(a) whether the Government has reviewed the status of development activities in rural areas
to work out appropriate strategies for accelerating growth in agriculture and related non-crop
sector through comprehensive policy/measures/package;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) the details of the new agricultural initiatives for thrust areas, particularly for non-
green/dry land farming?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 318 DUE FOR REPLY ON 13TH MARCH, 2006.
(a) to (c): The Mid Term Appraisal of the Tenth Plan (2002-07) had provided a
comprehensive review of the development activities in rural areas pertaining to agriculture and
related sectors, and emphasized the need for reversing the deceleration in the agriculture sector.
It has laid thrust on rejuvenating the support systems in extension, credit and delivery systems of
inputs, improvement of irrigation/water management, participatory natural resource
management, agricultural diversification, shift of land from cereals to non-cereals coupled with
increased productivity in cereals, and shift to horticultural crops supported by adequate
marketing infrastructure.
Initiatives have already been taken such as launch of National Horticulture Mission,
undertaking activities with a mission approach for enhancing productivity and quality of cotton,
oilseeds, pulses, and coarse grains. The other vital areas where policy initiatives have been taken
include credit, irrigation facilities, crop diversification, marketing infrastructure and reforms and
extension services.