(a) whether in view of deficient monsoon during the current year, the Government proposes to provide financial assistance to State Governments under the National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY);
(b) if so, the details thereof including Bihar, State-wise;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details of other assistance likely to be provided to the poor farmers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (c): In view of deficient monsoon during current year, the rate of
assistance for seed distribution of rice, wheat and pulses under National Food
Security Mission (NFSM) has been enhanced for Rabi, 2009-10 only from Rs.500/-
per quintal to Rs.700/- per quintal for rice and wheat and from Rs.1,200/- per
quintal to Rs.2,000/- per quintal for pulses crops. Besides, additional numbers
of Boro/Summer/Rabi Rice and Wheat minikits have also been allocated to the
States over and above the normal allocation including Bihar.
Under RKVY, as a special case for the current year (2009-10), 100% of the
allocation of funds for the year amounting to Rs.941.61 crores has been released
to the eligible States under Stream-II considering the drought situation in the
country.
(d): Besides above, as decided in the High Level Committee Meeting held on
21.10.2009 held under the Chairmanship of Hon`ble Finance Minister, the State
Governments` request for assistance to meet the hardships faced by the farmers
due to natural calamities i.e. drought/flood, were considered and a total amount
of more than Rs.4000.00 crores have been sanctioned under CRF/NCCF funds. A
Statement indicating the State-wise details is annexed. Further, an amount of
Rs.37 crores have also been sanctioned as Grant in aid to the States of Punjab,
Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat representing central share as additional
release for meeting the requirements of micro-nutrients for wheat for non-NFSM
districts during 2009-10 under Macro Management Programme.