PROJECT REPORT by YASH

8/8/2019 PROJECT REPORT by YASH

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Motilal Nehru National Institute ofTechnologyAllahabad - 211004, INDIA

A Project report on the schemes running in

Agriculture sector

Submitted By:-

Yasha Deep Srivastava

2010mb46

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CHAPTER1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 History:-Agriculture in India has a long history dating back to ten thousand years.Indian agriculture began by 9000 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants,and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with

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implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Doublemonsoons led to two harvests being reaped in one year Indian products soonreached the world via existing trading networks and foreign crops wereintroduced to India. Plants and animalsconsidered essential to theirsurvival by the Indianscame to be worshiped and venerated. The middle

ages saw irrigation channels reach a new level of sophistication in India andIndian crops affecting the economies of other regions of the world underIslamic patronage. Land and water management systems were developedwith an aim of providing uniform growth. Despite some stagnation duringthe later modern era the independent Republic of India was able to developa comprehensive agricultural program.

1.1.1 Early history:-

Wheat, barley andjujube were domesticated in the Indian subcontinent by

9000 BCE. Domestication ofsheep and goat soon followed. Barley and wheatcultivationalong with the domestication of cattle, primarily sheep and goatwas visible in Mehrgarh by 8000-6000 BCE.

1.1.2 Vedic period (1500 BCE 200 CE):-

In the later Vedic texts (c. 1000500 BC), there are repeated referencesto iron. Cultivation of a wide range of cereals, vegetables, and fruits isdescribed. Meat and milk products were part of the diet; animal

husbandry was important. The soil was plowed several times. Seeds werebroadcast. Fallowing and a certain sequence of cropping wererecommended. Cow dung provided the manure. Irrigation was practiced.

1.1.3 Early Common Era High Middle Ages (2001200CE):-

Systematic ploughing, manuring, weeding, irrigation and crop protection waspracticed for sustained agriculture. Water storage systems were designedduring this period. Kallanai (1st-2nd Century CE), a dam built on river Kaveriduring this period, is considered the as one of the oldest water-regulationstructures in the world still in use.

1.1.4 Late middle Ages Early Modern Era (12001757CE):-

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The construction of water works and aspects of water technology in India isdescribed in Arabic and Persian works. The diffusion of Indian and Persianirrigation technologies gave rise to irrigation systems which bought abouteconomic growth and growth of material culture. Agricultural 'zones' werebroadly divided into those producing rice, wheat or millets. Rice production

continued to dominate Gujarat and wheat dominated north and central India.Many crops introduced to India during this period of extensive global discourse:

1.1.5 Colonial British Era (17571947 CE):-

Few Indian commercial cropssuch as Cotton, indigo, opium, and ricemade it to the global market under the British Raj in India. The secondhalf of the 19th century saw some increase in land under cultivation and

agricultural production expanded at an average rate of about 1 percentper year by the later 19th century. Due to extensive irrigation by canalnetworks Punjab, Narmada valley, and Andhra Pradesh became centers ofagrarian reforms.

1.1.6 Republic of India (1947 CE onwards):-

Special programs were undertaken to improve food and cash crops supply.The Grow More Food Campaign (1940s) and the Integrated ProductionProgramme (1950s) focused on food and cash crops supply respectively.Five-year plans of Indiaoriented towards agricultural developmentsoonfollowed. Land reclamation, land development, mechanization,electrification, use of chemicalsfertilizers in particular, and development ofagriculture oriented 'package approach' of taking a set of actions instead ofpromoting single aspect soon followed under government supervision

1.2 Problems faced by farmers:-Slow agricultural growth is a concern for policymakers as some two-thirds ofIndias people depend on rural employment for a living. Current agriculturalpractices are neither economically nor environmentally sustainable andIndia's yields for many agricultural commodities are low. Poorly maintainedirrigation systems and almost universal lack of good extension services areamong the factors responsible. Farmers' access to markets is hampered bypoor roads, rudimentary market infrastructure, and excessive regulation.World Bank: "India Country Overview 2008"

The low productivity in India is a result of the following factors:

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According to World Bank, Indian Branch: Priorities for Agriculture and

Rural Development", India's large agricultural subsidies are hampering

productivity-enhancing investment. Overregulation of agriculture has

increased costs, price risks and uncertainty. Government intervenes in

labor, land, and credit markets. India has inadequate infrastructureand services. World Bank also says that the allocation of water is

inefficient, unsustainable and inequitable. The irrigation infrastructure

is deteriorating.

Illiteracy, general socio-economic backwardness, slow progress in

implementing land reforms and inadequate or inefficient finance and

marketing services for farm produce.

Inconsistent government policy. Agricultural subsidies and taxes often

changed without notice for short term political ends.

The average size of land holdings is very small (less than 20,000 m)

and is subject to fragmentation, due to land ceiling acts and in some

cases, family disputes. Such small holdings are often over-manned,

resulting in disguised unemployment and low productivity of labor.

Adoption of modern agricultural practices and use oftechnology is

inadequate, hampered by ignorance of such practices, high costs and

impracticality in the case of small land holdings.

Irrigation facilities are inadequate, as revealed by the fact that only

52.6% of the land was irrigated in 200304, which result in farmers

still being dependent on rainfall, specifically the Monsoon season. A

good monsoon results in a robust growth for the economy as a whole,

while a poor monsoon leads to a sluggish growth. Farm credit is

regulated by NABARD, which is the statutory apex agent for rural

development in the subcontinent. At the same time over pumping

made possible by subsidized electric power is leading to an alarming

drop in aquifer levels.

1.3 Motivation:-

.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), established in 1905, wasresponsible for the research leading to the "Indian Green Revolution" of the1970s. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex bodyin agriculture and related allied fields, including research and education.[7]

The Union Minister of Agriculture is the President of the ICAR. The Indian

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Agricultural Statistics Research Institute develops new techniques for thedesign of agricultural experiments, analyses data in agriculture, andspecializes in statistical techniques for animal and plant breeding.

Recently Government of India has set up Farmers Commission to completely

evaluate the agriculture program... However the recommendations have hada mixed reception.

1. mixed farming

In August 2001 India's Parliament passed the Plant Variety Protection andFarmers' Rights Act, a sui generis legislation. Being a WTO member, Indiahad to comply with TRIPS and include PVP. However, farmers' rights are ofparticular importance in India and thus the Act also allows for farmers tosave, sow and sell seeds as they always have, even if it is of a protected

variety. This not only saves the livelihoods of many farmers, it also providesan environment for the continuing development and use of landraces.

1.4 Field of study:-Work in this area may be broadly divided into the following categories:-

Agricultural economic policy and developmentFood economics and statisticsTrade in agricultureAgro-economic researchArea, production and yield estimates

Statistics of investment, growth, wages, employment, Costs, Prices,trade and related variables in agriculture.Collection, collation, dissemination and publication of Agricultural

StatisticsNational crop forecasting (Crop& Weather Watch Group Meetings and

operationalisation of New Schemes on FASAL and Extended Range WeatherForecast)

Economic and Statistical work involved in important adhoc assignmentslike Revision of base of WPI for Agricultural Commodities, Conduct ofNational/International Conferences, etc.

1.4.1 Agricultural Economic Policy and

Development:-

Price policy for agricultural commodities constitutes an important element ofoverall agricultural economic policy. Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) forimportant cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and other commercial crops, namely,

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cotton, jute and sugarcane, are fixed by the Government every year on thebasis of the recommendations made by the Commission for AgriculturalCosts and Prices (CACP).

The most important factor considered by the CACP in making its

recommendations on MSPs for different crops is the cost ofcultivation/production for which the database is provided by the DES throughits plan scheme for study on cost of cultivation. Analysis of various pricepolicy issues in the emerging socio-economic environment requires advanceinformation on the production of different crops, supply-demand scenario, aswell as regular monitoring of price movements in both the domestic andinternational markets.

In keeping with the need to adopt a holistic approach to the implementationof individual schemes with inter-related objectives, it has beenproposed/decided to merge the on-going plan schemes into three broadumbrella schemes. The details of these schemes, with special reference tothe component schemes, are given below.

1.4.1.1 Studies on Inputs for Agricultural Economic Policy

and Development:-

Comprehensive Scheme for Studying the Cost of Cultivation of

Principal crops in India:

The Comprehensive Scheme for Studying the Cost of Cultivation of PrincipalCrops in India is being implemented since 1970-71 as a Central Sector PlanScheme on the basis of recommendations made by the Standing TechnicalCommittee on Indices of Input Costs.

The main objectives of the scheme are as follows:-

Collection and compilation of field data on cost of cultivation and cost ofproduction in respect of 28 crops;

Generation of estimates of cost of cultivation and cost of production ofvarious crops in different States covered under the scheme; and

Construction of the indices of terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors.

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Agro-Economic Research Scheme:-

The Agro-Economic Research Scheme is an old Scheme started in 1954-55for undertaking research studies on agro economic problems of the country.The Scheme is being implemented through 12 Agro-Economic Research

Centers and 3 Units which are fully funded by the Government throughCentral Sector plan Scheme. These Centers have been established to takeup problem oriented studies on regional basis with a view to generate therequisite feedback from the grass-root level, to facilitate effectivemonitoring of various programmes/schemes implemented in the entirecountry. While the Units mainly undertake inter-regional and all India levelstudies, the Centers conduct studies at the state level. On an average 40-45research studies are completed annually by these Centers, which relateto various economic problems in agriculture, animal husbandry, watermanagement and allied areas.

Planning and Management of Agriculture:-

In order to facilitate a systematic assessment of the impact of these changeson the farm economy with focus on the state of Indian farmers, a CentralSector Scheme-Planning and Management of Agriculture- was formulated.

The scheme also includes the provision for Millennium Study on the state ofIndian Farmers, which provide inputs for policy formulation from a long-termperspective. With a view to assessing the impact of past policies and

programmes on the economic well-being of the farmers, which has generallyescaped attention of researchers, a mega study entitled State of the IndianFarmer A Millennium Study was taken up by the Department ofAgriculture and Cooperation during the Ninth plan. Phase I of this studypertained to a retrospective analysis of the agricultural developmentexperience in the post-independence era.

Strengthening of Agricultural Statistics & Agricultural Policy

Formulation:-

This is a Central Sector Plan-Scheme. The objective of this scheme is tostrengthen the system of agricultural statistics and policy formulation bystrengthening the research techniques and upgrading of skills of personnelinvolved in the compilation and analysis of data. Towards this end, aNational Workshop is held every year in which a large number ofrepresentatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Central Statistical Organization.National Sample Survey Organization, Department of Space, Commission for

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Agricultural Costs and Prices, State governments, Research Institutions likeIndian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and StateAgricultural Universities participate.

1.4.1.2 Improvement of Agricultural Statistics:-

Agriculture Statistics Improvement (ASI) Division in the DES deals withimplementation of Plan scheme viz. Improvement of Agricultural Statistics.The basic objective of the Scheme is to collect and improve agriculturalstatistics of Principal Agricultural Crops and selected Horticultural Crops. TheScheme has four components namely:

Timely Reporting Scheme,

Improvement of Crop Statistics,

Establishment of an Agency for Reporting of Agricultural Statistics (EARAS)

Crop Estimation Survey on Fruits & Vegetables. The component-wisedetails of the Scheme are given as under.

Timely Reporting of Estimates of Area and Production of Principal

Crops (TRS):-

The objective of this component is to obtain estimates of area of principalcrops, in each season, with breakup of area under irrigated/unirrigated andtraditional /high yielding varieties of crops on the basis of priorityenumeration conducted on the basis of random sample of 20% of villages bya specific date. The States are required to furnish these estimates by 30 th

November for Kharif Crops and by 30th April for Rabi crops. These estimatesare used for generating advance estimates of production of principal crops.This component is being implemented in 16 land record States and alsoUnion Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry. This component has fundingpattern on 50:50 basis between the Central Government and StateGovernments.

Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS):-

The objective of this component is to improve the quality of statistics of areaand production of crops through supervision and monitoring. Under thiscomponent, a sample check of area enumeration and crop cutting

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experiments of 10,000 villages and approximately 31,000 experiments atharvest stage are undertaken. These samples are equally shared by theCentral Agency, i.e. National Sample Survey Organization and the StateAgricultural Authorities. These checks specifically relate to (i) Enumeration ofcrop-wise area covered in the selected villages as recorded by the Patwari.

(ii) Total of the area under each crop recorded in Khasra Register of villagesand (iii) Supervision of crop cutting experiments at the harvest stage. Thiscomponent is being implemented in all TRS States and the Union Territory ofPondicherry. The performance of the implementation of this component alsois being closely monitored through Quarterly and Seasonal progress Reports.

Establishment of an Agency for Reporting of Agricultural Statistics

(EARAS):-

This component is being implemented in the permanently settled States ofWest Bengal, Kerala, Orissa and North Eastern States of Nagaland, Sikkim,Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Under this component, an agency has beenestablished in these States for generating estimates of area and productionof principal crops and land use statistics, on the basis of completeenumeration of 20% villages in each year. The performance of theimplementation of the component is being closely monitored throughQuarterly and Seasonal Progress Reports.

1.4.1.3 Forecasting and remote sensing application in crop

husbandry:-

1. Remote sensing application in crop assessment and forecasting:

The Central Sector Umbrella Scheme viz. Forecasting and Remote SensingApplications in Crop Husbandry during the Tenth Five Year Plan includesfollowing three components.

National Crop Forecasting Centre (NCFC)Crop Acreage and Production Estimates (CAPE)Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS)

National Crop Forecasting Centre (NCFC)

NCFC was created at the end of the year 1998 and was set up mainly withthe following functions:-

Periodic crop forecasting for major cropsCo-ordination and assimilation of various methodologies and technical

advancement relating to crop forecasting. However, over the time, itssphere of activities has been expended to:

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Providing effective unified institutional framework for the entire cropforecasting system in the country involving data flow, assimilation, analysisand dissemination of statistics.

Periodic crop forecasting for major crops through assimilation of

information generated by the different organizations such as IMD, MediumRange Weather Forecasting of Department of Science & Technology,Department of Space (DOS), Central Statistical Organization (CSO), IndianAgricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), Field Operations Division ofthe National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and the State AgricultureStatistics Authorities (SASAs), State Agriculture Departments etc.

Co-ordination and assimilation of various methodologies and technicaladvancement relating to crop forecasting.

Central level monitoring of the situation about crop, weather, supply ofinputs, pests/diseases and related aspects through the mechanism of Crop &Weather Watch Group in the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation.

Providing a forum for the Standing Technical Committee on AgriculturalStatistics to review and monitor the development of the methodologies forcrop forecasting in particular and Agricultural Statistics in general, which hasalready been constituted as a follow up of the recommendation No. 8 of theExpert Group.

.

Market Intelligence and Price Analysis:-

The DES also collects and compiles wholesale and retail prices, internationalprices and market arrivals of essential commodities on weekly/monthly basisfor 700 centers (for wholesale prices) and 83 centers (for retail prices)spread all over the country. Out of these price quotations, about 216quotations on wholesale prices are being disseminated through E-mail to theOffice of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Industry, for construction ofWholesale Price Index Numbers on weekly basis. The price quotations

collected are also disseminated in the form of weekly bulletins and circulatedthrough E-mail to concerned offices. Besides, daily wholesale prices of someimportant agricultural products, in respect of Hapur and Delhi are also beingsupplied to All India Radio for Broadcasting.

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APY (Area production and yield):-

The objective of this component is to obtain estimates of area andproduction of principal crops, in each season, with a break up of area underirrigated/unirrigated and traditional/high yielding varieties of crops on the

basis of priority enumeration conducted in a sample of 20 per cent ofvillages by a specific date. The States are required to furnish these estimatesby 30th November for Kharif Crops and by 30th April for Rabi crops. Theseestimates are used for generating advance estimates of production ofprincipal crops. This component is being implemented in 16 land recordStates and also Union Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry. CAPE (CropAcreage and Production Estimation):-

CAPE is a Central Sector Scheme. It was initiated during the 7 th Five YearPlan as one of the components of the scheme named Remote Sensing

application mission for agricultural application (RSAMAA). The scheme wasinitially monitored by the crops division, but later on was transferred to DES.The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and operated by theDept. of Space, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of IndiaCES (CropEstimation Survey):-

This component before merger with Umbrella scheme was a CentrallySponsored Plan Scheme of the 9th Five Year Plan. This is being implementedsince the Sixth Plan to generate estimates of area and production of fruits,vegetables and minor crops in the country. The component is presentlybeing implemented in 11 States and a total of 14 crops are covered: 7 each

of fruits and vegetables. The methodology developed by the IndianAgriculture Statistical Research Institute, is being used for generation ofthese estimates. Budget Estimates of Rs. 40000 thousand has been providedfor the year 2002-03 under this component.

COC (Cost of Cultivation):-

The Comprehensive Scheme for studying the Cost of Cultivation of Principal

Crops in India is being implemented since 1970-71 as a 100% Central

Sector Plan Scheme on the basis of recommendations made by the StandingTechnical Committee on Indices of Input Costs. The main objectives of the

scheme are as follows:-

Collection and compilation of field data on cost of cultivation and cost of

production in respect of 29 crops.

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Estimation of crop-wise and state-wise costs of cultivation and

production.

Computation of the indices of terms of trade between agriculture and

Non-agriculture sectors.

1.5 Conclusion:-Strengthening of agriculture will help in upliftment of the farmers but alsobenefit the larger section of the rural poor who are directly engaged inagriculture or indirectly linked with agriculture as consumers. Efficient way ofproduction, stabilized prices, higher income from agriculture would create amore conjugative environment in the country for the development of theeconomy as a whole and of rural population in particular. One of the mostimportant component of the much needed reforms is not onlyimplementation of the policy in time but also simultaneous review andevaluations of the impact of the policies and taking immediate steps torectify the negative impacts if caused by any of the policies. Inter sectorallinkages and organization of the agricultural sector needs to be taken up.Sustainability is another key issue. In the present context sustainability withnatural resource management has become more relevant. The visibleinstitutional changes with new models of marketing and cultivation should besupported by government policies too. Priority investment areas identifiedneed to be worked on without loss of time. Risk management and incentivebased system will motivate farmers to efficient agriculture. Empowerment ofthe small and marginal farmers through education, reforms and

development will ensure a better, efficient and strengthened Indianagriculture. Motivation new models in production and marketing along withcreating awareness and imparting education to small farmers will help indevelopment of the sector and more importantly improving the economicstatus of poor farmers. The action plan to strengthen agriculture in Indianeeds to be on domestic reforms through reduction of governmentintervention in the market economy but playing major role as evaluator andimplementation of the policies, increased investment and prioritizing thearea to invest, parallel action plans in this direction are needed in researchto increase productivity and irrigation and water management.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction:-2.1.1 Growth in education of agriculture in India:-

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All of us have time and again said that India is primarily an agrarian society.Even today almost 70% of the population depends on agriculture, but in thelast century, the countrys economic and social life revolved aroundagriculture and peasants. Therefore, organizing the peasantry was essentialfor getting freedom. However, there was really no serious concern about

agriculture. It was only when there was failure of crops due to drought,floods, crop diseases etc. resulting in famine conditions that the Governmenthad to wake up. Therefore, management of famine was the responsibility orthe job of the Home Department. There was no Department of Agriculture inBritish India until1870 when a proposal was made to establish a Departmentof Agriculture and Commerce. This did not happen because there weredroughts or famines which caused thousands of deaths, but because of civilwar in America in 186364, the supply of cotton to textile mills inManchester was affected. Therefore, the British Government was exploringthe possibility of getting cotton. India had the potential to supply cotton toBritain. Therefore, Lord Mayo the Governor General requested creation of aDepartment of Agriculture and Commerce. He indeed wanted to help Indianagriculture besides growing cotton. But what were approved in 1871 werethe Department of Revenue, Agriculture and Commerce. Earlier, there wasthe need of veterinarians to look after the health and breeding of horseswhich were used by the army.

2.1.2 Agricultural universities and rural service sector:-One of the major achievements of agriculture management systems was to

recognize the need of integration of re-search, education and extension. Allagricultural university-ties have separate Departments of AgricultureExtension, which not only teach the principles of extension but in factpractice it also. They have developed various techniques of demonstrationand communication. However, in all the states, Departments of Agricultureexist and are responsible for the extension services in the concerned state.Therefore, we might ask the following:1. What is the relationship and interaction between the universitydepartments and the State Agriculture Department?2. Could the success or failure in transfer of technology be attributed to theUniversity Extension Department or the State Department?

3. How have the concepts and needs of extension been changing in the lastthree decades?Let us recount the mechanism of transfer of technologies from theagricultural universities to farmers. We may also ask whether the spread ofrice and wheat production technology was the result of scientistsextension nexus or considerably due to farmer-to-farmer communication.

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The agricultural technology is based on the following biophysicalfactors: Understanding of location-specific climate/weather. Soil characteristics, including its physical, chemical and biologicalproperties.

Appropriate soil treatment. Assessment of suitability of crops for a crop season. Knowledge and assessment of different diseases, insect pests, nematodesand weeds and their potential for competition with different crops. Availability and arrangement of the various inputs, crops varieties withalternative choices, water, fertilizers, pesticides, energy source and labor. Facility for availability of seed material and its testing or other plantmaterial. Time management for different operations for the success of agriculturalproduction.All the above timely operations are necessary for successful crop production.However, an extension worker can communicate the desirable operationsbut hardly has mechanism at his/her disposal to implement therecommendation. Most extension workers in the State Departments ofAgriculture are not adequately equipped with the desired knowledge. Theresult could be that an area of high production potential remains a low orpoor production region. When we talk of transfer of technology it is not a fewfarmers or few hectares of land. We indeed have most of the desirabletechnologies but their dispersal would not occur except in those cases whereit is seed-based, and that too of a self-pollinated crop such as wheat andrice. This can happen, and indeed does happen from farmer to farmer. But it

requires understanding of seed production and storage.

2.1.3 What is needed now?Agriculture in its broadest sense remains the most important sector of thesociety even though its contribution to economy might have declined.Agriculture remains and will remain the source of food supply in the world.But agriculture is a part of the rural society and culture. Therefore,improvement of agriculture means the improvement of rural society,environment and quality of life. This includes housing, sanitation, healthcare, energy, water supply, road and telecommunication, rural industry,

literature and arts. If today in India we think of PanchayatRaj institution,there is also a need for the people to know about its management and legalsystems. Thus when agriculture is talked in isolation we deprive students ofthe aspects of social development.We have come a long way since the establishment of first University ofAgricultural Science and Technology and has made a significant contributiontowards crop improvement. However, in the process crop variety has beenmade so important that it became the central theme of crop production and

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also synonymous with agriculture and rural development. Then we talk andlook for the basis of sustainable agriculture without holistic thinking.

2.2 Government schemes:-After facing so much problem government starts operating schemes for thewelfare of the farmers. In present time there are lot of schemes areoperated by the government in which some are as follows:-

2.2.1 National food security mission:-

2.2.1.1 Introduction:-The National Development Council (NDC) in its 53rd meeting held on29thMay, 2007 adopted a resolution to launch a Food Security Missioncomprising rice, wheat and pulses to increase the production of Rice by 10

million tons, Wheat by 8 million tons and Pulses by 2 million tons by the endof the Eleventh Plan (2011-12). Accordingly, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme,National Food Security Mission (NFSM), has been launched from 2007-08 tooperationalise the above mentioned resolution.The National Food Security Mission will have three components(i) National Food Security Mission Rice (NFSM-Rice);(ii) National Food Security Mission Wheat (NFSM-Wheat); and(iii) National Food Security Mission Pulses (NFSM-Pulses).

2.2.1.2 Mission Objectives:-

Increasing production of rice, wheat and pulses through area

expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in

the identified districts of the country;

Restoring soil fertility and productivity at the individual farm level;

Creation of employment opportunities; and

Enhancing farm level economy (i.e. farm profits) to restore confidence

amongst the farmers.

2.2.1.3 Strategy:-To achieve the above objectives, the Mission would adopt followingstrategies:

Implementation in a mission mode approach through active

engagement of all the stakeholders at various levels;

Promotion and extension of improved technologies i.e., seed,

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) including micronutrients, soil

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amendments, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and resource

conservation technologies along with capacity building of the farmers;

Flow of fund would be closely monitored to ensure that interventions

reach the target beneficiaries on time;

Various interventions proposed would be integrated with the district

plan and targets for each identified district would be fixed; and

Constant monitoring and concurrent evaluation for assessing the

impact of the interventions for a result oriented approach by the

implementing agencies.

2.2.1.4 Area of Operation of Food Security Mission:-

NFSM Rice, NFSM Wheat and NFSM Pulses will be implemented

in identified districts of different States.

The GC, based on the latest available data, is empowered to include or

exclude the districts for implementation of various components of the

Mission.

2.2.1.5 Mechanism of Fund Flow:-

Funds for implementing the Missions programme will be directly

released to the State Level Agency with the approval of the NFSMEC.

The State Level Agency would make funds available to the DistrictLevel Agency in accordance with approved programme of the district.

Funds would be released in installments based on the progress reports

and submission of utilization certificates.

The funds for the implementation of the activities of the components

will be released by the State/District Level Agency to the nodal

departments which will procure the required inputs for the district. The

nodal departments will submit the utilization certificate to the

State/District level Agency which, will be compiled and a consolidated

utilization certificate, duly authenticated by the DFSMEC and SFSMECwill be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India for

further releases.

As far as possible electronic banking will be used for transfer of funds

to the State Level Agency and to the districts. The State Level Agency

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will have to maintain a separate budget and prescribed accounting

system for the Mission, both at the State and district level.

2.2.1.6 Monitoring:-

The National Food Security Mission will have a strong mechanism of

monitoring and evaluation with the involvement of all theimplementing agencies and the line departments. At the district level,

monitoring will be undertaken by DFSMEC supported by the Project

Management Team.

Close monitoring of physical and financial targets of various program

interventions would be done by the monitoring teams. Format for

monitoring these interventions would be prescribed by NFSMEC.

The State Department of Economics and Statistics will be involved in

adopting the prescribed format for data collection pertaining todifferent parameters of the Mission for monitoring to suit the local

requirements.

At the State level, the activities of the Mission will be monitored by a

Committee to be constituted under the Chairmanship of the State

Mission Director with members from the line departments, SAUs, lead

banks, ICAR institutes and the national crop development directorates

nodal for the State.

At the National level, the activities of the Mission will be monitored by

a Committee to be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Mission

Director with members from Department of Agriculture & Cooperation,

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, SAUs, Directorate of Rice,

Wheat and Pulses Development, research institutions concerned and

officials of State Departments concerned.

Directorate of Rice/Wheat/ Pulses Development will be the convener of

the Committees for the identified states, i.e., the Directorate of Wheat

Development, Ghaziabad for the northern States; the Directorate ofRice Development, Patna for the eastern States; and the Directorate of

Pulses Development, Bhopal for the Central and the southern States.

2.2.1.7 Evaluation:-

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A baseline survey will be conducted by the State Department of

Economics & Statistics to know the resource endowments of the

farmers and the level of productivity.

Concurrent Evaluation will be done every year. The State Statistical

Department would be responsible for conducting this evaluation to

assess the performance of the Mission commensurate with its

objectives.

In the 3rd year of implementation of the NFSM, a mid-term evaluation

at the National Level will be undertaken through an independent

agency/organization on its performance and shortcomings so as to

take the remedial measures / make required changes in the scheme

and its method of implementation.

An Impact Evaluation Study at the National Level will also be

undertaken through an independent agency after the third year of

implementation to assess the impact of the scheme in increasing the

productivity of rice, wheat and pulses, crop diversification, and

enhancement of farmers income.

Information communication technology will be used for monitoring and

evaluation of the Mission. Specialized tool/format/ software for the

monitoring and evaluation of the Missions activities would be

developed.

2.2.2 ATMA scheme:-

2.2.2.1 General Instructions for Implementation of ATMA

Programme:-

1. The Chief Executive Officers of the Zilla Panchayats, who are theExecutive Directors of District Level ATMA Steering Committees, shallguide/facilitate the Line Departments to execute the approved activitiesstrictly as per GOI norms2. The District Joint Directors of Agriculture and Taluka Assistant Directorsof Agriculture, who are the Member Sectaries of District and Taluka LevelCommittees, are requested to ensure proper and successful implementationof the project through effective coordination among the line departmentsand all the other concerned organizations/institutions.3. Meetings of the District Level ATMA Steering Committees and TalukaLevel ATMA Implementation Committees shall be regularly convened and

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decisions shall be taken there on, for timely implementation of theprogramme.4. Field Activities shall be carried out in accordance with GOI approval andstrictly as per the ceiling limits for the present ongoing activities.5. Acknowledgements for the funds received shall be sent to the SAMETI RC

(South) immediately and due action shall be taken to provide the funds tothe implementing officers, without any further delay.6. They shall ensure audit of their ATMA accounts by Charted Accounts andfurnish the same to the Department, so that the same is submitted to theGOI for further release of grants.7. There shall be perfect coordination among all the Line Departments, dulyensuring proper allocation of funds for carrying out extension activities, asper the identified needs, while preparing SREPs.8. Timely implementation of activities is a must to ensure higher successrate.9. Issues to be observed while utilizing funds:

A minimum of 10 per cent of the allocations shall be utilized through

the NGOs, Agri Business and Agri Clinic Entrepreneurs, Input Dealers

and others.

Reservation shall be given for SC, ST, OBC, Minorities, Women

Farmers as per the norms of the State and Central Governments.

Services of Contractual Staff shall be utilized as per norms of GOI.

10. Progress Reports shall be sent in prescribed formats within 5th of the

succeeding months.2.2.2.2 Concept of farm school and related cost norms/ceilings:-1. The National Commission on Farmers has recommended that FarmSchools may be established in the fields of outstanding farmers. Such FarmSchools will be based on the principals of learning by doing as well as seeding and harvesting is believing with focus on farmer-to farmerextension. The Farm School would help in developing a cost effectiveextension system.2. The key features of the Farm Schools to be promoted under the ATMAprogramme are given below:

a. Farm Schools would be operationalized at Block/Gram Panchayat level.b. These would be set up in the field of outstanding farmers and awarenessof nationally recognized awards for farmers. These could also be set up in aGovernment / Non-Government Institutions.c. Teachers in the Farm Schools could be progressive farmers, extensionfunctionaries or experts belonging to Government or Non-GovernmentSector.

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d. One of the main activities of Farm Schools would be to operationaliseFront Line Demonstrations in one or more crops and/or allied sectoractivities. These demonstrations would focus on Integrated CropManagement including field preparation, seed treatment, IPM, INM etc.,e. Farm Schools would provide season long technical back stopping/training

to target farmers.f. The students of Farm Schools would be leaders of Commodity InterestGroups (CIGs) formed in different village and other farmers.g. Students would visit Farm Schools as per specified schedule or as maybe necessary Teachers may also visit students as and when necessary.3. Knowledge and skills of teachers would be upgraded on continuous basisthrough training at district/state/national level institutions and exposurevisits, etc.4. In addition to technical support through Farm Schools, knowledge andskill of students may also be upgraded though training at district/statelevel and exposure visits, etc.,5. Students would have the responsibility of providing extension supportto other farmers in the respective village or neighboring villages.

2.2.3 National watershed development scheme:-2.2.3.1 Introduction:-A National Watershed Development Programme for Rain fed Areas(NWDPRA) project was implemented in the period 93-97 in the same microwatershed, but without including the area to the south west of theCherpulasseri -Pattambi road. The objectives of this project are: stabilizationof hill slopes, regeneration of vegetative cover and improvement inproductivity of fuel, fodder and crop using low cost innovative techniques,

developing awareness of integrated watershed among the community andgeneration of ample local employment. This project was completed in 1997.Since IRTC is having enough benchmark data about this watershed, wethought that we could do a post project assessment of the NWDPRA projectimplemented at Nellaya.The present study was originally intended to make a comprehensiveassessment, both qualitative and quantitative, of the NWDPRA project.However, the objectives were modified due to the winding up of the KRPLLDproject and subsequent shortening of the project period. The modifiedobjectives are

To assess the effects of watershed development activities perceived by thewatershed community with respect to soil erosion, soil moisture content,soil fertility, crop yield, increase in crop area and increase in milk yield.To assess the awareness on natural resources conservation achieved amongthe people through the implementation of the project. To study the conflictsaroused if any, due to the over exploitation of ground water and mechanismdeveloped to overcome the conflicts.2.2.3.2 Methodology:-

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Since a field study to quantify gains requires data collection over a longperiod of time, it was decided to assess the gains of the NWDPRA projectbased on the perception among the different stakeholders. The differentstake holders of the project are: direct beneficiaries and non beneficiariesliving in the project area, the Mitra kisans who played a major role in the

implementation of the project, the employees of agriculture and allieddepartments directly involved in the project implementation, the officebearers of the gram panchayat body and the contractors who were involvedin the execution of different construction works related to the project

Random sample survey

For getting the response of the people of the watershed, area a field surveywas conducted using an interview schedule among 10% households selectedemploying the method of random sampling. Starting from the ridge line ofthe watershed the 1st, 11th, 21st, 31st ---------- houses were selected fordetailed survey by counting the houses based on their geographical spread.In fact, this resulted in the selection of proportionate number of householdsfrom the ridge, midland and valley portions.

Selected Interviews

The actors who played an important role in the formulation andimplementation of the project were interviewed using the technique of open-ended dialogue; officials, Mitra kisans, peoples representatives and somefarmers who could achieve good results from project activities wereinterviewed in this way

Case studies

Case studies were made to find out the problem over exploitation ofgroundwater in this watershed development project area and the socialproblems it has created.

Quantitative assessment of water level improvement

To have a quick estimate of the ground water improvement or depletion, thewater levels in the control wells whose benchmark water table data areavailable, are taken.

Survey of bore wells in the watershed area

The overdraft of deep ground water is taking place in this watershed due toth e proliferation of bore wells. To have an idea of the quantity of water thusextracted, the depth, capacity of pump fitted, duration of pumping everyday, the year of installation etc, were taken in most of the bore wells comingin the watershed area.

Collection of secondary data

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To find some correlation between rainfall and water availability, rainfall dataof the last fifteen years were collected from the nearest rain gauge station atRegional Agriculture Research Station, Pattambi. The different registersregarding the watershed project available at the Krishibhavan, Nellaya,Participatory Resource Maps kept at Grama Panchayat office, Nellaya, milk

collection details at Pengattiry milk society etc were scanned to collectrelevant details.2.2.3.3 The NWDPRA project: formulation and implementation:-

National Watershed Development Programme for Rain- fed Areas was aGovernment of India project implemented during the 8 th plan period (from1992 to 1997). The scope of its coverage was both arable and non-arableland. It provided assistance for both conservation and production system. Itwas implemented in seven broad ecosystems namely plain, plateau, hills,sivaliks, arid, coastal and ravine areas. 25% of the project fund was forbasic activities and 75% for field activities as mentioned below:-

I. Project formulation

The available map of the watershed was in the scale 1:50,000; howeverduring the project formulation or implementation phase the transfer of thewatershed ridge on a usable 1:5000 scale cadastral map didnt take place.Because of this, a detailed resource map and the plot wise activity plan couldnot be produced as part of the project. The interventions were decided onthe basis of a transect walk conducted by the agriculture officer Mr.,Agriculture Assistant Mr. soil conservation department officials and two orthree progressive farmers. One of them Mr.Venu Karthavu eventuallybecame a Mitra kisan. Apart from those farmers, peoples participation was

not there in project planning. Moreover, a detailed plot wise interventionplan based on the factors like slope of land, soil depth and present land usepattern neither was neither prepared nor discussed with the watershedcommunity before implementation.II. Project Implementation

A multi tier structure was established by the state government for theimplementation of this project .At the state level, a committee formed withAdditional Soil conservation Director as the convener in lieu of AgricultureDirector was responsible for the project implementation. Below that therewas a district level committee with District Collector as Chairman, and the

Joint Director of Agriculture, Deputy Director of Agriculture, AGM, (NABARD),Agriculture Officers in whose jurisdiction watershed areas come, DD(fisheries), District Planning Officer, ADA(Soil Survey) and Lead BankManager as members, which steered the project. This committee met oncein every month to review the project progress.III. Mode of implementation

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The agricultural officer after conducting discussions at the watersheddevelopment committee forwarded the works to be undertaken for the nextyear to the Joint Director, Agriculture. Allotment was given based on this plan. On receiving this agriculture officer again conducted discussion onproject implementation with watershed committee. The concerned

departments implemented the activities coming within its purview. Theapplication from the beneficiaries for a particular activity was collected bythe mitra kisan and submitted at the watershed committee for selection andapproval. Thereafter the officer of the concerned department would visit thefarmer and explain the work execution.During the initial period of the project, meetings of people were conducted atseven regions.2.2.3.4 Effect of Watershed development activities:-

As we read above that the effects of watershed interventions implementedat Nellaya were assessed based on the perception of the watershedcommunity. 10% of the households selected randomly were interviewedusing structured questionnaire. Among the interviewees, 83.5 % were menand 16.5% were women. Out of them 49.5% were direct beneficiaries whoreceived at least one benefit as part of the project and the remaining 50.5 %were non -beneficiaries who received no benefits. 26% of the respondentsreside near to the ridge portion of the micro watershed, 49% in the midlandand 25% in the valley portion. Comparatively low population density in thevalley is due to the utilization of considerable portion of this area for paddycultivation, low population density in the high lands can be attributed to lowwater availability.

2.2.4 Kisan credit card scheme:-2.2.4.1 Introduction:-

Kisan Credit Cards were started by the Government of India, RBI (Reserve

Bank of India), and NABARD (National Bank for Agricultural and Rural

Development) in 1998-99 to help farmers access timely and adequate credit.

The Kisan Credit Care allows farmers to have cash credit facilities without

going through the credit screening processes repeatedly. Repayment can be

rescheduled if there is a bad crop season, and extensions are offered for up

to 4 years. The card is valid for 3 years and subject to annual renewals.Banks in India that lend for agricultural purposes usually offer the KCC.

Withdrawals are made using slips, cards, and a passbook.

2.2.4.2 Objectives of the Scheme:-

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To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in

the event of failure of crops as a result of natural calamities, pests and

diseases.

To encourage farmers to adopt progressive farming practices, high

value inputs and higher technology in agriculture.

To help stabilise farm incomes, particularly in disaster years.

To support and stimulate primarily production of food crops and

oilseeds.

Farmers to be covered: All farmers (both loanee and non-loanee

irrespective of their size of holdings) including sharecroppers, tenant

farmers growing insurable crops covered.

Sum insured: The sum insured extends upto the value of threshold

yield of the crop, with an option to cover upto 150% of average yield

of the crop on payment of extra premium.

Premium subsidy: 50% subsidy in premium allowed to Small and

Marginal Farmers, to be shared equally by the Government of India

and State Government/Union Territory. Premium subsidy to be phased

out over a period of 5 years.

2.2.4.3 Kisan Credit Card Scheme Salient features

Eligible farmer will be provided a Kisan Credit Card and a Pass Book or

a Card-cum-Passbook.

Revolving cash credit facility allowing any number of drawals and

repayments within the limit.

Entire production credit needs for full year plus ancillary activities

related to crop production to be considered while fixing limit. In due

course, allied activities and non farm short term credit needs may alsobe covered.

Limit to be fixed on the basis of operational land holding, cropping

pattern and scales of finance.

Seasonal sub limits may be fixed at the discretion of banks.

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Limit of valid for 3 years subject to annual review.

Conversion /reschedulement of loans also permissible in case of

damage to crops due to natural calamities.

As incentive for good performance, credit limits could be enhanced totake cares of increase in costs, changing in cropping pattern etc.

Security, margin and rate of interest as per RBI norms.

Operations may be through issuing branch / PACS or through other

designated branches at the discretion of bank.

Withdrawals through slips /cheques accompanies by card and

passbook.

Personal Accident Insurance of Rs. 50,000 for death and permanentdisability and Rs. 25,000/- for partial disability available to Kisan

Credit Card holder at an annual premia of Rs. 15/- per annum.

2.2.4.4 Advantages of the KCC Scheme

Full years credit requirement of the borrower taken care of.

Minimum paper work and simplification of documentation for drawal of

funds from the bank.

Access to adequate and timely credit to farmer.

Assured availability of credit for 3 years and avoidance of uncertainly

involved in accessing credit on a year to year basis.

Annual review of limit and provision for enhancement subject to

satisfactory operations.

Flexibility in use of credit and saving in interest burden.

Flexibility of drawing cash from a branch other than the issuing branch

at the discretion of the bank.

Availability of the life cover/ disability insurance at very low premium

in case the farmers meets with accident.

2.2.4.5 Benefits of the Scheme to the Banks

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Reduction in work load for branch staff by avoidance of repeat

appraisal and processing of loan papers under Kisan Credit Card

Scheme.

Minimum paper work and simplification of documentation for drawal of

funds from the bank.

Improvement in recycling of funds and better recovery of loans.

Reduction in transaction cost to the banks.

Better Banker - Client relationships.

2.2.4.6 Coverage of Crop Loans disbursed under KCC

Under the Reshtriya Krishi Bima Yojna (RKBY) GIC has agreed that the croploans disbursed for eligible crops under the Crop Insurance Scheme will becovered under the CCIS, now under Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojna. However,the banks are expected to maintain all back up records relating tocompliance with "RKBY" and its seasonality discipline, cut-off date forsubmitting declarations and end use, etc. as in the case of normal croploans.

2.2.4.5 Budget 2001-02 announcement - Follow up :

Hon'ble Union Finance Minister in his Budget Speech for the year

2001-02 set the future agenda for the Scheme as under :

The innovation of KCC is proved to be very successful. Since the year of itsintroduction in 1998-99, almost 110 lakh KC cards have been issued. I amasking our banks to accelerate this programme and cover all eligibleagricultural farmers within the next 3 years.

I am also asking the banks to provide a personal insurance package to theKCC holders as is often done with other credit cards to cover them againstaccidental death or permanent disability, upto maximum amount of

Rs.50,000/ and Rs.25,000/- respectively. The premium burden will beshared by the card issuing institutions.

2.2.4.6 Coverage of farmers - Future strategy

Banks, vide our Circular letter dated 10 April 2001, requested to draw

up an action plan immediately in consultation with our Regional Office

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concerned, based on their past performance and experience in

implementing the scheme, to ensure the coverage of all the eligible

agricultural farmers under the KCC Scheme within the next three years

i.e. by 31 March 2004.

Banks to ensure that targets fixed for 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04include new agricultural farmers likely to become eligible for their KC

cards after 31 March 2001 also.

Targets fixed for issue of KC Cards be disaggregated month-wise and

branch/PACS-wise to facilitate close monitoring of progress vis-a-vis

target and also advised to RO concerned.

In order to ensure achievement of the targets so fixed, banks

requested to follow strategies suggested by NABARD from time to

time. Towards this end, banks to launch a campaign approach to

accelerate pace of implementation of the Scheme. Following specific

steps may be taken by the banks :

Conduct of sensitisation/training programmes for the officers of

controlling offices of banks, branch managers and field level

functionaries as also district level functions for distribution of cards.

Holding Banker-Farmers' Meets, as part of the Kharif 2001 campaign,

in each block to identify the ground level constraints in the smooth

implementation of the Scheme and to initiate remedial measures

therefor.

Use of VVV Clubs fora for propagation of the scheme.

Placement of hoardings/banners etc. at prominent places, such as

branch premises, Panchayat buildings, Mandis, etc.

Use of audio-video media, bringing out KCC literature in local language

to create better awareness about KCC Scheme among farmers.

Issue of plastic/laminated cards to serve as Identity Cards.

Monitoring of progress in implementation of the Scheme in Board

meetings as also through various state/ district and block level fora

with the participation of Government functionaries, bankers, farmers

etc.

2.2.4.7 Personal Accident Insurance Scheme -Salient features :

Designated insurance company will nominate one office at district level

to function as nodal office for coordinating implementation of personal

accident insurance scheme for KCC holders in the district.

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Nominated office of insurance company to issue a Master Insurance

Policy to each DCCB/RRB covering all its KCC holders.

Premium payable Rs.15/- for a one year policy while Rs.45/- for a 3-

year policy.

Insurance coverage available under Policy only from date of receipt of

premium at insurance company.

Banks to ensure to incorporate name of Nominee in Kisan Credit Card-

cum-Pass Book.

Simplified claim settlement procedure evolved under Scheme whereby

an Enquiry-cum-Verification Committee comprising Branch Manager of

implementing bank, Lead Bank Officer and representative of insurance

company to certify nature of accident causing disability/death and

recommend settlement of insurance claims.

Scheme covers risk of KCC holders against death or permanent

disability resulting from accidents caused by external, violent and

visible means, as under:

Death due to accident (within 12 months of the accident)

caused by outward, violent and visible means -- Rs.50,000/-

Permanent total disability -- Rs.50,000/-

Loss of two limbs or two eyes or one limb and one eye -- Rs.50,000/-

Loss of one limb or one eye -- Rs.25,000/-

2.2.4.7 Major Steps taken by NABARD:

A Brochure on KCC Scheme highlighting the salient features,

advantages and other relevant information about the Scheme was

brought out by Head Office and ROs were asked to circulate the

brochure to State govt. departments, Commercial Banks, Cooperative

Banks, RRBs and other concerned agencies/officers so as to generate

wider awareness about the Scheme.

Floor limit of Rs.5000/- for issue of KC Cards stands withdrawn.

Studies on KCC Scheme have been entrusted to BIRD and NABARD

Staff College to facilitate feed back on the ground level

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issues/problems so that changes, where necessary, could be

considered.

Studies on the implementation of the Scheme undertaken by NABARD

periodically.

On the lines of instructions of RBI to Commercial Banks, Cooperative

Banks and RRBs have been advised that they may, at their discretion,

pay interest at a rate based on their perception and other relevant

factors on the minimum credit balances in the cash credit accounts

under the Kisan Credit Cards of farmers during the period from 10th to

the last day of each calendar month.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were advised to initiate innovative

publicity campaign in each area of operation in order to cater alleligible farmers under KCC.

2.2.4.8 Progress in implementation of the Scheme

Since launching in August 1998, around 2.38 crore Kisan Credit Cards

issued upto 31 March 2002 by Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural

Banks and Commercial Banks put together.

Scheme implemented in all States and Union Territories (except

Chandigarh, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli) with allCooperative Banks, RRBs and Commercial Banks participating.

Agency-wise/State-wise progress in issue of cards by all banks during

2001-02 and since inception of Scheme.

2.2.5 Beej gramin yojna:-2.2.5.1 Introduction:-Seed Village Programme is implemented in the country to upgrade thequality of farmer saved seed. The programme is implemented through StateDepartments of Agriculture, State Agricultural Universities and State Seeds

Corporations. Following assistance is provided under the programme:i. Distribution of foundation/certified seed at 50% cost for half an acre per

farmer.

ii. Training of the farmers in seeds production and seed technology. An

amount of Rs.15000 for a group of 50-150 farmers is provided.

iii. Development of local storage capacity of appropriate quality. Assistance

@ 33% subject to a maximum of Rs.3000 for 20 quintals capacity and

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Rs.2000 for 10 quintals capacity to SC/ST farmers and @25% subject to a

maximum of Rs.2000 for 20 quintals capacity and Rs.1500 for 10 quintals

capacity for other farmers is provided.

2.2.5.2 Beej gramin yojna-salient features:-

In initial year of Road map (08-09) one village in each block covered

under Seed Village Scheme

In 2009-10 two villages in each block being covered

From this year 4 villages to be covered in each block

Desirous farmers of selected villages are given foundation seed at half

the cost

Training imparted at three stages

Seed storage bins of 5 qtls capacity given on subsidy.

Target is to cover 10% of villages in the last year of Road Map(2012-13)

2.2.5.3 Seed Production on Govt. Farms

Seed production started in 2006-07.

Present status.

Sr.

No.

Name of

Crop

Coverage

(ha.)

Production

(qtls.)

1. Paddy 1476 35000

2. Arhar 125 309

3. Wheat 1120 15000

4. Gram 50 300

5. Lentil 100 500

6. Pea 12 50

7. R/M 50 1008. Summer

Moong100 214

Cost of cultivation met by state fund.

Strengthening of infrastructure through RKVY.

Irrigation facility developed on all farms.

Land development of farms using laser land leveler.

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Mechanized harvesting done to avoid admixture of seed.

Farms are to be barbed fenced to check the damage of pulses from

blue bull.

Foundation seed production done on these farms.

150 storage go downs are being constructed

State controls the entire production and distribution of seed.

Seed made available to farmers through Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam under

various schemes.

2.2.5.4Krishi Mela under this scheme proves to be a grand success:-

The four-day Krishi Mela held at the University of Agricultural Sciences(UAS), Dharwad, from October 2, proved to be a grand success. Accordingto UAS officials, an estimated 7.4lakh people, including farmers, extensionworkers and students, attended the event. Record sale The stall set up by

the UAS and the Karnataka State Seeds Corporation achieved a record saleof 1,000 quintals of seeds worth Rs. 50 lakh. Farmers bought seeds for therabi season, including rapeseed, wheat, jowar and Bengal gram. The UASbook stalls had witnessed hectic sales of books on the latest farmingtechnology, organic farming, integrated farming and related topics, theofficials said.

Another attraction at the event was the demonstration of successful

models of farming by the selected progressive farmers and new

methods of cultivation for different crops developed by the UAS.

Farmers from the neighboring States of Maharashtra and AndhraPradesh too queued up for this event. There was an interaction

between farmers and experts on the concluding day.

2.2.6 Soil and water conservation scheme:-

2.2.6.1 Introduction:-

In a predominantly agricultural system, the objective of improving theproductivity, profitability and prosperity of the farmers and achieving

agricultural development on an ecologically sustainable basis can be attainedonly when conservation, development and management of the land andwater resources are assured. As watersheds support the entire dry landagriculture / horticulture and also remain the catchments for tanks andreservoirs, their health is essential for development. The strength of thewatershed development programmes will largely determine the growth inagriculture.

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Land and water conservation is the basic responsibility of AgriculturalEngineering Department. The Mission mode approach of the Government isto accomplish the goals of saving every drop of rain, providing adequatewater for agriculture and conservation of life support system land andwater resources through watershed management and irrigation water

management strategies.

While Soil and water conservation programme is implemented byAgricultural Engineering Department, Soil Survey and soil Testing schemesare implemented by Agriculture Department.

2.2.6.2 Soil Survey and Land Use Organization:-

The objective of the Soil Survey and Land Use Organisation is the conduct ofsoil survey and preparation of soil resources inventory including the natureof soil occurring in the area, their morphological, physical and chemicalcharacteristics through field studies and laboratory analysis, classificationaccording to internationally recognised system of soil classification andmapping their extent on standard topographic base and finally interpreting itfor variety of uses. The above survey is being taken up through the foursoil survey units functioning at Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Vellore andThirunelveli. Now this scheme is being implemented through Non-planfunding. An area of 1.14 lakh ha. has been surveyed as against the targetof 1.10 lakh ha. for the year 2002-03. An area of 1.10 lakh ha. will becovered during 2003-04.

2.2.6.3 Soil Testing Laboratories and Mobile Soil TestingLaboratories:-

Soil Testing Laboratories are functioning in the State to analyse the soilsamples collected from the farmers' fields in order to advise the farmers onspecific fertilser recommendations on the basis of native soil fertility. Thereare 19 Soil Testing Laboratories functioning in different districts to analyse8.42 lakhs samples per annum. Besides these laboratories, 16 Mobile SoilTesting Laboratories are also doing this service at farmers' doorstep, i.e. invillages on a notified date enabling the farmers to get on the spot analysisand advice on their soils. These Soil Testing Laboratories also help farmersin suggesting suitable reclamatory measures like application of soilamendments for the problem soils, preparing village level fertility indicesand assessing Soil and Water Conservation quality of irrigation water. TheCentral Control Laboratory functioning at Kudumianmalai has to superviseand guide the functioning of Soil Testing Laboratories. This laboratory willalso analyse and check samples drawn from these laboratories so as tocorrelate the results and ensure the correctness of the procedures adopted.

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This serves to strengthen the quality control of fertilizers and also serves asa watchdog on quality parameters.

Now this scheme is being implemented through Non-plan funding. A totalnumber of 6.83 lakh soil samples have been analysed during 2002-03. It is

programmed to analyse 8.1 lakh soil samples during 2003-04.

2.2.6.4 Preparation and Distribution of Bio Fertilizer Packets:-

Though fertilizers are readymade artificial manures supplying essentialnutrients for boosting crop production, their continuous and indiscriminateuse makes the soils sterile and results in degradation of soil potential.Hence use of different types of organic manures bio-fertilizers, etc. plays animportant role as a part of Integrated Nutrient Management Package. Inview of non-availability of adequate quantity of organic manures, bio-fertilizers using microorganisms to fix atmospheric nitrogen have come inhandy as a result of technology development in modern agriculture. Six biofertilizer production centres functioning at Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram,Salem, Kudumianmalai, Sakkottai and Trichy are producing 1400 tonnes ofBio- fertilizers. The above centers are also provided with automatic mixingand packing units to ensure the quality of the bio fertilizer with a longer shelflife. An amount of Rs. 250.53 lakhs is proposed for 2003-04 for the abovescheme.

2.2.6.5 Saline and Alkaline Land Reclamation:-

The Saline And Alkaline Land Reclamation scheme is functioning to reclaimproblem soil in Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur,Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Salem and Namakkal district in an area of 4000acres. An amount of Rs.0.12 lakh is proposed for this scheme. Under thisscheme Gypsum and Zinc Sulphate are being supplied to the beneficiaries at50% subsidy and an additional sum of Rs. 1000/- per acre is extended assubsidy for constructing drainage channel. During the year 2002-03, anarea of 3952 acres was reclaimed. It is programmed to recover 4000 acresduring 2003-04.

2.2.6.7Agricultural Engineering Department:-

Land and Water Conservation are the basic and responsibility of AgriculturalEngineering Department (AED). The goals for Agricultural EngineeringDepartment have been outlined in the Chief Minister's 15 points programme:Saving every drop of rain, more crop per drop, adequate water foragriculture, conservation of life support systems- Land and Water Resourcesand Livelihood security through employment generation. The Mission for

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Land and Water Conservation will be actualized through WatershedManagement and Irrigation Water Management strategies listed below withappropriate action plans.

Watershed Management

Prevention of soil erosion and Conservation of soil moisture

Promoting Water harvesting techniques to impound runoff water and OnFarm Water Harvesting.

Arresting further expansion of wastelands by protecting lands from erosionhazards and promoting alternate / appropriate land use according to theircapability.

Renovation of Village Ponds, Ooranies, Temple tanks and other traditionalWater storage.

Retarding pollution by controlling sediment carried pollutants

Irrigation Water Management

Optimizing Water use and ensuring equity in Water distribution andmaximizing production

Creation of farmers organization for sustainable Water Management in

Command Areas

Creation of well irrigation facilities and stabilization of existing facilities.

Conservation of Water under Well Irrigated conditions by Drip and SprinklerIrrigation systems for promotion of Horticulture crops, Sugarcane andCoconut and bringing more areas under irrigation with increased yields. Theabove strategies will be converted into action plans to be carried out underState Plan and Centrally Sponsored schemes, besides convergence ofprogrammes like SGSY, SGRY, PMGY and new Anna Marumalarchi Thittam inthe respective project areas.

2.2.6.8 Participatory Watershed Development:-

An area of 32.50 lakh hectares is under rain fed agriculture. This area is theproduction base of crops like millets, pulses, oilseeds and cotton. Soil andWater Conservation works were initiated as part of famine relief operationsin 1949 and were continued year after year as a protective measure. During

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Tenth Plan period, it is proposed to restructure the programme. Therestructured programme will attempt to prevent soil erosion, increase soilmoisture availability and create rainwater-harvesting facilities in thewatersheds predominantly under rainfed agriculture, with total participationof farmers. The new approach is developed based on the experience gained

from the DANIDA assisted Comprehensive Watershed Development Project.

Participatory Approach-

The programme will be organized through the participatory approach,actively involving all sections of the community at every stage (planning,implementation, maintenance, monitoring and benefit sharing). This willfacilitate sustainability by creating a feeling of belonging and ownership forresources created with project assistance. Implicit in this approach will besharing of costs and benefits by beneficiaries. Special attention will be given

to ensure the participation of women and other vulnerable groups in projectactivities. The role of AED will be to provide technical guidance and tofacilitate implementation by the community.

Micro Watershed Development Work Plan- The new watershed plan willincorporate measures for soil moisture conservation, soil erosion control,runoff harvesting and on farm rain water harvesting and Individual basedfarm developments linked with self or institutional funding. Each MicroWatershed plan will take into account the potentialities of the watershed,which is linked Soil and Water Conservation to the land capability, soil type,soil depth, availability of ground water and the preference shown by the

farmers. The micro watershed plan will reflect the felt needs of thewatershed community, and will have technological inputs from linedepartments and the regional research stations of Tamil Nadu AgriculturalUniversity.

Special attention for problem soils- The new approach will pay

special attention to saline and alkali soils. Black soils will receive

specific attention through focused research and development. Based

on the research trials, Micro Watershed work plans for black soil areas

will be developed to alleviate the problems of drainage and moisture

stress. Special methods of water harvesting like recharge wells,

recharge shafts will be employed to facilitate ground water recharge.

2.2.6.9 Soil Conservation Programme:-

a. Soil and Water Conservation programme

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For implementation of soil conservation schemes in plains an amount ofRs.1116.29 lakhs is proposed and it is aimed to cover an area of 50,000 ha.

b. DANIDA assisted Comprehensive Watershed Development project

The Comprehensive Watershed Development project is implemented in thedistricts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi covering an area of 42,500 ha. in120 villages at a total cost of Rs.4172.44 lakhs with assistance fromDANIDA.

The objective of Comprehensive Watershed Development project is

To demonstrate and popularize sustainable land use systems suitable fordegraded lands.

Enable the land users to practice rainfed agriculture, horticulture andforestry including conservation and judicious use of soil and water resourceson a sustainable basis

Create short and long term employment opportunities thereby increasingthe household income in the priority areas. The project was commenced on5.8.94 and completed by March 2003. An area of 34,901 hectares has beencovered at a total cost of Rs. 3682.85 lakhs.

2.2.6.10 National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfedareas:-

The National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) isa centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented in Tamil Nadu since1990-91, with the main objective of sustaining the production of biomassand restoration of ecological balance in the Watershed areas. A sum of Rs.77.92 crores has been utilized for treating a total area of 2.26 lakh ha.Watershed Areas Rainfed Agricultural System Approach (WARASA)JANSABHAGITA the Restructured NWDPRA for the Tenth Five Year Plan hasbeen taken up as a five-year project starting from 2002-03 to 2006-07. Inthe new guidelines, planning, implementation, monitoring and maintenanceof 9.4 Soil and Water Conservation Watersheds by the village communitiesthemselves have been made mandatory. This scheme is one of the majorcomponents of macro management mode in which the GOIs share is 90%and balance is met by the GOTN. During the Tenth Plan, 763 numbers ofmicro watersheds (500 ha) have been proposed for treatment to cover 3.82lakh ha. In 23 identified districts. The per hectare cost norm for watershed

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development is Rs. 4500/ for areas having less than 8% slope and Rs. 6000/for areas having more than 8% slope. An area of 34,996 ha. Was treatedduring 2002-03 as against the target of 42,774 ha. The target set for 2003-04 is 38,623 ha.

a) Soil and Water Conservation in Vaigai River Valley Catchments Theproblem of sedimentation in reservoirs has become alarming, since the siltdeposited in the reservoirs or tanks decreases the capacity of the reservoirsand reduces the utility and life. Sedimentation of reservoirs is a seriousproblem posing threat to the life of the reservoir, storage capacity of thereservoir for irrigation of the command area and generation of power. Thestudies on the sedimentation problems carried out in 33 reservoirs in TamilNadu reveal that there is a loss in capacity of more than 50% in tworeservoirs and more than 30% capacity loss in 8 reservoirs. In Krishnagirireservoir, more than 33% of storage is silted up. Out of the 40 priority microwatersheds of Vaigai catchments, Government of India has approved 26micro watersheds for implementation of soil and water conservation works.Of this, 23 micro watersheds have been saturated. Government of Indiasapproval for 11 Micro Watersheds will be obtained during 2002-2003. Theworks bear a subsidy of 50% and the rest is treated as loan. The loanamount is recovered in ten equal annual installments with interest with amoratorium of two years. During the Tenth Plan period, Government of Indiawill be persuaded to include South Pennaiyar catchment for treatment underRiver Valley Project. An area of 3057 ha. has been covered at a cost of494.66 lakhs and the programme in the remaining watershed is to becontinued during the year 2003-04 at a cost of Rs. 600 lakhs.

b).Soil Conservation Works in the Catchment area of Kundah and LowerBhavani River Valley Project With a view to prevent premature siltation ofreservoirs, various soil conservation measures are taken up in Kundah andlower Bhavani River Valley Project. Soil conservation works on watershedbasis are taken up in the priority watershed identified by the All India Soiland Land Use Survey Organisation. During 1980, the All India Soil and Landuse Survey organisation had prioritized the watersheds. Out of 176watersheds in Kundha and Lower Bhavani Catchments, 58 watersheds wereidentified by AISLUS as very high and high priority watersheds requiring soilconservation treatments. Soil conservation measures were proposed basedon rainfall, nature of erosion, soil texture, slope and topography of the area.The works bear 50% subsidy and the rest treated as loan, which will berecovered in 10 equal annual instalments with interest with a moratorium oftwo years. An amount of Rs.68.12 lakhs is proposed for this scheme for theyear 2003-04.

2.2.6.11 Soil Conservation in Tribal Areas:-

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To improve the economic status of the tribal farmers and to bring themabove poverty line, integrated development of the tribal area is taken upwith multi sector approach in Kolli hills, Yercaud hills, Kalrayan hills,Aranuthumalai, Pachamalai, Jawadhu hills, and Sitheri hills. Soil and waterconservation works are taken up in the lands owned by tribals at

Government cost. These programmes provide livelihood security to tribalpeople by employment generation and crop production. During the year2001-02, an amount of Rs.92.59 lakhs was spent and the anticipatedexpenditure during 2002-03 is Rs.92.90 lakhs. An amount of Rs.92.90 lakhsis proposed for the year 2003-04 to cover an area of 621 ha.

2.2.7 Joint lending group scheme:-

2.7.1 Introduction:-

Innovations such as the SHG-Bank linkage programme have proved to besuccessful in providing financial services from the formal banking sector toasset-less or very poor. This is also in line with RBI's policy of "financialinclusion". In order to develop effective credit products for mid segmentclients having access to productive assets, NABARD had piloted the projectduring 2004-05 in 8 states of the country through 13 RRBs through themechanism of joint liability approach. These select banks during 2004-05have promoted 285 JLGs and extended bank finance of Rs 4.48 crores. Inthe second year of the project i.e. 2005-06, banks have disbursed Rs 6.79crores to 488 JLGs.

Besides the above pilot project, another pilot programme was launched inAndhra Pradesh during 2004-05 through group based lending programmeaimed exclusively at small and marginal farmers. The Government of AndhraPradesh through its Agriculture Department primarily designed this initiativeby promoting Rythu Mithra Groups (RMGs) on the SHG model. During 2005-06, banks have extended finance of Rs.131.78 crore to 12,468 RMGs. RMGsare also expected to serve as a conduit for technology transfer, facilitateaccess to market information and market, assist in carrying out activities likesoil testing, training, health camps, assess input requirements, etc., to itsmembers.

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PROJECT REPORT by YASH

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