Question : Rise in Cost of Agricultural Production

(a) whether cost of agricultural production has risen significantly over the years due to rise in prices of insecticides/ pesticides and fertilizers and other farm inputs;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the cost of production of major crops in absolute terms and in terms of percentage during the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether farmers are not getting fair prices for their agricultural produce as per the cost of production and thus making it difficult for them to continue farming activities, if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(d) the remedial measures taken by the Government to provide assistance and incentives to the farmers?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

‡ãðŠãäÓã ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ À㕾㠽ãâ¨ããè (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The details of All India weighted average cost of Production which include costs of all inputs is given at Annexure I.

(c): The Minimum Support Prices (MSP) recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) takes into account the cost of production. Returns on cost of production (A2+FL) with respect to MSP are given at Annexure II.

(d): Government has initiated several steps to bring down cost of production of agricultural commodities by promoting increase in productivity through efficient use of inputs like fertilizers, irrigation, quality seeds, machinery, etc. Government is promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and locally available organic manures like farmyard manure, compost, vermi compost and green manure based on soil testing to maintain soil health and productivity. Pest control is addressed through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Scheme. Training is also imparted to farmers about adoption of improved crop production technologies including INM and IPM practices. In addition, Government is also implementing schemes like National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India schemes and several other missions and programmes.