Lok Sabha Question No. 1030 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-08
Subject: Betel Leaf Research Centres
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Sukanta Majumdar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1030

TO BE ANSWERED ON 8 Th  FEBRUARY, 2022

## BETEL LEAF RESEARCH CENTRES

1030.  DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is planning to establish Betel Leaf Research Centres across the country to promote and support the betel leaf farming in the country;
- (b) if so, whether the Government of West Bengal has sent a proposal to setup the National Centre of Betel Leaf Research and Training in West Bengal;
- (c) if so, the Government's reaction thereto;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to form an expert Committee to strengthen betel leaf cultivation in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether there is no National Training and Research Centre for betel leaf farming in the country;
- (f)  if  so,  the  Government's  reaction  thereto  including  the  steps  taken  by  the Government during the last three years, State-wise; and
- (g) the other measures taken by the Government to provide training and support for the betel leaf growers in the country?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a)  to (g): At present, there is no proposal to establish Betel Leaf Research Centres across the country. No such proposal has been received from the Government of West Bengal in this regard.

ICAR  Institutes  such  as  ICAR-Indian  Institute  of  Horticultural  Research, Bengaluru and the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betel vine through its eight centers in different states organize training for betel leaf farming in the country on regular basis.

There  is  no  proposal  to  form  an  expert  Committee  to  strengthen  betel  leaf cultivation in the country.

Some of the other measures taken by the Government to provide training and support for the betel leaf growers in the country are as follows:

(i) Identification  of  improved  varieties  by  the  Institutes  of  Indian  Council  of Agricultural Research (ICAR): During 2017 to 2021, an improved variety  named 'Sawrna  Kapoori'  and  four  other  improved  hybrids  with  higher  productivity  and quality have been identified;

(ii) Supply of planting materials: The  ICAR-Indian  Institute of Horticultural Research,  Bengaluru  and  the  centres  of  ICAR-All  India  Coordinated  Research Project  on  Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betel vine (AICRP on MAP & B) multiplied and supplied quality plants to betel vine growers;

(iii) Standardization of location specific disease management techniques and other package of practices for betel leaf cultivation;

(iv) The ICAR Institutes and the Centres of AICRP on MAP & B were involved in transfer of   technologies on betel leaf cultivation on regular basis;

(v) Facilitating  grant  of  Geographical  Indicator  (GI)  status  to Magahi  Paan for marketing support and better price realization;

(vi) Formation  of  Farmer  Producer  Organization  (FPO)  for  better  cultivation practices and marketing support to stakeholders.

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