Question : VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AVAILABLE IN MOTHER DAIRY

(a) whether the vegetables and fruits available in Mother Dairy outlets in Delhi are costlier than prevailing market rates; and

(b) if so, the steps taken to provide quality products at reasonable rates to consumers? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a): No, Sir. Rates are competitive with the prevailing market rates and fixed on the basis of wholesale prices of Azadpur Mandi and retails prices of nine major retail mandis of Delhi on day to day basis.

(b): Mother Dairy always strives to provide best quality products at reasonable rates. ***** 1004 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 8TH DECEMBER, 2003 PURCHASE OF FOREIGN FISHING VESSELS BY FSI 1004. PROF. UMMAREDDY VENKATESWARLU : Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE kRiYa maM~I be pleased to state:

(c) the details of the deep sea fishing vessels owned by Fishery Survey of India(FSI);

(d) whether the FSI are purchasing a number of foreign fishing vessels;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the extent to which it is likely to be useful;

(f) whether the Union Government have given approval to FSI to acquire more vessels for its use;

(g) if so, the details of acquisition done by the FSI during 2002-2003 and proposed to be done during 2003-2004;

(h) the amount spent thereon; and

(i) the reasons for purchasing of said vessels ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a): The details of Deep Sea fishing vessels presently owned by Fishery Survey of India (FSI) is given in the Annexure.

(b)&(c): The Government is in the process of acquiring two Monofilament Long liners at an estimated cost of US$ 6689,000 (Rs.32,27,44,250) for harvesting of the tuna resources along with the by-catch by Fishery Survey of India. The Monofilament Longline system is considered more suitable in the Indian context.

(d)&(e): Only 2 vessels are being acquired as mentioned at (c) above. These vessels are likely to be delivered in 2004-2005.

(f): An expenditure of Rs.2,89,50,178/- has been incurred in connection with acquisition of these Two vessels so far.

(g): To replace two of the old and obsolete vessels of the fleet, carry out survey of tuna, bill fish etc. and also to demonstrate the latest technology to the fishermen and industry.