Question : AGRICULTURAL PROFESSION

(a) whether the Government has conducted study/survey regarding indebtedness and economic conditions of farmers in various parts of the country;

(b) if so, the findings thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the condition of farmers in the country is still miserable/poor despite several facilities being provided to them under various schemes including MGNREGS, Kisan Credit Card, BPL Card etc., if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) whether there are reports of sale and auction of agricultural resources/agricultural implements by the farmers owing to adverse effect of natural calamities on them in various parts of the country including Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon; and

(e) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to make agriculture a profitable profession and ensure livelihood security of the farmers in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE ( SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA )

(a) & (b): According to the report on Key Indicators of Situation of Agricultural Households in India (reference period July 2012 –June 2013) brought out by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), State-wise proportion of agricultural households with outstanding loan is given at Annexure. Contd…2/-

(c): As per Agriculture Census 2010-11, about 85 percent of operational holdings are small and marginal holdings which are generally too small to generate sufficient income for the farmers. To make such holdings viable, the Government has taken several measures which include adoption of modern technologies and practices like multiple cropping, intercropping, integrated farming systems, support to farmers on seeds, bio-fertilizers, improved farm implements etc.

(d): There is no information about receipt of any such report in the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation.

(e): Government has taken several steps to revitalize the agriculture sector and improve condition of farming community on sustainable basis by increasing investment, improving farm practices, rural infrastructure and delivery of credit, technology and other inputs, extension, marketing, etc. The focus of Government is primarily on expansion of farm income, creation of non-farm income opportunities, improvement in productivity of rainfed agriculture, increasing coverage of farming areas under protective irrigation etc. Other measures taken by the Government for the benefit of farmers include enhancement in minimum support prices of agricultural commodities, increase in institutional credit flow to agriculture sector, interest subvention on crop loans, Crop Insurance, and supplementing farmer’s income through poultry, fisheries, bee-keeping, etc.