Page 76 - economic review

AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS48

2.38 A number of initiatives were taken in Kerala as part of the project on soil based plant nutrient
management plan implemented by the Department of Agriculture in association with 13 institutions
and coordinated by the Kerala State Planning Board. Soil samples were analysed in about 800
panchayaths. Out of 1.50 lakh soil samples analysed 59 per cent were deficient in boron, and 74
per cent were deficient in magnesium and 62 per cent with excess phosphorous. A comprehensive
acidity management programme has been initiated. Micro nutrient application has also been initiated.
Awareness programme, panchayath adoption and training programme were also implemented.

Key Initiatives of the Department of Agriculture in 2014-15

2.39 The Annual Plan schemes during 2014-15 were formulated based on the thrust areas and
strategies for increasing the productivity in agriculture from the current levels. The key initiatives of
the Department of Agriculture in 2014-15 for the improvement of agriculture sector are the following.
Enhanced vegetable production through a convergence approach on project mode focussing
on self sufficiency in vegetable production, Initiated dwarf coconut seedlings production and a
comprehensive fallow land cultivation with people’s participation, Introduced Toll Free ATMA call
centres for advisory services (1800-425-1661), Completed the registration of 18.77 lakh farmers
and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system was made fully functional, Strengthened Agro service
centres for service delivery, Established 20 Block level federated clusters for the marketing and input
support of vegetables, implemented 34 model panchayat extension plan and 28 farmer extension
organisations, established 30 plant clinics and soil testing labs through VFPCK, initiated purchase
of Atomic Absorption Spectro photo meter (AAS) for departmental labs, Strengthened procurement
of produce through market development, established 15 block level nurseries, restructured coconut
development scheme focusing in 26 blocks, established 11 agroservice centres, implemented
open precision agriculture, strengthened the technical support base of high tech agriculture, Rs.20
crore earmarked for application of soil ameliorants in selected districts for correcting soil acidity,
Organic farming in potential areas with assured backward and forward linkages and Crop Health
Management covering pests and disease surveillance, safe food production and integrated pest
management extended in more areas. Global Agro meet was conducted during November 2014 to
promote organic farming.

Performance of Annual Plan - 2013-14 of Department of Agriculture

2.40 During the Annual plan 2013-14, out of ` 780.81 crore earmarked for the sector, expenditure
incurred was ` 635.72 crore (81%) including Wayanad Package. Area under paddy increased to
2 lakh ha. from 1.97 lakh ha in 2012-13. Fallow land cultivation done in 4021 ha and upland rice
cultivation in 3125 ha. A new scheme on Crop Health Management was initiated during the period to
bring together management towards sustainable ecosystems through surveillance based advisory
systems and Good Plant Protection Practices (GPPP).Initiated establishment of pest surveillance units
in 271 panchayats and plant health clinics in 23 Krishi bhavans. Comprehensive vegetable production
project expanded and new components like popularization of biocontrol agents, establishment of lead
clusters and block level federated organizations in selected blocks and micronutrients demonstration
initiated for increasing productivity. E payment system streamlined and made fully functional. Pension
for small and marginal farmers approved. ATMA plus model of extension system was introduced
by integrating ATMA, LEADS and new initiatives identified through SREP. Promotion of integrated
farming systems, farmer technology development, preparation of success stories, identification of
researchable issues etc. were newly introduced. Nutrient management plans covering micro, macro
and secondary elements were prepared for 700 Panchayats. Panchayat adoption for soil testing was
expanded in 14 more Panchayats and capacity building programme was introduced. Issued 256451
soil health cards upto March 2014. Monitoring of soil health cards introduced. Application of lime for
correcting soil acidity was initiated in Wayanad district on pilot basis. Initiated establishment of Agri
Bioparks for value addition of coconut and paddy. Under RKVY during 2013-14,GOI released an

Kerala State Planning Board