Question : ERIOPHYIDMITE DISEASE

(a) whether the Union Government are aware that Eriophyidmite disease has damaged the entire coconut palms in Kerala;

(b) if so, whether out of the total financial commitment of Rs.195.00 crores, only Rs.100.00 crores was anticipated as Central share and Rs.95.00 lakhs originally released by CDB have not reached so far for the spraying activities;

(c) if so, whether the Union Government propose to release the balance amount immediately to carry on the spraying activities to save the entire coconut palms of Kerala; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SRIPAD Y. NAIK)

(a): In Kerala,589 lakh coconut palms were reported to have been affected by eriophyid mite of coconut.

(b) to (d): Government of India released an amount of Rs.96.00 lakhs in 1998-99 and Rs.488.00 lakhs in 1999-2000 to Government of Kerala through Coconut Development Board, exclusively for control of eriophyid mite of coconut under the ongoing programmes of the Board. The State Government has reported that the funds released were fully utilised for the purpose.

Government of Kerala submitted a proposal for Central assistance of Rs. 100 crore for control of eriophyid mite of coconut in the State. The proposal was examined in consultation with Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance. Recently, the eligible assistance of Rs.24.25 crore has been sanctioned for control of coconut mite in Kerala.