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4 Agriculture

AGRICULTURE plays a vital role in India’s economy.


Nearly 55 per cent of the population is engaged in
agriculture and allied activities (census 2011) and it
contributes 17.4 per cent to the country’s Gross Value
Added. Given the importance of agriculture sector,
Government of India took several steps for its sustainable
development. Steps have been taken to improve soil fertility
on a sustainable basis through the soil health card scheme,
to provide improved access to irrigation and enhanced
water efficiency through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchai
Yojana, to support organic farming through Paramparagat
Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and to support for creation of
a unified national agriculture market to boost the incomes of
farmers.

Production
Due to the deficient rainfall as well as unseasonal rains and
hailstorms, agricultural production in 2014-15 was lower
than that in 2013-14, a year of record production. As per the
fourth Advance Estimates for 2014-15, total production of
rice in the country is estimated at 104.80 million tonnes
which is lower by 1.85 million tonnes than the production of
rice during 2013-14. Production of wheat estimated at 88.94
million tonnes is also lower than its record production of
95.85 million tonnes during 2013-14. The production of
coarse cereals is estimated at 41.75 million tonnes which is
lower than the production of coarse cereals during 2013-14.
Total foodgrains production during 2014-15 is estimated at
252.68 million tonnes which is lower by 12.36 million
tonnes than the record production of 265.04 million tonnes
of foodgrains achieved during 2013-14. Total production of
pulses and oilseeds estimated at 17.20 million tonnes and
26.68 million tonnes respectively are also lower by 2.05
million tonnes and 6.07 million tonnes than their production
levels during 2013-14. Table here gives area, production
and yield of major crops.

National Policy for Farmers


Government of India approved the National Policy for
Farmers (NPF) in 2007. The Policy provisions, inter alia,
include asset reforms in respect of land, water, livestock,
fisheries, and bio-resources; support services and inputs
like application of frontier technologies; agricultural bio-
security systems; supply of good quality seeds and disease-
free planting material, improving soil fertility and health,
and integrated pest management systems; support services
for women like crèches, child care centres, nutrition, health
and training; timely, adequate, and easy reach of institutional
credit at reasonable interest rates, and farmer-friendly
insurance instruments; use of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) and setting up of farmers’
schools to revitalize agricultural extension; effective
implementation of MSP across the country, development of
agricultural market infrastructure, and rural non-farm
employment initiatives for farm households; integrated
approach for rural energy, etc. Many of the provisions of the
NPF are being operationalised through various schemes and
programmes which are being implemented by different
central government departments and ministries. For the
operationalisation of the remaining provisions of the Policy,
an Action Plan has been finalized and circulated to the
ministries and department concerned, as well as to all states
and UTs for necessary follow up action. An inter-ministerial
committee has also been constituted to monitor the progress
of the Plan of Action for the operationalisation of the NPF.
Major Programmes
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): The
Scheme has been approved with an outlay of 50,000
crore for a period of 5 years (2015-16 to 2019-20). The
major objective of PMKSY is to achieve convergence of
investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable
area under irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency
to reduce wastage of water, enhance the adoption of
precision irrigation and other water saving technologies
(more crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers and
introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc. A
sum of 5,300 crore, comprising 1,800 crore for
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, 1,500 crore
for Department of Land Resources and 2,000 crore for
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation has been provisioned in BE 2015-16.
Agricultural Credit: Government announces annual target
for agriculture credit in the budget every year. Agricultural
credit flow has shown consistent progress every year.
Agricultural credit of 7,11,621 crore was provided to the
farmers against target of 7,00,000 crore in 2013-14. In
the year 2014-15, agricultural credit flow was
8,45,328.23 crore against the target of 8,00,000 crore.
Target for the year 2015-16 was fixed at 8,50,000 crore
and the achievement was 6,30,243.87 crore upto
December 31, 2015.
Kisan Credit Card: The Kisan Credit Card Scheme is in
operation throughout the country and is implemented by
Commercial Banks, Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural
Banks. The Scheme has facilitated in augmenting credit flow
for agricultural activities. The scope of the KCC has been
broad-based to include term credit and consumption needs.
The KCC Scheme has since been simplified and converted
into ATM enabled debit card with, inter alia, facilities of
one-time documentation, built-in cost escalation in the limit,
any number of drawals within the limit, etc., which
eliminates the need for disbursement through camps and
mitigates the vulnerability of farmers to middlemen.

Crop Insurance
In order to protect farmers against crop failure due to
natural calamities, pests and diseases, weather conditions,
Government of India had introduced the National Crop
Insurance Programme (NCIP) with component schemes of
Modified National Agricultural Scheme (MNAIS), Weather
Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) and Coconut Palm
Insurance Scheme (CPIS). In addition, National Agricultural
Insurance Scheme (NAIS) which was to be withdrawn after
implementation of NCIP from rabi 2013-14 has been
extended further upto 2015-16.
The existing crop insurance schemes have recently been
reviewed in consultation with various stakeholders
including states/ UTs. As a result of the review, a new
scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has
been approved for implementation from kharif 2016 along
with pilot Unified Package Insurance Scheme (UPIS) and
restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme
(WBCIS). Under the PMFBY, a uniform maximum premium
of only 2 per cent will be paid by farmers for all kharif
crops and 1.5 per cent for all rabi crops. In case of annual
commercial and horticultural crops, the maximum premium
to be paid by farmers will be only 5 per cent. The premium
rates to be paid by farmers are very low and balance
premium will be paid by the Government to provide full
insured amount to the farmers against crop loss on account
of natural calamities.
Special Rehabilitation Package for Distressed Farmers
(i) A Special Rehabilitation Package for 31 suicide prone
districts in the four states, namely, Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala was implemented.
Against the approved outlay of 16978.78 crore,
19,998.70 crore was sanctioned/released under the package
to these states. The package has stabilized the conditions of
the farmers in the identified districts. (ii) As part of Special
Rehabilitation Package meant for suicide districts, two
packages were approved by the Government of India for
Kerala based on the various programmes/interventions
suggested by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in
2008: (i) development of Kuanad Wetland Ecosystem with
financial outlay of 1,840.75 crore and (ii) mitigation of
Agrarian Distress in Idukki district with financial outlay of
764.65 crore. The Government of Kerala has been
advised to implement sanctioned projects under the ongoing
schemes and also to continue the activities for improving the
conditions of farmers by taking various initiatives under
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and other
schemes/programmes in order to sustain the gains achieved
under these packages.
Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices:
Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), set
up with a view to evolving a balanced and integrated price
structure, is mandated to advise on the price policy (MSP)
of 23 crops. These include seven cereal crops (paddy,
wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi and barley), five pulse
crops (gram, tur, moong, urad and lentil), seven oilseeds
(groundnut, sunflower seed, soyabean, rapeseed—mustard,
safflower, niger seed and sesamum), copra (dried coconut),
coon, raw jute and sugarcane fair and remunerative prices
(FRP) instead of MSPÀ. While recommending MSPs/FRP,
CACP is called upon to ensure that the production patterns
are broadly in line with the overall needs (demand) of the
economy. CACP submits its recommendations to the
government in the form of price policy reports every year,
separately for five groups of commodities namely kharif
crops, rabi crops, sugarcane, raw jute and copra. Before
preparing these five pricing policy reports, the Commission
seeks views of various state governments, concerned
national organizations and ministries.
Determinants of MSP: While recommending price policy
of various commodities under its mandate, the Commission
keeps in mind demand and supply, cost of production, price
trends in the market, both domestic and international, inter-
crop price parity, terms of trade between agricultural and
non-agricultural sectors, likely implications of MSP on
consumers of that product, besides ensuring optimal
utilization of natural resources like land and water. It may
be noted that cost of production is an important factor that
goes as an input in determination of MSP but it is not the
only factor. Thus, recommending MSPs of various crops is
not a ‘cost plus’ pricing exercise, though cost is an
important determinant.

Indian Council of Agricultural


Research
Agricultural research and education in India is spearheaded
by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an
autonomous organization under the Department of
Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
This apex body is mandated for coordinating, guiding and
managing research and education in agriculture and allied
activities. It has the largest network of agricultural research
and education in the world with 109 institutes, 78 all India
coordinated projects/networks, 642 Krishi Vigyan Kendras
(KVKs), 71 state agricultural/
veterinary/horticultural/fishery universities and four general
universities with agricultural faculty spread across the
country.
Keeping pace with the changing requirements of
country’s farm sector, ICAR Institutes developed a number
of cost-effective technologies, techniques and products, not
only to enhance the productivity of various crops and
commodities, but also the quality of produce, for enabling
remunerative agriculture. The partnerships within the
National Agricultural Research and Education System
(NARES) as well as outside, with several organizations
were the hallmark of R&D efforts during the year. The 87th
Foundation Day of ICAR function held at Patna witnessed
the launch of several initiatives of ICAR, viz., Farmers
FIRST, Student READY, Attracting Retaining Youth in
Agriculture (ARYA), Agri-Tech Foresight Centre (ATFC)
and Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav, for building entrepreneurship
amongst the agricultural graduates and improving
technology delivery as well as knowledge empowerment of
farmers. Foundation stone of IARI, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand,
was also laid.
Foundation stones of the Indian Institute of Agricultural
Biotechnology (IIAB), Ranchi and National Research
Centre on Integrated Farming at Motihari, Bihar were also
laid. The other initiatives included launching of Consortia
Research Programmes and Extra Mural Funding in the
Council. The ICAR in a major exercise, formulated the
Vision-2050 documents and revised the mandates of all the
institutes keeping in view the changing needs of agricultural
research, human resources and technology dissemination
vis-à-vis growing population and consequent increase in
food demand, changing food consumption pattern, state of
natural resources, climate change, commercialization of
agriculture, global trade regime and a dynamic policy
environment both, domestic as well as global. The
nomenclature of several ICAR institutes was also revised.
During the year, several areas in the northern states were
impacted by hailstorms that caused damage to ready-to-
harvest wheat crop; the monsoon was delayed and on an
average remained 14 per cent deficient resulting in loss to
rainfed farming in some parts of the country. Such
unforeseen natural calamities bring out the vulnerability of
the agriculture and also look to the agricultural research
community to be proactive for building resilience to natural
exigencies.

Soil and Water Productivity


Land resource inventory on 1:10,000 scale was prepared
taking Landscape Ecological Unit (LEU) consisting of
landforms, land use and slope as the base map while bio-
climatic map of India was revised. Electronic atlas of water
resources developed for Odisha and Himachal Pradesh, is a
useful tool for catch assessment and developing GIS based
Decision Support System. The information will help
planners to concentrate efforts, allocate resources and
deploy manpower according to the distribution of fishery
resources. Bamboo plantation-based bio-engineering
interventions were found promising for reclamation and
productive utilization of major ravines namely, Mahi
ravines at Vasad (Gujarat), Chambal ravines at Kota
(Rajasthan), and Yamuna ravines at Agra (Uttar Pradesh).
These interventions could absorb more than 80 per cent of
rainfall and reduce the soil and nutrient losses by 90 and 70
per cent, respectively. Foliar sprays with various chemicals
were evaluated to mitigate dry spells during crop growing
season across diverse rainfed agroecologies. Plant growth
promoting Rhizobacteria and Arthrobacter were isolated,
characterized and field evaluated in vertisols of Madhya
Pradesh; average yield of wheat due to actinomycetes
inoculation was 16 per cent higher over control. Shortlisted
Arthrobacter isolates effectively improved yield of maize
and soyabean. A soil nitrogen test based fertilizer prediction
model for targeted yield in Nagpur Mandarin was
developed. Integrated farming system (1 ha) model
comprising cropping systems (0.52 ha) + horticulture (0.32
ha) + dairy including bio-gas and vermicompost unit (0.08
ha) + fish-cum-poultry (0.1 ha) + mushroom developed in
western Himalayas, provided round the year improved
production (21.52 tonnes REY (rice equivalent yield)/
year), profit ( 3.06 lakh/year) and employment (731 man
days/year).

Climate Change
The Cool Farm Tool model used to estimate emission of
GHGs, integrates several globally determined empirical
GHG quantification models. Using the tool, GHG fluxes
(carbon-dioxide and methane), moisture and heat in the soil-
plant-atmosphere systems were measured in rice-wheat
rotation. Among the cropping systems, maize-wheat
cropping registered highest carbon management index. The
cumulative seasonal methane emission was reduced by 75
per cent in aerobic rice as compared to continuously
flooded rice and the seasonal emissions were lower in
slow-release N fertilizer.

Livestock Improvement
India has been holding the position of leading milk
producing nation in the world for the last several years with
sustainable increase in the annual milk production wherein
the research developments played a crucial role. Studies
showed that average first lactation 305 day milk yield of
cows was 3,703.6±31.3 kg and average age at first calving
was 1,036.6±10.2 days. Under Conservation and Genetic
Improvement of Indigenous Cattle Breeds, the milk yield
showed an increasing trend among the progenies of different
sets, and average 305 day milk yield increased from 1,958
kg in first set to 2,604 kg in 10th set. Semen doses of Gir,
Kankrej, Sahiwal were produced and utilized for
insemination. Cloning of the only alive wild-buffalo of
Chhattisgarh has opened up new avenues of cloning
technology application in conservation of endangered
species. Prolific sheep strain GMM × P (Garole-Malpura-
Malpura -Patanwadi) revealed a multiple birth of 50 per
cent.

Agricultural Education
For maintaining and upgrading quality and relevance of
higher agricultural education, financial and monitoring
support was provided for Niche Area of Excellence (28),
Experiential Learning Units (21 new), besides refurbishing
and maintenance of educational structures, student and
faculty amenities, course curricula revision/improvement,
strengthening of libraries with ICT and modernization of
teaching with multimedia learning resources. HRD
programmes/ activities facilitated promotion and execution
of ICAR sponsored schemes that include centralized
admissions in UG/PG to reduce inbreeding, infuse merit and
promote national integration; award and distribution of
fellowships to attract talent and promote merit, admission of
foreign students for globalization of agriculture education,
capacity building of faculty through summer-winter schools
and Centre of Advanced Faculty training, National
Professorial Chairs and National Fellow Scheme for
promotion of excellence, Emeritus Scientist Scheme as a
structural method of utilizing skill bank of the outstanding
superannuated professionals.

Technology Assessment
The processes of technology assessment and refinement are
as important as the technology generation prior to transfer at
the field level. During the reported period, 2,652 technology
interventions were assessed across 4,003 locations by
laying out 27,008 trials on the farmers’ fields. Women
specific income generation technologies (205) related to
technological empowerment of rural women were assessed
at 394 locations covering 2,917 trials under the thematic
areas. Technological interventions (39) in 43 locations were
refined through 398 trials on livestock, poultry and fisheries
under the thematic areas, viz., disease management, feed and
fodder management, nutrition management and production
and management. In all, 228.75 lakh quality planting
materials of elite species of different crops were produced
and provided to 18.38 lakh farmers. Bio-agents, bio-
pesticides, bio-fertilizers, vermi-compost, mineral mixture,
etc. were produced and supplied to the extent of 16,406
quintal benefiting 9.39 lakh farmers. Kisan Mobile
Advisory (KMA), an initiative by the ICAR, sent 93,949
short text messages, 14,788 voice messages and 1,180 both
SMS and voice messages to benefit 223.94 lakh farmers on
various aspects of agriculture based on input provided by
557 KVKs.

National Agricultural Science Fund


The National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF),
established to support basic and strategic research in
agriculture, beside supporting, reviewing, monitoring and
evaluation of the ongoing projects also initiated funding of
new projects which were in the process of evaluation.
During the year 2015-16, the NASF delivered five patents
and 38 technologies. Some of the important projects are:
Phenomics of moisture deficit and low temperature in rice-
double herbicide tolerant transgenic rice for weed
management; development of transgenic pigeonpea and
chickpea; dominant nuclear male sterility system in rice for
hybrid seed production; development of genetically
engineered vaccines against poultry viral disease; adaptive
mechanism and capture breeding in hilsa; green fishing
systems for the tropical seas, defense genes of tiger shrimp
against bacteria and white spot syndrome virus besides
several others.

Animal Husbandry, Dairying and


Fisheries
The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and
Fisheries is one of the departments under the Ministry of
Agriculture. The department is responsible for matters
relating to livestock production, preservation, protection
and improvement of stocks, dairy development, matters
relating to the Delhi Milk Scheme and the National Dairy
Development Board. It also looks after all matters
pertaining to fisheries, which includes inland and marine
sectors and matters related to the National Fisheries
Development Board.

Functions
The Department advises the state governments and union
territories in the formulation of policies and programmes in
the field of animal husbandry, dairy development and
fisheries. The main focus of the activities is on : (a)
development of requisite infrastructure in states/union
territories for improving animal productivity; (b) promoting
infrastructure for handling, processing and marketing of milk
and milk products; (c) preservation and protection of
livestock through provision of health care; (d) strengthening
of central livestock farms (cattle, sheep and poultry) for
development of superior germplasm for distribution to
states; and (e) expansion of aquaculture in fresh and
brackish water, development of marine fisheries
infrastructure and post harvest operations and welfare of
fisherfolk, etc.
Animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries activities play
an important role in national economy and in socio-
economic development of the country. These activities have
contributed to the food basket, nutrition security, household
income of the farmers and play a significant role in
generating gainful employment in the rural areas,
particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers
and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food.
Livestock are the best insurance for farmers against
vagaries of nature like drought and other natural calamities.

Population of Livestock
Livestock census started in the country in the year 1919. So
far 19 such censuses have been conducted. It is a complete
count of the livestock and poultry at a pre-defined reference
date. The livestock species namely cattle, buffaloes, sheep,
goats, pigs, horses and ponies, mules, donkeys, camels,
mithuns and yaks are covered in the census. The other
species covered are dogs, rabbits and elephants. In the
census, head count is done for each of these species and
recorded in their respective households/household
enterprises/non-household enterprises and other institutions.
The species-wise population of livestock and poultry in
previous two censuses are given in the table here:
Table 4.1: Livestock and Poultry Population
Estimates of Major Livestock Products
The estimation of major livestock products such as milk,
egg, meat and wool are based on the results of Integrated
Sample Survey. The survey is done on 15 per cent sample of
villages every year covering 5 per cent each in every season
(summer, rainy and winter). The survey period in the entire
year is March to February. The following table shows the
estimates of milk, egg, meat and wool during 2007-08 to
2014-15.
Table 4.2: Estimated Production

Based on the estimates, the per-capita availability of


milk and egg are also calculated by using the projected
human population as per data provided by Office of the
Registrar General of India.
Dairy Development
Demand of milk in the country is expected to reach upto 150
million tonnes by the end of year 2016-17 and upto 210
million tonnes by 2021-22. The dairy sector has grown
substantially over the years. As a result of prudent policy
intervention, India ranks first among the world’s milk
producing nations, achieving an annual output of 145 million
tonnes (Provisional) during the year 2014-15 as compared
to 137.68 million tonnes during 2013-14 recording a growth
of 5.32 per cent. The anticipated milk production in the
country for the year 2015-16 is about 148 million tonnes.
This represents a sustained growth in the availability of
milk and milk products for growing population.
Dairying has become an important secondary source of
income for millions of rural families and has assumed the
most important role in providing employment and income
generating opportunities particularly for women and
marginal farmers. The per capita availability of milk was at
a level of 302 grams per day during the year 2013-14,
which was more than the world average of 294 grams per
day. Most of the milk in the country is produced by small,
marginal farmers and landless labours. About 15.46 million
farmers have been brought under the ambit of 1,62,186
village level dairy corporative societies upto March 2014.
The cooperative milk unions procured an average of 39.2
million kg of milk per day during the year 2014-15 as
compared to 34.2 million kg in the previous year recording
a growth of 12.5 per cent. The sale of liquid milk by
cooperative sector has reached 29.9 million litres per day
during the year 2014-15 as compared to 28 million tonnes
registering a growth of 6.8 per cent over the previous year.
The efforts of the Department in the dairy sector are
concentrated on promotion of dairy activities including non-
operation flood areas with emphasis on building up
cooperative infrastructure, revitalization of sick dairy
cooperative milk unions and creation of infrastructure in the
states for production of quality milk and milk products. The
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) continues its
activities for overall development of the sector in Operation
Flood areas.

National Programme for Bovine


Breeding and Dairy Development
A new restructured scheme namely, National Programme for
Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBDD), was
launched in 2014 by merging three Dairy Development
schemes of Intensive Dairy Development Programme
(IDDP), Strengthening Infrastructure for Quality and Clean
Milk Production (SIQ and CMP) and Assistance to
Cooperative (A to C) and National Programme for Cattle
and Buffalo Breeding. The Scheme has two components: (a)
National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB); (b)
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). The
NPBB will focus on extension of field AI Net work through
MAITRI (Multi Purpose AI Technician in Rural India) and
to encourage conservation and development of recognized
indigenous breeds of the country. The NPDD will focus on
creating infrastructure related to production, procurement,
processing and marketing of milk and milk products by the
State Implementing Agency (SIA), State Milk Marketing
Federations/ District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union
and manpower development activities including training of
milk producers associated to dairy cooperative societies.
The budgetary provision of 1,800 crore has been
provided for implementation of NPBBDD during 12th Plan
and an amount of 150 crore has been allocated for the
year 2015-16 under it. Out of it an amount of 74 crore
was allocated for financial year 2015-16 under the
component of NPDD.
Under NPDD component, 15 new projects in four states
have been approved with total outlay of 142.84 crore till
March 2015. A total sum of 89.97 crore including
41.52 crore for new projects were released for
implementation of projects approved under the scheme
during the year 2014-15.

National Dairy Plan Phase-I


National Dairy Plan was launched in March 2013 with the
objective of increasing productivity of milch animals and
providing rural producers greater access to organized milk
processing sector and is being implemented by National
Dairy Development Board (NDDB) focusing on 14 major
milk producing states and Chhattisgarh. NDP-I has a total
outlay of 2,242 crore comprising external aid of 1,584
crore and GoI share of 176 crore.

Dairy Entrepreneurship Development


Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) was
launched in September, 2010 with the objective for
promotion of private investment in dairy sector to increase
the milk production and helping in poverty reduction through
self employment opportunities. This scheme is being
implemented through NABARD which provides financial
assistance to commercially bankable projects with loans
from commercial, cooperative, urban and rural banks with a
back ended capital subsidy of 25 per cent of the project cost
to the beneficiaries of general category and 33.33 per cent
of the project cost to SC and ST beneficiaries. The scheme
is being continued with certain modifications and a budget
provision of 1,400 crore during 12th Plan.
Since its inception, an amount of 842.92 crore has
been disbursed by NABARD as back ended capital subsidy
to the beneficiaries.

National Livestock Mission


Since 2014-15 and 2015-16, National Livestock Mission
(NLM) is being implemented with the objectives of
sustainable development of livestock sector, focusing on
improving availability of quality feed and fodder, risk
coverage, effective extension, skill development, improved
flow of credit and organization of livestock farmers/rearers,
etc. The other objectives are development of small
ruminants, piggery and poultry, there are programmes for
strengthening the state farms in terms of modernization,
automation and biosecurity to enable production of
improved breed of goats, sheep, pigs and stocks of low-
input technology chicken. Further, the productivity
enhancement component provides for supporting BPL
families to encourage rearing of backyard poultry and
community-led breed improvement programmes. Similarly,
under the Entrepreneurship Development and Employment
Generation component there is provision for a number of
small ruminants, piggery and poultry farming and allied
activities wherein back-ended capital subsidy is provided
to the farmers.

Sub-Mission on Livestock Development


Sheep and Goat Development
According to Livestock census 2012, there are about 65.07
million sheep and 135.2 million goats in the country. About
five million households in the country are engaged in the
rearing of small ruminants (sheep and goats) and other
allied activities.

Central Sheep Breeding Farm


Central sheep Breeding Farm, Hisar is mandated to produce
acclimatized exotic/ cross bred superior quality rams. The
farm supplies rams and bucks to different state agencies and
farmers and trains farmers in machine - shearing techniques.

Conservation of Threatened Breeds


The population of purebred animals of some breed of small
ruminants, equines, pigs and pack animal has come down
considerably; in some cases, even below 10,000 which has
brought such breeds to the category of ‘threatened breeds’ in
the country. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for conservation
of such threatened breeds was started during 10th Five Year
Plan with a budget outlay of 15.00 crore. Farms/ farmer’s
unit in their respective breeding tract are established under
the scheme with 100 per cent central assistance. The
conservation projects are being implemented by state
governments, universities and NGOs. During the 10th Plan
period conservation projects for 27 breeds were taken up.

Integrated Development of Small


Ruminants and Rabbits
This Central Sector Scheme was approved in 2009 for
implementation during 12th Plan with an allocation of
134.825 crores. Allocation under the scheme during 2012-
13 was 15.00 crore. The scheme envisages setting up of
intensive small ruminant development clusters with venture
capital through NABARD as well as infrastructure
development and institutional restructuring through state
implementing agency. During 2014-15, the scheme
Integrated Development of Small Ruminants was subsumed
under National Livestock Mission (Component [III])—
Integrated Development of Small Ruminants and Rabbits
under the Sub-Mission on Livestock Development).

Meat and Pig Development


The pig farming constitutes the livelihood of rural poor
belonging to the lowest socio-economic strata and they have
no means to undertake scientific pig farming with improved
foundation stock, proper housing, feeding and management.
Therefore, suitable schemes to popularise the scientific pig
breeding-cum-rearing of meat producing animals with
adequate financial provisions are necessary to modernise
the Indian pig industry and to improve the productivity of
small sized rural pig farms. The component -
Entrepreneurship Development and Employment Generation
of the scheme-National Livestock Mission (NLM)
encourages commercial rearing of pigs by adopting
scientific methods and creation of infrastructure. The
Mission also supports state pig breeding farms for
strengthening of existing breeding infrastructure.

Risk Management
The Risk Management as a component of sub-mission on
livestock development of NLM is to be implemented in all
the districts of the country including those carved out in
future, if any. This component aims towards management of
risk and uncertainties by providing protection mechanism to
the farmers against any eventual loss of their animals due to
death; and to demonstrate the benefit of insurance of
livestock to the people. The indigenous/crossbred milch
animals, pack animals (horses, donkey, mules, camels,
ponies and cattle/buffalo male), and other livestock (goat,
sheep, pigs, rabbit, yak, mithun, etc.) will be under the
purview of this component. Benefit of subsidy is to be
restricted to 5 animals per beneficiary per household for all
animals except for sheep, goat, pig and rabbit, where the
benefit will be restricted to 5 cattle units (1 cattle unit = 10
sheep/goats/pigs/rabbits). Therefore the benefit of subsidy
to sheep, goat, pig and rabbit is to be restricted to 5 ‘Cattle
Unit’ per beneficiary per house hold.
However, if a beneficiary has less than 5 animals/1
cattle unit can also avail the benefit of subsidy.
Table 4.3 : Funding Pattern under the Sub-
Mission on Livestock Development Component
of Risk Management
Component of Risk Management
S.No. Component Pattern of Assistance
1 Risk Central share 25 per cent,
Management state share 25 per cent and
(CSS) beneficiary share 50 per
[Premium rates cent for APL, and Central
for one year share 40 per cent, state
policy in share 30 per cent and
normal areas- beneficiary share 30 per
3.0 per cent, in cent for BPL/ SC/ ST in
NER/ hill normal areas
areas/ LWE Central share 35 per cent,
affected areas- state share 25 per cent and
3.5 per cent, beneficiary share 40 per
and in difficult cent for APL, and Central
areas–4.0 per share 50 per cent, state
cent share 30 per cent and
Premium rates beneficiary share 20 per
for three year cent for BPL/ SC/ ST in
policy in NER/hill areas/ LWE
normal areas- affected areas
7.5 per cent, in Central share 45 per cent,
NER/ hill state share 25 per cent and
areas- 9.0 per beneficiary share 30 per
cent, and in cent for APL, and Central
difficult areas- share 60 per cent, state
10.5 per cent share 30 per cent and
beneficiary share 10 per
cent for BPL/ SC/ ST in
difficult areas
The risk management and insurance component envisages
the following payments from Central funds as grants - in -
aid : (a) subsidy as per the following tables; (b) 100 per
cent payments of honorarium to the veterinary practitioners;
and (c) 100 per cent publicity. However a beneficiary may
insure more than 5 animals by paying the full premium
without availing the benefit of subsidy for all animals
except sheep, goat, pig and rabbit. Similarly, a beneficiary
may insure more than five ‘Cattle Unit’ by paying the full
premium without availing the benefit of subsidy for sheep,
goat, pig and rabbit.

Implementing Agencies
Department of Animal Husbandry Dairy and Fishers
(DADF) is implementing the centrally sponsored ‘Risk
Management and Insurance’ as component of sub-mission on
livestock development of NLM is implemented through the
SIAs such as state livestock development board/agency
which are also implementing national project for cattle and
buffalo and breeding. In states/ union territories where there
are no SIAs, this scheme will be implemented through the
state/union territory Animal Husbandry Departments.

Poultry Development
Poultry is one of the fastest growing subsectors of animal
husbandry with annual growth rates of eggs of around 6 per
cent per annum.
The achievements and growth rates are being sustained
despite the ingress of avian influenza which was a severe
setback for the industry, showing the resilience of poultry
sector, perseverance of the private sector and timely
interventions by the government. A general guideline for
biosecurity on poultry farms has been compiled and
circulated to all states for taking preventive measures
against ingress of diseases.

Modernization and Development of


Breeding Infrastructure
Central Poultry Development
Organizations
The Central Poultry Development Organizations (CPDOs)
located at four regions viz., Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar,
Mumbai and Hessarghatta have been playing a pivotal role
in the implementation of the policies of the Government
with respect to poultry. The mandate of these organizations
has specially been reoriented to focus on improved birds,
which lay on an average 180-200 eggs per annum and have
vastly improved feed conversion ratio in terms of feed
consumption and weight gain. In these CPDOs, training is
also imparted to the farmers to upgrade their technical
skills. CPDO and Training Institute, Hessarghatta is also
imparting trainers’ training to in-service personnel from
within the country as well as overseas. Analytical livestock
and poultry feed testing is also conducted at the CPDOs.
The CPDOs are also promoting diversification with species
other than poultry, like ducks, Japanese quail, etc. The
Central Poultry Performance Testing Center (CPPTC),
located at Gurgaon is entrusted with responsibility of testing
the performance of layer and broiler varieties. This centre
gives valuable information relating to different genetic stock
available in the country.

Strengthening of Breeding
Infrastructure
It aims at strengthening existing state poultry farms so as to
enable the flow of suitable germplasm from the research
institutions/laboratories to the grassroots level along with
other technical services through capacity building of state
poultry farms; and developing and implementing package of
practices at the ground level for different types of poultry
system including family poultry system for supplementary
income generation and family nutrition. The assistance
provided is 75 per cent Central share to all states/union
territories. One time operational/revolving fund is provided
to these farms for smooth operations maintenance to ensure
long term sustainability.

Interventions towards Productivity


Enhancement
Rural Backyard Poultry Development
This component is envisaged to cover beneficiaries from
Backyard Poultry Development (BPD) families to enable
them to gain supplementary income and nutritional support.
Under this programme so far funding has been done to cover
around 1.45 lakh BPL beneficiaries.
There has been persistent demand from the north-eastern
states seeking support for all round development of pigs in
the region. Therefore, pig development in the region is
being implemented as a sub-mission of NLM. The sub-
mission strives to forge synergies of research and
development organizations through appropriate
interventions, as required for holistic development of pigs
in the north-eastern region including genetic improvement
and health cover.
Under the scheme cultivation of fodder and preservation
of fodder by using post harvest technologies is supported.
Further, to improve the seed replacement scenario, this
department has taken up production of foundation seeds
from breeder seed at its eight regional fodder stations for
last two years. For production of certified seeds from the
foundation seeds, this department has introduced the
component of ‘Fodder Seed Procurement and Distribution’.
Under the programme, after producing the foundation seeds
at all our regional stations, the same is being offered to the
states for further multiplication by the state governments
preferably through milk federations, dairy co-operatives and
progressive farmers, etc., under buy back arrangement for
production of certified seeds. For this assistance is
provided to the states under the component fodder seed
production/ procurement and distribution.
Sub-Mission on Skill Development,
Technology Transfer and Extension
The component will provide extension, education,
production of livestock, extension literature. The IEC
programme for the state would be finalized by factoring in
the specific characteristics of each district and block. In
knowledge-driven development, there is need for providing
extension education keeping in view the diverse needs of
the livestock owners not only on production procedures, but
also the knowledge about the whole range of livestock—
business, production systems, research institutions,
programmes and schemes of the development departments,
quality certification and reporting procedures, grading,
packaging, storage, transportation and other requirements of
both domestic and export markets, including interfaces at
different levels with unlimited partners. The development of
Information Communication Technology (ICT) and
telecommunication network have paved the way for creation
of information network, knowledge pool and services which
can be intensively used for the purpose.

Fisheries
India is the second largest producer of fish in the world
contributing 5.68 per cent of global fish production. It is
also a major producer of fish through aquaculture and ranks
second in the world after China. Fishery is one of the most
promising sectors of agriculture and allied activities in
India, with an overall growth rate of 6 per cent projected
during the 12th Five year Plan.
India is blessed with vast aquatic resources with a rich
diversity of fish fauna for sustainable utilization. Our
country is recognized to harbour about 2,200 species of fish,
which accounted for about 11 per cent of all fish species
reported globally. About 24.7 per cent of our fish species
live in warm fresh water; 3.3 per cent in cold water; 6.5 per
cent in estuaries and the rest 65.5 per cent in the sea.

Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture


Aquaculture is the fastest growing food producing sector in
the world with an annual growth of around 7 per cent. India
is the second largest producer of fish both in total, and from
aquaculture. Increasing demand for fish and fishery products
would mostly be sourced from aquaculture and culture
based capture fisheries in reservoirs as capture fisheries
growth world over is stagnant.

Marine Fisheries
Harvesting of marine fisheries resources in the country
warrants stronger emphasis on invoking technological
innovations as well as management paradigms that reconcile
livelihood issues with concerns on resource conservation.
Global production of fish from marine capture fisheries in
the last decade has stagnated gradually and many stocks
have been either over-exploited or have reached their
maximum sustainable yields.

On-going Schemes
i. Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture; ii.
Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post
Harvest Operations; iii. National Scheme of Welfare of
Fishermen; iv. Strengthening of Database and Geographical
Information System for the Fisheries Sector; v. Assistance to
Fisheries Institutes; vi. National Fisheries Development
Board; and vii. Issuance of Biometric Identity Cards to
Coastal Fishermen.

Blue Revolution
All the existing schemes of fisheries sector have been
brought under the umbrella of ‘Blue Revolution’ for growth
of fisheries and aquaculture in the country. Blue Revolution
refers to an integrated and holistic approach towards the
development and management of the fisheries and
aquaculture sector in the country for increased production
and productivity.

Livestock Health
Livestock sector plays an important role in national
economy and socio-economic development of the country.
Livestock sector has immense potential for growth. The
biggest impediment to growth of this sector, however, is the
large-scale prevalence of animal diseases like foot and
mouth disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants,
brucellosis, avian influenza, etc., which adversely affect the
animal productivity. The disease in livestock results in both
morbidity and mortality with consequent production losses.
Therefore, to effectively tackle the issue of livestock health,
to reduce the losses and thereby enabling livestock owners
to derive optimum gains from their animals, Government of
India supplements the efforts of State Governments for
prevention and control of animal diseases by providing
assistance under various components of a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme ‘Livestock Health and Disease Control
(LH and DC)’, now renamed as ‘Veterinary Services and
Animal Health’.
An online system of animal disease reporting in a time
bound manner is being implemented for reporting of animal
diseases for immediate action to control the disease. Under
this each taluka/district and state headquarter is linked with
a Central Disease Monitoring Unit in DADF at New Delhi.
Implementations of the Livestock Health and Disease
Control scheme have resulted in major achievement for the
country.
India was declared Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia
(CBPP) infection free country by the OIE in May, 2007. The
freedom status is being maintained each year thereafter.
India has been classified in May, 2010 by the World Animal
Health Organization (OIE) as a country having negligible
risk for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). The
negligible status for BSE is being maintained each year
thereafter. Foot and Mouth Disease Control Programme
(FMD-CP) is being implemented in 351 districts as of now.
It has been decided that FMD-CP will be extended to whole
of India during 12th Plan subject to availability of funds and
vaccine. Peste des Petits Ruminants Control Programme
(PPR-CP) which was in implementation in the southern
states has also been expanded to whole of the country in
February, 2014. With the implementation of the planned
control programme in all the states, it is expected that the
disease will be controlled and ultimately eradicated from
the country.
Prevention of ingress of exotic diseases through import
of various livestock and livestock products by strengthening
quarantine set up in the country is also being ensured. In
order to strengthen the veterinary infrastructure for
delivering quality veterinary health services by the
states/UTs, a programme was launched in August 2010 for
establishment new veterinary hospitals and dispensaries and
strengthening of the existing ones. The programme has been
well accepted by the states and so far 3,419 veterinary
hospitals and 4,169 veterinary dispensaries have been
supported for construction/renovation under the programme.
To strengthen laboratory infrastructure, the department has
established four pre-fabricated Bio-Safety Level-III (BSL-
III) laboratories (one each at Kolkata, Jalandhar, Bareilly
and Bengaluru). One Mobile BSL-III laboratory is available
at NERDDL, Guwahati, Assam. About 23 State Disease
Diagnostic Laboratories are being upgraded to BSL-II level,
out of which, 18 are functional and remaining are at various
stages of completion.
Culture
and
5 Tourism

THE MANDATE of the Ministry of Culture revolves around


the functions like preservation and conservation of ancient
cultural heritage and promotion of art and culture both
tangible and intangible in the country. Headed by Secretary
the administrative set up consists of various bureaux and
divisions of the Ministry. The Ministry has two attached, six
subordinate offices and thirty five autonomous
organisations, which are fully funded by the Government.
There are seven Zonal Cultural Centres working mainly on
folk and traditional arts of different zones. There are also
four missions namely National Mission for Manuscripts,
National Mission for Monument and Antiquities, National
Mission on Libraries, and Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission.
Broadly, this Ministry is working on the protection,
development and promotion of all types of heritage of
culture namely, tangible heritage, intangible heritage and
knowledge heritage. In addition, the Ministry also harbours
the responsibility of Gandhian heritage and commemoration
of important historical events and centenaries of great
personalities. In tangible heritage, the Ministry takes care of
all the centrally protected monuments of national
importance, which is achieved through Archaeological
Survey of India. Similarly, the Ministry is also promoting a
museum movement in the country and majority of the
museums are under its administrative control. The Ministry
also promotes regional museums through grants-in-aid.
In the field of intangible heritage, the Ministry extends
financial support to individuals, group of individuals and
cultural organizations engaged in performing visual and
literary arts. Similarly, the Ministry through its
organizations, is engaged in recognizing excellence in the
field of art and culture by way of awards given by
institutions like Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak
Akademi. The National School of Drama is involved in
promoting a vibrant theatre movement of contemporary
relevance in the context of our traditions and cultural
diversity.
In knowledge heritage, the Ministry is the custodian of
all the major libraries in the country. It also extends grant-
in-aid for library development and is also responsible for
all policy matters regarding library development. Through
National Archives of India, Ministry is responsible for
maintenance of all archival records of the country.

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