Question : Cultivable Land

(a) whether the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrialization, new capital city in Andhra Pradesh and developmental activities have reduced available cultivable agricultural land in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) the existing availability of cultivable land in each State/UT at present;

(d) the loss of cultivable land during the last three years in the country; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure adequate food security in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã ??? ????? ?????? ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ À㕾㠽ãâ¨ããè ( SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA )

(a) to (d): As per available estimates, agricultural/cultivable land has marginally decreased from 182.01 million ha. (2010-11) to 181.95 million ha. (2012-13) across the country, due to increase in population and diversion of agriculture land for non-agricultural purposes such as urbanization, roads, industries including creation of SEZs etc. However, during the same period agricultural land has increased from 15.82 million ha. to 15.93 million ha. in the State of Andhra Pradesh due to various land developmental and technological interventions. State-wise details of cultivable land during last three years (2010-13) are annexed.

(e): Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has implemented various programmes with a view to prevent land degradation & also to maintain balance in various type of land uses across the country. Parts of such developed land are put to cultivation, leading to net sown area remaining largely unchanged to 141 million ha. in last two decades. Besides, Government of India has intensified implementation of various missions/programmes for sustainable foodgrain production and ensuring food security of the country.