Lok Sabha Question No. 4522 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-03-23
Subject: Use of Chemicals to Increase Production
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Virendra  Kumar

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4522

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23 RD   MARCH, 2021

## USE OF CHEMICALS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION

4522.    DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

(a) whether the use of chemicals is increasing day by day across the country with a view to increase production of vegetables and fruits and earn profit;

(b) if so, the efforts being made by the Government to save the people from the diseases and losses caused due to use of chemicals;

(c) the number of such complaints received by the Government in this regard during the last three years; and

(d) the details of the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) & (b): Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticide depends on several factors like area under  cultivation,  type  of  crop,  cropping  intensity,  agro  climatic  conditions,  soil  condition, weed, pests disease situation etc. However, Government has been making concerted efforts through various programmes to encourage farmers for judicious use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides Government has been promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated  Pest  Management  (IPM)  on  sustainable  agriculture  principles  for  empowering farmers to take informed decisions about correct use of fertilisers and pesticides. Central and State  Governments  through  their  field  agencies  ensure  that  farmers  are  provided  right knowledge/  information  about  recommended  fertiliser  and  pesticide  use.  Judicious  and balanced use of fertilisers and pesticides as per prescribed recommendations do not pose adverse effects on human beings, animals and environment.

11.93  crore  farmers  in  the  country  have  been  provided  Soil  test  based  crop  specific recommendations about integrated and balanced use of fertilisers (chemical, bio and organic fertilisers)  under  Soil  Health  Card  programme  during  Cycle  II  (2017-19).  Trainings  and demonstrations on INM are integral part of schemes like National Food Security Mission, and Soil Health Management (SHM).

Under  'Sub-Mission  on  Plant  Protection  and  Plant  Quarantine  programme  trainings are  imparted  to  farmers  and  State  Extension  Officers  through  Farmer  Field  Schools  and Human  Resource  Development  (HRD)  programs  on  judicious  use  of  chemical  pesticides, safety  in  use  of  pesticides,  alternate  tools  for  pest  management  viz;  cultural,  physical, mechanical methods of pest control as well as use of bio-pesticides and bio-control agents, effects  of  pesticides  on  natural  enemies  of  pests,  do's  and  don'ts  of  pesticide  including proper application equipment and the technique.

Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) conducts trainings and organizes frontline demonstrations etc. through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to educate farmers on IPM, INM,  split application  of  fertilizers,  use  of  slow  releasing  N-fertilizers  and  nitrification inhibitors,  growing  leguminous  crops  and  use  of  Resource  Conservation  Technologies (RCTs) to reduce excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic farming as a sustainable alternative to chemical farming for soil, environment and human wellbeing is encouraged under dedicated schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana  (PKVY)  &  Mission  Organic  Value  Chain  for  North  Eastern  Region  (MOVCNDER). Farmers  are  provided  assistance  from  production  to  marketing  under  the  organic  farming schemes.  Online  portal  (jaivikkheti.in)  for  sale  of  organic  products  is  initiated.  The  GOI  is implementing  a  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of  Horticulture  (MIDH),  a  centrally sponsored scheme is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15, for holistic growth of the horticulture sector  covering  fruits,  vegetables,  root  and  tuber  crops,  mushrooms,  spices,  flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, coca and bamboo.

(c)  & (d): There is no record of any such specific complaint received for excessive use of pesticides to increase production of fruits & vegetables

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