(a) whether the Government is providing assistance to the farmers
to solve their marketing problems; and
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh?
(a) whether the Government is providing assistance to the farmers
to solve their marketing problems; and
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): The schemes being implemented by the Department of Agriculture &
Cooperation for the benefit of farmers in the field of agricultural marketing are as
under:
(i) Marketing Research and Information Network (MRIN) scheme is being
implemented since March, 2000 for dissemination of marketing information to the
farmers. The AGMARKNET portal is in public domain and market information in
respect of more than 1800 markets is disseminated daily in respect of 300 commodities
and 2000 varieties. Under the Scheme, total 3026 computers have been provided to
different Agricultural Produce Markets in the country.
(ii) Scheme for Development/Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing
Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization (AMIGS) is being implemented since
20/10/2004 with a view to induce large investment in the development of agricultural
marketing infrastructure including grading and standardization facilities. Under this
scheme credit linked investment subsidy is being provided on the capital cost of
marketing and post harvest infrastructure for agricultural commodities and for
strengthening and modernization of existing agricultural markets, wholesale and rural
periodic. The scheme covers agricultural and allied sectors including dairy, poultry,
fishery, livestock and minor forest produce. A total number of 6287 projects have been
sanctioned up to 30th June 2011 amounting to Rs. 440.38 crores as subsidy released.
(iii) ‘Grameen Bhandaran Yojana’ was launched with effect from 01.04.2001. The
main objectives of the scheme include creation of scientific storage capacity with allied
facilities in rural areas to meet out various requirements of farmers for storing farm
produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, etc., and prevention of distress
sale by creating the facility of pledge loan and marketing credit. During XI Plan period
from 01/04/2007 up to 30th June 2011, a total number of 13031 projects have been
sanctioned and Rs. 35731.3996 lakhs released as subsidy.
(iv) Under National Horticulture Mission (NHM) scheme financial assistance is
provided for taking up various activities related to development of horticulture,
including primary processing, Post Harvest Management and Marketing infrastructure.
The component of market infrastructure includes rural primary markets, wholesale
markets and terminal market complexes. Under the scheme so far, 244 rural primary
markets and 91 wholesale markets have been sanctioned with an assistance of
Rs. 1111.55 lakhs and Rs. 11582.91 lakhs, respectively.
State wise details of above Schemes, including those of Andhra Pradesh, are given
in the Annexure.