4th Estimates reveal record food grain production
Q. How many districts grew pulses in 2016-2017 as against 2012-2013 according to the 4th Estimates?- Published on 13 Sep 17a. 638 districts of 29 states
b. 538 districts of 29 states
c. 438 districts of 29 states
d. 338 districts of 29 states
ANSWER: 638 districts of 29 states
The fourth Estimates has revealed record food grain production at 275.68 million tonnes comprising of 110.15 mn tonnes paddy, 98.38 mn tonnes wheat, 22.95 mn tonnes pulses and 44.19 mn tonnes coarse cereal.
Activities of NFSM, which are as follows, were also covered:- In 2016-17, 638 districts of 29 states grew pulses against 468 districts of 16 states in 2012-13.
- Coarse cereals were included in 12th scheme. NFSM-coarse cereal is being implemented in 265 districts of 28 states since 2014-15
The council took following decisions at the NFSM meeting:- Allocation of additional funds to target pulse cultivation in the rice fallow areas of Eastern States; and allocate additional funds for the pulses & oilseeds cultivation to tackle wheat blast disease in the West Bengal.
- Allocation of funds by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes for Frontline Demonstration of rice, wheat, pulses and coarse cereals by various Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
- Distribution of seeds mini kits and assistance to the central agencies for the production of certified seeds of pulses.
- Experiment of TL seeds developed by the ICAR, under seed hub program during 2016-17 and their implementation during Frontline Demonstration in 2017-18.
- Under NFSM pulse program, promotion of beekeeping with arhar dal during Frontline Demonstration.
- Approval for extension of all the projects approved under NFSM till 2016-17.
- Additional fund allocation for production of breeder seeds of pulses and creation of seed hubs.
- Funds approved for the year 2015-16 agricultural awards.
- Presentations by states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
Increased expenditure has led to increase in production of the food grains.