GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4431

ANSWERED ON:04.08.2009

FOOD CRISIS MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI

(a)whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the report `Agriculture Outlook` for 2009-2010 published jointly by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and UN Food and Agriculture Organisations warning about impending food crisis due to problems of food security in future;

(b)if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(c)the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Will the Minister of AGRICULTUREbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

 (a) to (c):Various reports describe the agricultural situation in the world and also in Asia as steady in the current year and mid term. The Government has taken several initiatives to ensure that food production not only keeps pace with increasing demand but there is surplus to meet unforeseen situation. These initiatives include higher investment in agriculture and rural infrastructure, in R&D, on enhancing productivity, in strengthening post harvest infrastructure, appropriate diversification and also strengthening markets so that small holder farmers improve their earnings.