1257 Lakh Hectare Area under Food Crop Cultivation

Area under food crops has increased from 1227.80 lakh ha in 2001-02 to 1257.25 lakh ha in 2010-11 (4th advance estimate). Similarly, area under cash crops i.e. cotton, sugarcane, jute & mesta has increased from 145.88 lakh ha in 2001-02 to 169.77 lakh ha during 2010-11 (4th advance estimates).

Production of foodgrains increased from 212.85 million tonnes in 2001-02 to 241.56 million tonnes during 2010-11(4th advance estimates). The production target of foodgrains for the year 2011-12 has been fixed at 245.00 million tonnes which is likely to be achieved in view of favourable weather conditions so far. To increase production and productivity of foodgrain crops, various schemes/programmes like National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna and Macro Management of Agriculture etc. are implemented in the country.

This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha