Agricultural production increased by average six million tonnes per annum in last decade Thanks to the efforts for development of agriculture sector

Agricultural production increased by average six million tonnes per annum in last decade Thanks to the efforts for development of agriculture sector

–          Union MoS for Agriculture

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Reply given to a question related to agriculture sector

raised by Rajya Sabha MP Shri Parimal Nathwani

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Ranchi, July 26, 2014: In a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Shri Parimal Nathwani today Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan said that Indian Council of Agricultural Research, in co-operation with the State universities, has done an excellent work in the agriculture sector. As a result, agriculture productivity and quality has increased. The country’s food-grain production has increased from 198 million tonnes in the year 2004-05 to 259 million ton in 2011-12, at an average of about 6 million tonnes per year.

Shri Parimal Nathwani in Rajya Sabha sought information on the number of agriculture universities and organizations functioning in the country and their contribution in the growth of agricultural production.

Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan said that at present two central agriculture universities and 68 state agriculture universities are functioning in the country. As many as 99 institutes have been set up under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, including one in Jharkhand.

Minister of State added that the major crops of the country viz. wheat and rice have seen an increase of 50 million tonnes of production in past 10 years. As a whole, there is 140 million hectare of cultivable area and the production of food-crops has been increasing continually. Today, India is on the top among the rice exporters. The export of agro products has increased from Rs. 1,78,800 crore in the year 2011-12 to Rs. 2,01,000 crore in 2012-13, which shows a growth of 11%. India’s agriculture sector has been developing on every front and the nation is witnessing a record production of fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, eggs and fish.

Growth rate of agriculture and agro related sectors have reached 3.3% during the 11th Five Year Plan, which is higher than 2.4% of the 10th Five Year Plan.

Minister of State also apprised Shri Parimal Nathwani that an allocation of Rs. 100 crore has been made for setting up of two Agricultural Research Institute in Assam and Jharkhand likewise it is in New Delhi.