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9.1 Crop Husbandry 371 9.1 CROP HUSBANDRY Introduction National Scenario The agriculture sector provides livelihood to about 64% of the labour force, contributes nearly 26 % of Gross Domestic Product and accounts for about 18 % share of the total value of the country’s exports. It supplies bulk of wage goods required by the non-agricultural sector and raw material for a large section of industry. The per capita availability of foodgrains went up to a level of 467 gram per day in 1999 – 2000 as compared to 395 gram in the early fifties. In terms of gross fertilizer consumption, India ranks fourth in the world after USA, the erstwhile USSR and China. The country has the largest area in the world under pulse crops while, in the field of cotton, India is the first to evolve a cotton hybrid. Land utilisation statistics are available for 92.8 % of the total geographical area of 3287.3 L.ha. According to land use statistics available, the area under forests had increased from 404.8 L.ha in 1950-51 to 688.5 L.ha. in 1997-98. The net sown area has increased from 1187.5 L.ha. to 1420.2 L.ha. during the same period. Broad cropping pattern indicates that though foodgrains have preponderance in gross cropped area as compared to non-foodgrains, their relative share came down from 76.7% during 1950-51 to 66% during 1997-98. State Scenario Agriculture continues to be a dominant sector in the economic development of Tamil Nadu sustaining two-thirds of population and accounting for one -fifth of the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP). Agriculture sector occupies a key place in fulfilling the food requirement for the growing population, meeting raw material needs of agro-based industries and providing employment opportunities to rural population. Due to planned efforts, food grain production has increased to over 88 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in 1999-2000 as compared to less than 43.5 LMT in fifties. Similarly, the groundnut production has doubled during past five decades. There has been substantial increase in sugarcane production and it crossed over 34 LMT during 1999-2000 as compared to 3.3 LMT during fifties. In spite of reduction in area, cotton production has increased to over 3.9 lakh bales during nineties. Agriculture has to grow still faster to meet the growing domestic demand for farm products and to tap export opportunities. The National Policy on Agriculture seeks to actualise the vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture, accelerate the growth of agro- business, create employment in rural areas, secure a fair standard of living for the farm families. It aims at balanced and conjunctive use of biomass, organic and inorganic fertilisers and controlled use of agro-chemicals through INM, IPM to achieve a sustainable increase in agricultural production.
Transcript of 9.1 CROP HUSBANDRY
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9.1 CROP HUSBANDRY
Introduction
National Scenario
The agriculture sector provides livelihood to about 64% of the labour force, contributes nearly 26 % of Gross Domestic Product and accounts for about 18 % share of the total value of the country’s exports. It supplies bulk of wage goods required by the non-agricultural sector and raw material for a large section of industry. The per capita availability of foodgrains went up to a level of 467 gram per day in 1999 – 2000 as compared to 395 gram in the early fifties. In terms of gross fertilizer consumption, India ranks fourth in the world after USA, the erstwhile USSR and China. The country has the largest area in the world under pulse crops while, in the field of cotton, India is the first to evolve a cotton hybrid.
Land utilisation statistics are available for 92.8 % of the total geographical area of 3287.3 L.ha. According to land use statistics available, the area under forests had increased from 404.8 L.ha in 1950-51 to 688.5 L.ha. in 1997-98. The net sown area has increased from 1187.5 L.ha. to 1420.2 L.ha. during the same period. Broad cropping pattern indicates that though foodgrains have preponderance in gross cropped area as compared to non-foodgrains, their relative share came down from 76.7% during 1950-51 to 66% during 1997-98.
State Scenario
Agriculture continues to be a dominant sector in the economic development of Tamil Nadu sustaining two-thirds of population and accounting for one -fifth of the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP). Agriculture sector occupies a key place in fulfilling the food requirement for the growing population, meeting raw material needs of agro-based industries and providing employment opportunities to rural population.
Due to planned efforts, food grain production has increased to over 88 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in 1999-2000 as compared to less than 43.5 LMT in fifties. Similarly, the groundnut production has doubled during past five decades. There has been substantial increase in sugarcane production and it crossed over 34 LMT during 1999-2000 as compared to 3.3 LMT during fifties. In spite of reduction in area, cotton production has increased to over 3.9 lakh bales during nineties. Agriculture has to grow still faster to meet the growing domestic demand for farm products and to tap export opportunities.
The National Policy on Agriculture seeks to actualise the vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture, accelerate the growth of agro-business, create employment in rural areas, secure a fair standard of living for the farm families. It aims at balanced and conjunctive use of biomass, organic and inorganic fertilisers and controlled use of agro-chemicals through INM, IPM to achieve a sustainable increase in agricultural production.
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While advances in seed – fertilizer – water technology have contributed to increased production and productivity at State level, the pattern of agricultural growth is not uniform between regions, crops and categories of farmers. The new technologies have not permeated into dry land region and unirrigated crops and, as a result, a number of crops remain untapped to their full potential, and the dry land regions remain underdeveloped and backward.
• Dryland farming covers a sizeable 52 % of the gross cropped area in
the State and remains inefficient in terms of productivity. There is an urgent need for modernizing dry farming technology laying stress on developing and popularizing drought resistant hybrid crop varieties and evolving appropriate water harvesting techniques.
• The number of farm holdings in the State increased to almost 80 lakhs in 1990-91 as compared to 32 lakhs in 1961. Currently, small and marginal farmers represent 89 % of the total holdings in the State.
• Land use pattern in Tamil Nadu over the past four decades throws light on the nature of the problem confronting the future development of agriculture.
§ Due to pressure on land resources for very many purposes, the availability of land for agricultural purposes is fast shrinking.
§ Net sown area and gross sown area have been declining in the State over the years.
§ The extent of current fallow and other fallow lands are on the increase.
§ The cropping intensity in the State did not show any change over years and is hovering around 120 % only.
§ Area under permanent pastures and other grazing lands has reduced considerably, posing a challenge to livestock security, and necessitating use of straw and crop residues as animal feed.
• Tamil Nadu State has already exploited 97.5 % of surface irrigation. The irrigation intensity is around 120 %.
• Soil health is deteriorating. The estimated extent of soils affected by salinity and alkalinity alone is estimated at 2.2 L.ha. besides 1.23 L.ha. suffering from acidic soils. Reclamation of problem soils offers scope for increasing the crop productivity.
• The incidence of poverty in the State is still found high, the problem being predominant in the dryland region. The growth rate of rural employment has come down steeply to 0.5 % between 1993-94 and 1999-2000 from 1.7 % per annum between 1983-84 and 1993-94. Thus, there is economic compulsion to raise employment in agriculture.
• In the context of liberalization and globalisation, agriculture in future has to be more dynamic, forward looking and demand driven.
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Growth Trend
With the optimism generated by new technologies, the State set for itself the goal of achieving an annual growth rate of 4.5 % in agriculture in the Ninth Plan period. With appropriate policies, programmes and strategies, the State could push up the Gross Domestic Product and it went up at constant prices (1993-94) to Rs. 90,760 crores in 2000-01 (A.E.) from Rs. 70,513 crores in 1996-97, registering an annual growth of 6.21 %. Similarly, the crop production strategies followed during the Ninth Plan could reverse the set-back experienced in agricultural sector during the Eighth Plan end with a high growth performance in agriculture of 9.80 % in 1997-98 and 8.86 % in 1998-99. However, the performance of agricultural sector showed a negative growth of 5.8 % during 1999-2000 due to vagaries of monsoon and as a result, the agriculture and allied activities could register an annual growth of only 2.72 % during the Ninth Plan period.
Table 1 Growth trend in GSDP / Agriculture & Allied Scheme
(Rs. in crores)
Year GSDP Agriculture & Allied Activities % share
1993-94 5748201 1287264 22.39
1994-95 6478948 (12.71) 1438259 (11.73) 22.20
1995-96 6716918 (3.67) 1242213 (-13.63) 18.49
1996-97 7051326 (4.90) 1227733 (1.17) 17.41
1997-98 7613419 (7.97) 1348011 (9.80) 17.71
1998-99 (RE) 8084364 (6.19) 1467509 (8.86) 18.15
1999-00(QE) 8687223 (7.46) 1382397 (-5.80) 15.91
2000-01 (AE) 9076023 (4.48) 1408585 (1.89) 15.52
1996-97to 2000-01 6.21 2.72
Widespread adoption of seed-fertiliser – water technology has helped in generating additional output, income and employment. The poverty ratio has come down in rural Tamil Nadu from 57.43 % in 1973-74 to 32.48 % in 1993-94 and to 20.55 % in 1999-2000.
Table 2
Trend in Poverty Level – % of population below Poverty line Tamil Nadu India Year
Rural Urban Combined Rural Urban Combined 1973-74 57.43 49.40 56.94 56.44 49.01 54.88 1977-78 57.68 48.69 54.79 53.07 45.24 51.32 1987-88 45.80 38.64 43.39 39.09 38.20 38.66 1993-94 32.48 39.77 35.03 37.27 32.36 35.97 1999-00 20.55 22.11 21.12 27.09 23.62 26.10 Source: Planning Commission, Government of India
However, the proportion of population below poverty level could not
reach the targeted level of 12 % by the end of Ninth Plan. Since agriculture
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has an important bearing on poverty reduction, it is necessary to speed up agricultural development in the Tenth Plan period.
The share of agriculture in total income has declined to 17.21 % in 2000-01 from 24.82 % in 1993-94. The paradox is that the decline in the relative share of agriculture in gross domestic product has been much more rapid even while it continues to sustain a large labour force. The State is yet to exploit the full potential of agriculture as well as industrial growth. Geographically more broad based agriculture is possible as the State has a variety of agricultural regimes. A big push in agriculture is needed in Tenth Plan to tap the potentials of different agro-climatic regions in the State. Regarding rural - urban linkages, it is estimated that, at the national level, one rupee increase in farm income leads to an incremental income of Rs. 1.35 in the non – farm sector.
Table 3 Decline in the contribution from Agriculture
Economic activity 1993-1994 2000-2001 (i) Agriculture and Allied Forestry, Fishery 24.82 17.21
(ii) Manufacturing and Construction 33.72 33.04
(iii) Trade, Transport etc., 20.40 22.15
(iv) Banking, Insurance etc. 11.01 14.82
(v) Public Administration and Services 10.05 12.78
Source: Department of Economic and Statistics, Chennai 6.
Projected Requirement of Food, Fodder and Fibre
(a) Demand for food
The growth of population, increase in income, nature of income distribution, expenditure, elasticity of demand for goods and future requirement of feed, seed, industrial use and wastage are the decisive factors in determining the future demand for agricultural commodities . Keeping in view the minimum per capita nutritional requirements, aggregate demand for food materials and allied agricultural products is estimated for the year 2010.
Table - 4
Projected requirement of food for Tamil Nadu (LMT)
Sl.No. Product Year 2010 1. Cereals 102.3 2. Pulses 20.9 3. Total foodgrains 123.2 4. Oils 10.0 5. Vegetables 72.2 6. Fruits 22.9 7. Sugar 17.8 8. Milk 71.1 9. Eggs (In lakh Nos.) 52207.5 10. Fish and meat 10.0
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The total estimated demand for cereals works out to 102.3 LMT in 2010. Of this, rice accounts for 87 LMT in 2010 (85 %). The estimated demand for Cholam, Cambu and Ragi is 6.1 LMT, 3.1 LMT and 4.1 LMT in 2010, respectively; the demand for Maize and other millets would be around 1.0 LMT each. The projected requirement of pulses works out to 20.9 LMT as compared to the existing production level of 3.6 LMT. In the case of oil, the projected requirement works out to 10 LMT and in the case of sugar, the demand would be 17.8 LMT. The projected requirement of vegetables and fruits in 2010 is 72.2 LMT and 22.9 LMT, respectively.
(b) Demand for Fibre
Textile industry in Tamil Nadu requires 60-65 lakh bales of cotton per year, whereas the present level of cotton production in the State is only around 5.5 lakh bales per year. The Technology Mission on Cotton has planned to double the cotton production in the State to over 10 lakh bales. According to the South Indian Mill Owners Association (SIMA), there should be a 3% growth in area under cotton, which calls for large-scale introduction of cotton in rice – fallows and bringing some wastelands under cotton.
(c) Fodder Requirement
Livestock wealth has its significance in the State’s economy. The fodder requirement is likely to exceed 40.4 million tonnes as compared to the estimated fodder production of 26 million tonnes. In the context of increasing demand for milk, egg and meat in future, there is an urgent need to increase the fodder production in the State. The growing size of the population, increase in per capita income, changes in tastes and preferences, commitment to several welfare programmes and the need for domestic and international trade result in an increased demand for farm products.
The demand supply analysis shows that there exists a big gap between demand for and supply of food grains, pulses, oilseeds, fibre and horticultural products. The development of agriculture lies in extension of area under cultivation through improvement in cropping intensity and bringing about the appropriate shift in cropping pattern. The State should generate surplus for trade through stablising area and improving productivity. Ninth Plan Review
The physical and financial performance during the Ninth Plan period for crop husbandry sector is given below.
Financial
As against the Ninth Plan outlay of Rs. 1000 crores, an amount of Rs. 610.60 crores was spent (61.06%). The World Bank funded “Tamil Nadu Agricultural Development Programme”, “Agricultural Human Resources Development Programme” were implemented during the Ninth Five Year Plan. The Ninth Five Year Plan Outlay and Expenditure are given in Annexure I.
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Physical
Crop Performance
Under area coverage, the State has exceeded the target in paddy, sugarcane, and horticulture crops. On the other hand the target could not be achieved in millets, pulses, oilseeds and cotton. Regarding production, Tamil Nadu has exceeded the target in paddy, sugarcane and horticulture crops targets while in millets, pulses and cotton, the target could not be realised. In productivity terms, the target has not been achieved in any crop even though the State has achieved national high productivity in paddy, sugarcane and groundnut.
Rice
Tamil Nadu holds a special distinction in cultivation of rice in national scenario. Tamil Nadu stood first in productivity and fourth in production at all India level during 1998-99. The State recorded high productivity during 1998-99. Natural calamities adversely affected the production and productivity during the later part of Ninth Plan period. The rice area stood around 21 L.ha. with increase in the first 3 years of the Plan period and it showed a decreasing trend in the later years due to vagaries of monsoon.
Millets
Millet production showed an upward trend during the Ninth Five Year Plan period compared to the Eighth Five Year Plan period, due to special efforts taken in implementation of TMOP & M (Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses and Maize) and also Coarse Cereal Minikit Programme. But the millet area showed a declining trend in the Ninth Five Year Plan period due to change of food habits among the rural population. Tamil Nadu ranked first in productivity in Jowar at the all India level during 1997-98 and 1998-99. In Bajra also, Tamilnadu ranked first in productivity during 1998-99.
Pulses
The efforts taken by the department over the past decade in bringing more area under pulses have undoubtedly given fruitful results. However, the production and productivity in pulses are not up to the expected level.
Oilseeds
The production achieved during Plan period was less than the base level fixed for the Ninth Five Year Plan. The highest production obtained was 16.45 LMT, in 1998-99. In 1997-98 and 1998-99 Tamil Nadu stood first at All India level in Oilseed productivity. The area under Oilseeds is declining year after year, as compared to Eighth Five Year Plan though the Oilseeds productivity is steadily increasing. The reason is that oilseeds crops are mostly grown as rain fed crops.
Cotton
The normal area under cotton in Tamil Nadu is around 2.5 L.ha. with a production level of 4 lakh bales of lint. It is cultivated both in rainfed and irrigated conditions. The area under cotton is getting reduced year by year due to market price and incidence of pests. Due to implementation of Technology Mission on Cotton, the production and productivity levels are
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slowly picking up. Tamil Nadu stood second, at All India level, in productivity of cotton during 1998-99.
Sugarcane
In sugarcane, Tamil Nadu stood third in area and production and first in productivity at All India level during 1997-98 and 1998-99. The average yield of sugarcane is the highest in Tamil Nadu among the States.
1. Area coverage
Table – 5
Area under various crops during Ninth Plan (in L.ha) Crop Base
Year 1996-97
Ninth Plan target
1997-2000
1997-98
1998-99
1999-2000
2000-01
2001-02*
1. Paddy 21.74 21.00 22.61 22.75 21.64 20.80 21.06 2. Millets 5.88 15.00 7.90 7.64 7.76 7.33 10.07 3. Pulses 5.77 10.00 5.91 6.37 6.93 6.88 6.79 4. Total foodgrains
33.39 46.00 36.42 36.76 36.63 35.01 37.92
5. Oilseeds 10.53 15.00 12.82 12.89 9.18 11.40 9.58 6. Cotton 2.52 2.50 2.28 2.19 1.78 1.70 1.87 7 sugarcane 2.51 2.50 2.83 3.06 3.16 3.15 3.26 Note: * Forecast figures .
• The area under paddy exceeded the target of 21 L.ha. except in 2000-01 when there was failure of rainfall.
• In the Millet front as against the target of 15 L.ha. in area, the achievement hovered between 10.07 and 7.33 L.ha.
• Similarly in Pulses the achievement was much less than the target of 10 L.ha.
• In the Cotton sector, as against the target of 2.50 L.ha., an area of 2.28 L.ha. was covered during 1997-98. However, the area shrunk to 1.87 L.ha. by 2000-01.
• The area covered under Sugarcane exceeded the target of 2.50 L.ha. by 1997-98 and it reached the peak of 3.26 L.ha. during 2001-02.
• As against the targeted area of 15 L.ha. under Oil Seed, only 12.89 L.ha. was achieved during 1998-99. It fell to 9.58 L.ha. during 1999-00.
2. Production Performance
• As against the production target of 79 LMT during the Ninth Plan, the rice production reached the peak of 81.41 LMT during 1998-99
• The target for production of Millets during Ninth Plan was 20 LMT. As against this target, the production during 1999-00 was only 10.19 LMT.
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Table - 6
Production performance during Ninth Plan (in LMT)
Crop Base Year
1996-97
Ninth Plan
target
1997-98
1998-99
1999-2000
2000-01
2001-02
1. Paddy 58.05 79.00 68.94 81.41 75.32 73.66 68.73 2. Millets 8.92 20.00 9.66 9.67 10.19 9.38 13.10 3. Pulses 2.33 8.00 2.44 3.04 2.91 3.13 2.90 4. Total foodgrains
69.30 107.00 81.04 94.12 88.42 86.17 84.73
5. Oilseeds 14.92 25.00 14.77 16.45 14.11 14.71 14.33 6. Cotton 3.28 8.00 3.58 4.06 3.40 3.16 3.26 7. Sugarcane 24.11 34.50 30.70 33.76 34.29 33.18 34.66
• As against the production target of 8.00 LMT of Pulses in Ninth Plan,
the production, which was 3.04 LMT during 1998-99 declined further during 1999-00.
• As against the Oilseeds production target of 25 LMT for Ninth Plan, a production of 16.45 LMT was achieved during 1998-99. The Ninth Plan target could not be reached.
3. Yield Performance
Table - 7 Productivity performance during Ninth Plan (in Kg/ha)
Crop Base Year
1996-97
Ninth Plan
Target
1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000- 01 2001-02 (anticipated)
1. Paddy 2671 3762 3050 3579 3481 3541 3263 2. Millets 776 1333 883 902 1311 1092 1300 3. Pulses 400 800 413 478 419 454 426 4. Total foodgrains
1948 2326 2225 2560 2414 2461 2233
5. Oilseeds 1595 1667 1623 1829 1537 1507 1497 6. Cotton 221 544 267 316 191 316 296 7. Sugarcane 9289 13600 11855 11026 10851 10525 10627
§ In Sugarcane and Groundnut the yield performance is good.
§ In Paddy, the yield performance was good. However, the targeted productivity of Ninth Plan was not achieved.
§ In Cotton and Pulses, the yield performance was not encouraging.
The target and achievement details during the Ninth Plan period are given in Annexure II
Input Distribution
The seed distribution activities are restricted according to Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) to meet the requirement of central sector and as per the policy decision of shedding of trading activities by the Agriculture Extension department. The State could achieve 102 % distribution of cereals, 73 % of pulses, 50 % of oilseeds and 68 % of cotton of the target for each. The consumption of Chemical fertilizers increased to 9.63 LMT from the base level of 7.89 LMT. Production and distribution of Bio-fertilizer is 1480 MT
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during Ninth Plan period. Annually 50 MT of green manures seed are procured and distributed to farmers. Production and distribution of Blue green algae also increased from 390 MT during 1991-92 to 1400 MT during Ninth Plan period.
The progress made under input distribution may be seen from the Table 8 below.
Table - 8
Input Distribution during Ninth Plan Item Base Year 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01
Seed distribution (MT) Cereals 18400 18416 22862 18371 18938 Pulses 2600 2050 1970 1909 1759 Oil seeds 11209 7253 6115 5518 4381 Cotton 375 280 220 213 225 Fertilizer distribution (L.MT) Nitrogen 4.84 5.07 5.19 5.58 5.47 Phosphorus 1.45 1.95 2.02 2.25 2.08 Potash 1.60 2.40 2.30 2.69 2.08 Total 7.89 9.42 9.51 10.52 9.63 Plant protection (‘000 MT) Technical Grade Material
1.9 1.809 1.73 1.65 1.663
Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007)
Plan Objectives
The future source of agricultural growth rests on productivity increase, increased cropping intensity, diversified farming and commercial agriculture through promotion of efficient use of land and water and with emphasis on dryland agriculture.
During the Tenth Plan period, Tamil Nadu State is committed to achieve rapid economic growth. In the process, the State is aiming at an annual growth of 4 % in agriculture and 8 % in horticulture for sustainable agricultural development, employment generation and poverty alleviation.
The State aims at bringing second green revolution in dryland agriculture, while sustaining the tempo of agricultural development in irrigated agriculture. The task ahead is very big and challenging and a higher growth rate in agriculture is called for to meet the challenges related to food security, employment and eradication of rural poverty. The State depends upon the ability of agricultural administration for strategic intervention in terms of technology transfer, resource development and institutional support.
Evergreen revolution
As agricultural sector provides employment to a large proportion of the population of State during the Tenth Five Year Plan period, the aim is to achieve a growth rate of 4 % in agricultural and allied sectors. In order to rejuvenate the agricultural growth, the focus for the Tenth Plan will be on production and productivity by adopting appropriate cropping patterns, scientific nutrient water management techniques, modernization and expansion of irrigation facilities and effective marketing of farm products. As a
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necessary precondition for “an ever green revolution” one of the points of Chief Minister’s 15 point programme is a broad-based agricultural policy involving small and medium farmers, driven by technological change and appropriate marketing facilities.
Government of Tamil Nadu has already begun the task of reclaiming vast tracts of wasteland for agricultural use, giving thrust on increasing the ground water recharge to enable better irrigation and cultivation of tree crop and medicinal Plants, which can find profitable markets. To give impetus to cultivation of horticulture crops, processing for value addition, and marketing of vegetables, fruits and flowers in the State, the Government of Tamil Nadu proposes to set up a Mission for Horticulture Development. An Agri Export Processing Zone (AEZ) for cut flowers will soon be established.
Thrust Areas
• Speedy transfer of technology to unleash the untapped potential of various agro-climatic regions of the State.
• Soil and Water conservation to prevent degradation of soil productivity and lengthening crop-growing season for optimum crop productivity.
• Efficient use of limited irrigation water without leading to problems of soil salinity, alkalinity and ground water over-exploitation.
• Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) that reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, improves the soil health and minimizes environmental pollution by conjunctive use of organics, inorganics and bio-fertilisers.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that reduces the use of chemical pesticide through crop rotation, weather monitoring, use of resistant cultivars, Planting time relation and biological pest control and maintains natural balance of agro-eco system. The IPM approach helps in maximizing the production at a minimum cost and simultaneously obviate adverse effects like environmental pollution, pesticide residues in food, resurgence of pests etc.,
• Modernising dry farming technology, laying accent on developing and popularizing drought resistant hybrid crop varieties, evolving appropriate water harvesting techniques and activating the extension component in dry land areas.
INM- advocates the judicious use of all available nutrient sources (soil, biological, organic, mineral fertiliser) to maintain nutrient balance in soil (soil health) and to promote balanced fertiliser application to the crop.
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Thrust Areas and Initiatives
§ Speedy transfer of technology
§ Soil and Water conservation
§ Integrated Nutrient Management, Integrated Pest Management, Integrated Intensive Farming System
§ Modernising Dry farming technology
§ Efficient use of limited water resources.
Comprehensive wasteland development programme
§ Agro based industrial units in all 385 blocks
§ Technology Mission on Pulses, Cotton, Oilseeds and Maize
§ Horticulture Policy and Mission for Horticulture development in Tamil Nadu
§ Contract Farming
§ Pulses Village Concept to improve production and productivity of Pulses.
♦ Expansion of area under fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal Plants to meet the needs of domestic as well as upcoming market need. The State will set up a ‘Mission for Horticultural Development in Tamil Nadu’ to give an impetus to cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of horticultural products. Establishment of agro-economic export zones would encourage exports.
♦ Implementing ‘Wasteland Development Programme’ in a big way through watershed development. Under this programme, 18.5 lakh ha. will be developed for Planting rainfed agro-forestry and fruit trees. Further it has been proposed to develop one lakh ha. of wasteland into orchards with drip and sprinkler irrigation involving corporate sector and reclaiming 0.5 lakh ha. of salt affected lands.
♦ To improve the production and productivity of pulses, Pulses Village concept, where water harvesting and cultivation of high value but low water requiring pulse crops will be grown. Introduction of pulses crops like red gram in the wasteland development programme will be attempted.
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Strategy
• To rejuvenate the agricultural economy growth, Government will focus on increasing production and productivity by adopting appropriate crop patterns, scientific nutrients and water management techniques, modernization and expansion of irrigation facilities and effective marketing of farm products
• The thrust will be on increasing the ground water potential to enable better irrigation and cultivation of crops, which have market demand.
• Horticulture development will be taken up on 'Mission Mode’ approach. The mission would involve cultivation, processing, marketing of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The Mission mode approach will emphasis on dryland horticulture, conservation of water through drip irrigation and establishment of Agro- Economic and Export Processing Zones for post harvest, storage and marketing of horticulture produce.
• Pulses Revolution through literacy movement will be achieved.
• All efforts will be made to modernize the agricultural sector so as to generate employment and increase self employment potential for youth for which at least one focal agro industry based economic activity in each of the 385 block in the State will set up.
• Focus on Integrated Nutrient Management and Integrated Pest Management will be continued. Focus on Bio-fertilizer, Bio-pesticides, Bio-insecticides will be further strengthened.
• Institutional training to farmers will be emphasized.
• Transfer of technology from lab to land will be the thrust of extension wing.
• For continuing the cotton cultivation through measures such as contract farming, hybridization, quality seed supply thrust will be given.
• Focus on promotion of private extension through NGOs
• Identification and reclamation of vast track of wasteland.
Tenth Plan proposals
The department wise outlay for the Tenth Five Year Plan period is accordingly as shown below:
The green revolution was triggered by the genetic manipulation of yield in crop. The ever green revolution will be triggered by farming system that can help to produce more from the available land, water and labour with neither ecological nor social harm.
Dr.M.S.Swaminathan
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Table - 9
Department wise outlay for Crop Husbandry Sector. Sl. No
Department Tenth Plan Outlay (Rs. in crores)
Ongoing New Total
1 Agriculture 677.69 74.63 752.32
2 Horticulture 107.15 22.00 129.15 3 Agrl.Engineering 85.58 8.15 93.73 4 Agro Fed 0.50 0.50 5 Sugar Devt. 9.00 9.00 6 RCS 15.30 15.30
Total 895.22 104.78 1000.00
The outlay approved by the Union Planning Commission for the Tenth Five Year Plan is Rs. 1350 crores. This was based on an allocation of Rs.750 crores for Wasteland Development Programme. It is proposed to pose this programme for external funding and therefore, the allocation for the programme is, now taken as Rs. 400 crores. Thus the outlay for Agriculture sector is arrived at Rs. 1000 crores as against Rs. 1350 crores approved by the Union Planning Commission. This change will be given effect to in the Annual Plans and Mid-Term Appraisal with the approval of Union Planning Commission.
Detailed Scheme wise Outlay for ongoing and new schemes is given in the Annexure III and IV.
Physical targets set for Tenth Five Year Plan are given in Annexure V.
Programmmes/ Schemes
A. Agriculture
Ongoing Schemes
The various ongoing schemes being implemented by Agricultural Department are production and distribution of certified seeds and multiplication, coverage of area and fertilizer application, adoption of Plant protection measures, coverage of area under commercial crops developmental programmes on cotton, pulses and oilseeds and extension and training to the farmers.
New Schemes
1.Popularization of Hybrid Rice (Rs. 4.52 crores)
In view of near saturation of high yielding varieties of Rice in Tamil Nadu, the thrust on us is on the large scale introduction of Hybrids so as derive the advantage of higher out put than what is now obtained through high yielding varieties. Two aspects involved are popularisation of hybrid rice and identification of best suited hybrid to out beat the high yielding varieties at least by 30 % more yield potential and focus our attention to find out suitable hybrids to give a better yield. It is proposed to conduct on-farm trials of o.4 Ha. (1 acre) each in 1600 locations @ 100 representative block of 1 lakh
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Ha. in samba season in the first year of the Plan period. Based on the performance in the first year, suitable hybrid will be identified and
demonstrations will be arranged duly from the second year onwards. As the cost of hybrid seed is very high as compared to high yielding varieties, to popularise the cultivation, the burden on the cost involved towards purchase of seeds, cost of inputs will have to be shared for fruitful result. Therefore, a subsidy of Rs. 7500 /Ha. will be given. By way of this scheme, 5,600 Ha. will be covered through demonstrations which can be expected to have a multiplier effect to bring about 56,000 Ha. by the end of Tenth Five Year Plan. 2. Organic Farming (Rs. 2.82 crores)
a) Scheme on bio-fertilizer distribution under 50% subsidy (Rs. 60 lakhs)
It is proposed to distribute the bio fertilizers through Agricultural Extension Centres for better crop yield. At present, bio-fertilizers are produced in the State owned bio-fertilizer laboratories and distributed to the farmers. 10% are sold under 50% subsidised rate under schemes available through department such as NPDP, OPP and ICDP. Remaining 90% of the stock is sold at full rate. To popularize and to make wider adoption of bio fertilizers, for it is necessary to distribute bio-fertiliser at subsidised cost during the Tenth Five Year Plan also at an estimated cost of Rs. 60 lakhs.
b) Scheme on composting of farm waste through Pleurotus (Rs. 12 lakhs)
The scheme attempts to quicken the process of composting and also to compost with better composition of farm waste with the help of Pleurotus Species. To popularise this technology, it is proposed to supply the farmers with one kg of pluerotus with 5 kgs of urea along with a booklet as kit. Each kit worth Rs. 120/- will be supplied to 10,000 farmers at a cost of Rs. 12 lakhs.
c) Vermi composting of agricultural wastes (Rs. 16 lakhs)
To popularize the technology of Vermi Composting, it is proposed to conduct demonstration in 500 centres in the State. Besides, at the rate of 50 farmers per centre (50×500) i.e. 25000 farmers will be trained in Vermi Composting Technology. To popularize this technology among other farmers, necessary awarness has to be created. This scheme will be implemented in all districts except Nilgiris district in the State during the Tenth Five Year Plan period at total cost of Rs. 16 lakhs.
d) Green Manure Scheme (Rs. 1.94 crores)
Application of Green Manure is one of the practices recommended for increasing soil health, soil structure and water holding capacity of the soil and facilitate better drainage and releases locked up nutrients besides improving
Hybrid
The offspring of parents of different species, varieties or breeds of plant and animals. They may be fertile or sterile. The livelihood sterility is increased the greater the difference between the genotype of the parents, due to the increased chance of imperfect chromosome paring.
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soils status in the long run at a cheaper cost. Green Manure seed farms will be raised in selected holdings of farmers, State Seed Farms and State Oilseed Farms. It is proposed to procure 925 MTS. of Green Manure seeds at the rate of Rs. 25/- per kg. and distribute to the farmers at 25% subsidy during the Tenth Five Year Plan period from 2002-2003 to 2006-2007 through Agricultural Extension Centres of the Department of Agriculture at a cost of Rs. 1.94 crores. 3. Eco-Friendly Activities (Rs. 22.87 crores)
a) Integrated Pest Management (Rs. 21.31 crores)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a broad ecological pest control approach aiming at best mix of all known pest control measures to keep the pest population below economic threshold level (ETL). The major components in this approach are to advocate cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control of insect pests, diseases, weeds and rodents. Therefore, a season long training will be given to the Agricultural Officers for important crops such as paddy, cotton, pulses and groundnut. For effective implementation of IPM, Farmers Field School has to be started.
b) Establishment of Mini Bio-Control Agents Production Unit And Training On More Production of Bio-Control Agents. (Rs. 1.56 crores)
IPM is the present policy of the Government on Crop Protection Strategy. Food and Agriculture Organization, Government of India, and State Government are giving major thrust on implementing IPM programme for sustainable crop production. It is proposed to implement this scheme @ 3 units/block in 200 blocks of cotton growing areas. Training on mass production technology for the production of Bio-control agents is proposed through Agricultural Department. In order to control the Rhinocerous & Redpalm weevel on Coconut, it is proposed to distribute pheromone lures @ 50% subsidy to the Coconut farmers.
4. Agricultural Extension ( Rs. 22.53 crores)
a) Conduct of Zonal Workshop and Pre season Campaigns (Rs. 1 crore)
The production and productivity of crops increased considerably due to strenuous efforts taken under both Training and Visit Programme and Tamil Nadu Agricultural Development Project by extension functionaries. The increase in production was also achieved through effective “Research and Extension Linkage” followed in T&V and TNADP systems through periodical conduct of monthly zonal workshops and kharif / rabi pre season campaign in district level and State level. It is, therefore, proposed to continue this activity in the Tenth Plan.
b) TANWA Phase III Continuance Proposal (Rs. 19.81 crores)
The TANWA project has been in operation in Tamil Nadu since November 1986 with external assistance. Training of small and marginal farm women in the skills of latest technologies, increasing production, improving the food security in small and marginal holdings, full utilization of the production potential of the farmwomen through the concept of farm women groups are the objectives of this scheme. Until now the project has trained 5.50 lakhs farm women. TANWA project Phase II will come to an end by
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March 2003. It is proposed to extend the project for the Tenth Five Year Plan period also.
c) Strengthening of Information activities (Rs. 1.02 crores )
An information Kiosk is a centre where anyone wanting to access information on agriculture can do so with the touch screen. The Kiosks will operate supported with computer and software in the offices of Directorate, 27 Joint Director of Agriculture, 14 Farmers Training Centres, Agriculture Secretary Chamber, Hon’ble Agricultural Minister Chamber in a phased manner in the Tenth Plan period. The cost of the system with software and accessories will be Rs. 3.00 lakhs/unit. An amount of Rs. 1.02 crores provided for this scheme.
d) Upgradation of Information unit of the Directorate of Agriculture (Rs. 10 lakhs)
Printing machine, camera unit and Flip top table and lamp in the press will be upgraded. This will improve the quality of work and reduce the time considerably.
e) Scheme for Farmers Tour for Oilseed Growers (Rs. 60 lakhs)
To study the latest technologies existing in other States and to improve the production and productivity of Oilseeds, a batch of 50 farmers each from major oilseed growing 10 districts will visit the research stations and Oilseed growing tracts in other States to bring the improved practices and advanced technologies for adoption in their fields.
5. Popularising Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) among farmers through farmers Training centres (FTC) (Rs. 2.16 crores)
Traditional agriculture conserves soils and their fertility levels. Agricultural practices and inputs used by traditional farmers are sustainable in nature. Latest agricultural practices and exhaustive exploitation of soil affects the soil health considerably, which in turn affects the productivity. To maintain soil health and productivity it has been proposed to train 500 farmers per district per year to popularize Integrated Nutrient Management technologies and practices through 14 Farmers Training Centres in the State.
6. Cotton thrust programmes ( Rs. 6.09 crores)
The normal area under cotton in Tamil Nadu is around 2.5 L.ha. cultivated both under rainfed (65%) and irrigated (35%) condition with production of 4 to 5 Lakh Bales, whereas the annual requirement of cotton in Tamil Nadu is around 45 Lakh Bales.
Although productivity of cotton is increasing, the area under cotton is declining due to following constraints:
1) The rainfed area coverage mainly depends on the time of getting of South West monsoon and quantum of rainfall received. If sufficient showers are not available during kharif season the rainfed cotton coverage decreases.
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2) Due to higher cost of cultivation and longer duration of the crop, cotton area has been shifted to other short duration crops like maize, onion and vegetable.
3) There is no organised marketing system for marketing of kapas. Small/ Marginal farmers are solely dependent on the middlemen for marketing kapas.
4) Incidence of pest and diseases is more in cotton than in other crops.
5) Cotton is more labour intensive crop when compared to other crops. Hence it is difficult to meet the labour requirement especially for harvest of cotton.
6) The availability of quality seed is difficult for many cotton growers. The Department is supplying quality certified seeds to 10% of rainfed area and 15% of irrigated area. Rainfed farmers are mostly using the cotton seed from ginning factories at a cheaper rate.
In order to increase production of cotton at least to meet 25% of State requirement, it is programmed to increase the cotton area under irrigated condition. The following schemes are proposed under State Programme in Tamil Nadu for the next five years with the main objectives of increasing area and production under cotton:
a) Popularising State Hybrid Entries/ National Hybrid Entries through Demonstratons (Rs. 24 lakhs)
To popularize State and National Hybrid Cotton to increase the productivity of cotton crop, it is proposed to conduct demonstrations in 10 cotton growing districts of the State from 2002-2003 onwards.
b) Pest Surveillance and Monitoring (Rs. 7.50 lakhs)
Cotton cultivation involves intensive use of Plant protection chemicals, inputs primarily insecticides. The indiscriminate use of Plant protection chemicals leads to the problems of residual effect, health hazards etc. It is proposed to have pest surveillance and adoption of IPM, Insect Resistant Management (IRM) technologies. This programme is already in operation under Technology Mission on Cotton in cotton growing districts. This programme will be extended to all the districts. Total requirement of financial assistance is Rs. 7.5 lakhs to cover an area of 25,000 Ha. in 5 years.
c) Hybrid Cotton Seed Production (Rs. 1.35 crores)
Seed is a vital element in cotton cultivation. Quality cotton seeds decide the production of cotton. Since cotton seed cannot be directly used from the previous crop like other crops, cotton certified seed production has to be given more importance. As Cotton seed production has to undergo certain processing technologies such as ginning, cleaning etc., many of the cotton farmers are reluctant in producing cotton seed and is therefore, expensive and requires extra care on seed production. Therefore, it is proposed to give production incentive to the cotton seed farmers for taking up cotton seed production.
Hybrid seed production should be taken up at taluk level by identifying suitable seed growers with the technical assistance from TNAU/DOA. Total
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requirement for five years is Rs. 1.35 crores to cover a total area of 1 lakh Ha. under hybrid cotton production.
d) Certified Seed Farms (Rs. 1 crore)
Certified Seed Farms will be established in taluk level by identifying suitable seed growers. The taluk requirement of cottonseed should be produced at the taluk level organised seed farms. The seed replacement rate may be enhanced from the present level of 10% for rainfed, 15% for irrigated to 15% -20% for which sufficient seed farms should be established. A production incentive of Rs. 500 per quintal will be given to seed grower for taking seed production. For total production of 5,000 qtls. Rs. 25 lakhs may be required per year and for the Plan period an amount of Rs. 1 crore is provided.
e) Intercropping Cotton with Banana/ Sugarcane (Rs. 3.43 crores)
Cultivating cotton with banana and sugarcane is one of the strategies for increasing the cotton area. Efforts will be taken to raise cotton as intercrop in sugarcane and banana growing area, and specific targets will be given to district level officers for increasing the cotton area. The farmers will be given financial assistance for increasing cotton as intercrop with banana/sugarcane @ Rs. 500/Hact. to meet the cost of seed, bio fertilizer etc.
7. Agricultural Machinery & Equipments (Rs. 2.90 crores)
a) Distribution of Agricultural Implements to Agricultural Labourers (Rs. 90.00 lakhs)
Agricultural implements such as crowbar, mammutty and iron pan help the poor farmers and most agricultural labourers to carry out day to day operations so as to sustain their livelihood. It is therefore proposed to distribute 20,000 Nos. of Mammutty and 10,000 Nos. of Crowbar under 50% subsidy cost for a total sum of Rs. 22.50 lakhs per annum during the Tenth Five Year Plan. The total outlay provided for this scheme is Rs. 90 lakhs.
b) Distribution of Bullock drawn tyrecarts to all farmers (Rs. 2 crores)
The bullock drawn cart is very useful to the farmer for carting produce to market, besides transport of agricultural inputs such as manures and fertilizers to the field. In view of this, it is proposed to distribute 500 Nos. of tyrecarts (full cost Rs. 20,500) with 50% subsidy (limited to Rs. 10,000 per unit) at a total cost of Rs. 50 lakhs per year. During the Tenth Plan period 2,000 tyrecarts will be distributed with a subsidy of Rs. 2 crores.
8. Quality standard activities (Rs. 8.10 crores)
a) Strengthening of the State Seed Farm (Rs. 1.08 crores)
There are 39 State Seed Farms functioning in this State for the production of quality foundation and certified seeds of paddy and millets. In some of the farms there are no facilities for stocking inputs and seeds separately. For producing better quality of seeds, separate seed godowns are essential. Therefore, it is proposed to construct 9 Seed Godowns @ 3 godowns per year during the Tenth Five Year Plan period at cost of Rs. 12.00 lakhs per godown. The total cost will be Rs. 1.08 crores.
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b) Strengthening of Seed Processing Units (Rs. 70.00 lakhs)
Seed Processing Units play major role in the quality seed production. There are 16 major, 54 mini and 3 medium units in the State. Many of the seed processing machines have lost their capacity due to wear and tear. Therefore, it is proposed to replace the worn-out and old seed processing units with new machines in 10 mini Units and 5 major units during the Tenth Plan period in a phased manner at a unit cost of Rs. 3.50 lakhs for mini unit and Rs. 6.95 lakhs for major unit.
c) Construction of Seed Godowns in the Seed Processing Unit (Rs. 1.32 crores)
The Seed Processing Units either attached to State Seed Farm or functioning separately do not have enough Seed Godown facilities. Therefore separate seed godowns at an estimated cost of Rs. 12 lakhs per godown will be constructed at cost of Rs. 1.32 crores.
d) Repairing of Agricultural Extension Centres (Rs. 2.50 crores)
Agricultural Department is having 880 Agricultural Extension Centres for storing of Agricultural inputs intended for farming community. To ensure safety of agricultural inputs stored in the godown it is proposed to repair the Agricultural Extension Centres at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crores.
e) Providing Dunnage to Agricultural Extension Centres (Rs. 2.50 crores)
In Tamilnadu there are 880 Agricultural Extension Centres, which are situated at various parts of the State. The Agricultural inputs like Seeds of all crops, M.N. Mixture, Bio-fertiliser, Bio-pesticides, Agricultural Implements are stocked and distributed to the farmers. The 'certified seeds will lose its viability if the seeds are not stocked properly. This requires provision of dunnages. It is proposed to provide dunnages to the Agricultural Extension Centres at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crores during Plan period.
9. Integrated Intensive Farming Systems (ECO – Farming)- A Pilot Scheme (Rs. 1.64 crores)
Integrated Intensive Farming System (IIFS), with a host of enterprises based on crop-livestock fish-apiculture in appropriate combinations in different types and sizes of land holding supports a variety of non-farm activities. This type has the potential to meet the challenge of fulfilling the aspirations of the farmers besides producing enough to feed the burgeoning population. Such a farming system could provide both food security and livelihood security to the rural work force on an ecologically sustainable basis. Crop-livestock, crop-fish, agro-forestry and other forms of integrated farming systems can help to provide both additional channels of household income and opportunities for value-addition. As a pilot scheme IIFS can be implemented through Private Extension Organizations (NGOs) in each district to organize IIFS demonstration plots of not less than 2 hectare each. For laying demonstration, an incentive of Rs. 2500/- per hectare has to be provided.
10. Waste Land Development Programme (Rs. 400 crores)
Tamil Nadu has a geographical area of about 130 L.ha.s of land. Out of this 16.4% is forest, 3.7% is barren, 15.3 % is put to non-agricultural uses and
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only 43.4% is cultivated. Of the rest, 2.7% is cultivable waste, 1% is grazing land, 1.7% is under miscellaneous tree crops, 8.7% is current fallow and 9.4 % is other fallow land. Cultivable waste, current and other fallows account for about 18.1% of the land (23.62 L.ha). There are lands, which can be cultivated but are not actually cultivated for want of water and other resources. In addition, a large extent of 42.68 L.ha. is under single crop dry cultivation and purely depend on rainfall.
A project for reclaiming 20 L.ha.of cultivable wasteland through a massive wasteland programme is to be implemented over 5 years on Watershed basis. The Tamil Nadu Watershed Development Agency has been constituted under Societies Registration Act 1975 with the objective to prepare and implement a Plan of action for development.
The project would aim to achieve the objectives of sustainable production of horticulture products, biomass, restoration of ecological balance and maximizing employment potential for the watershed community, especially of weaker sections of the society through rehabilitation of wasteland.
The project will specifically focus on the following:
• Conservation, upgradation and utilization of natural endowments like land, water, climate, plant, animal and human resources in a harmonious and integrated manner.
• Improvement of production, environment and restoration of ecological balance through scientific management of land and rainwater, as well as reclamation of problem soils.
• Generation of massive employment in the wastelands to ensure livelihood security.
The policy of the Government is to act as a facilitator in order to bring corporate houses and small landholders together to bring maximum extent of fallow and wastelands under cultivation.
The programme shall have three main crop planning strategies:
• Medicinal, aromatic and horticulture Plants will be promoted in high-grade wastelands with assured rainfall.
Wasteland Development
•• 20 lakh ha will be reclaimed.
•• Medicinal, Aromatic, and horticulture: Oilseed plants like Jetropha and Paradise tree; Bio-mass plantation such as Prosophis and Casuarina will be promoted.
•• Corporate and Contract Farming will be promoted.
•• Rs. 8500/- per ha for planting will be cost norms.
•• 10 lakh beneficiaries
•• Rs. 400 crores outlay. External funding will be sought.
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• Oilseeds Plants, edible and non-edible comprising Paradise and Jatropha trees will be encouraged in medium grade wastelands.
• Biomass Plantations such as Prosophis and Casuarina will be promoted in marginal wastelands for supporting energy and electricity needs.
The project has three components
i) 18.5 L.ha. will be developed and planted mainly with rainfed agro-forestry and fruit trees. This largest component is a programme for participatory watershed treatment and planting of economic plants in cultivable wastes by individual farmers.
ii) The next major component will be to promote corporate and contract farming. One L.ha. of wasteland will be developed by the corporate sector as orchards with drip and sprinkler irrigation and with other facilities. Regarding development of wasteland by corporate sector, the Government has already announced its policy decision to implement the programme with forward linkages to agri-business, storage and markets. Under this programme blocks of land lying current fallow and waste would be developed with high value horticulture crops etc., and serve as a fulcrum for agri-business.
iii) The final component will be to treat problem soils, waterlogged, saline, alkaline, gullied and deserted/coastal sandy areas. 0.5 L.ha. of salt affected land will be reclaimed. This approach is adopted for correction of problem soils, which is another reason for lands remaining waste.
The cost norms for planting activity are Rs. 8500/- per ha of wasteland and the components include provision of hand-operated bore wells wherever feasible. The farmer’s contribution is estimated at 30% of the total planting cost norms.
It is programmed to cover 10 lakh rural beneficiaries by the end of this project at the fifth year. An amount of Rs. 400 crores is provided for this programme for the Tenth Plan and it will be implemented through external funding.
11. Pulses revolution through Pulses Villages and a Quality Literacy Movement (Rs. 1 crore)
At present pulses production and productivity is very low in Tamil Nadu. To give a thrust to the pulses production and productivity following the schemes are proposed to be implemented. A lump sum provision of Rs. 1 crore is provided for this programme.
a) Demonstration
Ten potential pulses village in each district will be identified in 100 Ha compact block area in which all pulses production technologies will be demonstrated. Total area of 27000 ha will be covered in the State. The pulses certified seeds will also be distributed at the rate of 20 Kgs per ha to the farmers involved in the above demonstration at 50 % subsidy limited to Rs.15 per kg.
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A video film on “Pulses Village” concept will be produced in digital format by TNAU for screening the same through the departmental information network and popular cable TV network.
b) Community Bore Wells
Digging of Community wells will be arranged for irrigating the pulses in the compact block area. Depending upon the possibility 10 open or bore wells in each district will be dug in above compact area. 50 % of cost of well will be borne by farmers and 50 % by the Government.
c) DAP Foliar spraying
Two rounds of 2% DAP foliar spraying one during flowering stage and the another during pod formation stage will be arranged in all the above compact block of the pulses village. 75% cost of the DAP per ha may be given as subsidy to the farmers.
d) Dhall mills
Ten Community pulses dhall mills will be established in each district so that the farmers in the programme would get value addition for their raw products to fetch more price in the market. 50 per cent cost of machinery will be given as subsidy. B. Horticulture
Ongoing Schemes
The ongoing schemes in the department of horticulture department are Integrated Horticulture Development Programme, Integrated Tribal Development Programme, Western Ghat and Hill Area Development Programme. New Schemes
1) Establishment of Post Harvest Clinics (Rs. 5.50 crores)
It is aimed to establish 10 post-harvest clinics with facilities for collection, pre-cooling, grading, storing cool chain system etc., and to educate the growers on pre and post-harvest management practices not only to minimise the wastage but also to improve the quality of horticulture produce during the Tenth Plan period at a cost of Rs. 5.50 crores.
2) Strengthening the Extension Base In Districts (Rs13.20 crores)
It is proposed conduct intensive training and awareness campaigns for sustainable development of horticulture in the State and to create a base in districts, to serve as information cum education centre for the benefit of growers entrepreneurs, exporters etc with financial assistance of Rs. 13.20 crores.
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C. Agricultural Engineering
Ongoing Schemes
The ongoing schemes in the department of Agricultural Engineering are hiring of Tractor and Bulldozer and Installation of Drip Irrigation.
New Schemes
1) Demonstration of Agricultural Implements (Rs. 1.70 crores)
A Central Sector Scheme, namely, Development of Prototypes of Industrial Designs of Agricultural Implements including Horticulture equipment and their trial at farmer's field supports such a demonstration programme. One of the components of the scheme is a provision of extensive demonstration / trials of improved agricultural equipment including horticultural equipment especially the newly developed ones through field demonstration
It is proposed to organise demonstration of improved agricultural implements evolved by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
It is proposed to conduct 150 Demonstrations at select blocks every year. An outlay of Rs. 1.70 crores is proposed for the Tenth Plan period.
2) Construction of Additional floor (II Floor) over the Existing Building of the Office of the Chief Engineer (Agrl.Engg.) Chennai.(Rs. 60 lakhs)
At present the Office of the Chief Engineer (Agrl.Engg.) is functioning with 250 staff and is accommodated in the ground and first floor of the existing building. The record room, budget, account and audit sections, remote sensing and despatch sections are located outside the existing building in a covered shed due to want of space. It is proposed to construct one additional floor (II Floor) over the existing building for accommodating the sections presently functioning outside the main building. The estimated cost of construction of one additional floor over the existing building is Rs. 60 lakhs.
3) Strengthening of tractor workshops (Rs. 1.25 crores)
At present Tractor Workshops available in this department at Chennai, Vellore, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tiruvarur are capable of undertaking maintenance and repair works of the earth moving and drilling machinery available in this department. Considering the expertise available, Government has permitted Agricultural Engineering Department to undertake the repair works of motor vehicles also in the Tractor Workshops. By improving the infrastructure facilities of Tractor Workshops, the capacity of the workshops to carry out repairs and maintenance of earth moving machinery, drilling machinery and motor vehicle can be increased manifold. This is suggested with a view to increase the revenue receipts of Tractor Workshops by optimal utilization of the existing manpower and machinery. In order to take up additional works, the infrastructure facilities available in the Tractor Workshop have to be strengthened. An outlay of Rs. 1.25 crores is proposed. This will be utilized by suitable prioritization and selective investment based on the capacity of workshops to generate additional revenue.
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4) Establishment of Agricultural Processing Information Centres (Rs. 1.10 crores)
Post Harvest and Processing Technology - It has been estimated that the post harvest losses of foodgrains, semiperishables and perishable commodities range from 10% to 40% of the total production. The post harvest losses of paddy occuring in different operations are reported as below-
Harvesting 1 - 3% Handling 2 – 7%
Threshing 2 - 6% Drying 1 - 5%
Storage 2 - 6% Milling 2 - 10%
Reported losses within the post harvest system for other staple crops are summarized below-
Maize 6.5 to 7.5% Wheat 8 to 25%
Millet 7 to 10% Sorghum 7.5%
Legumes 8.5%
The post harvest problems with perishable crops are worse as compared to durable commodities. The horticultural crops differ from other food crops like cereals with respect to certain natural characteristics like moisture content (70 to 95% as against 10 - 20% in case of cereals), texture (soft as against less than one gram in the case of cereals) etc., which make them highly perishable resulting in huge post harvest losses.
The post harvest technology of the various crops has not been given adequate attention so far, even though it has the capacity to provide more food, feed and fibre through scientific conservation eliminating avoidable losses and making available more nutritive food and value-added products from low grade raw materials by processing, fortification, packaging, transport and marketing. It also creates scope for the creation of agro-based processing industries to produce value-added products assuring greater financial returns and generating employment opportunities, thus reviving rural economy. Thus the farmer whose role has been hitherto that of "Producer only" can be transformed into "Producer-cum-Processor" by evolving appropriate agro-based rural industries.
Further, the planned growth of agro-processing industries would on the one hand restrict the flow of people from village to industrial cities and on the other hand integrate rural and urban economies by eliminating regional imbalances. By improving the various harvest and post-harvest operations the losses can be minimized drastically and the benefit of high productivity already achieved will percolate to the farmers who take risk in raising the crops.
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The Agricultural Engineering Department has collected the technologies and equipment evolved by the following pioneer institutions in the field of Post Harvest Processing and Food Processing: 1) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 2) Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 3) Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, 4) Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 5) Indian Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Kharagpur. Updating of information from the above institutions and new institutions will continue to be done. The available technologies and equipment can be classified into three groups-that which can be absorbed by house holds, those which can be absorbed by small farms / small industries, and those which can be absorbed by large farms / major industries. It is proposed to establish " Agricultural Processing Information Centres" to be manned by trained engineers in 25 district headquarters at cost of Rs. 1.10 crores during the Tenth Plan period.
5) Infrastructure Development (Rs. 3.50 crores)
The Agricultural Engineering Department is assisting the farming community in the management of Land and Water Resources. At present there are 11 regions headed by Superintending Engineers, 28 divisions headed by Executive Engineers and 73 headed by Assistant Executive Engineers. The Department has land in its possession in places like Villupuram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli. It is proposed to construct Office Complexes to house all Agricultural Engineering Department Offices in the above said locations.
D. Agriculture Engineering Cooperative Federation. (AGROFED) (Rs. 50 lakhs)
Ongoing Schemes
Agrofed will continue to provide custom hiring machinery at a cost of Rs. 50 lakhs.
E. Department of Sugar (Rs. 9 crores)
Under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Sugar Factories Control Act, 1949, Sugarcane cess at 5% per tonne is levied and remitted to Government account by the factories. From the above said accumulations, the major portion of Cess Fund is apportioned to take up formation and improvement of roads to other districts and maintenance of such improved and existing roads in both Private and Public Co-operative Sector Sugar factory areas. This enables the vehicles to transport the sugarcane to the factories smoothly and speedily in addition to the other benefits to agriculturists.
F. Co-ooperation
On-going schemes
1. Assistance to small & marginal farmers enrolled under Crop Insurance Scheme (Rs. 1.25 crores)
Government of India has introduced a new scheme called the ‘‘National Agricultural Insurance Scheme” from Rabi 1999-2000. However in Tamil Nadu the new National Agricultural Insurance scheme is being implemented from Kharif 2000. Under the scheme the small and marginal farmers are entitled for
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50% of the total premium as subsidy. This premium subsidy is equally shared by the State and Centre on 50:50 ratio. Apart from the loanee farmers, non-loanee farmers are also covered under the scheme.
2. Contribution to Tamil Nadu Crop Insurance Fund (Rs. 14.05 crores)
Government of India has introduced a new scheme called “National Agricultural Insurance Scheme” from Rabi 1999-2000. In Tamil Nadu the scheme is being implemented from Kharif 2000. The GIC is expected to administer the scheme fully as regards collection of premium and payment of claims. Under the scheme, Government of India has requested the State Governments for creation of a corpus fund with contributions from Central Government and State Government on 50:50 basis. Centrally Sponsored Programmes
Agriculture
1. Macro Management Mode – Central assistance through Work Plan
The Government of India has decided to move away from the conventional scheme approach to “Macro Management Mode” for providing assistance to States for development of agriculture. Under this approach, Central assistance is provided to States through Work Plan formulated by the States, keeping in view their crop / region specific requirements. Liberty has been given to choose need-based components, which will benefit farmers. While leaving Mission Mode Programmes of Government of India, six schemes have been subsumed under Macro Management Mode Programme and implemented based on the Work Plan proposed and furnished by State Government. The financial assistance provided by the Government of India is 90%. The Government of Tamil Nadu meets 10%. The assistance of Government of India is in the form of 80% grant and 20% as loan. The major schemes that are implemented under the Macro Management Mode Programme are Cereals Development Programme, Supply of Agricultural Machinery, Sugarcane Development Scheme, and Coconut Development Scheme.
Under Macro Management Programme, the Central share will be Rs. 122.78 crores and the State ‘s share Rs. 13.64 crores.
2. Accelerated Maize Development Programme under Technology Mission on Maize
This scheme comes under Mission Mode programme in which expenditure is shared between Government of India and State on 75:25 basis. The main aim of this scheme is to increase the production and productivity of maize in the identified potential districts. An amount of Rs. 53.33 lakhs and 17.78 lakhs is provided as Centre and State share respectively.
3. Technology Mission on Cotton
The main objective of the Technology Mission (Mini Mission II) is to augment the production of cotton in Cotton growing districts through key inputs, training, plant protection, technology demonstration. The expenditure is shared on the basis of 75:25 by GOI and GOTN.
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4. Oil Seed Production Programme
To attain self-sufficiency by supply of essential inputs at subsidized cost and also by encouraging the farmers to adopt latest production technologies, the Oil Seed Production Programme is implemented to increase the productivity of oil seeds crops. The expenditure is shared on 75:25 basis by GOI and GOTN.
5. Oil palm Development Programme
The scheme aims to meet the edible oil demand within the State. The expenditure is shared on 75:25 basis by GOI and GOTN.
6. Farmers’ Exchange Programme
Under this programme groups of 20 farmers each from Tamil Nadu are being sent to other State, in order to learn the cultivation practices, schemes and technologies adopted by the farmers of the other States.
Horticulture
7. Integrated Programme for Development of Cashew
This scheme aims to increase the production and productivity of cashew in the State by expansion of area, rejuvenation of old senile gardens and adoption of integrated pest control measures. Demonstration plots are also being laid out to educate the growers on improved cultivation techniques.
8. Integrated Programme for Development of Spices
This scheme is aimed at to increase the area and production of various spice crops like Pepper, Turmeric, Chillies through supply of quality seeds and planting materials to the growers at subsidized cost. Demonstration plots are also laid out for the promotion of improved cultivation techniques for the benefit of the farmers.
9. Integrated Programme for Development of Tropical, Arid and Temperate Zone Fruits
The object of the scheme is to increase the production and productivity of fruit crops by supply of quality planting materials of high yielding varieties and inputs to the farmers at subsidised cost. Additional area will be brought under various fruit crops every year for increasing the production of fruits.
10. Scheme for Development of Commercial floriculture
The scheme is implemented to promote scientific cultivation of commercial flowers on large scale. Demonstration plots are laid out in the farmer’s holdings and inputs are distributed to the growers at subsidized cost. A model floriculture centre has been established at Udhagamandalam not only for demonstration but also to produce tissue culture Plantlets for distribution to the growers.
11. Integrated Programme for Development of Cocoa
This scheme is implemented in the State to increase the production and productivity of cocoa. Demonstration plots are laid out by using vegetatively propagated high yielding varieties in the farmers’ holding in order to educate
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them on the latest technologies. The planting materials utilized for area expansion are supplied at subsidized cost.
12. Scheme for Development of Vegetables including Root and Tuber crops
The scheme aims at increasing the production and productivity of vegetables including root and tuber crops in the States. Under this scheme, minikits containing improved Planting materials / seeds, fertilizers and Plant production chemicals are distributed to growers at subsidized cost. Demonstration plots are also laid out in farmers’ fields and inputs are supplied at subsidized cost.
13. Development of Mushroom Cultivation
With the aim to increase the production of quality mushroom, training on scientific mushroom cultivation is given to the farmers.
14. Development of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
The main aim of this scheme is to encourage the growers to take up cultivation of important medicinal and aromatic plants so as to increase their area and production in Tamil Nadu. Demonstration-cum-Seed production Centres are laid out in the farmer’s fields and required inputs are distributed at subsidized cost.
15. Polygreen houses and drying of spices
The scheme is implemented for establishing low cost polygreen house by giving 40% subsidy to a maximum of Rs. 40,000/- per unit. The other component of this scheme is distribution of polythene sheets for drying of spices in order to get quality produce. Special Area Development Programme
1. Western Ghats Development Programme
The main objective of the scheme is to prevent soil erosion in the Western Ghats region and to improve the eco-system. This scheme is being implemented in the districts of Coimbatore, Erode, Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli. Under this scheme, quality Planting materials, vegetable seeds, implements and other inputs are distributed to the farmers at 50% subsidy for taking up cultivation of horticultural crops. An amount of Rs. 5 crores is provided for this programme.
2. Hill Area Development Programme
This scheme is implemented in Nilgiris District in order to prevent soil erosion in the sloppy hill areas and to preserve the eco-system of the hills by crops diversification viz. from annual crops to perennial horticultural crops like tea, coffee, fruits, spices and other economic crops. Farmers are encouraged to take up vegetable cultivation in the lands having less than 10% slopes. Under this scheme, Planting materials are produced and supplied to the farmers at subsidized cost. An amount of Rs. 1.30 crores is provided for this scheme.
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3. Eastern Ghat Development Programme
The basic objective is ecological development, eco preservation and protecting environmental degradation and for socio-economic development of the people of the region. Eastern Ghats are not contiguous and are spread over 16 districts, (3 districts in coastal Eastern Ghats, 9 districts in central Eastern ghats and 4 district in southern Eastern Ghats). A beginning can be made during the Tenth Plan with perspective plan to solve problems of the Eastern Ghats and to preserve ecological and bio-diversity in the region. The activities proposed are enrichment and usufruct planting including soil and moisture conservation and water harvesting works, improvement of private/tribal lands, improved agriculture and proper crop and cropping pattern, water saving irrigation methods, agro-industries, marketing and income generating activities.
Annexure I Ninth Five Year Plan Performance -Crop husbandry.
(Rs. in crores) Ninth Five Year Plan
Sl.No Sector
Outlay Expenditure % of expd. to outlay
1 Direction and Administration 7.00 5.33 2 Food grains crops 200.00 122.11 3. Seeds 234.00 145.58 4 Agrl.Farms 0.10 5 Manures and Fertilisers 10.00 4.07 6 Plant Protection 15.15 15.67 7 Commercial crops 93.40 69.34 8 Extension and Trainsing 34.30 22.89 9 Crop Insurance 4.25 10.43 10 Agrl.Econ.and Statistics -- 0.99 11 Development of Pulses 5.00 4.47 12 Agrl.Eng 80.00 28.38 13 Devt.of Oilseeds 18.15 12.75 14 Small and Marginal farms -- 1.09 15 Horticulture and Vegetables 96.47 70.19 16 Investment inPUs -- 1.85 17 Farmining Cooperatives -- 0.08 18 Special Component Plan 55.00 56.23 19 Tribal Sub Plan -- 3.25 20 Other Expenditure 147.28 15.67 21 Hill Area Development Prog. -- 14.47 22 Westerna Ghat Development -- 5.63 Total 1000.00 610.60
61.06
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Annexure II Target and achievement during the Ninth Plan period
Crop Area
(L.Ha) Production
(LMT) Productivity
(kg/Ha) Target Acht. Target Acht. Target Acht. I Agriculture 1.Paddy 21.00 22.75 79.00 81.41 3762 3579 2.Millets 15.00 7.90 20.00 10.19 1333 1311 3.Pulses 10.00 6.93 8.00 3.13 800 478 4.Total foodgrains 46.00 36.76 107.00 94.12 2326 2560 5. Oilseeds 15.00 12.89 25.00 16.45 1667 1829 6. Cotton 2.50 2.28 8.00 4.06 544 316 7.Sugarcane 2.50 3.16 34.50 34.66 13600 11855 II Horticulture 1. Fruits 2.27 2.45 62.40 63.65 27.48 25.98 2. Vegetables 1.83 2.19 58.52 60.90 31.97 27.80 3.Species & Condiments
1.76 1.84 4.41 3.33 2.50 1.81
4. Plantation 1.86 2.00 8.37 7.48 4.50 3.74 5. Flowers 0.20 0.20 1.54 1.57 7.7 7.85
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Annexure III Tenth Five Year Plan Outlay-Crop Husbandry
(Rs. in crores) Sl.No Sector Ongoing New Total
I. Agriculture Department 1 Food grains crops 0.90 -- 0.90 2. Seeds 134.19 14.26 148.45 3 Manures and Fertilizers -- 2.82 2.82 4 Plant Protection 13.12 22.87 35.99 5 Commercial crops 60.00 6.09 66.09 6 Extension and Training 3.02 24.69 27.71 7 Development of Pulses 1.70 1.00 2.70 9 Agricultural engineering 2.90 2.90
10 Development of Oilseeds 12.55 -- 12.55 11 Small and Marginal farms 0.52 -- 0.52 12 Special Component Plan 50.63 -- 50.63 14 Tribal Sub Plan 0.06 -- 0.06 15 Other Expenditure 1.00 -- 1.00 16 Wasteland Development
Programme 400.00 --- 400.00
Total-Agriculture 677.69 74.63 752.32 II.Horticulture Department 1 Horticulture and Vegetables 100.85 5.50 100.85 2 Horticulture Extension - 13.20 13.20 3 Hill Area Development
Programme 1.30 -- 1.30
4 Western Ghat Development Programme
5.00 5.00
5 Eastern Ghat Development Programme
-- 3.30 3.30
Total- Horticulture 107.15 22.00 129.15 III.Agriculture Engineering Department 1 Agrl. Engineering 85.58 8.15 93.73
IV. AGROFED Agrl.engineering 0.50 - 0.50
V. Department of Sugars Commercial Crops 9.00 - 9.00
VI.Registrar of Cooperatives Crop Insurance 15.30 15.30
Grand Total-Crop Husbandary 895.22 104.78 1000.00
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Annnexure IV
New Schemes details - Crop Husbandry (Rs. in crores)
Sl. No Scheme Name
Outlay
Agriculture Seeds
1 Popularisation of Hybrid Rice 4.52 2 Strengthening of 9 SSF @ Rs. 12 Lakhs/ SSF 1.08
3 Strengthening of SPU 0.70 4 Construction of Seed Godown 1.32 5 Repairing of old Agricultural Extension Centres 2.50
6 Providing Dunnages to Agricultural Extension Centres
2.50
7 Integrated Intensive farming approach 1.64
Total- Seeds 14.26 Manures and Fertilisers
8 Schme for bio fertiliser distribution 0.60 9 Schme on composting of farm wastes through
pleurotus 0.12
10. Vermi Composting of Agrl.waste 0.16 11 Procurement & Distribution of Green Manure
Seeds @ 25% subsidy 1.94
Total- Manures and Fertilisers 2.82 Plant Protection
12 Integrated Pest Management 1. Season Long Training 1.75 2. Infrastructure Development 16.07
13 Distribution of Biopesticides minikits Paddy, oilseeds,& cotton 0.99
14 Estt. of Mini-Bio control Production Unit and Training on production of Biocontrol Agents 1.56
15 Pheromone lures for pests on coconut 2.50
Total- Plant Protection 22.87 Agricultural Extension
16 Conducting of Zonal Workshops and preseason campaigns 1.00
17 TANWA Phase III 18.17 18 Strengthening of information activities 1.02 19 Upgrading information unit @ H.Qrs. 0.10 20 Farmers Tour for Oilseed growers 0.60 21 Popularising Integrated Nutrient Management
through Farmers Trg. 2.16
Total- Agricultural Extension 24.69
Commercial Crops Cotton Thrust Programmes
22 Popularising State/ National Hybrid entries through demonstration
0.24
23 Pest survelliance and monitoring 0.08 24 Hybrid Seed Production 1.35
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Sl. No Scheme Name Outlay
(Rs. in crores) 25 Certified Seed Farms 1.00 26 Intercropping with Sugarcane and Banana 3.43 Total- Commercial Crops 6.09 Agricultural Engineering
27 Distribution of Agrl.implements To Agricultural Labourers 0.90
28 Distribution of Bullock drawn tyrecarts Agricultural Machinery & Equipments
2.00
Total- Agricultural Engineering 2.90 Pulses Development
29 AL Lumsum provision for Pulses Pul Revolution programmes 1.00
TotTotal -Pulses Development 1.00 TOTAL- Agriculture Department 74.63
Horticulture Department 1 Establishment of post harvest clinics 5.50 2 Strengthening the extension basis in the
district 13.20
3 EasternGhat Development 3.30
Total-Horticulture Department 22.00
Agricultural Engineering
1 Demonstration of Agricultural Implements and Machinery 1.70
2 Construction of additional floor in the O/o Chief Engineer(AE) Chennai. 0.60
3 Strengthening of Tractor Workshops 1.25
4 Agricultural Processing Information Centre 1.10
5
Infrastructural Development - New Buildings for S.E.(AE) offices in Villupuram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli
3.50
Total- Agricultural Engineering 8.15
Grand Total-New Schemes-Agriculture, Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering Department
104.78
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Annexure V
Physical Target on Production for Tenth Five Year Plan Sl. No.
Crop Target (in LMT)
1 Rice 91.04 2 Millets 11.84 3 Pulses 3.50 4 Total Food grains 106.38 5 Oilseeds 18.08 6 Sugarcane (Gur) 40.59 7 Cotton (lint) 8.60 8 Fruits 63.68 9 Vegetables 94.25
10 Spices 10.50 11 Plantation crop 12.22 12 Flowers 2.30 13 Medicinal plants 0.08
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