MP agri sector on decline

Agriculture or primary sector is continuously facing strain and needs immediate attention and investment.

The state economic survey, tabled in the state Assembly last week, portrays a sorry picture of the agriculture sector. Only 32.03 per cent of the agricultural land has any irrigation facility. “It shows the sector badly needs attention and immediate investment,” the survey said.

The survey reveals the sector was expected to grow 9.1 per cent during 2008-09 but it witnessed a decline of 6.98 per cent (quick estimates) during 2009-10. The contribution of the sector has declined to 22.47 per cent during 2009-10 from 25.97 per cent during 2004-05, it says.

 

2009 received scanty rainfall, with the state receiving 35 per cent less than normal rains. Even 2010 was not a good year for the sector. The state received 842 mm rains, compared to the normal level of 1,132 mm.

Paddy and corn acreage declined by 7.20 per cent and 3.01 per cent. However, wheat acreage grew by 11.20 per cent. Therefore, the foodgrain acreage grew meagrely by 3.03 per cent only. Production stood at 8.31 per cent, with paddy production declining by (-) 20.11 per cent and maize by (-) 8.28 per cent.

Similarly, the survey further reveals that cash crops like cotton and sugarcane witnessed a decline of (-) 12.62per cent and (-) 0.78 per cent during 2009-10.

Acreage of Bt cotton has also reduced by 3.23per cent. It has been continuously on decline from 343,668 hectare during 2006-07 to 611,804 hectare in 2009-10.

The state Assembly last week also debated on farmers’ plight. As many as 89 farmers committed suicide due to financial stress during the last three months however state government deny that the victims were under debt.