Question : ORGANIC FARMING ZONE

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop North-East as an `organic farming zone` for its agro-climatic suitability for high-value agriculture and the minimal use of chemical fertilizers;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken steps for knowledge transfer to farmers for use of appropriate technology, marketing and distribution schemes for selling organic products and certifi- cation mechanisms for organic produce; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the funds earmarked for the said purpose?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)

(a) to (d): A new scheme on Organic Farming in North East region was introduced during 2014-15 for the development of commercial organic farming in the region. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is in the process of finalization of the scheme. The proposed components of the scheme are (i) input production, (ii) capacity building and training of farmers, (iii) development of infrastructure for marketing and (iv) Internal Control System (ICS)/Certification. In 2015-16 an amount of Rs. 125 crores have been earmarked for this scheme.