Rice production surpasses target in 2005-06

New Delhi, Dec 15 (UNI) The rice production in the country for 2005-06 had touched 91.04 million tonnes surpassing the target, making it a case of exception, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Agriculture Kanti Lal Bhuria in his written reply to Mr Matilal Sarkar said wheat production in the country was 69.48 million tonnes (MT) as against the target of 75.53 MT. The government had targeted a production of 87.80 MT of rice for 2005-06.

He said barring 2005-06, the case of rice, the production of rice and wheat was always less than the targeted figure.

To another question, he said the National Rainfed Area Authority had been established in November this year and it had been mandated to prepare perspective plan outlining the national strategy and road map for holistic and sustainable development in rainfed farming area.

It will also evolve common guidelines for all schemes of different ministries including externally-aided projects.

He said the production depended on a number of factors including temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall.

To another question, he said demand for fertilsers had shown an upward trend in the country for the last two years. The production of urea in the country was about 200 lakh MT compared to the demand of 240 MT during the current year.

The government is bridging the gap between demand and supply through imports, he added.

A multi-disciplinary team will suggest programmes for the preservation and development of wet lands in Kerala. It would launch a programme for rejuvenation of plantation crops in a mission mode, revival of coconut cultivation in Kerala and construction of new fishing harbours in the state and provide institutional credit coverage for all eligible farmers, he informed.

He said cattle-based farming was ideal for small and medium land holders and the government is encouraging this eco-friendly farming that helped recycling of crop residues.

Answering Mrs Hema Malini, Mr Bhuria said that bio-bas produced from cow dung could not only be used as fuel for cooking in rural areas.

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