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The UPA government hopes that the farm sector will come to its rescue for revival during current slowdown. In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Jog, union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said improved performance in the agriculture sector is attributed to the government's slew of initiatives and investments and also to the proactive role played by states and farmers.
How do you see the performance of agriculture during current year?
Let me tell you, due to good monsoon, additional area has been covered under sowing this year. I am speaking only about kharif crops -- especially paddy, pulses, cereals, cotton, sugarcane, soyabean. During 2011-12 India's foodgrain production was 259.32 million tonnes while it stood at 255 million tonnes in 2012-13. This year, the bumper crop will lead to further increase in foodgrain production. More importantly, the returning rainfall has given much needed relief to some of the states which had received less rainfall. This will certainly help recharge ground water and will ultimately be beneficial for agriculture.
Will the higher production boost the revival of Indian economy?
Agriculture sector's contribution in the revival of economy is quite crucial. Even RBI in its mid-term monetary policy has made projections in this regard. Besides, a couple of experts have said that improved growth in agriculture will be critical for the economy's revival. I am extremely confident that improvement in performance of the sector will push the economic growth rate.
Critics have led a scathing attack against UPA government's policies, including those for farm sector. According to you, what is the reality?
On the contrary, during UPA government's rule, a large number of important decisions were implemented across the country to boost farm growth. The implementation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the National Horticulture Mission and couple of others have yielded positive results. I must tell you here that even the opposition party ruled states also implemented number of schemes to improve agriculture sector. The proactive role played by states and also by farmers is quote noteworthy. During our regime focus was given on more and more investments in development and production of seed and planting material, horticulture and nursery services, agriculture machinery, plan protection services, cattle breeding and livestock rearing, cold storage and warehousing.
The implementation of the National Food Security Mission has resulted in an increase in food grain production by 42 million tonnes as against the target of 20 million tonnes set for the Eleventh Plan. A target of additional 25 million tonnes of food grain production has been proposed during the Twelfth Plan -- 10 million tonnes of rice, 8 million tonnes of wheat, 4 million tonnes of pulses and 3 million tonnes of coarse cereals.
While Punjab and Haryana continue to be major wheat growers, Chhattisgarh has emerged as a leading paddy producer, while Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar have performed better. We have successfully supplied seeds, fertilizers. We are number one rice producer while second in the sugar, cotton and fruits at the global level.
More importantly, when the UPA took over in 2004 the total agriculture credit stood at Rs 86,000 crore. However, it has increased substantially to Rs 7 lakh crore. The rate of interest on agriculture credit has been reduced to 3-4% from 12%. Some states are providing credit at zero per cent for those who are meeting the repayment schedule.
India's agriculture exports were about Rs 3 lakh crore last year. I must reiterate here that the UPA government's steady, pro-active and positive approach has started paying dividends.
Fluctuations in onion supply and price have increased more worries for the government.When can you expect the situation to improve?
Consumers will get a respite after fresh arrivals of onions from Maharashtra and other states in next three weeks. Prices will certainly fall. The arrival of onions from various countries will improve the supplies. Further, the government has reimposed a minimum export price which has slowed the outward shipments.
