GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3370

ANSWERED ON:28.07.2009

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF AGRICULTURE

(a)the annual growth rate of agriculture during the year 2008-09;

(b)whether the growth rate is lower than the target fixed;

(c)if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d)whether world wide economic recession is the major factor responsible for this shortfall;

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

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

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):Annual growth rate (at 1999-2000 prices) of Agriculture and allied sectors was 1.6% during the year 2008-09.

(b) & (c):The growth target of Agricultrue is set at 4% for the Eleventh Plan (2007-12). During 2007-08 and 2008-09, Agriculture and allied sectors grew by 4.9% and 1.6% respectively. During 2007-08 Agriculture sector only grew by 5.0%.

(d) & (e):There is no evidence of effect of world wide economic recession on agriculture growth. Investment in the agriculture sector has increased over the years from 11.1% to Gross Domestic Product in 2004-05 to 13.3% in 2007-08.

(f):A State Plan scheme of Additional Central Assistance for Agriculture Sector namely Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been launched during 2007-08 to achieve 4% agricultural growth during 11th Five Year Plan. The strategy to achieve 4% agricultural growth would lay emphasis on the following:

 #Accelerating the production and productivity of major food crops on regionally differentiated basis with thrust on pulses and oilseed sector.

#Development of rainfed and dry land areas through farming, livelihood systems and better watershed management.

#Revamp of extension system to improve delivery mechanism at the grass root level.

#Focus on farmers` welfare through risk mitigation, reduction of rural distress and better social security system.

#Greater role for the Panchayat Raj Institutions.

#Modernise markets.

#Improve efficiency of investment and rationalize subsidy.

 Further, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme `National Food Security Mission (NFSM)` has been launched in 312 identified districts of 17 States from Rabi season of 2007-08 with an aim to increase the additional production of 20 million tonnes of foodgrains, comprising of 10 million tonnes of rice, 8 million tonnes of wheat and 2 million tonnes of pulses by the end of Eleventh Plan (2011-12).