(a) whether the Government have taken new measures to strengthen, upgrade and
expand the Agriculture Marketing Network in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the amount allocated in this regard during the current year?
(a) whether the Government have taken new measures to strengthen, upgrade and
expand the Agriculture Marketing Network in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the amount allocated in this regard during the current year?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y.NAIK)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The Government has approved two new schemes, namely, Scheme for
Agricultural Marketing Information Network and Scheme of Capital Investment Subsidy
for Construction/Expansion/Modernisation of Cold Storages and Storages for
Horticultural Produce for bringing about improvements in the present Agricultural
Marketing network in the country. Under the Scheme for Agricultural Marketing
Information Network it is proposed to establish a nationwide information network for
speedy collection and dissemination of market information/data for their efficient and
timely utilisation. Under this Scheme, all important Agricultural Produce Markets and
State Agricultural Marketing Boards/Departments all over the country, will be linked up
through a computer network. While the subsidy under the scheme of Capital
investment Subsidy for Construction/Expansion/Modernisation of Cold Storages and
Storages is 25% subject to a ceiling of Rs.50 lakhs per project, subsidy for projects in
the North-Eastern Region is fixed at a higher level of 33.33% subject to a ceiling of
Rs.60 lakhs.
(c): A sum of Rs.2.35 crores has been provided under the scheme of Agricultural
Marketing Information Network and subsidy of Rs.78 crores for setting up of these cold
storages during 2000-2001.