Lok Sabha Question No. 1417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-12
Subject: Foodgrain Crisis
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Chandra Sekhar Bellana, Sanjeev Kumar Singari

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1417

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## FOODGRAIN CRISIS

1417.  SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR BELLANA: DR. SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ षि एवं षकसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the foodgrain crisis is more severe in some States than others and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to ascertain the reasons for this disparity among States, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government is implementing any schemes to provide special support to States facing more severe foodgrain crisis; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE क ृ षि एवं षकसान कल्याण मंत्री (SHRI ARJUN MUNDA)

(a) & (b):   There is no foodgrains crisis in the country. Due to the concerted efforts of the Central, State Governments and farmers, the production of foodgrains has increased from 285.01 million tonnes in 2017-18 to 329.69 million tonnes in 2022-23 which is an all-time record. As per 2 nd  Advance Estimates (2022-23), there is record production of 351.92 million  tonnes  of  horticulture  product.  According  to  production  data  of  Food  and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), India is the highest milk producer i.e., rank first position in the world in the year 2021-22, rank third in the egg and eighth in meat production. The Government has also approved distribution of free food grains to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for a period of five years with  effect from  1  January,  2024. Further, 314.40 Lakh Million Tonnes of wheat, rice (other than Basmati), Basmati rice, pulses and other cereals were exported during 2022-23.

(c) & (d) The Government is implementing National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 28 States  and  2  Union  Territories  (Jammu  &  Kashmir  and  Ladakh)  with  the  objective  of increasing food grain production across the country. Under NFSM, the incentives are provided  to  the  farmers  through  the  States/UTs,  on  crop  production  and  protection technologies,  cropping  system  based  demonstrations,  production  &  distribution  of certified seeds  of  newly  released  varieties/hybrids, Integrated  Nutrient  and  Pest Management techniques, improved farm implements/tools/resource conservation machineries, water saving devices, capacity building of farmers through trainings during cropping  season,  organizing  events/workshops,  distribution  of  seed  minikits,  publicity through print and electronic media etc. The Government of India also provides flexibility to  the  states  for  state  specific  needs/priorities  under  Rashtirya  Krishi  Vikas  Yojana (RKVY).

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