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Fourth Advance Estimate of major agricultural crops for 2020-21 released
The Fourth Advance Estimate of production of major agricultural crops for 2020-21 have been released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Union Minister Shri Tomar said that, as per Fourth Advance Estimates for 2020-21, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 308.65 million tonnes which is higher by 11.14 million tonnes than the production of foodgrain during 2019-20.
- The production during 2020-21 is higher by 29.77 million tonnes than the previous five years’ (2015-16 to 2019-20) average production of foodgrains.
As per 4th Advance Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2020-21 is as under:
- Foodgrains – 308.65 million tonnes. (record)
- Rice – 122.27 million tonnes. (record)
- Wheat – 109.52 million tonnes. (record)
- Nutri / Coarse Cereals – 51.15 million tonnes.
- Maize – 31.51 million tonnes. (record)
- Pulses – 25.72 million tonnes. (record)
- Tur – 4.28 million tonnes.
- Gram – 11.99 million tonnes. (record)
- Oilseeds – 36.10 million tonnes. (record)
- Groundnut – 10.21 million tonnes (record)
- Soyabean – 12.90 million tonnes
- Rapeseed and Mustard – 10.11 million tonnes (record)
- Sugarcane – 399.25 million tonnes
- Cotton – 35.38 million bales (of 170 kg each)
- Jute & Mesta – 9.56 million bales (of 180 kg each)
Total production of Rice during 2020-21 is estimated at record 122.27 million tonnes. It is higher by 9.83 million tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 112.44 million tonnes.
Production of Wheat during 2020-21 is estimated at record 109.52 million tonnes. It is higher by 9.10 million tonnes than the average wheat production of 100.42 million tonnes.
Production of Nutri / Coarse Cereals estimated at 51.15 million tonnes, which is higher by 3.40 million tonnes than the production during 2019-20. Further, it is also higher by 7.14 million tonnes than the average production.
Total Pulses production during 2020-21 is estimated at 25.72 million tonnes which is higher by 3.73 million tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 21.99 million tonnes.
Total Oilseeds production in the country during 2020-21 is estimated at record 36.10 million tonnes which is higher by 2.88 million tonnes than the production during 2019-20. Further, the production of oilseeds during 2020-21 is higher by 5.56 million tonnes than the average oilseeds production of 30.55 million tonnes.
Total production of Sugarcane in the country during 2020-21 is estimated at 399.25 million tonnes. The production of sugarcane during 2020-21 is higher by 37.18 million tonnes than the average sugarcane production of 362.07 million tonnes.
- Production of Cotton is estimated at 35.38 million bales (of 170 kg each) is higher by 3.49 million bales than the average cotton production. Production of Jute & Mesta is estimated at 9.56 million bales (of 180 kg each).
- The assessment of production of different crops is based on the data received from States and validated with information available from other sources.
Share of agriculture sector in employment sees steady increase: CMIE
CMIE data from the consumer pyramid household survey shows the share of agriculture in total employment has gone up from 35.3% in 2017-18 to 36.1% in 2018-19 and then to 38% in 2019-20.
- Worst still, CPHS data shows reverse migration to agriculture continues even in 2020-21. “The share of agriculture in total employment jumped to 39.4% in the year from 38% in 2019-20 while the share of manufacturing dropped sharply from 9.4% to 7.3%,”
The latest PLFS report shows a sharp increase in employment in agriculture from 42.5% of the total employment in 2018-19 to 45.6% in 2019-20.
- Such a large shift of labour in favour of agriculture cannot be voluntary. It is a sign of distress in the labour market where non-agricultural sectors are unable to provide employment and labour is forced to shift to agriculture,
Manipur sends consignment of black rice to Europe
Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh on Thursday flagged off a one metric tonne consignment of Organic Black Rice to Europe.
- The Chief Minister said that the consignment is send through North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) in association with the state Department of Agriculture.
About NERAMAC
The NERAMAC Limited was incorporated in the year 1982 as a marketing organization in the field of Agri-Horti sector of the North-eastern region, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
- It was set up to support farmers/producers of North East getting remunerative prices for their produce and thereby bridge the gap between the farmers and the market and also to enhance the agricultural, procurement, processing and marketing infrastructure of the Northeastern Region of India.
- NERAMAC is continuously making all efforts for the development of the farmers of the region and double their income by the end of 2022.
- Head Office : Guwahati, Assam
Farm Sector Records New Business Registration Growth at 103 percent in 2021
- According to a paper released by Dun & Bradstreet on Wednesday, the agriculture sector has recorded the highest 103% growth in new business registrations at 12,368 in financial year 2021 as compared to 6,107 in the previous year.
ITC to Launch MAARS App to Unlock the Potential of Small Farmers
- ITC, a diversified corporation, said on Wednesday that it will develop a smart app called ITC MAARS, or 'Metamarket for Advanced Agriculture and Rural` Services,' later this year to help small farmers realize their full potential.
Programs and Polices In News This Week
Mandate of Ministry of Cooperation
Functions allocated to the Ministry of Cooperation as per the Government of India (allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 are given below:
- General Policy in the field of Co-operation and Co-ordination of co-operation activities in all sectors.
- Realization of vision “from cooperation to prosperity”.
- Strengthening of cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach up to the grassroots.
- Promotion of cooperative-based economic development model, including the spirit of responsibility among its members to develop the country.
- Creation of appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework to help cooperatives realise their potential.
- Matters relating to National Co-operative Organization.
- National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC)
With the “Cooperation” related entries in the business of erstwhile Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare now assigned to Ministry of Cooperation, so there shall be no overlap between the functions of Ministry of Cooperation and Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (earlier Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Remember as per the Mandate of Govt of India yesterday, All the Co-Operative related activities under Department of Agriculture under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare will come under Ministry of Cooperation which means NCDC, NAFED will come under New Ministry
Increasing Cooperative Activities in Agriculture Sector (Ministry of Cooperation)
Assistance is provided under Central Sector Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (CSISAC) scheme through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for promoting, developing and financing cooperatives undertaking various agriculture and allied activities.
- These comprise, inter alia, marketing, storage and processing of agricultural produce besides supply of agricultural inputs.
- Subsidy to the tune of 15% to 25% is provided to Cooperatives depending on the category of state in addition to term loan.
Government also provides Guarantee for procurement operations of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).
Under CSISAC scheme assistance is provided for providing training to farmers who are members and employees of various types of cooperative societies through National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) and National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT).
- Its capsule kits were provided to the farmers of 25 states covering >10,000 ha area during 2020-21.
- A slogan of “jalana nahi, galana hai” was publicized among the farmers.
- KVKs are mandated for frontline extension which act as a bridge between research organizations and the main extension system operated by different development departments of the State Governments.
- Since inception and till 31.03.2021, NCDC has disbursed Rs.1.77 lakh crore to cooperatives for their development. It includes assistance to agricultural and horticulture cooperative societies.
- The Highest number of Agricultural Cooperatives are in Maharashtra (21217)
- Under its SAHAKAR-22 initiatives, NCDC has in the last two years, has reached out to over 10000 primary level cooperative societies.
- To encourage youth towards cooperatives, NCDC has launched its YUVA SAHAKAR Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme which aims at enabling Start-Ups in cooperative sector different types of business activities.
- Under its SAHAKAR MITRA scheme, NCDC offers internship opportunities to students get experience in areas of functioning of NCDC and related aspects of cooperatives.
- Under its AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR scheme, NCDC offers finance to cooperatives set up healthcare infrastructure and provide services.
- Government of India schemes such as the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) provide for registration and support of new cooperatives as FPOs. NCDC is one of the implementing agencies promoting such FPOs.
- The Formation and Promotion of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPO) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) provides for registration and support of new cooperatives as FFPOs, NCDC being an implementing agency for promoting such FFPOs.
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
- Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund(DIDF)
- Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities (SDC&FPO)
- National Livestock Mission(NLM)
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
- Livestock Health & Disease Control(LH&DC)
- National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund(AHIDF)
- Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund(DIDF)
- Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities (SDC&FPO)
- The Eligible End Borrower (EEBs) under DIDF are Co-operative Milk Unions, State Co-operative Milk Federations, Multi-state Milk Co-operatives, Milk Producer companies, NDDB Subsidiaries, FPO/SHGs registered under cooperatives/companies act
- Further, due to Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Dairy Sector, the Government has introduced a new activity “interest subvention on Working capital loans for Dairy sector” as a component under this scheme.
- This component is implemented by DAHD through NDDB. 2% interest subvention on secured working capital loan is provided including additional 2% interest subvention for prompt and timely repayment.
- The scheme provides for short term intervention by way of providing transportation and storage subsidy @ 50% and long term intervention through value addition projects in identified production clusters with Grant-in-aid @ 35% to 70% of eligible project cost subject to maximum of Rs. 50 crore per project.
- Mega Food Park
- Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
- Creation /Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities
- Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters
- Creation of Backward & Forward linkages
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure
- Human Resource and Institutions
- Operation Greens
- Also, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative, MoFPI is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme-PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) for providing financial, technical and business support for setting up/upgradation of 2 lakh micro food processing enterprises through credit linked subsidy during five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs.10,000 crore.
More than Rs. 14,000 crore of Community Investment Support Funds have been provided to SHGs and their federations
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), one of the flagship programmes of the Union Government, has a provision for providing Community Investment Support Fund (CISF) to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the form of Revolving Fund (RF) at the rate of Rs.10,000-15,000 and Community Investment Fund (CIF) to the extent of Rs.2,50,000 per SHG.
- Till 30th June 2021, 7.63 crore rural households have been mobilized into 69.92 lakh women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the mission. As on 30th June, 2021, a total of Rs.14,071.02 crore of Community Investment Support Funds have been provided to SHGs and their federations.
87 Mobilization camps organized by Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) across the country as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
- As part of the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, Rural Self Employment Training Institutes organized around 87 ‘mobilization camps’ across the country between 30th July and 5th August, 2021.
- Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav is a series of events to be organised by the Government of India to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence.
A total of 37.81 lakh candidates have been trained under RSETIs in 64 courses (59 National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned and 5 MoRD approved) and 26.65 lakh candidates have been settled into self-employment.
The programme is currently being implemented in 28 States and 7 UTs with 585 functioning RSETIs sponsored by 23 leading Banks (both public and private sector as well as a few grameen Banks).
About RSETI:
- RSETI (Rural Self Employment Training Institutes) programme is a three-way partnership between Ministry of Rural Development, State Governments and Sponsor Banks.
- The Banks are mandated to open at least one RSETI in their lead district to provide training to rural youth to take up self-employment/ entrepreneurship ventures.
- RSETI program runs with an approach of short-term training & long-term hand holding of entrepreneurs.
- Rural poor youth between the age group of 18-45 years are eligible to join trainings.
- The RSETIs have become established as pioneers in capturing the aspirations of the rural poor youth and turning them into profitable entrepreneurs by training them in domain and entrepreneurial skills.
Steps taken by Government for the successful implementation of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in adopted Gram Panchayats
The Ministry has brought out a compilation of 127 Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored and 1806 State Schemes for convergence under SAGY
- SAGY is reviewed periodically by the National Level Committee (NLC) on Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) headed by Secretary, Rural Development with representatives from 20 Ministries/Departments
- At the national level, a separate web-based MIS is available at SAGY website (http://saanjhi.gov.in). The website has been revamped with more pertinent information related to the scheme for comprehensive view by the public.
1,040 Kisan Rail services operated over 72 routes across the country
- Potential circuits for Kisan Rail services for movement of vegetables, fruits and other perishable are being identified in consultation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, State Governments (including Departments of Agriculture/ Horticulture/Fisheries, etc) and local bodies and agencies, Mandis, etc.
Implementation of SVAMITVA and e-panchayat programmes
SVAMITVA Scheme aims to provide the ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners possessing houses in inhabited areas in villages with issuance of legal ownership rights (Property cards/Title deeds).
- The pilot phase of the Scheme was launched on 24th April 2020 for implementation during 2020-21 in 6 states namely Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- Later on, villages of one border district of Punjab and Rajasthan and few villages of Andhra Pradesh were also added in the pilot phase of implementation.
- During 2021-2025, the Scheme is to be implemented across the country in phased manner and would eventually cover all the villages of the country.
- States/Union Territories need to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Survey of India (SoI) for implementation of the scheme
The Scheme also envisages the establishment of a network of 567 Continuously Operating Referencing System (CORS) stations across the country for determining accurate locations. Out of this, 210 CORS stations are being established in the States of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan as part of the Pilot phase.
With the aim to transform functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Ministry is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) under Digital India Programme.
- This is expected to make them more transparent, accountable and effective organs of local self-governing institutions
- Further, eGramSwaraj (egramswaraj.gov.in), a Simplified Work Based Accounting Application for Panchayati Raj has been developed amalgamating functionalities of planning, monitoring, accounting and online payment
Establishment of Mega Food Parks (MFPs)
Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been implementing Mega Food Park Scheme (MFPS) since year 2008, which is now a component scheme of Central Sector Umbrella Scheme – Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). The primary objective of this scheme is to provide modern infrastructure facilities for the food processing along the value chain from farm to market.
- Ministry has accorded final approval to 38 Mega Food Parks and in-principle approval to three Mega Food Parks in the country. Out of these, 22 Mega Food Park projects have been made operational and 19 projects are under various stages of implementation.
- Each approved Mega Food Park involves an average total project cost of Rs.110.92 Crore in setting up the Park
GDP Expenditure on Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Sector
As per Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the State-wise percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) share of animal husbandry, dairying and fishery sector during the last four years is at Annexure I.
The details of the various schemes being implemented by the Government for development of animal husbandry, dairy and poultry in various States including Karnataka during the last three years and the current year are as under:
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission(RGM)
- National Programme for Dairy Development(NPDD)
- Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities (SDC&FPO)
- Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund(DIDF)
- National Livestock Mission(NLM)
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund(AHIDF)
- Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC)
- National Animal Disease Control Programme(NADCP)
NITI Aayog evaluated the schemes of the Department. While evaluating all the Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector component, it was observed that some of the schemes have made the difference at ground level in terms of increase in productivity, conservation of indigenous breeds and also income generation in the small, medium and landless farmers.
Based on evaluation done by NITI Aayog, the Government has revised and realigned some of the components of the existing schemes in order to have focused development of animal husbandry and dairying across the country in the next 5 years starting 2021-22.
Government announced additional funds of Rs.14,775/- Crore for DAP and P&K Fertilizers
Recently there was an increase in the international prices of raw materials for manufacturing P&K fertilizers and finished P&K fertilizers.
- To avoid any distress arising out of this increase, the Govt. announced additional funds of Rs.14,775/- Crore for DAP and P&K fertilizers.
- MRP of Urea is statutorily fixed by the Government of India. MRP of 45 kg of bag of urea is Rs. 242 per bag (exclusive of charges towards neem coating and taxes as applicable).
Apart from the above, DA&FW has informed that the Govt. has adopted several developmental programmes, schemes, reform and policies that focus on higher income for the farmers.
All these policies and programmes are being supported by higher budgetary allocation, non-budgetary financial resources by way of creating Corpus Funds like Micro Irrigation Fund and Agri-marketing schemes to strengthen eNAM and GrAMs, as also in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to promote dairy and fisheries sectors.
There have been several reforms to unleash the potential and these include
- Market Reforms like model APLMC (Promotions and Facilitations) Act, 2017;
- Establishment of Gramin Agriculture markets (GrAMs);
- Agri Export Policy, 2018;
- The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020;
- The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020;
- Amendments to Essential Commodity Act, 1955;
- Promotion of 10,000 FPOs
- PM-KISAN;
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY);
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna (PMKSY);
- Increase in Minimum Support Price (MSPs);
- Har Med Par Ped;
- Bee-Keeping;
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission;
- Blue Revolution;
- Interest Subvention Scheme;
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Potential for Agroforestry
To tap the potential of agroforestry, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme since 2016-17.
There is a provision of financial assistance to farmers under the Scheme for plantation activities along with development of various types of nurseries for producing quality planting materials like seeds, seedlings, clones, improved varieties to meet the requirement of quality planting materials/seeds for the farmers.
Further, initiatives have been taken for formation of 15 Farmer Producers Organization (FPOs) in the Agroforestry Sector to link the farmers with market and industry in an organized manner.
Upto 5% of allocated funds is utilized for capacity building and training activities like training of farmers/field workers, skill development, awareness campaign, publications, seminars/workshops, conference etc. to raise awareness of the scheme among the farmers.
National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India launched a flagship network project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) in 2011.
In the strategic research, the main thrust areas covered are (i) identifying most vulnerable districts/regions, (ii) evolving crop varieties and management practices for adaptation and mitigation, (iii) assessing climate change impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry and identifying adaptation strategies.
- So far, 7 climate resilient varieties and 650 district agricultural contingency plans have been developed besides assessing the risk and vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure facilities have been established by ICAR in the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES) across the country to facilitate the climate change research.
Development of Horticulture Cluster
Cluster Development Programme (CDP) has been designed to leverage geographical specialization of horticulture clusters to make them Globally Competitive
Address the concerns of the horticulture value chain from pre-production, production, post-harvest management and value addition to logistics, marketing and branding in an integrated manner for accelerating competitiveness in the domestic and export market.
- Reduce harvest and post-harvest losses by developing/ expanding/upgrading the infrastructure for post-harvest handling of produce, value addition and market linkages.
- Facilitate the introduction of innovative technologies and practices to help enhance the global competitiveness of focus cluster crops.
- Facilitate the dovetailing of resources, including convergence of various government schemes in order to entrench stakeholders in the global value chains.
- Build the capacity of stakeholders and enhance farmers’ income through cluster-specific interventions including brand promotion.
MoA&FW has selected 12 clusters for the pilot phase of the programme. So far, Government has appointed Cluster Development Agencies (CDAs) in 11 clusters of the pilot phase.
The formation of FPOs is an integral part of Horticulture Cluster Development Programme which will help farmers with small land holding and help them in achieving economies of scale in an integrated manner by addressing concerns of entire value chain in the selected clusters.
Har Khet Ko Paani Under PMKSY
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015-16 with an aim to enhance physical access of water on farm, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.
Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) is one of the components of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Under HKKP, financial assistance is being provided by this Ministry under
- Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM);
- Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI);
- Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies;
- and Ground Water components.
CADWM Programme aims for improving water use efficiency in irrigation, providing assured supply of water to every farm field, and transfer of control and management of irrigation system to the Water Users’ Associations (WUAs).
Presently the CADWM component of 99 prioritized projects of Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) only has been included for funding under PMKSY.
- The Scheme for PMKSY-HKKP was valid till March, 2021. The extension of the scheme for the period 2021-26 is under consideration of the Government. The targets for this period shall be firmed up based on approval of the scheme for the period 2021-26.
The monitoring of SMI, RRR of Water Bodies and CADWM projects is done through monitoring visits undertaken by officials of regional offices of Central Water Commission (CWC).
Under PMKSY, so far 8562 WUAs have been created, out of which 4061 WUAs have taken over the control of CAD assets.
News Source : PIB, BS, BL, Mint
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