(a) whether vast tract of fertile land in the country is turning into barren land;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has assessed the area of barren land across the
country;
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(e) whether the Government is working out any plan to develop barren land into
fertile land; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (d): No, Madam. As per available estimates, total barren and unculturable
land has marginally decreased from 17.41 million hectare (2001-02) to 17.05 million
hectare (2010-11) across the country. State-wise details of extent of barren and
unculturable land are annexed.
(e) & (f): According to the definition of land uses, barren land includes all land
covered by mountains, deserts, etc. which can not be brought under cultivation
except at an exorbitant cost and is classified as unculturable land located in isolated
blocks or within cultivated holdings. In view of this, there is no comprehensive
scheme/programme for development of barren land into cultivable land. However,
Ministry of Rural Development is implementing a major Integrated Watershed
Management Programme (IWMP) for development of rainfed/degraded areas
including wastelands in the country.