Lok Sabha Question No. 242 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-04
Subject: Assistance from UN Food and Agriculture Organisation
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 242

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY, 2025

## ASSISTANCE FROM UN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION

## 242.   SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

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

- (a)  the current status of international support and assistance received from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asian Development Bank and the World Bank for agricultural initiatives in India;
- (b)  the specific projects underway in collaboration with these agencies that focus on climatewith the details of their objectives and progress;

smart agriculture, sustainable development and agro-biodiversity conservation in India, along (c)  the measures taken by the Government to ensure effective coordination with these agencies for implementing sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity preservation strategies; (d)    whether  there  are  any  plans  to  expand  partnerships  with  these  agencies  to  address emerging challenges in agriculture and enhance resilience against climate impacts on farming communities; and

- (e)  the details of projects that are specifically designed for Kuttanad and Wayanad in light of frequent crop loss due to natural calamities?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a) & (b): The  United  Nations  Food  and  Agriculture Organization (FAO),  the Asian Development  Bank  (ADB),  and  the  World  Bank  extend  support,  including  loans,  capacitybuilding  initiatives,  and  technical  assistance,  to  agricultural  projects  under  both  the  Central Sector  and  State Sector  in  India.  The  Government  of  India,  alongside  various  State Governments, is currently implementing numerous projects with these international organizations. Detailed information regarding these collaborative efforts, their objectives, and the progress made-specifically concerning climate-smart agriculture, sustainable development, and agro-biodiversity conservation in India-has been provided in the Annexure.
- (c) & (d): The  Department  of  Economic  Affairs  (DEA)  serves  as  the  nodal  agency responsible  for  coordinating  with  the  ADB  and  the  World  Bank,  maintaining  an  effective mechanism  to  facilitate ongoing collaboration with these international institutions.  The

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare coordinates with the FAO. The Government of India ensures continuous engagement and oversight through regular joint reviews, workshops, and high-level state visits to monitor the progress of these projects. Additionally, any projects requiring external assistance are thoroughly examined in accordance with the extant guidelines before being presented to the respective funding agencies.

(e): As per the information  provided  by the  Government  of  Kerala,  there  are  currently  no specific  projects  tailored  to  address  crop  losses  in  Kuttanad  and  Wayanad  due  to  natural calamities. However, the World Bank is supporting the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization Project, which involves a loan of USD 200 million.

## Annexure referred to in reply to part (b) of Lok Sabha Unstarred question no. 242 for 04.02.25 regarding the specific projects underway in collaboration with FAO, ADB and WB agencies

| Sr. No                            | Project Title                                                                                                                                             | Project Objectives and Progress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Food and Agriculture Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization                                                                                                                         | Food and Agriculture Organization                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| 1                                 | Support to developing protocols for quality planting material and certification of nurseries for timber and non-timber agroforestry species               | To convene key sectors and stakeholders to address pending technical issues and barriers related to certification, develop standard protocols for certifying quality planting materials and nurseries, and establish institutional mechanisms for certification. Developed the draft standard protocol for raising timber and non-timber agroforestry species. Drafted protocol and standards for certification/accreditation of agencies. Developed white papers on the Forest Seed Certification System and the Status of the Forest Nursery in India. Conducted 5 regional consultation workshops to validate protocols.                                               |
| 2                                 | Support for quality seed of local landraces/farmers` varieties (LRs/FVs) through community- managed seed systems (CMSS) in Odisha and other rainfed areas | To provide technical assistance for the end-to- end implementation of the seed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and extend the SOP to crops other than millets in Odisha. Survey undertaken to examine the current landscape of Land Raises/Farmer Varieties in Odisha. Identified the different (seed) actors in the three project sites and at the state level. Conducted Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) training workshop for the three project districts                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| 3                                 | Transforming Indian agriculture for global environmental benefits and the conservation of critical biodiversity and forest landscapes (FSP)               | of Bargarh, Mayurbhanj, and Koraput. To catalyze transformative change in India's agricultural sector to support achievement of national and global environmental benefits and conserve critical biodiversity and forest landscapes. Developed four Green Landscape Management Plans (GLMPs) in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Mizoram, focusing on agro-ecological approaches, land restoration, and biodiversity conservation. Households participated in community natural resources management, with Odisha leading. Households have received livestock management training. Women benefit from Green-Ag Farmer Field Schools, particularly in Uttarakhand. |

|   Sr. No | Project Title                                                                                                                            | Project Objectives and Progress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|        4 | Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems in India through Transforming Rice-Wheat Systems in Punjab, Haryana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh (FSP) | To mainstream integrated models of sustainable and healthy food systems in rice- and wheat-dominated landscapes in India. In the first year of implementation, interventions were planned for 9,000 hectares. By December 2024, 2,351 hectares (Punjab: 1,090.55 ha, Haryana: 446.4 ha, Chhattisgarh: 460 ha, Odisha: 354.43 ha) have successfully adopted sustainable practices. 2,030 farmers (Punjab: 343, Haryana: 388, Chhattisgarh: 770, Odisha: 529) have received training under the initiative.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|        5 | Agriculture Sector Readiness for enhanced climate finance at sub- national level in India (GCF RP)                                       | To formulate agriculture and climate investment plans that support the implementation of agriculture sector climate change strategies and policies at the sub- national level in India. Agriculture profile and climate scenarios of four states are being prepared. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has agreed to be the lead entity for the agroforestry proposal. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has agreed to be the lead entity for the greening of the food value chains. Assessment of post-harvest value chains to reduce food                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|        6 | Enhancing resilience to climate change of migrant & vulnerable households in the coastal areas India                                     | loss and waste and GHG emissions. To strengthen rural households' resilience to climate change, reducing the pressure to migrate out of distress and improving migration outcomes, with particular attention to addressing the vulnerabilities of women and other vulnerable groups living in the coastal areas of Odisha State and the drought-prone areas of Telangana State. A Rapid Gender- and Age-Sensitive Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) was conducted in four districts of Telangana. In Odisha, a similar VRA was conducted in the coastal districts of Ganjam and Kendrapara. Odisha state has formed a Technical Steering Group (TSG) to guide JP implementation and improve coordination between departments. Two District Level Committees (DLCs) have been established in Ganjam and Kendrapara. Baseline surveys of villages selected for ground interventions are underway in both states. At the national level, a Programme Steering Committee (PSC) chaired by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was constituted, and the first meeting was held on 3rd October 2024. |

| Sr. No                 | Project Title                                                                                                       | Project Objectives and Progress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 7                      | Transforming Andhra Pradesh aquaculture to a sustainable, reduced footprint and climate resilient food system (FSP) | To support the integrated management of terrestrial/aquatic landscapes in AP through sustainable and reduced footprint aquaculture production systems that reduce environmental degradation at the production level and throughout the value chain. Additionally, sustainably increase production and climate resilience, enhance producers' incomes and resilience, reduce risks and meet global needs for healthy, affordable food in an equitable manner following the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA). The GEF8 Full Project Proposal is being finalised for submission to GEF Secretariat for review/endorsement. |
| 8.                     | Supporting Ecosystem Restoration in the Central India Landscape (Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) (FSP)              | To support the integrated landscape management approach in the Central Indian Landscape, including restoration and improved management of degraded forest and agricultural lands, and the adoption of sustainable livelihoods to ensure biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and ecosystem integrity and functionality in the long term. The GEF Operational Focal Point (MOEF&CC) sent the GEF 8 Project Identification Form (PIF) with recommendation                                                                                                                                                             |
| 9.                     | Enabling resilience of livestock keepers through integrated landscape management                                    | To reduce land degradation and enhance resilience of livestock keepers through gender- inclusive integrated landscape management. The GEF Operational Focal Point (MOEF&CC) sent the GEF8Project Identification Form (PIF) with recommendation for GEF Council approval.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| Asian Development Bank | Asian Development Bank                                                                                              | Asian Development Bank                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| 1                      | Supporting the Transformation of the Indian Agriculture System ($3.0 million grants)                                | The Technical Assistance (TA) supports the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MOAFW) and other relevant implementing agencies for pipeline project preparation, upstream knowledge development, and capacity building for several transformative initiatives to help achieve structural strengthening of India's agriculture system India. $75,310 disbursed as on 27.01.2025.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |

| Sr. No     | Project Title                                                                                                             | Project Objectives and Progress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2          | Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Irrigation and Value Addition (HPSHIVA) ($133 million loan; total project $163 million)      | Conducts training of farmers in climate smart production technique and integrated pest management, and adopts integrated farming across 6,000 ha of project areas. $14.5 million disbursed as on 27.01.2025.                                                                       |
| 3          | In Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Agribusiness Network (MAGNET) ($100 million loan; total project cost $142 million)        | The project supports 200 farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and 100 value chain operators (VCOs) and is expected to benefit 200,000 farmers. With an aim to increase, horticultural production value and reduce post- harvest losses. $32.41 million disbursed as on 27.01.2025. |
| World Bank | World Bank                                                                                                                | World Bank                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| 1          | Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (loan amount $200 million)                                            | To add value and improve resilience of selected agriculture value chains, focusing on smallholder farmers and agro-entrepreneurs and to advance Assam's COVID-19 response. $161.70 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                |
| 2          | Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project ($318 million).                                                    | To enhance productivity and climate resilience of irrigated agriculture, improve water management, and increase market opportunities for farmers and agro- entrepreneurs in selected sub-basin areas of Tamil Nadu. $229.53 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.       |
| 3          | AP Integrated Irrigation & Agriculture Transformation Project ($62.6 million)                                             | To enhance agricultural productivity, profitability and climate resilience of smallholder farmers in selected districts of Andhra Pradesh. $28.43 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                                 |
| 4          | Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture ($135.3 million)                                   | To intensify and diversify agricultural production and enhance climate resilience in selected districts of Odisha. $46.91 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                                                         |
| 5          | Integrated Project for Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-fed Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh ($80 million) | To improve upstream watershed management and increase agricultural water productivity in selected Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh. $47.22 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                                     |
| 6          | Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth Project ($85 million)                                     | To improve income opportunities and the availability of nutritious foods in targeted households of Chhattisgarh's tribal-dominated areas. $1.12 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                                   |

|   Sr. No | Project Title                                                                                          | Project Objectives and Progress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|        7 | Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development ($115 million)      | To strengthen the capacities of national and state institutions to adopt improved watershed management for increasing farmers' resilience and support value chains in selected watersheds of participating states. $39.84 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025. |
|        8 | Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project ($140 million)                              | To improve services and economic opportunities for tribal areas in Tripura. $4.32 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                                                                                         |
|        9 | Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-fed Farming Project ($96.2 million)                                | Improve production system resilience to make mountain farming emission competitive and profitable in selected micro-watersheds of Uttarakhand. $0.89 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                      |
|       10 | Kerala Climate Resilient Agri- Value Chain Modernization Project ($200 million)                        | To promote the resilience and commercialization of Kerala's food and agriculture sector.                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|       11 | Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project ($325.1 million) | To increase farmers' income through improved crop productivity, climate resilience, and commercialization of agri-food systems in Selected Regions of Uttar Pradesh.                                                                                                       |
|       12 | West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project - Phase II ($148 million)              | To augment water availability and strengthen water user associations for improved irrigated agriculture in project areas of West Bengal. $11.85 million disbursed as of the end of January 2025.                                                                           |

*****