Question : ASSISTANCE FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN PUNJAB



(a) whether the Government of Punjab has sought financial assistance for diversification of agricultural production in Punjab;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the response of the Central Government thereto?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): The Government of Punjab have submitted two proposals. Under one scheme they have sought financial assistance to the tune of Rs.1280 crores under Crop Diversification for shifting one million hectares of land under rice-wheat system to oilseeds & pulses etc. Another proposal has been submitted by the Government of Punjab for implementation of `Crop Adjustment programme` through contract farming including 25% margin money to buy back the contracted produce for which a financial assistance of Rs.773.61 crores has been sought.

(c): The proposals have been considered but at present there are no central schemes under which these can be covered.