Question : SCHEME FOR FOOD AND FODDER DEVELOPMENT



(a) whether any scheme known as assistance for Food and Fodder Development was started in the Seventh Five Year Plan;

(b) if so, whether this scheme has since been discontinued; and

(c) if so, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a)to(c): Yes, Sir. It was a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Assistance to States for Feed and Fodder Development. The Scheme was discontinued from April, 2002 in pursuance of the recommendations of the Planning Commission while reviewing the progress of the scheme under the Zero Base Budget. However, two components of the scheme i.e. Enrichment of Straws/Cellulosic wastes and Establishment of Fodder Banks were revived for continuation in view of the drought and deficient rainfall condition in many parts of the country and necessary budget provision was made in the Revised Estimate (2002-2003). The main reason for discontinuation of the Scheme was the difficulty to meet the State share of funds required for implementation of the scheme by the States.