(a) whether the Government has fixed any target for production of fruits in the country during
the current Five Year Plan;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the investment proposed to be made by the Government in this regard; and
(d) the steps being taken by the Government to achieve the said target?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a)&(b): The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is implementing two Centrally
Sponsored Schemes namely
(i) Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in
North Eastern States including Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (TMNE) and
(ii) The National Horticulture Mission (NHM), during the current Five Year Plan
for the development of horticultural crops including fruits. Since, production depends on various
factors, no targets have been fixed for the production of fruits. However, based on the funds
earmarked for implementation of the above mentioned schemes during the XI five year plan, an
area of 9.59 lakh hectares has been targeted for fruit production through area expansion.
(c): An outlay of Rs.8809.00 crore under National Horticulture Mission and Rs.1500.00 crore
under Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States,
Sikkim, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has been earmarked for the development of
horticulture sector in the country during the current Five Year Plan (2007-12). The budgetary
support is meant for overall development of horticulture including fruits.
(d): The Annual Action Plans for the implementation of various horticulture development
activities including fruits production are prepared by the State implementing agencies keeping in
view the overall targets prescribed by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation. In order to
ensure that the said targets are achieved in full, the Department undertakes monitoring of the
schemes through progress reporting, field verification and review meetings at regular intervals.