(a) whether as per recent studies, the production of foodgrains including wheat has drastically reduced to 50% due to air pollution in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the National Green Tribunal has suggested the Government to draft guidelines to prevent the hazardous air polluting activities and to increase the production of wheat; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) & (b): Wheat being a Rabi crop, its production for the current year i.e. 2014-15 has not been estimated so far. However, as per the 1st Advance Estimates which includes only Kharif crops, total production of foodgrains in the country during 2014-15 is estimated at 120.27 million tonnes which is lower by 8.97 million tonnes as compared to kharif foodgrains production of 129.24 million tonnes during 2013-14. The decline in production of Kharif foodgrains during current year has been mainly on account of shortfall in area coverage and lower productivity due to delayed/deficient monsoon in many parts of the country.
(c) & (d): As per directive of Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT), National Policy for Management of Crop Residues, 2014 (NPMCR- 2014) has been finalized. This policy envisages adoption of technical measures including diversified uses of crop residue, capacity building & training along with formulation of suitable law/legislation to curb crop residue burning which causes air pollution. Policy also envisages for extending central financial assistance for various interventions proposed by States under ongoing Schemes/Programmes/Missions of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation on priority basis.