(a) the total number of betel leaf growers in the country, State-wise;
(b) whether the condition of these growers are deteriorating due to various
problems mainly, non remunerative prices of the produce and increase in input costs;
(c) if so, whether the Government is taking any steps to improve the Condition of
these farmers;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a): There are approximately 20 million people engaged in production, processing,
transportation and marketing of betel leaves. Betel leaves are being cultivated in the
states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal. However, no state-wise assessment has been
made on the number of betel leaf growers.
(b) to (e): The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is implementing the
National Horticulture Mission for the holistic development of horticulture crops by
adopting an area based regionally differentiated cluster approach. Under the scheme,
financial assistance is provided for taking up various activities such as production of
quality planting material, protected cultivation, integrated pest and nutrient
management, post harvest management and establishment of marketing infrastructure,
etc. Besides, betel leaf cultivation is being promoted under the Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).