Sufficient Stock of Foodgrains under Central Pool Production and acreage of major crops in some States during 2014-15 and 2015-16 have been lower than the previous years on account of delayed/deficient rainfall during monsoon season and untimely rains/hailstorm during rabi season. Despite decline in the pace of growth in agriculture sector due to loss of production and productivity of major crops on account of unfavourable rainfall and weather conditions etc. during 2014-15 and 2015-16, the decline in the production of rice and wheat in the country has not been significant. Further, there is sufficient stock of foodgrains under central pool to provide enough quantity for the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and other Welfare Schemes and also for making foodgrains available in open market at affordable prices. As on 1st November, 2015 there is a stock of 112.92 lakh tonnes of rice as against the stocking norm of 102.50 lakh tones and 299.06 lakh tonnes of wheat as against the stocking norm of 205.20 lakh tonnes. In order to incentivize the farmers to increase production of agriculture crops by ensuring remunerative prices for their produce, the Government of India announces every season the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of major agricultural commodities including oilseeds. While a regular mechanism for procurement of rice, wheat and coarse grains through Food Corporation of India (FCI) already exists, during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2015-16 the Government of India has also designated National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC), National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF), Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) as nodal agencies for procurement of pulses and oilseeds. Similarly, for rabi marketing season 2016-17 also, the FCI has been designated as the Central Nodal Agency for procurement of pulses and oilseeds. Further, to discourage import of edible oils in the country, the Government has also raised custom duty on crude edible oils and refined edible oils from 7.5% and 15% to 12.5% and 20% respectively with effective from 17th September, 2015. In order to boost agricultural production to meet the demand of foodgrains and other crops in the country, the Government of India is implementing through State Governments, several Crop Development Schemes/ Programmes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) etc. Under these Schemes/Programmes, funds are provided to States for implementation of State-specific agricultural strategies including incentives to farmers for use of quality seeds, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), farm mechanization, etc. The States are also provided support for creation of agricultural infrastructure for optimal use of water and other natural resources. To achieve higher productivity of agricultural crops, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is also conducting basic and strategic research relating to crop improvement, production and protection technologies suitable to different situations including development of location-specific varieties/hybrids and technologies. This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Sh. Mohanbhai Kalyanjibhai Kundaria in Lok Sabha today. SS/CP
