Question : DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL MARKETS

(a) whether the Government have any special programmes for development of agricultural markets in rural areas of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated and spent during the last three years, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government have any plan to introduce latest technological developments in agricultural programmes with financial and technological assistance from foreign countries and international agencies;

(d) if so, the details of progress of such projects made so far;

(e) whether the Government have received any proposal to fund the paddy research centre at Paiyur and the Seed Centre at Paupparapatti in Dharmapuri district; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)

(a)&(b): The primary responsibility for strengthening, upgrading and expanding agricultural marketing facilities in the States vest with the State Governments and the Agricultural Produce Market Committees, which have been established under the respective State Agricultural Marketing Regulation Acts. However, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), an attached office of this Ministry, has been taking various steps for bringing about an integrated development of marketing of agricultural produce in the country. The main activities of DMI relate to promotion of standardisation and grading of agricultural produce, marketing research, surveys and planning, and provision of training facilities for employees of State Governments on regulation and management of Agricultural Produce Markets. Recently, a Central Sector Scheme for Agricultural Marketing Information Network has been approved for establishing a nation-wide network for speedy collection and dissemination of market information/data for their efficient and timely utilisation. Under this scheme, the important Agricultural Produce Markets and State Agricultural Marketing Boards/ Departments in the country will be linked up through a computer network.

(c) and (d) Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(e) No, Sir.

(f) Question does not arise