Chapter: Gist of Press Information Bureau Articles

Topic: Indian Agriculture Prepares Itself For a New Phase

Q. What is the achievement of India in crop production?

Ans. As per the latest crop production data available, India produced a record 252.56 million tonnes of food grains in 2011-12. Many major food crops such as rice, wheat and urad have seen record levels of production.

Among non-food crops, cotton production too has crossed the earlier record. The production of fruits and vegetables also has seen significant rise in production.

A. Focused Approach Pays

During the last five years, the Central Government has initiated a number of new schemes with focus on crops and areas with potential for high productivity. The approach has been to harness the unutilized potential by encouraging best practices, distributing quality inputs, bridging gaps and - no less important - constantly monitoring implementation.

Q. What is National Food Security Mission (NFSM)?

Ans. One of the major focused interventions for increasing the production of rice, wheat and pulses in a time-bound manner is the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). This mega scheme is in operation in 480 districts in 18 states.

The targets for enhanced production of rice by 10 million tonnes, wheat by 8 million tonnes and pulses by 2 million tonnes by 2012 with NFSM interventions have already been achieved.

Q. What is Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)?

Ans. A Rs. 25,000 crore scheme, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), was launched five years ago to incentivizing States to invest more in agriculture. The structure of the scheme is such that States have complete flexibility in use of funds for any activity that supports farming and allied activities. States are also given awards for their achievements.

Planning for RKVY projects starts at district level to cater to local needs. This single scheme has resulted in significant rise in investments coming from States towards agriculture, and it will have a long term impact towards invigorating the entire agriculture sector.

In the last five years, States have used RKVY funds and supplemented these with their own funds for projects in areas ranging from land reclamation, micro-irrigation, organic farming, mechanization, creation of storage facilities and seed farms to dairy development and fisheries.

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