Page 78 - economic review

AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS50

2.46 A number of very small schemes are included for assistance under RKVY in the state like
adoption of naturally ventilated green house technology , adoption of precision farming technology,
establishment of mushroom cultivation units, popularization of temperate fruit crops in Idukki district,
development of cool season vegetables in Kanthaloor and Vattavada, etc. More focused areas with
larger projects have to be identified for support under RKVY. The preparation of district and state
agriculture plans are a prerequisite for getting assistance for which concrete steps are required. More
integrated approach is required for RKVY linkage with state plan. Details are given in Appendix 2.19

Major programmes during 2013-14

Vegetable Development Programme

2.47 Comprehensive vegetable production project with new components like popularization of
biocontrol agents, establishment of lead clusters and block level federated organizations in selected
blocks and micronutrients demonstration were initiated during 2013-14 for increasing productivity.
` 59.17 crore was utilised by Agriculture Department for vegetable development. The area covered
increased to 24598 ha and production to 3.10 lakh MT during the period (source :Department of
agriculture).The major achievements are -School vegetable garden in 2500 schools, 27837 units of
grow bags were distributed, 61 lakhs seed kits distributed through school students / Krishi Bhavans
/ media ,assistance to 2479 clusters, fallow land cultivation in 1186 ha, development support to 95 A
grade clusters 20 Block level federated organizations established for input support and marketing.
Micro nutrient demonstration using vegetable mix introduced for increasing productivity of vegetable.
For increasing safe to eat mode of production, 40% of the subsidy has been earmarked for the
purchase of biocontrol agents, biofertilisers, pheromone traps etc. Inorder to increase the production
of seedlings 15 block level polyhouse based nurseries were established in 15 blocks in association
with block level federated organizations.

Support to State Extension Programme

2.48 The state has experienced considerable changes in Agricultural Extension consequent to
institutional, technological and organizational developments. The Lead Farmer Centered Extension
and Advisory Delivery Services (LEADS), a new field visit oriented extension system in the state with
appropriate linkage with R&D institutions, KAU and KVKs were introduced in 4 districts in Kollam,
Kannur, Palakkad and Wayanad. 798 Lead farmers and Satellite farmers were formed for advisory
services under the programme. Pest Surveillance units initiated in 271 panchayats coming under
13 districts for pest surveillance and advisory services under the scheme Crop Health Management
during 2013-14. Established 401 farm schools in Krishi Bhavans under ATMA programme.

2.49 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. Model Panchayat extension plan prepared for 14 Panchayats and Farmer extension
organization was established in 14 blocks. Preparation of Monthly Technology Advice was streamlined
in 14 districts. District and state level awards in excellence in extension was provided for outstanding
technical officers with certificate and cash award at State level and district level. Inorder to strengthen
ATMA model of extension, new components under ATMA plus were introduced during the period. All
extension schemes components under ATMA Plus needs to be implemented in 12th Five Year Plan
with more convergence of schemes under Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries.

Kerala State Planning Board