(a) whether the Government has conducted any study on the regions facing agrarian crisis in the country;
(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to encourage the use of modern agriculture techniques to sustain growth of agriculture to solve the problem of agrarian crisis in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)
(a) & (b): Government has not conducted any such study as agriculture is a state subject under the Constitution and the States are primarily responsible for development of agriculture sector including welfare of farmers.
(c): Government of India is implementing National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET). Under this Mission, a Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is implemented in all the States and UTs with the objectives to increase the reach of farm mechanization; promote ‘Custom Hiring Centres’; create hubs for hi-tech & high value farm equipments; create awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building; and ensure performance testing and certification at designated testing centres.
The major interventions/components of SMAM are:-
(i) Promotion and Strengthening of agricultural mechanization through training, testing and demonstration;
(ii) Demonstration, training and distribution of post harvest technology and management;
(iii) Financial assistance for procurement of agriculture machinery and equipment;
(iv) Establishment of farm machinery banks for custom hiring;
(v) Establishment of hi-tech, high productive equipment hub for custom hiring;
(vi) Promotion of farm mechanization in selected villages;
(vii) Financial assistance for promotion of mechanized operations carried out through custom hiring centers; and
(viii) Promotion of farm machinery and equipment in North-Eastern Region.