Agro and Food Processing
Introduction:
Government of Manipur is looking forward to explore the resources available towards the development of Food Processing Industries in the state as Food Processing Sector plays a significant supportive role in diversification and commercialisation of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Poultry, Animal husbandry and Forest, improving value addition in the agricultural produce, employment generation and providing income and production of agro-food products for export.Prospective mobilisation of this sector is mainly concerned with the raw material resources and its potential for future expansion, improvement of infrastructure, investment ability and up-gradation of technology.
Agro-Horticulture:
Agriculture plays a vital role as it is the main backbone of the State economy till today. The agriculture is mainly dependent on monsoon however around 28.49% of area under cultivation is irrigated by Canals. Moreover with a range of natural conditions and varied soil and topography, the state produces sizeable quantity of Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Pulses, Oilseeds such as Mustard, groundnut, Soyabeans, Sunflower, Ginger, Turmeric and Fruits like Pineapple, Lime/Lemon, Banana, Orange, Papaya, Plum and vegetables like, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Tomato, Pea, Squash, Carrot, Pumpkin, etc. The existing area under fruits and vegetable crop is about 1.08% of the total geographical area and with such suitable agro-climatic conditions, the state still has lots of potential areas on the foot hills, mild hill slopes and along the river banks.
Agriculture:
The existing area under cultivation of different crops in Manipur is 2,85,000 hectares as against the available potential area of 3,25,500 hectares.Rice, wheat, maize, oil seeds, potato and sugarcane etc. are the main crops in the State. Among these crops, cultivation of paddy is the largest both in the plains and hills, and covers 82% of the total cultivated area. Among the variety of rice, there are two varieties of rice locally named as “CHAK-HAO POIREITON” having its natural colour (dark violet) and a distinct flavour and “CHAK-HAO” having its natural white colour, scent and distinctive flavour. Next to paddy, maize is the second largest cultivated crop.It occupies about 40% of the gross cropped area and grown mainly in the hills. Area and production of different crops are given below:
Sl Crops 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01
Area Production Area Production Area Production
‘000 ha. ‘000 MT ‘000 ha. ‘000 MT ‘000 ha. ‘000 MT
1. Paddy 211.50 397.66 126.49 353.99 212.39 477.21
2. Wheat 0.45 0.68 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.03
3. Maize 16.50 29.60 13.84 24.88 16.50 33.16
4. Pulses 16.37 13.10 21.50 14.87 22.20 16.45
5. Oilseeds 15.11 9.26 20.33 13.90 22.75 15.21
6. Potato 3.88 22.99 7.30 68.50 7.52 62.04
7. Sugarcane 4.00 240.00 3.00 180.00 3.10 185.00
Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur.
Horticulture:
Manipur has vast potential for commercial plantation of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange, grapes etc. and Pineapple, Banana, Passion fruit, temperate fruits and locally available fruits (amla, olive, figs, mandrine and Heirukokthong etc.). The quality of the pineapple (Q-variety) so available in Manipur has distinctive taste and flavour. So far, identified potential area is estimated at 2,77,000 Hectares. Out of this about 24,000 Hectares are covered under different crops. Area and production in respect of some of the fruits in the State are given below:
Sl. Crops 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02
Area Prodn Area Prodn Area Prodn
‘000 ha. ‘000 MT ‘000 ha. ‘000 MT ‘000 ha. ‘000 MT
A. FRUITS
1. Pineapple 10.00 68.97 10.02 69.14 10.08 69.43
Banana 1.63 12.93 1.65 13.01 1.66 13.11
Papaya 1.87 10.29 1.87 10.31 1.89 10.24
Orange 0.90 3.68 0.93 3.70 0.94 3.76
Mango 0.18 0.94 0.19 0.95 0.20 1.10
Pear/peach 0.62 4.03 0.35 4.11 0.64 3.86
Guava 0.71 2.41 0.72 2.46 0.73 2.48
Lemon 1.10 5.07 1.13 5.14 1.13 5.17
Jack fruits 0.29 1.14 0.29 1.16 0.30 1.20
Others 7.27 8.67 7.30 8.67 7.30 8.81
B. VEGETABLES
Cauliflower 1.00 10.00 1.01 10.10 1.01 10.10
Cabbage 1.30 15.60 1.32 15.84 1.32 15.84
Tomato 0.50 4.08 0.50 4.12 0.51 4.16
Pea 1.00 5.76 1.01 5.81 1.01 5.82
Radish 0.23 2.30 0.23 2.30 0.23 2.35
Carrot 0.28 2.04 0.28 2.03 0.28 2.07
French Bean 0.60 1.83 0.61 1.86 0.62 1.89
Bhindi 0.70 2.31 0.71 2.34 0.72 2.38
Brinjal 0.31 1.60 0.31 1.63 0.32 1.65
Knol-khol 0.29 1.50 0.29 1.50 0.29 1.50
Others 0.31 0.87 0.31 0.88 0.32 0.89
C. SPICES
Chilli 7.01 22.78 7.01 22.78 7.03 23.06
Ginger 1.10 11.00 1.10 11.00 1.11 11.14
Onion 0.52 5.20 0.53 5.30 0.54 5.43
Turmeric 0.31 3.72 0.32 3.78 0.32 3.78
Source : Horticulture Department, Government of Manipur .
Mushrooms:
A new thrust area is cultivation of mushrooms. In the world scenario, it is generally seen that countries with a weak economy tended towards the mushroom industries for export since mushrooms provide “hard” currencies. Mushrooms also have a low gestation period ensuring fast returns in terms of income and realisation of investments. In India during the past few years with the liberalisation of foreign investments, it has been seen that an increasing number of multinational institutions have voiced their willingness to invest in mushroom production units in the country with 100% export oriented units. There is, thus vast scope for commercial cultivation of mushrooms in India and specially in the North-East which offers ideal weather conditions for mushroom cultivation.
The State is having favourable climatic conditions for growing mushrooms. Wild varieties of mushrooms grow abundantly and some of such mushrooms are edible. Pleurotus and Agaricus mushroom varieties can be grown throughout the year in this State. Similarly other varieties such as, Auricularia Auricula (UCHINA), Schizphyllum commune (KANGLAYEN), Letimula edodes (THANGJIYEN), Volvariella SPP (CHARUYEN), etc. can also be cultivated. Substrate for cultivation of mushrooms are available locally except few chemicals that are to be procured from other states. Few varieties, which can be cultivated at normal conditions are given below:
Varieties Season
i) Agaricus bisporus (Button Mushrooms) December - March
ii) Agaricus bitorquis February - April/August-October
iii) Pleurotus Flabellatus April - July
iv) Pleurotus Sajor - Caju August - November
Pleurotus Ostreatus December - March
Dr C. O. Rangad, Ph,D. And M/s Gee Gee (Foods and packaging) Co. (P) Ltd., New Delhi had prepared a techno-economic feasibility report for the establishment of a “pilot project on Mushroom Cultivation” at Mao in Senapati District by Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Ltd. (MTDC). As per the said report, Agaricus species (Button Mushrooms) are suitable for cultivation as Button Mushrooms grow well at low temperature (i.e. 18 C to 20 C). In this regard, Horticulture Department, Government of Manipur has been encouraging local farmers to cultivate mushrooms. It is one of the important growth areas.
Tea:
Tea grows wild in this State since time immemorial. However, plantation of tea for commercial production has been started from the year 1981-82 by Manipur Plantation Crops Corporation Limited in Jiribam.
The targeted project area of tea plantation is 425 ha. out of which till the end of 1996 a substantive area of 260 ha. has already been covered. The yield of green tea leaf since inception upto 30th June, 1997 was 200 M.T. approx. A target of 500 M.T. of green tea leaf is attempted during the current year. As there is no suitable alternative at present, green tea leaf are sold to the Jirighat Tea Estate, Cachar, Assam @ Rs. 5 Kg. (ex factory). The Corporation has collected a revenue of Rs. 10 lakhs upto the end of June, 1997. Considering the increasing trend of yield and productivity and also to arrest unremunerative income from sale of green tea leaf, a modern tea factory is being installed at Manipur Tea Estate, Jiribam.
Bamboo and Bamboo Shoots:
Bamboo although not cultivated systematically, grow in wild abundantly along the low altitude hill areas where the rainfall is high. The major species of bamboo which are available in the bamboo forest are given below:-
Sl.No. Botanical Name Local Name
1. Bambusa arundinacea SANEIBI
2. Bambusa pallida KAL SUNDI
3. Dendrocalamus giganteus MEIRIBOB
4. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii WANAP/UNAP/PECHA
5. Melocana bambusoides MOUBI/MULI
6. Teinostachya dulooa DULU
7. Bambusa tulda UTANG
About 3,218 sq. Kms. area are covered with bamboo forest mainly by Melocana bambusoides sp. (Muli) in the reserved, protected and unclassed forest. The Forest Department, Government of Manipur has carried out survey of bamboo stock and growing stock of bamboo to determine the average yield per annum, as given below:
Sl. No Name of Block Geographical area (sq. kms.) Total Bamboo area (sq. kms.) Qty. Of bamboo in lakh tonnes Annual yield calculated on growing stick (in lakh tonnes)
1. Thanlon 1238.40 387.00 10.14 1.69
2. Henglep 637.26 206.08 4.63 0.77
3. Nungba 1465.44 278.14 13.89 2.28
4. Tipaimukh 789.48 278.64 7.92 1.32
5. Jiribam 309.60 36.12 0.70 0.12
6. Tamenglong 1083.60 283.80 5.09 0.85
Total: 5523.78 1470.28 42.37 7.03
Source: Forest Department, Manipur
The available resources of bamboo and bamboo shoots are yet to be commercially utilised fully in Manipur. It is mainly consumed at present in the construction of houses, mat and baskets etc. About 20-30 MT of bamboo shoots are consumed annually for the production of canned bamboo shoots. Keeping in view the existing resources and its utilisation, there is still a good scope for commercial utilisation of bamboo in the following sectors:
Food Processing Sector:
The average food value of bamboo shoot is given below:
Moisture 88.80 %
Protein 3.90 %
Fat 0.50%
Minerals 1.10%
Carbohydrates 5.70%
Calorific value 43.00 Kcal.
With the high moisture content, Bamboo shoots can be processed into the following products:
a) Canned Bamboo shoots:
i) In brine
ii) In curried vegetable
iii) In syrups
b) Bamboo shoot candies
c) Bamboo shoot chutney
d) Bamboo shoot sweet pickles
e) Fermented bamboo shoots (Locally named as Soibum and Soidon)
f) Bamboo shoot powder
There is a good demand of the above bamboo shoot products (orient food) in the local and export markets, specially, in countries namely Japan, Singapore, China, Thailand, Hongkong and U.K. etc. It is one of the prospective areas for investment.
Rubber:
Rubber Plantation under Forest Department, Manipur started in 1977-78 in Jiribam area covering about 938 Ha.
Potential Area: Jiribam area is, in fact, a non-traditional area for the Rubber Crop. However, due to prevalence of optimum climate, edaphic conditions required for successful growth of the crop, Jiribam has got good potential for undertaking plantation of rubber in a large commercial scale. Besides, there is a good transport facility to connect the area with good markets of Rubber Crop.
The outlying areas of Jiribam town are quite good potential areas for growing rubber trees. Plantations in a large scale can be taken up in areas on both the sides of Man Bahadur Road as far as Choudhurikhal. Special targets to utilise abandoned jhum areas in a productive manner by way of rubber plantation can be set and achieved. Higher the investment, higher would be the financial returns.
Production: So far, a total of 15,000 nos. of Rubber trees are put under tapping under half spiral alternate daily system (1/2 s d/2 system). All the mature areas are not put under tapping because of many factors such as non-availability of mature and tappable trees at regular spacing. The production of raw rubber is maximum during the dry season in Jiribam (Sept. to January).
Scope for future cultivation: There is quite a good scope for cultivation of rubber in Jiribam area. In general,rubber trees can be put under tapping after 7 years of plantation and the financial returns would outpace the investment once tapping/production of raw rubber commences. As per Rubber Board Index expenditure norm, around Rs. 40,000/- per Ha. is the expenditure upto 7th Year of plantation and taking an average yield of 1000 kg of raw rubber per Ha. and market price (conservative figure) of RS. 40/- per kg, the return would be to the tune of Rs. 40,000/- per Ha. In other words, the investment made during the first 6-7 years may be said to have been recovered in the first year of tapping & production. Since rubber trees can be put under effective tapping for 25-30 years, the total return per Ha would be quite high.
Soil, Rainfall, etc.: Rubber trees required deep & well drained soil of lateritic type. It also requires humid, equable climate (21 to 35oC) and fairly well distributed annual rainfall of 200 cm for optimum growth.
Rubber Plantation in brief (success story): Rubber Plantation in Jiribam was taken up by Forest Department with the following objectives:
a) To generate employment.
b) To put abandoned jhum/degraded land under productive use.
c) To demonstrate a viable alternative to shifting cultivation.
d) To open avenue for new rubber based industrial ventures and,
e) To earn revenue.
Rubber plantation related activities provided immense benefit to nearby people in particular to the people of Uchathol, Harinagar, Khasia, Jarolpokpi, Boiroikhal, Sabughat, Aglapur, etc. Even now also, quite a number of people from these areas are getting employment either in plantation works or in raw rubber production works. Besides, many abandoned jhum/degraded lands have been put under productive use and the viability of rubber plantation has been shown. With production of raw rubber, rubber-based industries can be set up to uplift the economy of the people.
Rubber plantation is also environment-friendly. With the nearby people fully aware of the economic benefits specially in the form of assured employment, there is a bright prospect of rubber plantation in Jiribam area. The only thing is that the people need to be involved in a committed manner. The economic lot of the people can be uplifted in a marked way by undertaking rubber plantation.
Identification of Feasible Industrial Projects in Manipur:
On the basis of the various agro-horticultural resources available in Manipur, the North Eastern Industrial consultants (NECON) had identified the following feasible Food Processing Industries based on the locally available raw materials:
Sl. Projects for Input raw materials
1. Fruit Juice concentration Pineapple, Orange, Lemon
2. Pectin and allied citrus products Peels of Orange, Lemon
3. Consumers pack of fruit juice Any fruit juice
4 Tomato Paste Tomato
5. Banana/Guava pulp Banana, Guava
6. Pineapple slices, canned fruits, Pear, Peach, Plum, fresh pack Pear, Peach, Plum, Pineapple, Orange
7. Potato Chips Potato
8. Papain (Papaya) Papaya
9. Modern Rice Mill Paddy
10. Ginger oil extraction Ginger
11. Mushroom cultivation cum processing Mushroom
12. Preservation and canning of bamboo shoots Bamboo shoots
13. Dry Fish Fermentation Dry Fish (To be imported from neighbouring States like Assam)
Market Potential
The disadvantageous geographical situation and severity of the terrain have been standing in the way of industrial development and trade particularly of the Food Processing Industries which can thrive only through value addition and cost efficiency. It is high time to explore this untapped sector as processed fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, ginger, spices and rice etc. are having good demand in the local and export market. At present, many of such processed fruits and vegetables are imported to this State from other States and neighbouring countries through Myanmar. At the same time some of the units in this sector have been established and are being run successfully, catering to the local demand. This indicates existing potential available in this sector.
Sl. No Processing Unit Sector Type Capacity MT/annum Type of products
1. MAGFRUIT Hort. & Soil Conservation, Govt of Manipur SSI Unit 240 Canned fruits and vegetables, fruit syrups, pickles, jam jellies, RTS (Lime-ginger) cordials, squashes, candies, etc
2. HEIRANG Co-operative -do- 240 -do-
3. WAIFRU N.G.O. -do- 240 -do-
4. RATNA FRUITS PRIVATE Cottage Scale 50 Squashes, jam
5. LIKLA -do- -do- 50 Squashes, RTS, jam, jelly(Fruit based)
6. SANA -do- -do- 50 Squashes, pickle, jelly, jam
7. MANIFRU -do- -do- 50 -do-
8. HILL FRUITS -do- -do- 50 Squashes, jam, etc.
The most striking area is the production of pineapple (Kew-variety), having special taste and flavour. There has been demand of such pineapple products from MAGFRUIT by the C.I.S. countries. The MAGFRUIT had exported 168 MT of canned pineapple products to the erstwhile U.S.S.R. from the year 1983-84 to 1985-86. As the units are in the SSI and the cottage scale sectors, they are often in a disadvantageous condition for continuous tapping of such export markets. Moreover, these units are hardly kept in operation due to various constraints like inadequate working capital, non-availability of quality control system as well as inability to link up with the big marketing agencies in the cosmopolitan cities like Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi , Mumbai ,etc. Once the sufficient production of such processed fruits and vegetables is made (with strict maintenance or quality, packaging and reasonable price), there is a big marketing potential not only in the local market, but also in major cities of our country and even export to the countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, U.S.A., Germany, etc. Setting up of the identified projects based on modern technology and in the medium/large scale sector are most essential for the development of food processing industries in the State.
Proposed Projects:
Out of identified projects in the aforesaid paras, the following projects are proposed to be set up in the State:
Sl. No. Proposed project Production Capacity Estimated project cost
1. Fruits & vegetables Processing 80 MT/day Rs. 405.00 lakhs
2. Ginger dehydration and Oleoresin 33 MT/day Rs. 750.00 lakhs
3. Spices processing plant 5 MT/day Rs. 284.00 lakhs
4. Integrated Mushroom processing Plant 15 MT/day Rs. 330.00 lakhs
5. Lime Ginger(RTS) Plant 100 lakh bottles of 200 ml. per annum Rs. 318.14 lakhs
6. Agri Export Zone for Passion Fruit 2 MT/Hour Rs.2,784.00 lakhs
7. Manipuri Traditional liquor Plant (Distillery) 9 lakhs lt./annum Rs. 1,768.87 lakhs
8. Integrated Pineapple Concentration Plant 50 MT/day Rs. 9,005.00 lakhs
9. Floriculture Rs. 285.92 lakhs
10. Custom Farming 1,000 Ha. Rs. 377.00 lakhs
Total Rs16,307.93 lakhs
COURTESY MANIPUR GOVERNMENT
COMPILED BY
DEVASHISH
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR
TISS, MUMBAI
Showing posts with label Agriculture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agriculture. Show all posts
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
GOI AGRICULTURE POLICY
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE POLICY
The first ever National Agriculture Policy was announced on 28th July, 2000. The National
Policy on Agriculture seeks to actualize the vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture, strengthen rural infrastructure to support faster agricultural development, promote value addition, accelerate the growth of agro business, create employment in rural areas, secure a fair standard of living for the farmers and agricultural workers and their families, discourage migration to urban areas and face the challenges arising out of economic liberalization and globalization. Over the next two decades, it aims to attain: A growth rate in excess of 4 per cent per annum in the agriculture sector;Growth that is based on efficient use of resources and conserves our soil, water and bio-diversity; Growth with equity, i.e., growth which is widespread across regions and farmers;Growth that is demand driven and caters to domestic markets and maximizes benefits from exports of agricultural products in the face of the challenges arising
from economic liberalization and globalization; Growth that is sustainable technologically, environmentally and economically.
The policy seeks to promote technically sound, economically viable, environmentally
non-degrading, and socially acceptable use of country’s natural resources - land, water and
genetic endowment to promote sustainable development of agriculture. The use of bio-technologies will be promoted for evolving plants which consume less water, are drought resistant, pest resistant, contain more nutrition, give higher yields and are environmentally safe. Conservation of bio-resources through their ex situ preservation in Gene Banks, as also in situ conservation in their natural habitats through bio-diversity parks, etc., will receive a high priority to prevent depletion of bio-diversity. Balanced and conjunctive use of bio-mass, organic and inorganic fertilizers and controlled use of agro chemicals through integrated nutrients and pest management (INM &IPM) will be promoted.
A regionally differentiated strategy will be pursued, taking into account the agronomic, climatic and environmental conditions to realize the full growth potential of every region. Special attention will be given to development of new crop varieties, particularly of food crops, with higher nutritional value. A major thrust will be given to development of rainfed and irrigated horticulture, floriculture, roots and tubers, plantation crops, aromatic and medicinal plants, bee-keeping and sericulture for augmenting food supply, promoting exports and generating employment in the rural areas.
Development of animal husbandry, poultry, dairying and aqua-culture will receive a high priority in the efforts for diversifying agriculture, increasing animal protein availability in the food basket and for generating exportable surpluses. An integrated approach to marine and inland fisheries, designed to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, will be adopted. The regionalization of agricultural research based on identified agro-climatic zones will be accorded high priority. Application of frontier sciences like bio-technology, remote sensing technologies, pre and post-harvest technologies, energy saving technologies, technology for environmental protection through national research system as well as proprietary research will be encouraged.
The research and extension linkages will be strengthened to improve quality and
effectiveness of research and extension system. Adequate and timely supply of quality inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, bio-pesticides, agricultural machinery and credit at reasonable rates to farmers will be the endeavour of the Government.
The Government will endeavour to create a favourable economic environment for
increasing capital formation and farmer’s own investments by removing distortions in the
incentive regime for agriculture, improving the terms of trade with manufacturing sectors and
bringing about external and domestic market reforms. Rural electrification will be given a high priority as a prime mover for agricultural development. The quality and availability of electricity supply will be improved and the demand of the agriculture sector will be met adequately in a reliable and cost effective manner. Bridging the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized, completion of all on-going projects, restoration and modernization of irrigation infrastructure including drainage, evolving and implementing an integrated plan of augmentation and management of national water resources will receive special attention for augmenting the availability and use of irrigation water. Emphasis will be laid on development of marketing infrastructure and techniques of preservation, storage and transportation with a view to reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a better return to the grower. Setting up of agro-processing units in the producing areas to reduce wastage, especially of horticultural produce, increased value addition and creation of off-farm employment in rural areas will be encouraged. Institutional reforms will be pursued so as to channelize their energies for achieving
greater productivity and production. The Government will provide active support for the promotion of cooperative form of enterprise and ensure greater autonomy and operational freedom to them to improve their functioning.Endeavor will be made to provide a package insurance policy for the farmers, right from sowing of the crops to post-harvest operations, including market fluctuations in the prices of agricultural produce. The price structure and trade mechanism will be continuously reviewed to ensure favorable economic environment for the agriculture sector and to bring about an equitable balance between the rural and the urban incomes. Quality consciousness amongst farmers and agro processors will be created. Grading
and standardization of agricultural products will be promoted for export enhancement.
Application of science and technology in agriculture will be promoted through a regular
system of interface between Science and Technology institutions and the users/potential users
to make the sector globally competitive. The database for the agriculture sector will be strengthened to ensure greater reliability of estimates and forecasting which will help in the process of planning and policy making.
Follow up Action:Various Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes are being implemented by the Government of India and the State Governments for development of agriculture and allied activities as per guidelines of the Agriculture Policy. Following major initiatives have been taken to accelerate the pace of developmental activity and implement the objectives of the Agriculture Policy.
Macro Management Scheme has been launched after integrating 27 ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes to enable a shift from programmatic approach to a macro mangement mode of assistance to the states in the form of work plans based on crop/area specific, regionally different strategies, to provide flexibility to State Governments and to ensure timely and effective application of limited financial resources. Common guidelines have been issued for National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas to harmonize the implementing norms with other watershed development programmes. A Watershed Development Fund with a corpus of Rs.200 crores each from NABARD and the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, has been created. A Technology Mission for the Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North- Eastern Region has been launched.Seed Legislation is under revision to provide fillip to varietal research and plant breeding. Enactment of legislation on the “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights”.This is likely to stimulate investment and initiative both in public and private sector for development of new plant varieties and a vibrant seed industry. A National Seed Policy is under formulation. A Scheme for Seed Crop Insurance has been launched to cover the risks involved in seed production. A Seed Bank has been established to meet contingent requirements of seed in the wake of natural calamities. Increasing availability, flexibility and security in the flow of credit to the farmers. All eligible farmers are proposed to be covered under the Kisan Credit Cards scheme within the next 3 years. A personal insurance package is proposed to be extended to Card Holders covering them against risk to life and injury.
A scheme has been introduced for provision of capital subsidy for construction/modernization and expansion of cold storages and storages for horticultural produce. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund corpus has been increased in 2001-02 from Rs.45,00,00,00 thousands to Rs.5,00,00,000 thousands and the interest rate charged by NABARD reduced. Market Information Network has been launched with the objective to provide farmers latest information on price movements of agricultural commodities and other essential data. Cooperative Sector Reforms: a new Bill has been formulated and introduced in Parliament for replacing the existing Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984. Formulation of new subsidy linked scheme for establishment of rural godowns.Promotion of Food Processing Industries and value addition in agriculture through the excise exemptions and other interventions.Standing Committee of Union Ministers and Chief Ministers constituted to consider issues concerning agricultural strategies, food management and promotion of agriculture exports. The Committee has approved the outline of the proposed Grain Bank Scheme which will be extended to BPL families in identified areas and developed on the contours of the recently launched Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana.
Compiled by
Devashish
Social entrepreneur
The first ever National Agriculture Policy was announced on 28th July, 2000. The National
Policy on Agriculture seeks to actualize the vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture, strengthen rural infrastructure to support faster agricultural development, promote value addition, accelerate the growth of agro business, create employment in rural areas, secure a fair standard of living for the farmers and agricultural workers and their families, discourage migration to urban areas and face the challenges arising out of economic liberalization and globalization. Over the next two decades, it aims to attain: A growth rate in excess of 4 per cent per annum in the agriculture sector;Growth that is based on efficient use of resources and conserves our soil, water and bio-diversity; Growth with equity, i.e., growth which is widespread across regions and farmers;Growth that is demand driven and caters to domestic markets and maximizes benefits from exports of agricultural products in the face of the challenges arising
from economic liberalization and globalization; Growth that is sustainable technologically, environmentally and economically.
The policy seeks to promote technically sound, economically viable, environmentally
non-degrading, and socially acceptable use of country’s natural resources - land, water and
genetic endowment to promote sustainable development of agriculture. The use of bio-technologies will be promoted for evolving plants which consume less water, are drought resistant, pest resistant, contain more nutrition, give higher yields and are environmentally safe. Conservation of bio-resources through their ex situ preservation in Gene Banks, as also in situ conservation in their natural habitats through bio-diversity parks, etc., will receive a high priority to prevent depletion of bio-diversity. Balanced and conjunctive use of bio-mass, organic and inorganic fertilizers and controlled use of agro chemicals through integrated nutrients and pest management (INM &IPM) will be promoted.
A regionally differentiated strategy will be pursued, taking into account the agronomic, climatic and environmental conditions to realize the full growth potential of every region. Special attention will be given to development of new crop varieties, particularly of food crops, with higher nutritional value. A major thrust will be given to development of rainfed and irrigated horticulture, floriculture, roots and tubers, plantation crops, aromatic and medicinal plants, bee-keeping and sericulture for augmenting food supply, promoting exports and generating employment in the rural areas.
Development of animal husbandry, poultry, dairying and aqua-culture will receive a high priority in the efforts for diversifying agriculture, increasing animal protein availability in the food basket and for generating exportable surpluses. An integrated approach to marine and inland fisheries, designed to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, will be adopted. The regionalization of agricultural research based on identified agro-climatic zones will be accorded high priority. Application of frontier sciences like bio-technology, remote sensing technologies, pre and post-harvest technologies, energy saving technologies, technology for environmental protection through national research system as well as proprietary research will be encouraged.
The research and extension linkages will be strengthened to improve quality and
effectiveness of research and extension system. Adequate and timely supply of quality inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, bio-pesticides, agricultural machinery and credit at reasonable rates to farmers will be the endeavour of the Government.
The Government will endeavour to create a favourable economic environment for
increasing capital formation and farmer’s own investments by removing distortions in the
incentive regime for agriculture, improving the terms of trade with manufacturing sectors and
bringing about external and domestic market reforms. Rural electrification will be given a high priority as a prime mover for agricultural development. The quality and availability of electricity supply will be improved and the demand of the agriculture sector will be met adequately in a reliable and cost effective manner. Bridging the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized, completion of all on-going projects, restoration and modernization of irrigation infrastructure including drainage, evolving and implementing an integrated plan of augmentation and management of national water resources will receive special attention for augmenting the availability and use of irrigation water. Emphasis will be laid on development of marketing infrastructure and techniques of preservation, storage and transportation with a view to reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a better return to the grower. Setting up of agro-processing units in the producing areas to reduce wastage, especially of horticultural produce, increased value addition and creation of off-farm employment in rural areas will be encouraged. Institutional reforms will be pursued so as to channelize their energies for achieving
greater productivity and production. The Government will provide active support for the promotion of cooperative form of enterprise and ensure greater autonomy and operational freedom to them to improve their functioning.Endeavor will be made to provide a package insurance policy for the farmers, right from sowing of the crops to post-harvest operations, including market fluctuations in the prices of agricultural produce. The price structure and trade mechanism will be continuously reviewed to ensure favorable economic environment for the agriculture sector and to bring about an equitable balance between the rural and the urban incomes. Quality consciousness amongst farmers and agro processors will be created. Grading
and standardization of agricultural products will be promoted for export enhancement.
Application of science and technology in agriculture will be promoted through a regular
system of interface between Science and Technology institutions and the users/potential users
to make the sector globally competitive. The database for the agriculture sector will be strengthened to ensure greater reliability of estimates and forecasting which will help in the process of planning and policy making.
Follow up Action:Various Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes are being implemented by the Government of India and the State Governments for development of agriculture and allied activities as per guidelines of the Agriculture Policy. Following major initiatives have been taken to accelerate the pace of developmental activity and implement the objectives of the Agriculture Policy.
Macro Management Scheme has been launched after integrating 27 ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes to enable a shift from programmatic approach to a macro mangement mode of assistance to the states in the form of work plans based on crop/area specific, regionally different strategies, to provide flexibility to State Governments and to ensure timely and effective application of limited financial resources. Common guidelines have been issued for National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas to harmonize the implementing norms with other watershed development programmes. A Watershed Development Fund with a corpus of Rs.200 crores each from NABARD and the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, has been created. A Technology Mission for the Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North- Eastern Region has been launched.Seed Legislation is under revision to provide fillip to varietal research and plant breeding. Enactment of legislation on the “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights”.This is likely to stimulate investment and initiative both in public and private sector for development of new plant varieties and a vibrant seed industry. A National Seed Policy is under formulation. A Scheme for Seed Crop Insurance has been launched to cover the risks involved in seed production. A Seed Bank has been established to meet contingent requirements of seed in the wake of natural calamities. Increasing availability, flexibility and security in the flow of credit to the farmers. All eligible farmers are proposed to be covered under the Kisan Credit Cards scheme within the next 3 years. A personal insurance package is proposed to be extended to Card Holders covering them against risk to life and injury.
A scheme has been introduced for provision of capital subsidy for construction/modernization and expansion of cold storages and storages for horticultural produce. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund corpus has been increased in 2001-02 from Rs.45,00,00,00 thousands to Rs.5,00,00,000 thousands and the interest rate charged by NABARD reduced. Market Information Network has been launched with the objective to provide farmers latest information on price movements of agricultural commodities and other essential data. Cooperative Sector Reforms: a new Bill has been formulated and introduced in Parliament for replacing the existing Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984. Formulation of new subsidy linked scheme for establishment of rural godowns.Promotion of Food Processing Industries and value addition in agriculture through the excise exemptions and other interventions.Standing Committee of Union Ministers and Chief Ministers constituted to consider issues concerning agricultural strategies, food management and promotion of agriculture exports. The Committee has approved the outline of the proposed Grain Bank Scheme which will be extended to BPL families in identified areas and developed on the contours of the recently launched Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana.
Compiled by
Devashish
Social entrepreneur
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