MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): A comparative position of State-wise area under cultivation of major rabi crops during the current season i.e. 2016-17 vis-a-vis area coverage during rabi 2015-16 is given in the Annexure.
(b): Depending upon weather, rainfall conditions, soil-moisture, temperature, etc. during the last five years, the area coverage under Rabi Crops in the country has been fluctuating. The details of area coverage under Rabi crops during the last five years i.e. 2011-12 to 2015-16 are as under:
(Area: lakh hectare)
Year Area under Rabi Crops
2011-12 605.75
2012-13 612.68
2013-14 643.90
2014-15 629.23
2015-16 612.37
Contd…2/-
-2-
(c): For every agricultural year (July-June), the production of major agricultural crops in the country are released in the form of four Advance Estimates (AE) followed by Final Estimates. The successive Advance Estimates and Final Estimate are prepared on the basis of more precise information on area coverage and yield rates received from States/UTs. Thus, the Second Advance Estimates of Production for 2016-17 are due for revision in the Third Advance Estimates to be released in April/May 2017.
(d) & (e): In order to increase production and productivity of agricultural crops in the country, the Government of India is implementing through State Governments, several Crop Development Schemes/Programmes such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Soil Health Card etc.
Under these Schemes/Programmes, funds are provided to States for implementation of State-specific agricultural strategies including incentives to farmers for use of quality seeds, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), farm mechanization, etc. The States are also provided support for creation of agricultural infrastructure for optimal use of water and other natural resources.
To ensure remunerative price to farmers, the Government has also increased Minimum Support Price (MSPs) of different crops for 2016-17. In addition, to incentivize farmers for production of pulses and oilseeds, a bonus of Rs.425/- per quintal of Arhar, Moong and Urad, Rs.200/- per quintal for Sesamum and Gram, Rs.150/- per quintal of Masur and Rs.100/- per quintal for Groundnut, Soyabean, Sunflower, Nigerseed, Rapeseed/Mustard and Safflower has also been announced.
In addition, short term crop loan upto Rs.3.00 lakh is provided to farmers at an interest rate of 7% per annum with interest subvention of 3% for timely payment. In order to discourage distress sale by farmers and to encourage them to store their produce in warehouse against receipts, the benefit of interest subvention scheme has been extended to small and marginal farmers having Kisan Credit Card for a further period of six months post harvest on the same rate as available on crop loan.
To discourage the import of these commodities, appropriate duty on import of various agricultural items, including vegetable edible oils (barring pulses, wheat and onions) are in place.
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