As a result of various Crop Development Schemes being implemented by Government of India through State Governments, production of agricultural crops has been generally increasing except in the years of bad monsoon, adverse weather/temperature conditions etc. However, the experiments conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have shown that ozone pollution can potentially reduce the crop yields. Further, long term use of waste water for irrigation can also reduce crop yields due to higher pest incidence and disturbance in plant metabolism due to heavy metal contents.
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is administering various measures to prevent air pollution and environmental degradation across the country. The MOEF&CC is also undertaking large scale aforestation and forest development activities, enhancing carbon sequestration for reducing air pollution and addressing the issues of climate change.
Further, in order to curb crop residue burning which causes air pollution, the Government of India has finalized National Policy for Management of Crop Residues (NPMCR) - 2014. The Policy envisages adoption of technical measures including diversified uses of crop residue, capacity building & training along with formulation of suitable law/legislation. The above Policy also envisages extending central financial assistance for various interventions proposed by States under the ongoing Schemes/Programmes/Missions of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.
