(a) whether the Government propose to change the cropping pattern in view of the
crash in the price of several agriculture products;
(b) if so, the methods proposed to be adopted by the Government to change the
cropping pattern;
(c) whether the Government intend to encourage the production of special Basmati
rice for export; and
(d) if so, the crops proposed to be encouraged in place of wheat and rice?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y.NAIK)
(a)&(b): Adoption of fixed cropping system may lead to decline in factor productivity
and associated problems, hence, changes in Cropping Patterns are suggested
according to land use capability and availability of resource/inputs. However, cost of
production/economic return is governing factor for adoption of cropping pattern by
farmers.
(c): For encouraging Basmati rice cultivation, Rice seed minikits, Front line
demonstrations and Specialized training Programmes are being organized under
Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
(d): The alternate crops for Wheat and Rice include Potato, Sugarcane, Sunflower,
Soyabean, Maize, Mustard, Pulses, Vegetables, Fodder crops and several other
promising horticultural crops. The cropping systems based on the inclusion of these
crops have generally been found to be economically remunerative and sustainable on
the long-term basis.