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The production of rapeseed/mustard during 2001-03, 2002-03 and 2003-04 are 50.83 lakh tonnes (LTs), 38.80 LTs and 61.98 LTs respectively.
In order to increase production and productivity of oilseeds including mustard the Government has been is implementing a Centrally Sponsored “Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize” (ISOPOM) in 14 major oilseeds growing States. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided for purchase of breeder seed, production of foundation seed, production and distribution of certified seed, distribution of seed minikits, distribution of plant protection chemicals, plant protection equipments, weedicides, supply Rhizobium culture/phosphate solubilising bacteria, distribution of gypsum/pyrite/liming/dolomite, distribution of spinkler sets and water carrying pipes, publicity, etc. to encourage farmers to grow oilseeds on a large scale.
In order to disseminate information on improved production technologies amongst the farmers, block demonstrations and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) demonstrations are organized through State Department of Agriculture and Front Line Demonstrations through Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR).
Besides, flexibility has also been given to the States for introducing innovative measures or any special component to the extent of 10 per cent of financial allocation and involvement of private sector by the State Governments. In the implementation of the programme i.e. seed production, supply of inputs, extension support, block and frontline demonstrations with a financial cap of 15 per cent.
The demand of rapeseed/mustard separately has not been assessed. However, the demand for oilseeds as a whole is higher than the production. The gap between of edible oils and domestic production is bridged by import.
With a view to encourage production of oilseeds, including rapeseed/mustard seed, the Government has been announcing relatively higher Minimum Support Prices for oilseed vis-a-vis other crops, particularly cereals.
This information was given by Shri Kantilal Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
UM/RC/Hb
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