for agricultural produce
aims at ensuring remunerative prices to the growers for their produce with a view to encourage
higher investment and production. The Government announces each season the Minimum
Support Prices (M.S.Ps.) of major agricultural commodities and organizes purchase operations
through public and cooperative agencies like Food Corporation of India (FCI) – paddy, wheat
and coarse grains; Jute Corporation of India (JCI) – Jute; Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) –
Cotton; National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) – pulses and oil
seeds; and Tobacco Board, besides other agencies designated by the State Governments. The
M.S.Ps. of major agricultural commodities have been raised over the years. There has been
record procurement of agricultural commodities in recent years. The Government has
announced the payment of special drought relief prices, ranging from Rs.5 to Rs.20 per quintal,
over and above the M.S.Ps. for Kharif crops of 2002-03 season. The M.S.Ps. and special
drought relief prices are payable all over the country including Gujarat.