Question : SETTING UP OF BIO AGENT LABORATORIES



(a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the Government of Maharashtra for setting up bio agent laboratories; and

(b) if so, the time by when the proposed bio agent laboratories is likely to be set up?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA):

(a) and (b) The Government of Maharashtra had submitted proposals to set up 8 bio-agent laboratories under the Technology Mission on Cotton. All these proposals were approved by the Government of India and funds released accordingly to the Government of Maharashtra. These bio agent laboratories have become operational. In addition, proposals from various Agriculture Universities were also received through the Government of Maharashtra for setting up/augmentation of bio-agent laboratories for which funds have been sanctioned by Government of India as per details given below:


SR.No. State Agriculture University Amount Sanctioned (Rs. in lakh) 1. Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani 18.36 2. Dr.Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. 20.00 3. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Jalgaon, 20.00 4. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri 24.92 5. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dhule 24.92

Government of India has also sanctioned an amount Rs. 45.00 lakh for construction of a new bio-controll aboratory.