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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.
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Insurance Scheme (NAIS) which was to be withdrawn after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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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5 Tourism