Impacting Farmers’ lives through Science Biotech-Kisan & Cattle Genomics

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Rural Development
04-April, 2018 15:47 IST
Performance of National Social Assistance Programme(NSAP)

Under the National Social Assistance Programme Government is committed towards extending direct transfers to over 30 million old age, widow and differently abled beneficiaries belonging to below poverty line families. The cash transfers being facilitated under the National Social Assistance Programme are an important subset of overall social security net including food security and health insurance extended by the Government to families facing deprivation.

Ever since the strategic decision to bring the NSAP scheme within the umbrella of ‘Core of Core’ scheme in 2016, the financial commitment towards meeting the 100% requirement of the scheme by the Central Government is continuously increasing.For the year 2018-19, an amount of Rs. 9975 crore has been allocated to NSAP schemes, which is 38% more than the budget allocation of 2014-15 which stood at Rs.7241 crore. An amount of Rs.8696 crore has been released to States/UTs under NSAP during 2017-18, which is 23% more than the releases of 2014-15.

To enhance transparency and elimination of inclusion and exclusion errors, a number of steps have been taken by the Government. Data of all the beneficiaries under NSAP has been digitized over NSAP-PPS. Further, with due consent, 173 lakh beneficiaries have got their Aadhaar numbers enrolled with the scheme. Government has decided to extend the date for adoption of Aadhar Based Payment System (ABPS)upto 30th June,2018.With rapid progress in this direction,eventually system is aiming at moving towardsAadhaar based payment mechanism(with consent) to facilitate end-to-end digital transactions with complete elimination of any possible inclusion errors.Aadhaar based payment will facilitate payment to old, widows and disabled in their own village through a Banking correspondent/Post Office.

At the beginning of the financial year 2017-18 only six States/UTs namely Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman& Diu, Jharkhand and Maharashtra were disbursing the NSAP assistance through digital transactions and reported 1.73 crore transactions under direct benefit transfer mode. With special efforts, in the financial year ending 31st March,2018,twentyStates/UTsi.eAndhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Lakshadweep Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya,Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh, have reported total transactions of 10.73 crore through DBT mode. Hence, in comparison to digital transactions through DBT in 2016-17, there has been a quantum jump of 520% in 2017-18.In the year 2017-18, value of digital transactions stood atRs.6791.70 crore, which is about 78% of the total releases in the year.

With a view to have greater impact on addressing the issue of multi- faceted deprivation, more and more emphasis is being given to addressing the issue of convergence. Apart from extending monthly assistance to the tune of Rs. 300 to 500 per month under National Disability Pension Scheme, special provisions have been made for the persons with disabilities in other rural development programs as well. For providing drinking water at work sites, management of crèche etc., priority is given for handicapped persons under MGNREGA Work and to appoint worker as mate. Disabled workers are paid wages equivalent to other workers. Other priorities set for disabled persons are special discount in rates, selection of suitable work for them and organization of groups for disabled persons.Under MGNREGA in FY 2017-18, around 4.7 lakh disabled workers were provided employment; thereby generating 1.57 crorepersondays.

DDU-GrameenKaushalYojana Guidelines mandates each State has to ensure that at least 3% of State target for skilling should be ear marked for persons with disabilities (PwDs). DDU-GKY Guidelines also provides that PwD projects may have separate training centres and the unit costs may be different from those for regular projects. Accordingly, Ministry has notified a separate Framework for projects for PwD under DDU-GKY in alignment with Common Norms for Skill Development schemes. Currently, a total of 243 projects have been sanctioned under DDU-GKY in the country in which PwD candidates have also been proposed to be trained. Apart from this, 5 projects have been sanctioned exclusively under DDU-GKY for skilling 1500 PwD candidates.In the FY 2017-18 (upto February 2018), 912 PwD candidates have been trained under DDU-GKY projects, as against 662 candidates in FY in 2016-17.

Pradhan MantriAwasYojana(G) also has the provision for States to ensure that at least 3% beneficiaries are disabled persons.Under PMAY (G), 5682 houses were sanctioned for differently-abled persons; of which 1655 have been completed.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
06-April, 2018 18:05 IST
Government of India,Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank sign New Project to benefit over 25 Million Small and Marginal Farmers in Maharashtra.

The Government of India, Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank signed here today a US$ 420 million project to help Small and Marginal farmers in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra. The project will help inincreasing climate resilient practices in agriculture and ensuring that farming continues to remain a financially viable activity for them.

The aforesaidproject is expected to benefit over 7 million people spread over an area of 3.0 million ha and cover 5,142 villages across 15 most climate vulnerable districts of the region.The $420 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 6-year grace period, and a maturity of 24 years.

The Agreements for the Maharashtra Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture were signed by ShriSameer Kumar Khare,Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India; Shri Bijay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra; and Mr.Junaid Ahmad,Country Director, World Bank, India on behalf of the World Bank.

The Maharashtra Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture will be implemented in rural areas largely dependent upon rainfed agriculture. The project will take up a series of activities at the farm and watershed level. It will scale up climate-resilient technologies such as micro irrigation systems, expand surface water storage, and facilitate aquifer recharge, which is expected to directly contribute to a more efficient use of scarce water resources. By adopting climate-resilient seed varieties which have short maturity, are drought and heat resistant, and salt tolerant, the project will help reduce risks of climate-related crop failure, and help enhance farmer’s income.

In recent years, climate variability has affected agriculture in Maharashtra, where farming is largely dominated by small and marginal farmers. Farmers have low crop productivity and a high dependence on rainfall. Severe drought in the past has affected the state’s agriculture performance.At the watershed level, project activities include building drainage lines and preparing catchment area treatment plans that promote a more efficient use of surface water for agriculture, complemented with a more sustainable use of groundwater, which will ultimately improve the availability and quality of water at the farm level.

To strengthen emerging value chains for climate-resilient agricultural commodities, the project will improve the capacity of Farmer Producers Organizations to operate as sustainable, market-oriented, agri-enterprises. It will help mainstream the climate resilient agriculture agenda in various local institutions that deliver agricultural services to the farming community.

India’s per capita emission of Green House Gases (GHG) is also on the rise, though current per capita levels of 2.44 t CO2 equivalent in 2012, is still among the lowest in the world. In absolute terms, the agriculture sector is the second largest contributor with around 18 percent of the country’s total GHG emissions. This project will help mitigate that through carbon sequestration which involves planting trees in upper catchment areas and afforestation; growing fruit trees on small orchards; and incorporating crop residues (biomass) into the soil.

Speaking in the occasion, theJoint Secretary, DEA, MoFShri Khare said that the Government of India accords high priority to welfare of farmers and is implementing several schemes to revitalize the agriculture sector and improve the economic condition of farmers. To cope with climate change, agricultural systems must be resilient and adapt to change. The Project will strengthen the resilience of small and marginal farmers against adverse climate events by promoting agricultural technologies and farming practices that are aimed at improving soil health, water-use efficiency and crop productivity.

Emphaising the importance of the project Mr. Junaid Ahmad said that for India to sustain its growth across generations and become one of the world’s largest middle-class economies, the country needs to shift to a more resource-efficient growth path, which is inclusive. This project will help the rural poor, largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture, use more climate-resilient farming technologies and conserve water, a scarce resource. The project will also support the state government to shift towards a new paradigm that puts climate resilience at the core of agricultural growth and rural development in Maharashtra.

Lead Agriculture Economist Mr. Patrick Verissimo andSenior Agriculture SpecialistMr. Ranjan Samantray, the World Bank’s Task Team Leaders for the project said that state climate modeling results show that the annual mean temperature in the project area will increase by around 1.3 to 1.5 degree Celsius by the 2030s. The increase in rainfall during this period is also likely to get distributed over a shorter number of rain days. The Government of Maharashtra recognizes the need for a structural shift to make agriculture more sustainable and is keen to build climate resilience in agriculture which this project will support the Government in achieving.

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[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale addressing the press conference, in Chennai on April 09, 2018. The Addl. Director General, PIB & Regional Outreach Bureau, Shri V. Ravi Rama Krishna and the Director, Regional Outreach Bureau, Shri M. Annadurai are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
10-April, 2018 18:09 IST
Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries launches Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh website

Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF) Shri Tarun Shridhar inaugurated the website of Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh namely www.pashuchikitsakmahasangh.in and dedicated it to Veterinarians of the country in New Delhi today. Shri Tarun Shridhar asked the Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh to develop it as an effective platform for sharing of knowledge and developing a database. The Secretary stated this while addressing a seminar on 'Role of Veterinarians in doubling farmer’s income' organized by Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh.

The Secretary agreed to constitute a committee to study the introduction of Combined Vaccine of Haemorrehagic Septicimia and Foot and Mouth Disease including representative of stakeholders. He also dealt with issue of Veterinary Council of India and assured of prompt action. Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Suresh S. Honnappagol elaborated on the schemes of DADF and the role of Veterinarians and appealed for more dedication for upliftment of farming community. He stressed on the need of Veterinarians on technical upgradation of knowledge and specialised in field of Invitro fertilisation and Embryo transfer.

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The Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Tarun Shridhar launching the website of the Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh, in New Delhi on April 10, 2018.

The Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Tarun Shridhar addressing at the launch of the website of Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh, in New Delhi on April 10, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
12-April, 2018 15:44 IST
AIIB decides to invest $140M to improve Rural Connectivity in India;

Project to benefit about 1.5 Million Rural residents of 5,640 Villages in Madhya Pradesh.

Approximately 1.5 Million rural residents in State of Madhya Pradesh are going to directly benefit from improved livelihoods, education and mobility with the USD $ 140-Million loan approved by the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in a Meeting held recently in Beijing. The Project, co-financed with the World Bank, aims to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents of about 5,640 villages who use the rural roads for daily activities.

Livelihoods of the rural population will be improved by expanding income earning opportunities through better farm-to-market road connections. Moreover, more children are expected to enroll in higher education programs and school attendance is expected to further improve. The road maintenance pilot under the Project will employ more women, contributing to gender equality and income generation.

“Promoting sustainable growth in India through investment in rural infrastructure will require substantial financing,” said AIIB Vice President and Chief Investment Officer D.J. Pandian. “I am glad that AIIB’s participation in this project will contribute to reducing this financing gap and enhance overall development in the region.”

In addition to the above, the Project also aims to improve durability and accessibility, and enhance resilience to climate change of the gravel surfaced rural road in State of Madhya Pradesh while building the capacity of the State to manage its rural road network and road safety.

The planned activities under the Project are:

· Upgrading the gravel surfaced roads to a sealed surface standard.

· Providing additional linkages to villages with potential for high growth.

· Enhancing institutional capacity through implementing/upgrading a rural road asset management system and strengthening design and research and quality assurance capacity of the implementation agency.

· Developing road safety management capacity with road accident data management system and piloting a comprehensive road safety program.

· Supporting design, implementation and management.

AIIB Director General of Investment Operations SupeeTeravaninthorn said that this Project will provide sustainable and safe last-mile connectivity to small villages and improve mobility of the rural population of Madhya Pradesh. He said that the Project will stimulate economic development in the entire State of Madhya Pradesh and improve the livelihoods of the rural population, especially rural women and girls. It is a typical reflection of our priorities of enhancing economic growth and sustainability through infrastructure investment.

More details and information and the Project’s Environmental and Social Management Plan

are available at https://www.aiib.org/en/projects/approved/index.html

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
17-April, 2018 19:32 IST
Need for More Agro Clusters Under MSME for Job Creation In Rural Areas: Giriraj Singh

Giriraj Singh MoS (I/c) MSME delivering the valedictory address at the Conference of Development Institutes, Technology Centres and Tool Rooms under the Ministry of MSME

Giriraj Singh MoS MSME emphasized the need for more agro clusters under the MSME Ministry for job creation. He said it is quite alarming that women are losing employment and are forced to migrate to cities. To minimize both unemployment and migration, the Minister said that the agro-clusters can act as catalyst for creation of more jobs in rural India especially for women.

The Minister was delivering the valedictory address at the end of the two-days’ Conference of Development Institutes, Technology Centres and Tool Rooms under the Ministry of MSME. The Minister also desired that wide publicity should be given to the successful ventures of MSME Ministry like clusters and tool rooms so that many more may be set-up in the country.

The Minister further added that the schemes under MSMEs in different Ministries should reach the village level for which he urged the Development Institutes to coordinate with district functionaries.

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[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
18-April, 2018 20:34 IST
Equip farmers with knowledge, insights and products: Vice President

You must ‘dialogue’ with farmers, ‘discover’ new products and practices and ‘disseminate’ new insights and knowledge for development; Addresses Workshop on Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture for Doubling of Farmer’s Income

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that India must equip farmers with knowledge, insights and products. He was addressing the Valedictory Session of the One Day State Level Workshop on Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture for Doubling of Farmer’s Income” organized by the Government of Manipur and the Central Agricultural University, in Imphal, Manipur today. The Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh, the Minister for Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, Shri V. Hankhanlian and others dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Vice President said that water conservation is crucial for sustainable agriculture, and said that there is an urgent need to conserve resources. He further said that, in his view, not only should we construct ponds for water conservation but also convert these artificial water storage structures into active fresh water ecosystems which in turn will be biodiversity spots for the aquatic wealth of the state, he added.

The Vice President said that global warming is real and is affecting our lives in every way. He further said that it should be our endeavour to sustain the agricultural production by mitigating the effects of global warming while conserving the biodiversity in ways that are sustainable. You must ‘dialogue’ with farmers, ‘discover’ new products and practices and ‘disseminate’ new insights and knowledge for development, he added.

The Vice President said that agriculture sector needs a big boost in India and efforts are needed to make it sustainable, economical and attractive. We need to focus on the farmer’s incomes as well as on the farm productivity and long term environmental sustainability, he added.

The Vice President said that best practices from the traditional farming with the latest know-how can play vital role in improving productivity in agriculture. He further said that apart from intensification of agriculture, we must go in for greater diversification. Farmers should be encouraged to go in for a greater variety of alternative crops like high value fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President's address:

"I am really happy to be with all of you today.

The state of Manipur, which is referred to as Jewel of the East by the first Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, is true to its core a jewel. The state is in the Eastern Himalayas which is one of the ten biodiversity hot spots of the world. Though the state is geographically small, it has a number of natural endowments. It is bestowed with varied geographical and climatic regions which have helped in evolving a great array of diverse species of both flora and fauna. Even the ethnic diversity is striking.

The people of Manipur have not only realized the importance of biodiversity but it is heartening that they have been helping conserve this unique boon given by nature.

The unique black scented rice of Manipur or the perennial vegetables, the tree bean or the tree tomato and many fruits which are endemic speak volumes about the diversity of the flora. Siroy lily the state flower is unique to the State of Manipur. The aqua diversity is also unique. Pengba fish, the most favorite fish in Manipur, is also endowed with several medicinal benefits. The floating islands on the largest fresh water lake of North East India are also home to several unique aquatic fauna and the forest adjoining the lake is the home of the state animal “Sangai”.

The state is also fortunate to receive very heavy rainfall throughout.

Agriculture has been and continues to be the main occupation of the majority of Manipuris. Over millennia, the farmers have developed agricultural production systems which blended well with nature and maintained the ecological balance.

The agricultural production is largely organic because it is based on traditional methods therefore making it highly organic in nature. The tribes in the hilly region still follow Jhum cultivation which in its natural way does not adversely affect the natural resources. In recent times, however, reduced rotational periods of jhuming (Jhum cycle) is putting pressure on the natural resources.

I am told that the rotation has come down to 3 to 4 year cycle from its traditional 12 year cycle. This has its ramifications and negative impact on the environment. The changing weather pattern with reduced rainfall (which is almost 50% compared to 3 decades earlier) with its erratic distribution is partly ascribed to this reduced Jhuming cycle.

It would be important to study this problem and find a practical solution to ensure sustainability of the production systems as well as address social issues like improving the socio economic status of the jhum farmers. Alternate economic activities should be developed so that the jhum farmers are encouraged to lengthen the jhum cycles and ultimately bring them to the earlier length of 12 years or even more.

Sisters and Brothers,

Adoption of modern agricultural methods is still rudimentary in Manipur and there is a need for bringing the state of the art knowledge and agricultural skills to the farmers’ doorsteps.

I am happy that Central Agricultural University and the ICAR Regional Centre at Imphal have developed several useful farmer friendly technologies which have a great potential to boost the agricultural production of the region while conserving the mother nature. This knowledge must reach all farmers. The department of agriculture therefore has a greater role in transferring this accumulated treasure of knowledge to the farmers for adoption. In my view, the extension activities of the department of agriculture should be geared up to step up the process of dissemination of this accumulated knowledge.

Sisters and Brothers,

We must blend the best practices from the traditional farming with the latest know-how. Central Agricultural University, ICAR and IBSD have a great role to play. They should maintain the diverse collection of rice germplasm so that they are available for the development of varieties blending with location specific genes.The Central Agricultural University and ICAR should also develop organic pesticides using local flora so that the pests are controlled without the use of toxic chemicals. This will reduce the pollution of the precious soil and water bodies.

Along with sustainable agriculture, we need to focus on using our water resources also in an optimal fashion. Although the state is bestowed with good rainfall, there is an urgent need to conserve these resources. In my view, not only should we construct ponds for water conservation but also convert these artificial water storage structures into active fresh water ecosystems which in turn will be biodiversity spots for the aquatic wealth of the state.

When we talk of biodiversity and its conservation, we should also address the global warming and its effect on biodiversity of the region. Global warming is real and is affecting our lives in every way. It should therefore be our endeavour to sustain the agricultural production by mitigating the effects of global warming while conserving the biodiversity in ways that are sustainable.

Sisters and Brothers,

Agriculture sector needs a big boost today. We should make it sustainable, economical and attractive. We need to focus on the farmer’s incomes as well as on the farm productivity and long term environmental sustainability.

Enhancing productivity is important. Providing quality seeds of high yielding varities of crops to farmers at the right time and increased farm mechanization will be helpful. The Agricultural University can be a catalyst in this transformation.

Apart from intensification of agriculture, we must go in for greater diversification. Farmers should be encouraged to go in for a greater variety of alternative crops like high value fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants.

Allied occupations like dairy and aquaculture add to the farmer’s incomes and cushion them against the uncertainties of traditional agriculture. Infact, the entire agriculture sector must be seen in an integrated manner. The post-harvest operations, warehousing, cold storage, marketing and food processing, credit and insurance facilities are interlinked parts of the larger eco-system. We must effectively strengthen these linkages.

Efforts should also be made to conserve the endangered Manipuri cattle and pony which are unique to this region. Also, simultaneously there has to be a constant research on improving the breeds of dairy animals, poultry birds, fish and duck suitable for the region.

I am happy to participate in this State level Workshop that has focused on themes that are close to my heart.

I have always held that agriculture has been at the heart of our culture. Most of our festivals and folksongs have roots in the agricultural practices.

We must rejuvenate agriculture, preserve our culture, conserve nature, reform our work culture. If we can do this we can transform our future.

We need to create our tomorrow through our actions today. You have the ‘Manis’, the ‘jewels’ in your state in the form of the vast natural and human resources. Let us celebrate and conserve the rich diversity nature has endowed you with and add further shine to the already splendid nature’s treasures.

I wish you all success in your collective endeavors.

Jai Hind!"

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
24-April, 2018 14:27 IST
“Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030 A Critical Need”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

India Co-Hosts Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop for the First Time

Emphasising the importance of land as a resource and the need to protect and harness its resources in a manner that does not adversely affect its health, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has underlined the critical need to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030. Inaugurating the four-day Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) here today, Dr. Harsh Vardhan urged the delegates to transform the Workshop into a milestone in combating land degradation, desertification and drought.

“In India, total land area under land degradation is 96.40 million hectares, which is 29.32% of the country’s total geographical area”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated. Pointing out that drylands lose 23 hectares per minute to drought and desertification, the Minister said that this gets translated into a loss of 20 million tonnes of potential foodgrain production. Underlining India’s strong commitment to the Convention, he pointed out that India has around 70% of its total geographical area under drylands and about 30% of its land affected by land degradation and about 25% of the land affected by desertification.

In the global context, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that nearly 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil and 27, 000 bio-species are lost every year. He stated that nearly 30 per cent of the world’s population lives in dry areas. “8 out of 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in drylands”, he added. Lauding some of the success stories of other nations, the Minister mentioned Sahel Integrated Lowland ecosystem Management (SILeM) in Burkina Faso, besides the Capacity and Management Support for combating land degradation in dryland ecosystems in China. In the Indian context, he highlighted the Sustainable land, water and biodiversity conservation and management for improved livelihoods in Uttarakhand watershed sector, as well as Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Security through Innovations in Land and ecosystem management in India. Dr. Harsh Vardhan added that India has documented its Sustainable Land and Ecosystem Management practices in the form of SLEM book, published in 2014.

The Minister referred to various schemes of the Government of India that have been launched for capacity-building of the stakeholders at multiple levels. Among others, he referred to some of the schemes which include - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PKSY), Per Drop More Crop, Swacch Bharat mission, Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) and National Rural Drinking Water Programme.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNCCD, Dr. P.K Monga said that the main objective of such Workshops is to enable country Parties to participate effectively in the UNCCD reporting process and to submit the national report in time. In his address, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Yuri Afanasiev stressed that land degradation is the single most crucial issue facing the world. “The good news, certainly for India, is that this problem is combatable and secondly, land degradation, together with issues like energy efficiency are the lowest cost, no-regret measures for the countries to adopt”, Mr. Afanasiev averred.

Earlier, Dr. Harsh Vardhan also released a report on the “Economics of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought” at the inaugural session of the Workshop.

This Regional Workshop in India is the fourth in a series of UNCCD Workshops held around the world, with Turkey, Ethiopia and Brazil hosting the first two Workshops for their respective regions. This four-day Workshop (April 24-27, 2018) will participation of representatives from nearly 40 Asia-Pacific nations. The Workshop will also train delegates from 12 land degradation prone states in India. Scientists and academicians from premier scientific and research-based institutions of the country, along with senior officers of Central Government ministries that work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to monitor the progress of the Convention in India, are also participating in the Workshop.

Desertification was addressed for the first time in 1977 in the United Nations Conference on Desertification. This was followed by the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Paris on 17th June 1994. The Convention entered into force in December 1996. It is one of the three Rio Conventions, along with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). India became a signatory to the Convention on October 14, 1994 and ratified it on December 17, 1996. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal Ministry to co-ordinate all issues pertaining to the Convention. The Convention holds a biennial Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention and the last CoP was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, in China, in September 2016.

Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC, Mr. A.K Jain welcomed the delegates, while Joint Secretary, MoEF&CC, Mr. Jigmet Takpa delivered the vote of thanks.

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[Hindustani78]

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
25-April, 2018 13:07 IST
Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices for Raw Jute for 2018-19 season

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute for 2018-19 season.

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of Raw Jute has been increased to Rs.3700/- per quintal for 2018-19 season from Rs. 3500/- per quintal in 2017-18 season.

The MSP would yield returns of 63.2 percent over the weighted average A2+FL cost of production. The MSP of Raw Jute is expected to ensure appropriate minimum prices to the farmers and step up investment in Jute cultivation and thereby production and productivity in the country.

The increased MSP is based on recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) which while recommending MSP takes into account the cost of production, overall demand-supply, domestic and international prices, inter-crop price parity, terms of trade between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors and the likely impact of MSP on the rest of the economy.

The Jute Corporation of India would continue to act as Central Nodal Agency to undertake price support operations at the Minimum Support Prices in the Jute growing states.



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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
25-April, 2018 13:07 IST
Cabinet approves restructured National Bamboo Mission

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today has approvedCentrally Sponsored Scheme of National Bamboo Mission (NBM) under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) during remaining period of Fourteenth Finance Commission (2018-19 & 2019-20). The Mission would ensure holistic development of the bamboo sector by addressing complete value chain and establishing effective linkage of producers (farmers) with industry.

CCEA has also approved Empowerment of Executive Committee for formulation of guidelines of the NBM and to make the changes therein, including cost norms for various interventions from time-to-time as per the felt needs and specific recommendations of States, with the approval of Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Expenditure:

An outlay of Rs.1290 crore (with Rs. 950 crore as Central share) is provisioned for implementation of the Mission during the remaining period of 14th Finance Commission (2018-19 and 2019-20).

Beneficiaries:

The scheme will benefit directly and indirectly the farmers as well as local artisans and associated personnels engaged in bamboo sector including associated industries. Since it is proposed to bring about one lakh ha area under plantation, it is expected that about one lakh farmers would be directly benefitted in terms of plantation.

States/ districts covered:

The Mission will focus on development of bamboo in limited States where it has social, commercial and economical advantage, particularly in the North Eastern region and States including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The Mission is expected to establish about 4000 treatment/ product development units and bring more than 100000 ha area under plantation.

Impact:

Bamboo plantation will contribute to optimizing farm productivity and income thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities of small & marginal farmers including landless and women as well as provide quality material to industry. Thus, the Mission will not only serve as a potential instrument for enhancing income of farmers but also contributing towards climate resilience and environmental benefits. The Mission will also help in creating employment generation directly or indirectly in both skilled and unskilled segments.

Details:



The restructured NBM strives to -

(i) To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change.

(ii) To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units, treatment and seasoning plants, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure.

(iii) To promote product development at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry.

(iv) To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.

(v) To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector.



Implementation strategy and targets:

The following steps would be adopted for the development of bamboo sector:

I. The Mission will focus on development of bamboo in limited States where it has social, commercial and economical advantage with focus on genetically superior planting material of bamboo species of commercial and industrial demand.

II. Adoption of end to end solution in bamboo sector i.e. complete value chain approach starting from bamboo growers to consumers would be emphasized.

III. Mission has been developed as a platform for integration of Ministries/ Departments/Agencies with implementation responsibilities given based on their mandate.

IV. Capacity building of the officials, field functionaries, entrepreneurs and farmers through skill development and trainings will be emphasised.

V. Focus will be given on Research & Development (R&D) to increase the production and productivity of bamboo.



Background:

National Bamboo Mission (NBM) started as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in 2006-07, was mainly emphasizing on propagation and cultivation of bamboo, with limited efforts on processing, product development and value addition. There, was weak linkage between the producers (farmers) and the industry. The restructured proposal gives simultaneous emphasis to propagation of quality plantations of bamboo, product development and value addition including primary processing and treatment; micro, small & medium enterprises as well as high value products; markets and skill development, thus addressing the complete value chain for growth of the bamboo sector.



Details and progress of scheme if already running:

National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was initially started as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in 2006-07 and was subsumed under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2014-15 and continued till 2015-16. Funds were released thereafter only for maintenance of bamboo plantations raised earlier under NBM, and no new work or annual action plan was initiated. Since 2006-07, an area of 3.62 lakh ha covered under bamboo plantations and 39 bamboo wholesale markets, 40 bamboo bazaars and 29 retail outlets were set up.



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Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
25-April, 2018 18:20 IST
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh’s addresses the National Kharif Conference 2018 in New Delhi

Agriculture officers and scientists to discuss ways to increase income through new technology in the ongoing Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan where every block will organize Kisan Kalyan Karyashala on May 2, 2018 Government committed to agrarian reforms and providing adequate budgetary support to all programs year after year: Shri Singh Need of the hour is full cooperation of State Governments so that all efforts of Central Government reach and benefit farmers: Union Agriculture Minister

The agriculture and food security of the nation will continue to be sustainable in the coming years and we will be successful in doubling farmers’ income in the stipulated time frame. This was stated by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh at the National Kharif Conference 2018 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today.

Shri Singh asserted that the credit for ensuring the nation’s food security goes to the farmers. Today, India is not only self-dependent but also an exporter of many agricultural products. It is also true that farmers do not get fair value of their produce; therefore an all-round development of the agriculture sector is needed to ensure the stock of food and agriculture product; and enhance farmers’ income. The aim of the government is to make agriculture policy and programs 'income-oriented' rather than 'production-oriented'. To achieve this ambitious objective, the government is encouraging the adoption of 'multi-dimensional seven-point' strategy suggested by Hon'ble Prime Minister, which includes-

• Emphasis on irrigation along with end to end solution on creation of resources for ‘More crop per drop'.
• Provision of quality seeds and nutrients according to the soil quality of each farm.
• Large investments in warehouses and cold chains to prevent Post-harvest losses.
• Promotion of value addition through food processing.
• Implementation of National Agricultural Markets and e-platforms (e-NAM) to eliminate shortcomings of all the 585 centers.
• To mitigate the risk, introduction of crop insurance scheme at a lower cost.
• Promotion of allied activities such as Dairy-Animal husbandry, Poultry, Bee-keeping, Har Medh Per Ped, Horticulture, and Fisheries.

Shri Singh said the need of the hour is full cooperation of State Governments so that all efforts of the Central Government reach and benefit farmers. The Minister appealed to officials from States to properly implement the schemes/missions in their state. Farmers must be encouraged to participate in large numbers in the ongoing Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, in which every block will organize Kisan Kalyan Karyashala on May 2, 2018 in which farmers from that block will participate. Agriculture officers and scientists will discuss ways to increase income through new technology and progressive farmers will also narrate their success stories.

The Minister informed that National Bamboo Mission has been announced in budget 2018-19 for the overall development of bamboo as a supplement of agricultural income. This would help increase the income of farmers. For the development of dairy and fisheries, programs like National Dairy Plan-1 (NDP-1), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) and Blue Revolution are being implemented and farmers are taking advantage of it.

The Minister further said that the main goal of the government is not only to identify potential areas of agriculture where more investment needs to be made but also to enhance income by diversification into horticulture and animal husbandry and fisheries and suggest ways to reduce risks. In order to achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income, the Agriculture Ministry has been continuously working to reduce the cost of farming; increase production through better productivity; ensuring profitable returns and risk management given the uncertainty of weather.

To ensure better productivity, schemes such as National Food Security Mission, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, Blue Revolution etc. are being run. Similarly, to reduce the cost of farming, Soil Health Card, use of neem-coated urea and more crop per drop etc are being implemented successfully. For a profitable income source, e-NAM, cold storage, storage facility at concessional rate of interest, post-harvest credit facility, increase in base MSP etc are being emphasized. For adoption of risk management and sustainable practices, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and organic farming mission for north east are being implemented.

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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the National Conference on Agriculture for the Kharif Campaign, 2018, in New Delhi on April 25, 2018.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the National Conference on Agriculture for the Kharif Campaign, 2018, in New Delhi on April 25, 2018.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the National Conference on Agriculture for the Kharif Campaign, 2018, in New Delhi on April 25, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
26-April, 2018 14:26 IST
Nafed makes impressive turn around, organizes thanks giving function to express gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Union Agriculture Minister, Central & State Governments and lender banks for their guidance & support

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh call upon management of Nafed to continue its efforts for the service of farmers and introduce a more transparent mechanism Shri Singh cautions Nafed, asserts there will be no second opportunity if its affairs and working is not transparent and above board Union Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan hails Nafed for its new initiatives like farm waste management and production of CNG/Bio Fuel which is to be distributed through Indian Oil Corporation

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) reeling under financial distress and massive debt of its lender banks till recently, has made an impressive turn around with record profit for the financial year 2017-18. This has enabled the Federation to contribute Rs. 220 Crore as cash payment to its lender banks towards part fulfillment of its One Time Settlement amount of Rs. 478 Crore.

Nafed had signed the Debt Settlement Deed on 27th March, 2018 at its Headquarter at New Delhi. Central Bank of India was the lead bank, representing all eight lender banks. This journey of Nafed from a period of acute financial crisis, staring at imminent closure to the present when it has reported record profit and wiped out its liabilities to its lender banks as well other high value creditors, has been quite arduous. Several efforts and schemes were drawn for the financial revival of the federation, whose role is very vital for implementation of Price Support Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses and Copra as well regulating the prices of perishables. Finally, the One Time Settlement worked out on 27th January, 2016, saw the light of the day.

The federation had organized a Thank Giving Function at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 15, Janpath, New Delhi, yesterday evening to express its sincere thanks and gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Union Agriculture Minister, several Departments of the Govt. of India, the lender banks and State Governments for their support.

Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, was the Chief Guest. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas alongwith Shri Parshottam Rupala, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministers of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare were present. A host of senior Govt. of India Officials, State Governments, National Cooperative Bodies, State Cooperative Bodies, Banks, Niti Aayog and the Members of the Board of Directors of Nafed, ex-Managing Directors, retired employees of the federation, etc. were present.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Shri Radha Mohan Singh complemented Nafed and lender banks for implementing the One Time Settlement. Shri Singh lauded the efforts of the federation in making record procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds under Price Support Scheme of Govt. of India, thereby earning substantial business income for the federation as well service to the farmers and further called upon the Management of Nafed to continue its efforts for the service of the farmers as well to introduce transparent mechanism of the procurement and disposal of the commodities being procured on behalf of Govt. of India.

Recalling the genesis of the crisis which had engulfed the federation, Union Agriculture Minister mentioned that Nafed without proper security had been distributing financial assistance to the private parties during the year 2003-07. The money was never returned by the private parties to Nafed, leading to defaults to banks. Shri Singh mentioned that a common borrower is put through lot of check and appraisal before he/she is granted personal loan but here was the case in which no financial rules and regulations were followed. Shri Singh cautioned the present Management to be careful in discharge of their functions so that there is no repetition of such instances. There shall be no second opportunity for the Federation if its affairs and working is not transparent and above board. He called upon the Management to induct professionals in its system as they will properly guide and steer the federation to greater heights.

Criticizing the UPA regime, Shri Singh said that the previous government was bent upon closing this organization by taking policy decisions which were anti-farmer. The capping of losses to 15% in case of PSS was suicidal, as there will be no procurement within defined percentage. He said that the present government is reimbursing losses as per the actual. Further, he criticized the UPA Government for reducing the government guarantee of Nafed to tune of Rs. 261 Crore, when the Present government is giving guarantee of Rs. 42000 Crore to Nafed to serve the farmers. This shows the deep commitment of the government for the service of the farmers.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas praised the efforts of Nafed for making such an impressive turn around with dedicated efforts, which was beneficial to the Organization as well the farmers. He mentioned that Nafed has been very active in recent past in taking new initiatives like Farm Waste Management and production of CNG/Bio Fuel which is to be distributed through the Indian Oil Corporation. The recent signing of Agreement by Nafed with Indian Oil Corporation was mentioned by the Union Minister. He called upon the Cooperative Sector to come forward for the skill development of the Indian farmers, which will long serve the Indian rural economy.

Shri V R Boda, Chairman, Nafed and Shri S K Chadha, MD, Nafed, in their speeches thanked Govt. of India for their generous support.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Rural Development
27-April, 2018 12:24 IST
Concerted Water Conservation Thrust under MGNREGS

With near universal geo-tagging of assets and payment of wages and materials through the Electronic Fund Management System (EFMS), a transparent Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has made concerted efforts to create durable assets. The thrust has been on Natural Resource Management (NRM), both on community and individual beneficiary lands of small and marginal farmers. Due to these concerted efforts, 143 lakh hectares have benefitted through Water Conservation efforts under MGNREGS over the last 3 years. This includes construction of over 11 lakh farm ponds in the last 2 years, large scale Water Conservation Schemes and vermi composting pits. National evaluation by Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi and assessment of individual beneficiary schemes for livelihood by Council for Social Development have indicated improvements in productivity, acreage, incomes and water table through MGNREGS works. All State Governments have taken keen interest to use MGNREGS as a livelihood resource even under individual beneficiary schemes for poultry sheds, goat sheds, dairy sheds etc. 90 days of wage labour under Pradhan MantriAwaasYojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) housing and Rs. 12,000/- for household toilet wherever SBM Resources are not available has been provided under PMAY-G.

Considering the importance of Water Conservation especially during April to June period of peak demand for work in rural areas, the Government of India has released adequate funds for large scale thrust on completing 43.62 lakh Natural Resource Management works which are under implementation. It has also urged the States to accord maximum priority to Water Conservation works during the first quarter of 2018-19 including River Rejuvenation. Successes in River Rejuvenation have encouraged MGNREGS to undertake similar works in other States as well. The Hon’ble Prime Minister on the National Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24, 2018 has exhorted Gram Panchayat Pradhans to lead a Community owned movement for Water Conservation using MGNREGS resources to insulate villages from vagaries of monsoon. On the 25th April 2018, Hon’ble Prime Minister has urged all the Chief Secretaries of States in the Pragati Review to assign top most priority to Water Conservation works under MGNREGS in the April to June period. There are no fund constraints in any State and technical training to field functionaries for Natural Resource Management has been given under the Samarthya Capacity Development Programmein partnership with Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Department of Land Resources and Central Ground Water Board as part of the thrust on 2,264 stressed Blocks under Mission Water Conservation.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
30-April, 2018 16:49 IST
Swachh Bharat Mission launches GOBAR-DHAN to promote wealth and energy from waste

Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, today launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources - DHAN scheme at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Auditorium, Karnal in the presence of the Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. The scheme aims to positively impact village cleanliness and generate wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste. The scheme also aims at creating new rural livelihood opportunities and enhancing income for farmers and other rural people.

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) comprises two main components for creating clean villages – creating open defecation free (ODF) villages and managing solid and liquid waste in villages. With over 3.5 lakh villages, 374 districts and 16 States/UTsof the country being declared ODF, the stage is set for ODF-plus activities, including measures to enhance solid and liquid waste management. The GOBAR-DHAN scheme, with its focus on keeping villages clean, increasing the income of rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste, is an important element of this ODF-plus strategy. The scheme envisages the implementation of 700 bio-gas units in different states of the country in 2018-19.

The scheme was launched today in Karnal by the Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, Haryana Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri S.S. Ahluwalia. Shri Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and other senior level officials of the Central and State Government were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Sushri Uma Bharti reiterated the Prime Minister’s statement, “Vikas tab hoga jab jan andolan banega” (A peoples’ movement will foster development). She thanked the people of India for making the Swachh Bharat Mission a true jan andolan. She spoke about the importance of Gobar-dhan as a key component of the ODF-plus strategy in the country. She spoke about the potential of converting waste into energy, and called upon people to accept change, follow change and participate in change happening in rural India under the Swachh Bharat Mission today. She mentioned that under GObar-Dhan, cooking gas would be provided to rural habitations and technical support would ensure that the schemes functioned on a sustainable basis. The Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar wished the program success and committed on behalf of the State that Haryana would successfully implement the program with complete people’s participation.

The guidelines of GOBAR-DHAN scheme were also launched which details of the scheme, implementation arrangements, financing provisions and roles and responsibilities of the Centre, State governments, districts and other stakeholders involved in implementation of the scheme. The IEC strategy for GOBAR-DHAN and successful case studies were also presented and field visits to bio-gas

plants were also conducted after the launch. The launch was attended by sarpanches from the project villages, implementing agencies, officers from 14 states and district officers.

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[Hindustani78]

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
02-May, 2018 15:21 IST
Cabinet approves continuation of Umbrella Scheme ‘Green Revolution — Krishonnati Yojana’ in Agriculture Sector

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the Umbrella Scheme, "Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana" in agriculture sector beyond 12th Five Year Plan for the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with the Central Share of Rs. 33,269.976 crore.

The Umbrella scheme comprises of 11 Schemes/Missions. These schemes look to develop the agriculture and allied sector in a holistic and scientific manner to increase the income of farmers by enhancing production, productivity andbetter returns on produce. The Schemes will be continued with an expenditure of Rs.33,269.976 crore for three financial years, i.e., 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.

3. The Schemes that are part of the Umbrella Schemes are :-

(i) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) with a total central share of Rs. 7533.04 crore, MIDH aims to promote holistic growth of horticulture sector; to enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security and income support tofarm Households.

(ii) National Food Security Mission (NFSM), including National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), with a total central share of Rs.6893.38 crore. It aims to increase production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and commercial crops, through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a suitable manner in the identified districts of the country, restoring soil fertility and productivity at the individual farm level and enhancing farm level economy. It further aims to augment the availability of vegetable oils and to reduce the import of edible oils.

(iii) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) with a total central share of Rs.3980.82 crore. NMSA aims at promoting sustainable agriculture practices best suitable to the specific agro-ecology focusing on integrated farming, appropriate soil health management and synergizing resource conservation technology.

(iv) Submission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) with a total central share of Rs.2961.26 crore. SMAE aims to strengthen the ongoing extension mechanism of State Governments, local bodies etc., achieving food and nutritional security and socio-economic empowerment of farmers, to institutionalize programme planning and implementation mechanism, to forge effective linkages and synergy amongst various stake-holders, to support HRD interventions, to promote pervasive and innovative use of electronic / print media, inter-personal communication and ICT tools, etc.

(v) Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP) with a total central share of Rs.920.6 crore. SMSP aims to increase production of certified / quality seed, to increase SRR, to upgrade the quality of farm saved seeds, to strengthen the seed multiplication chain, to promote new technologies and methodologies in seed production, processing, testing etc., to strengthen and modernizing infrastructure for seed production, storage, certification and quality etc.

(vi) Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) with a total central share of Rs.3250 crore. SMAM aims to increase the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions where availability of farm power is low, to promote ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high cost of individual ownership, to create hubs for hi-tech and high value farm equipment, to create awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities, and to ensure performance testing and certification at designated testing centers located all over the country.

(vii) Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plan Quarantine (SMPPQ) with a total central share of Rs.1022.67 crore. SMPPQ aims to minimize loss to quality and yield of agricultural crops from the ravages of insect pests, diseases, weeds, nematodes, rodents, etc. and to shield our agricultural bio-security from the incursions and spread of alien species, to facilitate exports of Indian agricultural commodities to global markets, and to promote good agricultural practices, particularly with respect to plant protection strategies and strategies.

(viii) Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census, Economics and Statistics (ISACES) with a total central share of Rs. 730.58 crore. It aims to undertake the agriculture census, study of the cost of cultivation of principal crops, to undertake research studies on agro-economic problems of the country, to fund conferences/workshops and seminars involving eminent economists, agricultural scientists, experts and to bring out papers to conduct short term studies, to improve agricultural statistics methodology and to create a hierarchical information system on crop condition and crop production from sowing to harvest.

(ix) Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (ISAC) with a total central share of Rs. 1902.636 crore. It aims to provide financial assistance for improving the economic conditions of cooperatives, remove regional imbalances and to speed up - cooperative development in agricultural marketing, processing, storage, computerization and weaker section programmes; to help cotton growers fetch remunerative price for their produce through value addition besides ensuring supply of quality yarn at reasonable rates to the decentralized weavers.

(x) Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) with a total centralshare of 3863.93 crore. ISAM aims to develop agricultural marketing infrastructure; to promote innovative and latest technologies and competitive alternatives in agriculture marketing infrastructure; to provide infrastructure facilities for grading, standardization and quality certification of agricultural produce; to establish a nationwide marketing information network; to integrate markets through a common online market platform to facilitate pan-India trade in agricultural commodities, etc.

(xi) National e-Governance Plan (NeGP-A) with a total central share of 211.06 crore aims to bring farmer centricity & service orientation to the programmes; to enhance reach & impact of extension services; to improve access of farmers to information &services throughout crop-cycle; to build upon, enhance & integrate the existing ICT initiatives of Centre and States; and to enhance efficiency & effectiveness of programs through making available timely and relevant information to the farmers for increasing their agriculture productivity.

The Schemes/Missions focus on creating/strengthening of infrastructure of production, reducing production cost and marketing of agriculture and allied produce. These schemes / missions have been under implementation for varying duration during past few years.

All these schemes/missions were appraised and approved independently as separate scheme/mission. In 2017-18, it has been decided to club all these schemes / missions under one umbrella scheme 'Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana'.

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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram at the Kaushal Vikash Mela, organised by the National Skill Development Corporation, during Gram Swaraj Abhiyan in Koida, Lathikata, Lahunipada villages of Sundargarh district, in Odisha on May 05, 2018.