MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 18 DUE FOR REPLY ON 26TH FEBRUARY, 2007
(a) & (b): According to the latest estimates of National Accounts released by Central
Statistical Organization (CSO), the average annual growth rate of agriculture and allied
sectors of forestry, logging and fishing (at 1999-00 prices) stands at 2.3 percent for
the period from 2002-03 to 2006-07 as against the target growth rate of 4.0 percent.
The details of the targets fixed and growth rate achieved year-wise in the agricultural
sector during Tenth Five Year Plan are given below:
Year Agriculture and allied sectors Tenth Plan Actual Annual target (%) Growth Rate (%)
2002-03 3.5 -7.2
2003-04 3.7 10.0
2004-05 4.0 0.0
2005-06 4.2 6.0
2006-07 4.4 2.7 (Quick Estimates)
2002-07 4.0 2.3
(Tenth Plan)
Source: 1. Planning Commission
2. Central Statistical Organization, Growth Rates have been calculated at 1999-2000
prices and at factor cost.
(c) to (e) Some of the major steps initiated by the Central Government to enhance
agricultural production are given below:
# Implementation of Integrated Cereal Development Programme (ICDP) in Rice,
Wheat and other Cereal-based cropping system areas, Sustainable Deveopment of
Sugarcane based cropping system and Special Jute Development Programme.
# Launching of Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize
(ISOPOM) for increasing the yield potential of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and
Maize.
# Announcement of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) well before the
commencement of sowing season to enable farmers to decide on the choice of
crops to be grown by them.
# Agricultural diversification through horticulture and floriculture.
# Development/strengthening of modern agricultural markets through creation of
space for attracting investment from private and cooperative sectors for the
development of direct marketing/contract farming etc.
# Reorientation of banks towards extending credit, especially production credit, to
rural and farmer households at concessional rate of interests.
# Revitalization of Agricultural research to ensure full exploitation of scientific
advances for improving productivity according to agro-climatic conditions.
# Revitalization of Agricultural extension system through Krishi Vikas Kendras in
each district and making extension system farmer friendly by way of autonomous
institutional arrangements for technological dissemination in the form of
`Agricultural Technology Management Agency` (ATMA) at district level.
# Setting up of National Rainfed Area Authority has been approved to deal with the
problems faced by rainfed areas.
