Question : PRODUCTION OF GROUNDNUT

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The production of Groundnut, Rapeseed and Mustard and Sunflower declined in 2006-07 as compared to 2005-06 as presented in the table below:

(Lakh Tonnes)
Crop	2005-06	2006-07#
Groundnut	79.93	49.09
Rapeseed & Mustard	81.31	70.97
Sunflower	14.39	11.78

# 4th advance estimates released on 19.07.2007

(c): India imported 4.29 million tonnes of edible oils in 2005-06 and 4.22 million tonnes in 2006-07. In order to increase the production of oilseeds in the country, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme `Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize` (ISOPOM) is under implementation since 01.04.2004. Under this scheme, assistance is provided for Production of breeder seed, foundation seed and certified seed, crash programme for quality seed production, distribution of certified seeds and Minikits, infrastructure development, Integrated Pest Management. Besides, front line demonstrations on improved production technologies in oilseeds are conducted through Indian Council of Agricultural Research as a transfer of technology effort among the farmers.