Question : FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION

(a) the percentage of agricultural production based on ground water in the country;

(b) whether decline in the ground water level has adversely affected foodgrain production in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has assessed the existing situation in each State/UT in this regard;

(e) if so, the outcome thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken for sustainable utilisation of water resources for agricultural purposes as well as utilisation of Israeli agricultural technology in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a): As per available estimates (2010-11), about 44.9% area under principal crops were grown in irrigated condition. Since ground water constitutes about 61.4% of the irrigated area, it may be estimated that production from about 27.6% of the area of principal crops is based on ground water.

(b) & (c): The food grain production in the country has increased from 217.28 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 255.36 million tonnes in 2012-13.

(d) & (e): Central Ground Water Board has made an assessment (March, 2009) of dynamic ground water resources in the country. State-wise status of ground water development is annexed.

(f): Government of India has taken many steps for improving water use efficiency and sustainable use of water by promoting micro irrigation technologies, rain water harvesting, in-situ moisture conservation, construction of farm ponds and better agronomic practices through various missions/programmes/schemes.