GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.363
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10-09-2007

SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR

*363. SHRI MANGANI LAL MANDAL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry and the Ministry of Earth Sciences have formulated an ambitious scheme for strengthening and encouraging agriculture sector in the country;

(b) whether the Ministry has made efforts for achieving four per cent growth rate in agriculture sector; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT AS REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.363 FOR 10-09-2007 REGARDING "SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR

(a) to (c): Arising from the recommendations of the National Development Council to plan for a 4% annual growth rate in agriculture, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences held a brainstorming meeting seeking Science and Technology ideas and inputs that contribute to achieve the set objectives. As an outcome of the meeting a Task Force has been established to facilitate and monitor the following initiatives; (i) information outreach and reach out programmes; (ii) showcasing of successful/proven technologies and (iii) exploratory time targeted studies/development programmes. Time bound action initiated.