(a) whether the Government proposes to encourage labour intensive and value added
agriculture keeping in view the interests of the small farmers;
(b) if so, whether the Government propose to encourage sericulture, cultivation of
pepper and organic farming; and
(c) if so, the steps the Government has taken to provide facility and encourage the
farmers of Uttar Pradesh to undertake this type of farming?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA)
(a): The National Agriculture Policy (NAP), July 2000, has laid emphasis on creation of
employment in rural areas. The Union Budget for 2005-06 has also taken into account the
employement potential in Indian agriculture, and accordingly proposed higher outlays in
agriculture. India has continued with the policy of input subsidies in view of the overwhelming
proportion of small farmers in the country.
(b) & (c): The Government has sanctioned a Scheme - National Project on Organic Farming with an
outlay of Rs.57.05 crore for production, promotion, certification and market development of
Organic Farming in all States of the country including Uttar Pradesh for the remaining period
of 10th Five Year Plan. The main objectives under the Scheme are:
(1) Putting in place a system of certification of Organic produce.
(2) Capacity building through service providers.
(3) Financial support for commercial production units for production of organic inputs
like:
(a) Fruits and vegetables waste compost.
(b) Bio-fertilizer production; and
(c) Hatcheries for vermiculture.
(4) Promotion and extension of Organic Farming
As regards pepper, assistance for cultivation of pepper is being provided under the Macro
Management Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture.