Agriculture is a vital part of the economy of any country and its development is critical to the development of the country’s economy as a whole. The Grow More Food Campaign (GMFC) was India’s first organized effort to increase food production. It was launched in 1943. After independence, due attention has been given for development of public extension system in India. The GMFC was evaluated in 1952 by a government appointed committee.
One of the recommendations of the committee was that an extension agency should be set up for rural work which would reach every farmer and assist in the coordinated development of rural life. It was out of this background and experience that India’s Community Development Programme (CDP) was initiated in 1952. Initially the CDP was introduced in 55 project areas. But demand for expansion of CDP led to another scheme called National Extension Service which was launched in 1953.
The large-scale food deficits of late 1950s compelled the national Government to rethink its comprehensive rural development strategy and to concentrate solely on increasing food production. This was the beginning of the intensive approach through Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP) in 1960. After that some more programmes were launched for agricultural development.
Some of the important programmes are as follows:
1. Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP):
The Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP) was launched in the country from kharif, 1960. Initially this was started with 7 districts (Thanjavur, West Godavari, Sahabad, Raipur, Aligarh, Ludhiana and Pali.). This programme was also popularly known as “package programme”.
i. The immediate goal was to achieve rapid increases in agricultural production through a concentration of financial, technical, extension and administrative resources.
ii. Its aim in the long run is to achieve a self-generating ‘break through’ in productivity and raise the production potential by stimulating the human and physical process of change.
iii. The programme was also intended to provide lessons for extending such intense agricultural production programmes to other areas.
i. Provided factors of production simultaneously, timely and adequately to farmers
ii. Essential inputs like fertilizer etc. were made available 100 per cent of the requirement
iii. Credit was provided to any farmer who joins the programme and had the potential to get increased yield.
iv. More agricultural and cooperatives staffs were posted.
v. Provisions were made for composite demonstration instead of single factor demonstration
vi. Trainings were conducted periodically for staff.
vii. Analysis and evolution were done regularly.
i. Objectives were fulfilled for which it operated.
ii. The basic concept of concentration had emerged as the foundation of India’s present strategy of agricultural development.
iii. Popularised High Yielding Variety programme
iv. Greatly enhanced the use of technical inputs.
The spectacular results obtained in IADP resulted in launching of the Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (IAAP) in March, 1964. It covered large areas of the country at less cost and reduced staff strength.
2. High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP):
The Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP) and Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (IAAP) were concerned with the package approach and intensive agriculture and these programmes increase the food production to some extent. But in the later period, when yield was stabilized, it could not meet the demand of food production and this experience directed the need of High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP). The HYVP was launched in Kharif 1966-67.
The sole objective of HYVP was to increase the total food production by utilizing high yielding seeds of selected crops. The selected crops were paddy, wheat, bajra, jowar and maize.
i. Supply of inputs like seeds, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals,
ii. Supply of credit,
iii. Cooperative marketing,
iv. National Demonstration and
v. Training.
i. Helped in attaining self- sufficiency and stopped import of food grains.
ii. Achieved some significant results, particularly in the areas of increasing production and the awareness to the cultivators about available means of increasing production like high yielding seeds, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals.
3. Institute Village Linkage Programme (IVLP):
The field investigations conducted in the last decade world over clearly suggest that many modem technologies are simply inappropriate for the specific conditions of small-farm production systems which are highly diverse in nature and are largely influenced both by socio-economic as well as bio-physical factors.
Social and biological scientists are now becoming aware about the existing complex farming systems and understand the reasons for non-adoption of technologies by resource- poor farmers. They have, therefore, emphasized the need for participation of farmers in technology selection management process for generation of appropriate technologies.
A more holistic approach in terms of diagnosis of problems, identification of technological interventions based on farmers knowledge and technology identification for various production systems is called for to generate appropriate technologies. It is in this concept a programme captioned Technology Assessment and Refinement through Institute Village Linkage Programme (TAR- IVLP) was evolved to address the above elements to arrive at appropriate technologies.
The programme was initiated on a pilot basis in 1995. It was implemented in 42 centers of selected ICAR institutes and SAUs. The programme got its fillip and momentum since 1999 when it was brought under the fold of NATP as a part.
i. To introduce technological interventions with emphasis on stability and sustainability along with productivity and profitability taking into account environmental issues in well-endowed and small production systems.
ii. To introduce and integrate appropriate technologies to increase the productivity with marketed surplus in commercial and off farm production systems.
iii. To monitor socio-economic impact of technological interventions for different production systems.
iv. To identify extrapolation domain for new technology/technology modules based on environmental characterization as at meso and mega levels.
I. Paradigm:
Two important paradigms considered in the pilot project were:
First, technology has to be assessed and refined before they are transferred, and second, a programme approach involving various technological components relevant to the farmers under varying agro- ecological conditions.
II. Selection of Operational Area:
A village is the unit of operation of TAR-IVLP. Selection of suitable village or a cluster of villages covering about 1000 farm families and having representation of various production systems is of paramount importance.
III. Constitution of Multidisciplinary Team of Scientists:
The project is implemented by Central Agricultural Research Institutes/State Agricultural Universities through a multidisciplinary core team of scientists numbering 4-5 from the implementing institution led by a Team Leader (Principal Investigator). The TAR-IVLP also envisages an optional team of scientists drawn from other institutes to look into specific issues.
IV. Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA):
The AESA of the village using PRA techniques was the first step towards launching the programme. It provided information on resource availability, production practices, interaction within and amongst various resources and enterprises on spatial and temporal basis.
V. Problem Diagnosis and Technology Intervention:
Based on the information elicited from AESA and the legitimization through focused group discussion, problems of various enterprises in terms of bio-physical and socio-economic causes were identified. The identified problems were prioritized and possible technological interventions were assessed in focused group discussion with farmers and scientists.
VI. Action Plan for Technology Assessment and Refinement:
The technological interventions contemplated were categorized down into specific action plans in terms of On- Farm Trials/demonstration, treatments, local checks, number of trials, plot size, critical inputs etc. Action plans were prepared keeping in view the AESA and in consultation with farmers. The technologies were evaluated not solely in terms of their technical/economic performance, but also in terms of their conformity to socio-economic and cultural circumstances, goals and needs with active participation of farmers.
VII. Site Committee Meetings:
Action plans were also discussed in the site committee meetings to improve the nature of interventions. Site committee was constituted for proper implementation including site selection and project submission considering the guidelines of ICAR. Site committee meetings were held to advise the TAR-IVLP core team on the selection, modifications and approval of techno- interventions and action plan in the adopted villages and overall review of the project.
VIII. Monitoring and Evaluation:
The goals of this component are to measure the scale of success. Review team was constituted comprising of subject experts for this purpose. The peer review team visited the TAR-IVLP villages to monitor the progress of the project and made specific recommendations. The progress of TAR-IVLP was also monitored through organizing workshops and Agro- Ecosystem Director visits.
Though detailed systematic study to evaluate the performance of IVLP is not done but few studies reported that:
a. There is increase in yield level in IVLP site in respect to paddy, wheat, gram in some areas.
b. Supply of quality seeds assured good yield in some project cite in case of gram, barely, wheat etc.
c. Reaching of new technologies to farmer’s level through demonstrations conducted under IVLP.
d. Assessments of existing technologies are also successfully done in some IVLP site and made refinement based on farmer’s experiences.
4. Watershed Development Programme:
The Department of Land Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development is administering three area-based watershed programmes for development of wastelands/degraded lands, namely, Drought Prone Areas Programmes (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP) to check the diminishing productivity of wasteland and loss of natural resources.
The DPAP was launched in 1973-74 to tackle the special problems faced by those areas that are constantly afflicted by drought conditions. DDP was launched in 1977-78 to mitigate the adverse effects of desertification. DDP and DPAP were brought into watershed mode in 1987. IWDP has been under implementation since 1989. The projects under the IWDP are generally sanctioned in areas that are not covered under DDP or DPAP.
All these programmes were brought under the Guidelines for Watershed Development with effect from 1st April.1995. From 1st April, 2003, IWDP, DDP and DPAP are implemented under Harywali programmes. However the projects which were sanctioned before the date are implemented as per Guidelines for Watershed Development Projects.
i. Developing wastelands/degraded lands, drought-prone and desert areas on watershed basis, keeping in view the land capability, site-conditions and local needs.
ii. Promoting the overall economic development and improving the socio-economic condition of the resource poor and disadvantaged sections inhabiting the programme areas.
iii. Mitigating the adverse effects of extreme climatic conditions such as drought and desertification on crops, human and livestock population for their improvement.
iv. Restoring ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resources i.e. land, water and vegetative cover.
i. Each watershed areas cover 500 ha.
ii. In case a watershed falls under two villages, it is divided into two sub-watershed areas confined to the designated villages.
iii. Watersheds having large population of SC/ST dependents on it are selected first.
iv. Self- help group, user group etc. are formed from the direct and indirect beneficiaries.
v. Sought people’s participation in the programmes in case of cash, raw material, labour etc.
vi. At village level, gram panchayat is fully involved in implementing the programmes.
vii. Population below poverty line, particularly the marginalised groups like marginal farmers, landless labourers, especially women are the target beneficiaries.
viii. DRDA implemented the programme through Project Implementing Agencies.
a. Improvement in ground water level, cultivated area and productivity of Land
b. Decrease in soil erosion, runoff loss and silting of ponds, tanks and dams
c. Increase in availability of fodder, milk production, fuel and employment
d. Improvement in overall socio-economic status of rural people living in/around watershed areas
e. Watershed Villages were seen to have developed sufficient drought sustenance capacity.
National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDRPA):
The National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDRPA) is a centrally sponsored mandated scheme, and has the following broad criteria:
i. <30% area is irrigated,
ii. <750 mm average rainfall (30-years),
iii. No other schemes have been implemented.
iv. Size of a watershed for this scheme is »10000 ha (100 km2), and may not correspond to the physical geographer’s concept of a natural watershed.
Government of India sponsored the NWDPRA in the country for scientific land use through development of integrated farming system on the principles of watershed management where the arable area under assured means of irrigation is less than 30%.
This project aims at:
i. Conservation, development, sustainable management of natural resources including their use.
ii. Enhancement of Agricultural Productivity and Production in a sustainable manner.
iii. Restoration of Ecological balance in the degraded and fragile rainfed Eco-system by greening these areas through appropriate mix of trees, shrubs and grasses.
iv. Reduction in regional disparity between irrigated and rainfed areas.
v. Creation of sustained employment opportunities for the rural community including the land less.
To involve village communities in the implementation of watershed projects under all the area development programmes namely, Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP), Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) and Desert Development Programme (DDP), the Guidelines for Watershed Development were adopted w.e.f. 1st April, 1995, and subsequently revised in August 2001.
To further simplify procedures and involve the Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) more meaningfully in planning, implementation and management of economic development activities in rural areas, these new Guidelines called ‘Guidelines for Hariyali’ are being issued.
Applicability:
New projects under the area development programmes shall be implemented in accordance with the Guidelines for Hariyali with effect from 1.4.2003. Projects under DPAP and DDP will be taken up in the blocks identified under the respective programme and projects under IWDP shall generally be taken up in the remaining blocks. Projects sanctioned prior to this date shall continue to be implemented as per the Guidelines of 2001.
Objectives:
The objectives of projects under HARIYALI will be:
a. Harvesting every drop of rainwater for purposes of irrigation, plantations including horticulture and floriculture, pasture development, fisheries etc. to create sustainable sources of income for the village community as well as for drinking water supplies.
b. Ensuring overall development of rural areas through the Gram Panchayats and creating regular sources of income for the Panchayats from rainwater harvesting and management.
c. Employment generation, poverty alleviation, community empowerment and development of human and other economic resources of the rural areas.
d. Mitigating the adverse effects of extreme climatic conditions such as drought and desertification on crops, human and livestock population for the overall improvement of rural areas.
e. Restoring ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resources i.e. land, water, vegetative cover especially plantations.
f. Encouraging village community towards sustained community action for the operation and maintenance of assets created and further development of the potential of the natural resources in the watershed.
g. Promoting use of simple, easy and affordable technological solutions and institutional arrangements that make use of, and build upon, local technical knowledge and available materials.
5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):
Economic reforms initiated since 1991 have put the Indian economy on a higher growth trajectory. Annual growth rate in the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has accelerated from below 6 per cent during the initial years of reforms to more than 8 per cent in recent years. The Planning Commission in its approach paper to the Eleventh Five-Year-plan has stated that 9 per cent growth rate in GDP would be feasible during the Eleventh Plan period.
However, Agriculture that accounted for more than 30 per cent of total GDP at the beginning of reforms failed to maintain its pre-reform growth. On the contrary, it witnessed a sharp deceleration in growth after the mid-1990s. This happened despite the fact that agricultural productivity in most of the states was quite low as it were, and the potential for the growth of agriculture was high.
The GDP of agriculture increased annually at more than 3 per cent during the 1980s. Since the Ninth Five-Year Plan (1996 to 2001-02), India has been targeting a growth rate of more than 4 per cent in agriculture, but the actual achievement has been much below the target. More than 50 per cent of the workforce of the country still depends upon agriculture for its livelihood. Slow growth in Agriculture and allied sectors can lead to acute stress in the economy because the population dependent upon this sector is still very large.
A major cause behind the slow growth in agriculture is the consistent decrease in investments in the sector by the state governments. While public and private investments are increasing manifold in sectors such as infrastructure, similar investments are not forthcoming in Agriculture and allied sectors, leading to distress in the community of farmers, especially that of the small and marginal segment. Hence the need for incentivising states that increase their investments in the Agriculture and allied sectors has been felt.
Concerned by the slow growth in the Agriculture and allied sectors, the National Development Council (NDC), in its meeting held on 29th May, 2007 resolved that a special Additional Central Assistance Scheme (RKVY) be launched. The NDC resolved that agricultural development strategies must be reoriented to meet the needs of farmers and called upon the Central and State governments to evolve a strategy to rejuvenate agriculture. The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to achieve 4 per cent annual growth in the agricultural sector during the 11th plan.
Basic Features of RKVY:
The RKVY aims at achieving 4% annual growth in the agriculture sector during the XI Plan period, by ensuring a holistic development of Agriculture and allied sectors.
The main objectives of the scheme are:
i. To incentivize the states so as to increase public investment in Agriculture and allied sectors.
ii. To provide flexibility and autonomy to states in the process of planning and executing Agriculture and allied sector schemes.
iii. To ensure the preparation of agriculture plans for the districts and the states based on agro-climatic conditions, availability of technology and natural resources.
iv. To ensure that the local needs/crops/priorities are better reflected in the agricultural plans of the states.
v. To achieve the goal of reducing the yield gaps in important crops, through focused interventions.
vi. To maximize returns to the farmers in Agriculture and allied sectors.
vii. To bring about quantifiable changes in the production and productivity of various components of Agriculture and allied sectors by addressing them in a holistic manner.
These guidelines are applicable to all the States and Union Territories that fulfill the eligibility conditions.
The RKVY is a State Plan Scheme:
I. Since the RKVY is applicable to the entire State Plan for Agriculture and allied sectors, and seeks to encourage convergence with schemes like NREGS, SGSY and BRGF, the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture will together examine the States’ overall Plan proposals for Agriculture and allied sectors as part of the Annual Plan approval exercise.
II. Once a state becomes eligible for the RKVY, the quantum of assistance and the process of subsequent allocation to the state will be in accordance with the parameters and the respective weights.t
III. It will be permissible for the states to initiate specific projects with definite time-lines, and clear objectives for Agriculture and allied sectors excluding forestry and wild life, and plantations (i.e., Coffee, Tea and Rubber). For this purpose, the RKVY would be available to the states in two distinct streams. At least 75% of the allocated amount shall be proposed under Stream-I for specific projects. The amount under Stream- II will be available for strengthening the existing state sector schemes and filling the resource gaps.
IV. A State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) headed by the Chief Secretary of the state will have the authority to sanction specific projects under the Stream-I. The Government of India’s representative shall participate in the SLSC meetings and the quorum shall not be complete without the presence of at least one official from the Government of India.
V. There may arise a situation when a particular state becomes ineligible to avail of the funds under the RKVY in a subsequent year due to its lowered expenditure on Agriculture and allied sectors. If this were to happen, the states shall be required to commit their own resources for completing the sanctioned projects/schemes under the RKVY.
VI. The pattern of funding is 100% Central grant and the eventual goal is that the additional investments made through the RKVY scheme will lead to at least 4% growth in agriculture.
Areas of focus under RKVY:
The components / activities which would be eligible for project based assistance under the Stream-I of the RKVY are elaborated below. This is an indicative list; the states may choose other components/activities.
The components for the RKVY could cover the following:
I. Integrated Development of Major Food Crops such as Wheat, Paddy, Coarse Cereals, Minor Millets, Pulses, Oilseeds:
Assistance can be provided for making available certified/HYV seeds to farmers; production of breeder seed; purchase of breeder seed from institutions such as ICAR, public sector seed corporations, production of foundation seed; production of certified seed; seed treatment; Farmers Field Schools at demonstration sites; training of farmers etc. Similar support would be provided for development of other crops such as sugarcane, cotton or any other crop/variety that may be of importance to the state.
II. Agriculture Mechanization:
Assistance would be provided for farm mechanization efforts especially for improved and gender friendly tools, implements and machinery. Specific agricultural mechanization projects oriented toward enhancing farm productivity can be considered under this scheme. However, tractors are not covered under the scheme.
III. Activities Related to Enhancement of Soil Health:
This would include efficient quality control of inputs including strengthening of laboratories and enhancing soil health. Assistance can be provided to the farmers for distributing soil health cards; micro nutrient demonstration; training of farmers for promotion of organic farming including printing of publicity/utility literature; assistance to the state government to strengthen existing soil testing and fertilizer testing laboratories and setting up new ones; amelioration of soils affected with conditions such as alkalinity and acidity.
IV. Development of Rainfed Farming Systems in and Outside Watershed Areas, as also Integrated Development of Watershed Areas, Wastelands, River Valleys:
Assistance for development of land as also assistance for horticulture, generating livelihoods for farmers Below the Poverty Line (BPL).
V. Support to State Seed Farms:
State farms that are used for both research and seed production purposes may be provided funds in a project mode covering aspects such as land development, creation of irrigation facilities, upgrading technology, etc. However, new land acquisition is not permitted.
VI. Integrated Pest Management Schemes:
This would include training of farmers through Farm Field Schools etc. on pest management practices; printing of literature/ other awareness programmes.
VII. Encouraging Non-Farm Activities:
Assistance to agri- entrepreneurs/ agri-graduates to set up agri-clinics / agri-business centres.
VIII. Strengthening of Market Infrastructure and Marketing Development:
Assistance for setting up of cold storages, cold chains, godowns, formation of farmer’s SHGs, setting up collection centre etc. Assistance to PRIs/ SHGs in promoting collection and sale to mandis/ government agencies.
IX. Strengthening of Infrastructure to Promote Extension Services:
This would include new initiatives for skill development and training in the farming community and to revamp the existing State agricultural extension systems.
X. Activities Relating to Enhancement of Horticultural Production and Popularization of Micro Irrigation Systems:
Assistance will be available for nursery development, horticulture activities including marketing and drip/sprinkler irrigation.
XI. Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Development Activities:
Assistance will be available for improvement in fodder production, genetic upgradation of cattle and buffaloes, enhancement of milk production, enlarging raw material base for leather industry, improvement in livestock health, poultry development, development of small ruminants and enhanced fish production.
XII. Special Schemes for Beneficiaries of Land Reforms:
Assistance will be available for improving the net minimum income of this category of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries of land reforms are usually small and marginal farmers. Making their agriculture viable will be possible only when capital investments on land development, irrigation, high-technology infrastructure in emerging areas such as floriculture, horticulture, seed production, etc. are made. Specific projects for groups of such beneficiaries can be taken up with provision for common infrastructure.
XIII. Undertaking Concept to Completion Projects:
Undertaking specific projects under agriculture/horticulture/ allied sectors in a concept to completion mode with attention given to all the components such as crop production, technology induction, farmer training, forward and backward linkages, either entirely in the state sector or in partnership with the private sector, where necessary and possible, is permitted under the scheme.
Beneficiaries under such projects should, however, predominately be BPL farmers. Projects in risk- prone, underdeveloped, agriculturally distressed, remote, hilly and tribal areas are specially encouraged.
XIV. Grant Support to the State Government Institutions that Promote Agriculture/Horticulture:
Wherever state level institutions that work for promoting agriculture/horticulture/allied sectors require a one-time grant support for their functioning/strengthening, such support can be provided.
XV. Study Tours of Farmers:
Study tours of farmers to places of interest to them, especially to research institutions etc.
XVI. Organic and Bio-Fertilizers:
Support for decentralized production at the village level and their marketing, etc. This will include vermicomposting and introduction of superior technologies for better production.
XVII. Innovative Schemes:
The above list is not exhaustive. Therefore, schemes that are important for agriculture, horticulture and allied sector development, but cannot be categorized under (a) to (p) can also be proposed, as innovative schemes.
The State Agriculture Department shall be the nodal department for the implementation of the scheme. For administrative convenience and ease of implementation, the state governments may identify, or create an exclusive agency for implementing the scheme on the fast-track. Even where such an Agency is created/ designated, the entire responsibility of ensuring that the RKVY is properly implemented will be that of the Agriculture Department only. In a situation where the states notify a Nodal agency, the release of funds may be done by the Centre directly to the Agency.
6. National Horticulture Mission:
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is implemented in all the States and Union Territories of India except the North Eastern States, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttaranchal (for which a separate Technology Mission for integrated development of horticulture exists) to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushroom, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, cashew and cocoa.
This is a centrally sponsored scheme in which Government of India shall provide 100% assistance to the State Missions during Tenth Plan. During the XI Plan, the Government of India assistance will be 85% with 15% contribution by the State Governments.
The main objectives of the mission are:
I. To provide holistic growth of the horticulture sector through an area based regionally differentiated strategies which include research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, in consonance with comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agro-climatic feature;
II. To enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security and income support to farm households;
III. To establish convergence and synergy among multiple ongoing and planned programmes for horticulture development;
IV. To promote, develop and disseminate technologies, through a seamless blend of traditional wisdom and modem scientific knowledge;
V. To create opportunities for employment generation for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youth.
Strategy:
To achieve the above objectives, the mission would adopt the following strategies:
I. Ensure an end-to-end holistic approach covering production, post-harvest management, processing and marketing to assure appropriate returns to growers/producers;
II. Promote R&D technologies for production, post-harvest management and processing;
III. Enhance acreage, coverage, and productivity through:
(a) Diversification, from traditional crops to plantations, orchards, vineyards, flower and vegetable gardens;
(b) Extension of appropriate technology to the farmers for high-tech horticulture cultivation and precision farming.
IV. Assist setting up post-harvest facilities such as pack house, ripening chamber, cold storages, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storages etc., processing units for value addition and marketing infrastructure;
V. Adopt a coordinated approach and promotion of partnership, convergence and synergy among R&D, processing and marketing agencies in public as well as private sectors, at the National, Regional, State and sub-State levels;
VI. Where appropriate and feasible, promote National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) model of cooperatives to ensure support and adequate returns to farmers;
VII. Promote capacity-building and Human Resource Development at all levels.