GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 134

ANSWERED ON:22.11.2011

DEPENDENCE ON MONSOON

ANANT KUMAR HEGDE

(a)whether Indian agriculture is largely dependent on the monsoon;

(b)if so, the area share of agriculture dependent on the monsoon, State-wise;

(c)the details of population employed in agriculture sector, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh;

(d)whether the Government proposes to minimise the said dependence in view of its uncertain nature; and

(e)if so: the details thereof?

Will the Minister of AGRICULTUREbe pleased to state:- 

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE,

FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

 (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. As per the information available for the year 2008-09, Net-Un-lrrigated area is about 55.3% of the net sown area in the country which is largely dependent on the rainfall. State-wise net sown area and percentage net un-irrigated area is given in Annexure-I.

(c): State-wise details of population employed in agriculture sector (cultivators + agricultural labourers) as per census 2001 are given in Annexure-ll.

(d) & (e): The Government of India has established National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) in 2006. to give special thrust to rainfed areas and to rationalize, converge and coordinate multiplicity of programmes by different Ministries/Departments including externally aided programmes. The NRAA is mandated to provide enabling policies, technical support, expert knowledge and capacity building for convergence, enhancing productivity., income, employment generation and efficiency of input for holistic development of rainfed areas besides evaluating effectiveness of programmes to optimize outcomes of various investments in rainfed areas. NRAA has brought out Common Guidelines for Watershed Development Project - 2008 in association with concern Ministries/Departments and Planning Commission for effective implementation of Watershed Programmes in rainfed areas in a unified manner. The key features of common guidelines include innovativeness in the approach, delegating powers to States, strengthening dedicated institutions with multi-disciplinary professionals at the National, State, District and Panchayat levels etc.