Changing Agricultural Scenario of Nabarangpur District

1. BACKGROUND Nabarangpur, located in the southern fringe of Orissa, is primarily an

agricultural area with not so advanced agrarian practices. 73% of its population live below

poverty line, with per capita income of Rs.7545.00 (current prices 2001-02), much below

state average (Rs.10208.00 at current prices 2001-02). Previously mostly small millets

and ragi covered the highlands, which were non-remunerative i.e. the main cause of

poverty. Efforts have been made to shift the farming practice from traditional crop to

remunerative crops like maize, pulses, oil seeds, vegetables and sugarcane etc.

When the district got included under National Food for Work Program

(NFFWP), an action plan was prepared for economic upliftment of small and marginal

farmers, comprising of mainly tribesmen and women (55% scheduled tribe and 14%

scheduled caste). (Refer appendix 1)

2. PRIORITIES AND PURPOSES 2.1 CROP DIVERSIFICATION. To diversify traditional crops like millets to high

value crops viz. hybrid maize, high yielding variety (HYV) rice, sugarcane & vegetables to

achieve higher income from unit area.

2.2 INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY. Increase productivity of crops through use of

HYV / Hybrid seeds, timely and judicious application of chemical and bio fertilizer,

adoption of integrated pest management practices including bio pesticides, introduction of

farm mechanization, efficient use of available water resources etc.

2.1 AGRICULTURE ALLIED SECTOR. Promote agricultural allied activities like

dairy and pisciculture.

2.2 TACKLE RECURRENT DROUGHT. To abrogate recurrent drought that had

defined the lives of tribesmen and women of the district all along.

3. STRATEGY ADOPTED

3.1 PROVIDE IRRIGATION. To augment irrigation potential by executing as

many check dams/ water harvesting structures as possible, river lift point, minor

irrigation projects (M IP), diversion weir and use of ground water through borewell,

dugwell as well as sprinkler irrigation system An irrigation master plan was prepared.

3.2 CROP DIVERSIFICATION. Increase area of HYV/ Hybrid varieties of maize,

sugarcane and vegetables by diversifying the existing non-remunerative upland rice

and millets.

3.3 PROMOTION OF HIGH YIELDING VARIETIES. Seed village scheme was

implemented through individual and group approach in collaboration with Seed

Corporation. Seed Replacement Ratio was needed to be raised.

3.4 PROMOTION OF FERTILIZER. Stress was laid on use of increased and

balanced amount of fertilizers.

3.5 RAISE AGRICULTURE CREDIT. Improve agriculture credit, tagging of quality

seeds with B component of crop loan. Monitoring of credit flow through individual and

group approach.

3.6 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT. Popularization of integrated pest

management methods.

3.7 FARM MECHANIZATION. Agriculture implements were promoted by

demonstrating tractor, power tiller, rotavator, axial flow thresher, winnower, etc. at

farmers’ point under regular programs of agriculture department and other self

employment programs of both District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and

Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA).

4 INNOVATIVE METHODS USED 4.1 BROAD BASING STAKEHOLDERS. Inputs were pulled in from the Panchayati

Raj Institutions for feasible irrigation projects. The junior agriculture officers were

required to verify potentialities of each project. Projects were then handed over to the

technical staff for implementation.

4.2 PROMOTE KCC. A time frame was set and adhered to in order to cover each

farm family under Kissan Credit Card (KCC).

4.3 ENHANCING EFFICIENCY OF AGRICULTURE FIELD STAFF. Village

Agriculture Workers (VAW) and Junior Agricultural officers were empowered,

motivated, monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. Specific monitoring formats

were introduced for the VAWs. 4.4 GETTING MORE OUT OF THE BANKING SYSTEM. The bankers were too

empowered and motivated to augment farm mechanization, and to make available

timely agriculture credit to all. Specific training sessions were organized for them. At

the end of the year, good performing bank officials were rewarded.

4.5 SEED REPLACEMENT RATIO (SRR). High yielding varieties of seed (HYV)

were stored at the bank premises and Bank Managers were required to ensure that

Component-B of crop loan be utilized for seed replacement. 4.6 ROAD SHOWS. Tractor companies were encouraged to organize shows at

every part of the district. This generated demand. 4.7 SOIL TESTING. Soil testing was conducted by IFFCO at five blocks viz.

Raighar, Umerkote, Nabarangpur, Nandahandi and Kosagumuda. 4.8 MORE FARM INPUTS. Farmers were made aware about use of bio-fertilizer

and pesticides. 5 PERIOD/ DURATION OF THE PROJECT INITIATION/ IMPLEMENTATION

The project was initiated during January 2005 when funds were received under

NFFWP. The total period of the project was 2 years.

6 THE POSITIVE OUTCOMES / CHANGES /RESULTING FROM THE PROJECT/ INITIATIVE.

6.1 MAIZE AREA. Area under maize has increased from 27110 Ha. To 36964

Ha. and productivity from 33.32 Qtl/Ha. to 47.80 Qtl/Ha.

6.2 CHEMICAL FERTILIZER. Utilization of 15610 MT of chemical fertilizer.

6.3 TRAINING.

6.3.1 More than 5000 farmers were made aware through Krushak Sampark Mela

(block level awareness camp) organized during Kharif and Rabi.

6.3.2 Farmers’ training camps were organized at block level on integrated crop

management (ICM).

6.4 FARM MECHANIZATION. During the period, 327 Tractors were purchased by

the framers under different government schemes and also through direct bank finance.

Other farm implements too witnessed increased popularity.

6.5 AGRICULTURAL ALLIED ACTIVITIES. Agriculture allied activities like dairy

and pisciculture too picked up considerably.

6.6 RISE IN WATER TABLE. Water table in the district has risen from 18.7 meters

during May, 2004 to 11.8 meters during May, 2006. Many tube wells have become

recharged in different parts if the district.

6.7 HORTICULTURE CROPS. Nearly 5000 Hectares of upland is getting covered

under cashew plantation this year. We witness today increasing proclivity among

tribesmen and women for horticulture crops like cashew, lemon, drumstick, mushroom

and papaya.

7. EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS 7.1 IRRIGATION

477 check dams/ Water Harvesting Structures were constructed under NFFWP

during 2004-05 & 2005-06. Another 60 projects are under progress now. Several lift

irrigation projects have also come up (some of them in purely private initiative) to

supplement these projects. Area under irrigation has increased from 23336 Ha. during

March, 2004 to 29281 Ha. at the end of March, 2006.

AREA UNDER IRRIGATION

23336

29281

05000

1000015000

2000025000

3000035000

March, 2004 March, 2006

AREA (In Ha.)

7.2 AGRICULTURAL CREDIT

While different agencies were implementing these micro irrigation projects, the Junior

Agriculture officers at block level have identified each family in the ayacut area of

these projects to be covered under Kissan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. The bankers

have simultaneously provided KCC to these farmers.

NO. OF KISSAN CREDIT CARD

58380 61422

86521

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

No. of K.C.C

The increase in number of Kissan Credit Card (67.5%) also resulted in hike

in agriculture credit i.e. from Rs.21.00 crores in 2003-04 to Rs.59.00 crores during

2005-06.

AGRICULTURE CREDIT (In Crores)

21.00

43.00

59.00

0.0010.0020.0030.0040.0050.0060.0070.00

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

The district heads, the zonal heads of all the banks had also agreed to make sure that

part B of crop loan be used to introduce improved seed varieties. Adequate stress

was laid on farm mechanization. In a joint meeting of the Branch Managers of all the

banks and officials of the Agriculture Department., an ambitious but realistic road map

was agreed upon.

7.3 SEED REPLACEMENT RATIO (SRR) Higher seed replacement ratio (SRR) is the indicator of higher production. Improved

seed is the primary component to boost up productivity and hence production.

While the district S.R.R on paddy was hovering around 9% till 2004, it

increased to 12.5% during 2006 Kharif season. This is the highest in the state

followed by Bargarh District.

SEED REPLACEMENT RATIO (In %)

6.68

12.5

02468

101214

ORISSA NAWARANGPUR

7.4 FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION Fertilizer is another key input that plays an important role in crop yield. Its use is also

increasing (20%) rapidly in the district. Current consumption of fertilizer in the district

at 74 kg per Hectare is significantly higher than state average of 43 kg per Hectare.

The changes in the component wise (Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potash ) consumption

of fertilizer indicates that the best INM strategy have been achieved in the district.

CONSUMPTION OF FERTILISER

59 6174

43

0

20

40

60

80

2003(Nawarangpur)

2004(Nawarangpur)

2005(Nawarangpur)

2005 (OrissaState)

Kg./ ha.

(The state average for Orissa is 43 Kg./ ha.)

9200

FERTILISER (Kg. per Ha.)-NITROGEN

8389

8942

9245

7800800082008400860088009000

9400

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

FERTILISER (Kg. per Ha.)- PHOSPHORUS

12091537

2225

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

FERTILISER (Kg. per Ha.)-POTASH

1212 1221

2614

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

7.5. FARM MECHANIZATION

Use of tractors in place of traditional plough also raised productivity and

reduced cost of production. Till end of 2004, the district had only 313 tractors. With

the bankers’ willingness and collaborative efforts, the farmers procured 327 Tractors

and power tillers during the last two years. 10 agro servicing centers have also came

up in the district in the mean time. Axial flow Thresher and rotavator were also

introduced during the project period and they have gained substantial popularity.

7.6. PRODUCTION & PRODUCTIVITY

7.6.1. PADDY Total production of paddy has increased from 2,21,138 MT in 2003 to 2,45,806 MT in

2005 (an increase of 11%) while the area under paddy has decrease from 1,02,140

Ha. to 1,01,940 Ha. during the period due to Diversification of cropping pattern in

upland paddy.

PRODUCTIVITY OF KHARIF PADDY (In Qtl./ ha.)

21.67

23.4524.11

22.45

20

20.5

21

21.5

22

22.5

23

23.5

24

24.5

2003(Nawarangpur)

2004(Nawarangpur)

2005(Nawarangpur)

2005 (OrissaState)

Qtl./ ha.

PRODUCTIVITY OF RABI PADDY (In Qtl./ ha.)

28.6

29.8

32.6

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

2003 (Nawarangpur) 2004 (Nawarangpur) 2005 (Nawarangpur)

Qtl./ ha.

Productivity of Khariff paddy was 21.67 Qtl/ Ha. in the district which was

below the state average of 22.67 Qtl/ Ha. in 2003 . At the end of 2005, it was 24.11

Qtl/Ha. which has surpassed the state average of 22.45 Qtl/ Ha. The marketable

surplus of rice is 14.82 lakhs tons i.e. (61% of total rice production) after meeting 39%

for own consumption.

7.6.2. MAIZE

The crop that caught the imagination of the farmer is Maize, whose productivity &

coverage area is highest in state. The area ubder maize has increased by 27% from

2003-04 to 2005-06 and the productivity has enhanced by 30% during the project

implementation period.

AREA UNDER MAIZE DURING KHARIF

27.11

34.87 36.96

05

10152025303540

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

Area (In 000 ha.)

PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE (In Qtl./ ha.)

33.32

45.00 47.80

26.44

0.0010.0020.0030.0040.0050.0060.00

2003(Nawarangpur)

2004(Nawarangpur)

2005(Nawarangpur)

2005 (OrissaState)

Now Maize Production is at par with states like Punjab where yield comes to

54.42 Qtl./ ha..

At a price of Rs. 5000 to Rs.5500 per MT, the total earning from Maize to

the farmer is in the range of Rs. 102.80 Crs. Out of total maize production 88 % is

now a marketable surplus. This marketable surplus (i.e. 1.65 lakhs ton) was disposed

through private Agencies. (Refer Appendix-2 )

Majority of the farmers have their own maize shellers (a

mechanized device powered by electricity or 5 HP to 8 HP diesel engine).

7.6.3. SUGERCANE

Sugarcane production has increased from 116260 MT to 206088 MT, an

increase of 43 % in production achieved during these two years. The area also

increased from 3360 ha. in 2002-03 to 4432 ha. in 2005-06.

Productivity (In Qtl./ha.)

346

465

050

100150200250300350400450500

2002-03 2005-06

Productivity (InQtl./ha.)

AREA UNDER SUGARCANE (In ha.)

3.58

4.43

00.5

11.5

22.5

33.5

44.5

5

2002-03 2005-06

Area (In 000ha.)

The Self Help Groups (SHG) have also procured 10 power crushers for processing of

sugarcane during last year and each unit has proven economically successful.

7.6.4. VEGETABLES

Vegetable production has also increased from 1,80,457 MT to 2,26,052 MT.

( an increase of 20%) between the years 2003-04 to 2005-06.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

346

465

0

100

200

300

400

500

2002-03 2005-06

Production (InMT)

7.7 A FARMING SYSTEM APPROACH

7.7.1. PISCICULTURE

The increase in area under water bodies resulted in increase in fish production

from 3200 MT to 3941 MT between 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. This sector continues to

grow during the current year also.

FISH PRODUCTION ( IN MT)

3200.8823521.34

3941.375

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

7.7.2. DAIRY

Increased availability of water has also been a boon to the cattle population.

Besides, availability of feed ingredients maize, horsegram and oil cakes in abundant

quantity have also stimulated milk production.

DAILY MILK COLLECTION BY DIST MILK UNION

(IN LTRS.)

1189 1232

3381

67218000

0100020003000400050006000700080009000

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07(upto June) Jul-06

7.7.3. POULTRY:

Availability of Poultry feeds particularly from Maize resulted in 30.45%

increase of egg production during the project period.

7.7.4. CD RATIO

C.D ratio has increased to 81 from 72. State average for rural Orissa is 77%

and for semi-urban Orissa it is 68%.

C.D. RATIO

72%

81%

65%

70%

75%

80%

85%

2003-04 2005-06

C.D. RATIO

7.7.5. SAVINGS

The saving in different banks obtained from Lead Bank Manager is shown in

the graph .Increased in production of different crops resulted in additional income of

Rs.106.00 Crores for the cultivators between 2003-04 to 2005-06. (Refer Appendix 3 )

BANK SAVINGS

164.03197.32

229.9

0

50

100

150

200

250

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

SAVING IN Crs.

( Refer Appendix 4 )

8. ROLE AND INVOLVEMENT OF NOMINEE IN THE INITIATIVE / PROJECT

8.1 The Collector had devised the action plan during January 2005. The field staff

of Panchyati raj department, agriculture department and the bankers were motivated

to work in tandem to boost agriculture output. Innovative methods were adopted to

empower, motivate, monitor and evaluate the field staff of the concerned departments

and the bankers.

8.2 Project Director, DRDA has been following the progress of various irrigation

project as per the irrigation master plan. He is also following up efforts on farm

mechanization through Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojona (SGSY) Scheme.

8.3 The Deputy Director, Agriculture has been persuading the cultivators to

increase SRR, consumption of fertilizer and improve agricultural practices.

8.4 The Lead Bank Manager is constantly innovating and conflating new

strategies to increase agriculture credit.

9. CONCLUSION

Success in boosting agricultural income in the district has put to rest

pastoral doubts in the minds of many. Current years’ indicators on SRR, use of fertilizer,

agricultural credit and farm mechanization also provide fillip to the efforts of the

stakeholders.

COLLECTOR, NABARANGPUR.

APPENDIX - 1

THE DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Indicator Value Remark

Population 10,25,766 2001 census

Scheduled Tribe 564480 55% 0f total

Scheduled Caste 144654 14% of total

Poverty ratio 73% 1997 BPL census

Geographical area 529400 hectares

Cultivable area 185824 hectares

Irrigated area 29823 hectares During 2006

Rs.7545.00 At current prices

2000-2001 Per capita income

Rs.3973.00 At constant prices

Literacy 34.26% State average 63.6%

Female literacy 21.02%

APPENDIX- 2

MARKETABLE SURPLUS OF RICE AND MAIZE. ITEM RICE MAIZE Projected population ( in lakh) 10.86 10.86 Adult equivalent ( in lakh) ( 88%) 9.56 9.56 Total consumption requirement 1.40

@ 400 gm. / adult / day

0.17 @ 50gm/ adult/day

Total requirement (seed, feed, wastage)

1.59 0.21

Production in terms of rice (lakh ton)

4.09 1.86

Surplus (lakh ton) 2.50 1.65

APPENDIX 3

SAVING FROM AGRICULTURE SECTOR

PRODUCTION (000’ MT)

CROP 2003-04 2005-06 Increase in production

PRICE PER TON IN RS.

SAVING IN CRORES RS.

a b c d=c-b e d*e PADDY 224.52 270.13 45.61 5470 24.95 MAIZE 100.46 186.92 86.46 5000 43.23 SUGARCANE 129.42 206.09 76.67 800 6.13 VEGETABLES 180.46 226.05 45.59 7000 31.91

TOTAL 106.22

APPENDIX - 4

BANK SAVINGS

YEAR SAVING IN Crs. 2003-04 164.03 2004-05 197.32 2005-06 229.9

Source Office of Lead Bank Manager, Nabarangpur

Annexure – B

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EVALUATION STUDY FOR NOMINATION FOR P.M's AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

**** Background Information about the district, Nabarangpur Nabarangpur district located in the Southern corner of Orissa between 190 -200

North Latitude and 820 -830 East Longitude was carved out of Koraput district in the year 1992. The District has a total geographical area of 5294Sq. K.M.s which is 3.4% of the State's geographical area. The Agro climatic region of the district consists of Eastern Ghat high land and Western undulation lands. Nine Blocks namely Nandahandi, Nabarangpur, Tentulikhunti, Papadahandi, Kosagumuda, Dabugam, Jharigam, Umerkote and Raighar out of 10 Blocks are included in Eastern Ghat and only one Block i.e. Chandahandi comes under Western undulating lands. The district has 1,85,824 ha of cultivated area which includes high land of 1,18,000 ha, medium land of 38,342 ha and low land of 29,135 ha The rainfall pattern of the district is unimodel. The average annual rainfall of 1569.5mm attains its peak during the month of July. The irrigated and unirrigated area of the district is 29,281 ha and 1,60,385 ha respectively. The district has a total population of 10.26 lakhs according to 2001 census which is 2.79% of the total population of the State, out of which S.T. community comprises 14.10% and SC community 55.03%. I. Methodology The committee made the assessment on the development of agricultural scenario of the district on the basis of field visits, interaction with the farmers, detailed discussion with the Government functionaries and the verification of records. II. Bench Mark Observation Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of the district. The traditional way of agricultural practices, use of local variety seeds and poor knowledge of fertilizer use resulted the agriculture in subsistence level and 73% of its population remained below the poverty line. Small millets and ragi were grown in high lands and traditional paddy in low land areas. III. Improvements observed during the year 2003-04 to 2005-06. i) Cropping Pattern

Appreciable shift in cropping pattern is seen both in terms of crop reallocation and varietal substitution. Mono cropping of rice with local cultivator has changed to high yielding varieties and in some cases with hybrid rice. The crop of rice in high lands is being replaced by hybrid maize like 900AM, High sale, Alrounder etc. The farmers acceptance to hybrid maize to such an extent may open the door in establishing corn based industries and other allied sectors in future. Irrigated lands have also shown rice replacement with sugarcane

(verieties. Co. 62175) making rice-sugarcane-sugarcane(Ratoon) remunerative rice based cropping system in the area.

ii) Inputs use Pattern: Committee observed the farmers' awareness towards the use of inputs as per the need of the crops. Cultivation of the hybrid maize and sugarcane, both being heavy feeder, needs timely operations, balanced nutrient application, optimum seed replacement ratio, adequate attention in reducing the disease and pest infestation by following the IPM along with ITK available and gradual exposure for use of farm machinery like tractor, power tiller, axialflow, thresher, winnower and different improved implements. The cultivation of these highly inputs responsive crops required improvement in the technical knowledge of the farmers by inculcating the modern technology. It was made possible by the help of Agriculture Scientists of Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Umerkote, Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar and active persuasion of the district administration. Through the interaction with the farmers it was noted that they use comparatively higher dose of fertilizer i.e. 43Kg N, 23Kg P2O5, 12Kg K2 O per acre in hybrid maize against the recommended dose of 32Kg N, 16Kg P2O5 , 16Kg. K2 O per acre. The nutrient use level in high yielding rice was also higher with respect to nitrogen and phosphorous where a dose of 35Kg N, 18Kg P2O5 , 6Kg. K2 O per acre is applied whereas the recommended does is 24Kg N, 12Kg P2O5 , 12Kg. K2 O per acre. However in sugarcane nitrogen is applied in lesser quantity (53Kg/acre) than the recommended (80Kg/acre) while the phosphorous is applied as per recommendation and the potash is less (16Kg) than the recommended dose of 24Kg.

iii) Fertilizer Use. Application of nutrient is key for enhancing productivity particularly in the nutrient exhaustive crops like hybrid maize, sugarcane and high yielding verities/hybrid rice. The fertilizer sale figures show an increase in fertilizer consumption from 59Kg./ha in 2003 to 74 Kg/ ha in 2005 against the State average of 43Kg/ha Nutrient use trend appears to bridge the gap between imbalance fertilizer with that of balanced one.

iv) Irrigation With the construction of Check Dams/Water Harvesting Structures under NFFWP there is marked increase in irrigation potential from 23336 ha in 2004-05 to 29281 ha in 2005-06 as a result of which the farmers are be able to grow the high yielding verities/hybrids for assured production.

v) Productivity.

The interplay of various production factors has resulted in increase of productivity of different crops. The Kharif rice yield of 23.45 q/ha in 2004 and 24.11 q/ha in 2005 and that of maize (45.0q/ha in 2004 and 47.8q/ha in 2005) have shown an appreciable increase over the state average. Similarly, production of sugarcane, rabi rice and winter vegetables have also gone up.

vi) Allied Sector: The progress in the allied sectors like pisciculture, dairy and poultry, which form important components of farming system approach, have also shown upward trend during the period under report.

vii) Credit and Recovery: Due to increased use of inputs in switched over crops, the total agriculture loan disbursement has gone up. The investment on development of irrigation facilities and farm mechanization has also been increased during the period. The recovery from 13.97% in the year 2003 has gone up to 62.6% in the year 2006. Similarly, credit deposit ratio has increased from 72% in 2003-04 to 81% in 2005-06. Such scenario reflects the overall improvement in the living standard of the farmers. The document and the project report prepared by the Collector, Nabarangpur on "Changing Agricultural Scenario of Nabarangpur District" has been examined and found to be factually correct. On the basis of the field observations, interaction with the farmers, government functionaries and verification of official records, the committee feels that there has been all round development in the field of agriculture and allied sectors during the last two years which has resulted in per unit area increase in productivity as well as socio-economic condition of the people of Nabarangpur district. The activities may be continued to strengthen further economic development of the district. (J.M.L. Gulati) (S.C. Mishra) (P.C. Senapati) Member Member Chariman