Lok Sabha Question No. 2715 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-01
Subject: Agricultural Profession
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SATYA PAL SINGH, SONA RAM CHOUDHARY, PR. SENTHILNATHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2715

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  1 ST  AUGUST, 2017

## AGRICULTURAL PROFESSION

2715.  DR. SATYAPAL SINGH: COL. SONARAM CHOUDHARY: SHRI PR. SENTHIL NATHAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS  WELFARE      ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the farmers' remuneration from agriculture profession is below the wages of sweeper working in the Government sectors across the country including Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if  so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) the  process  through  which  the  Government  segregate  the  poor  small,  medium and marginal farmers from the rich and big landlords;
- (d) whether agriculture is becoming unprofitable for small and marginal farmers due to huge input cost and climate risk on crops and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to reduce the cost of farming and to make agriculture a profitable profession in the country along with the achievements thereof ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ Àã·¾ã ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) to (e): The  remuneration  from  agriculture  profession  and  wages  of  sweeper  in the  government sector are not comparable  as the nature of work involved in the two sectors is totally different.

Agricultural  land  is  a  state  subject.  However,  as  per  the  Agriculture  Census conducted after every five years, the criteria used for classifying different size groups of operational holdings is as follows:

| Size Groups   | Criteria            |
|---------------|---------------------|
| Marginal      | Below 1.00 hectare  |
| Small         | 1.00-2.00 hectare   |
| Semi-Medium   | 2.00-4.00 hectare   |
| Medium        | 4.00-10.00 hectare  |
| Large         | Above 10.00 hectare |

The frequent climatic variations and increase in input cost adversely impact the profitability of farming, including for small and marginal farmers. With a view improve the economic condition of farmers and for doubling farmers income, Government has taken several measures for increasing farm production and productivity. These include, interalia, implementation of schemes like, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Soil Health Card,  Paramparagat  Krishi  Vikas  Yojana,  Pradhan  Mantri  Fasal  Bima  Yojana,  Neem Coated Urea, creation of a unified national agriculture market (e-NAM), etc. Moreover, the  Minimum  Support  Prices  (MSP)  of  major  agricultural  commodities  has  been progressively increased to ensure remunerative price to the farmers.

Government has also undertaken various skill development initiatives, agricultural extension and training programmes to increase employability and productivity of agricultural workers.

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