Writeup AP 2011-12 - Punjab State Planning Board

fertilizer subsidy to the account of beneficiaries after he has purchased the fertilizers and
confining the subsidy to only BPL farmers. These measure would add to the costs incurred
by the farmers and may adversely affect the national food security.
27. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a good initiative but the
allocation for the State is not much. As per the present criteria under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana (RKVY), the state government received Rs. 344 crore in the first four years of the
11th Five Year Plan out of total allocation of Rs. 14875 crore. The outlay for the year 2011-
12 under RKVY is Rs. 100 crore. The state government has been consistently demanding the
review of criteria for allocation of funds. 20% of the funds are allocated on the basis of net
un-irrigated area in the state. Punjab has hardly un-irrigated area and the suggestion of the
state is to include the area where sub-soil water is declining within the ambit of un-irrigated
area. 30% of the funds are allocated on the basis of projected growth rates for agriculture and
allied sectors to be achieved by the end of 11th plan by the state. Punjab has already reached
at saturation levels as far as a food production is concerned, and therefore, the growth rate in
agriculture sector is not going to be too much. The sustainability of agriculture in
agriculturally developed states like Punjab and Haryana has to be assured under RKVY. Due
weightage should also be given to maintenance and up gradation of irrigation infrastructure
and ensuring availability of power for agricultural sector while allocating funds under
RKVY.
28. Special efforts are being made to increase the area of cotton, maize, oilseeds
and pulses. Use of BT cotton seeds has increased the total production in the state.
Cultivation of maize and potato is being encouraged. In certain pockets banana cultivation
has become very popular. The Citrus Council has been successful in bringing about 3415
acres of land under citrus plantation. The state government spent Rs. 134 crore in the first
four years of 11th Plan against an allocation of Rs. 274 crore under NHM. We have prepared
an action plan for Rs. 60 crore for the current year. To boost farm exports, a Permanent
Perishable Cargo Centre is being established at Amritsar International Airport at a cost of Rs.
18.25 crore. The Minimum Support Price has been announced by GoI for about 25
agriculture commodities including pulses, oilseeds, etc. However, there is no effective
procurement mechanism for the purchase of crops other than wheat and paddy. Without an
effective purchase mechanism, farmers are not inclined to go for large scale diversification.
29. About 73% of the irrigated area is under tube well irrigation and the depleting
ground water level is a cause of concern for the state. Paddy transplantation before 10th June
12