(a) the production of corn in the country during each of the last three years and the
current year, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government provides any financial assistance/subsidy to farmers
for growing corn;
(c) if so, the details of the assistance given to the farmers during the said period,
State-wise; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to promote corn production in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a): State-wise details of production of maize (corn) during the last three years and
the current year, i.e. 2009-10 to 2012-13 are given in Annexure-I.
(b) to (d): The Government of India is implementing a Centrally Sponsored
Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm and Maize (ISOPOM) in 15 major
maize growing States of the country. Under the above Scheme, financial assistance is
provided for purchase of breeder seeds, production of foundation seeds, production
and distribution of certified seeds, distribution of minikits, distribution of plant protection
chemicals, plant protection equipments, supply of improved agricultural implements,
supply of micro-nutrients, weedicides, supply of phosphate solubilising bacteria,
distribution of gypsum/pyrite/liming/dolomite, distribution of sprinkler sets and water
carrying pipes, training and publicity etc., to encourage farmers to grow maize.
State-wise details of allocation and release under ISOPOM during 2009-10 to 2012-13
are given in Annexure-II.
Further, in order to ensure better returns to farmers, the Minimum Support Price
(MSP) of maize has also been increased significantly.