Question : PRODUCTION OF LITCHI AND MAKHANA

(a) whether the Union Government has formulated any national level scheme to promote the production of Litchi and Makhana and for providing facilities for their export and marketing;

(b) if so, the details thereof, schemewise and State-wise;

(c) whether any co-ordination has been made between the Union and the State Governments to promote these schemes;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the total number of farmers benefited from these schemes during the last three years, State-wise including Bihar?

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

(a) to (e): Department of Agriculture & Cooperation extends financial assistance under Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Rashtirya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) for development of horticulture including litchi and makhana. Under these schemes, assistance is provided for enhancing production & productivity, creation of post harvest management & marketing infrastructure and setting up of processing units.

In addition, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a Regional Research Station at Darbhanga, Bihar to conduct the research and demonstration exclusively in the field of makhana in the year 2001. All the farmers, especially small and marginal are eligible to avail assistance under these schemes.

During last three years, a total of 710 progressive farmers have been imparted trainings for promotion of makhana cultivation.

Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce provides financial assistance under various schemes on infrastructure, transport assistance, quality and research development to promote export of perishables.