Question : AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY

(a) whether the agricultural productivity of Bihar is less in comparison to the national standard/norms;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of the steps taken/schemes formulated by the Government to bring the agricultural productivity of Bihar to the national standard;

(d) the details of the expenditure incurred on agricultural research and development in Bihar during the last three years and the current year; and

(e) the details of funds utilised during the said period and the success achieved as a result thereof so far?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Small and fragmented land holdings, recurrent flood in North Bihar and drought like situation in South Bihar, irregular and uneven monsoon rain, traditional crop management practices, sub-optimal use of critical inputs coupled with inadequate institutional credit, power infrastructure for agriculture, flood control measures are some of the reasons for low productivity in the state.

(c): A number of Agriculture development Schemes and Programmes such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Integrated Scheme of Oilseed, Pulses, Maize and Oil palm (ISOPOM), Macro Management Mode of Agriculture etc. have been implemented in the state for increasing the production and productivity of crops. The special scheme of Bringing Green revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) initiated in 2010-11 mainly focuses on enhancing the production and productivity of rice based cropping system in the eastern region including Bihar.

(d) & (e): The details of expenditure incurred on agricultural development in Bihar during the last three years and the current year is indicated hereunder:

Year	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11	2011-12
Fund utilization	191.34	320.84	734.11	787.86
(Rs. Crore)