(a) whether there is a huge need for crop diversification in Punjab to save water and soil;
(b) if so, the total amount of funds given to the States for crop diversification, State-wise; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to encourage farmers to opt for crop diversification?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) is already implementing a Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) for replacing paddy crop with less water consuming alternative crops to save water and protect soil in the state of Punjab.
(b): State-wise allocation (central share) under CDP for replacing paddy / tobacco crops during 2019-20 is given below:
(Rs. in lakh)
S.I No. State Budget Allocation (central share)
A. CDP for replacing paddy crop
1. Punjab 705.76
2. Haryana 301.73
3. Uttar Pradesh 320.51
Sub Total 1328.00
B. CDP for replacing tobacco crop
1 Andhra Pradesh 212.96
2 Bihar 17.80
3 Gujarat 201.23
4 Karnataka 160.08
5 Maharashtra 0.00
6 Odisha 2.45
7 Tamil Nadu 5.33
8 Telangana 10.47
9 Uttar Pradesh 38.21
10 West Bengal 18.47
Sub Total 667.00
C. Contingency 5.00
Grand Total (A+B+C) 2000.00
(c): Crop Diversification Programme (CDP), a sub scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is being implemented in Original Green Revolution States to divert the area of paddy crop to alternate crops and in tobacco growing states to encourage tobacco farmers to shift to alternate crops/cropping system. Under CDP for replacing paddy crop, assistance is provided for four major interventions viz., alternate crop demonstrations, farm mechanization & value addition, site-specific activities & contingency for awareness, training, monitoring, etc. However, for replacing tobacco crop, tobacco growing states have been given flexibility to take suitable activities/interventions for growing alternative agricultural/horticultural crops.
Government of India also provide flexibility to the states for state specific needs/priorities under RKVY. The state can promote crop diversification under RKVY with the approval of State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) headed by Chief Secretary of the State.
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