(a) whether the Government has proposed measures to promote and develop the infrastructure
facilities in plantation sectors such as tea, timber, orange and pineapple orchard in various parts of the country, especially in North Bengal;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the amount allocated and spent in the country
during the last three years, State-wise; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (c) Development of a strong infrastructure is critical for the growth of agro-
industry sector and for the growth of agricultural products. Government of India, under the
Scheme for Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development and Growth of Exports (ASIDE),
provides assistance for creating infrastructure for the development and growth of exports.
An amount of Rs. 35891 lakhs, Rs. 43,999 lakhs and Rs. 43784 has been released during 2006-07,
2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively to the States including West Bengal. A statement is annexed.
Government also provides financial assistance to Government/cooperative institutions and other
exporters for setting up of infrastructure such as post harvest handling facilities at
airports, seaports and at farm level to improve the quality of produce by setting up of
integrated pack houses, perishable cargo handling centres at exit points at airports, sea
ports etc. The transport assistance is also provided on selected fruits, vegetables, flowers
for exports both by sea and air to enable the agro products to compete in the international
markets.