Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM)

·                              A Centrally Sponsored Scheme ISOPOM is implemented in 14 major oil seeds growing states, 15 Maize growing states and 8 Oil Palm growing States with an allocation of Rs. 500 crore during 2013-14.

·                              Under the scheme , financial assistance is being provided for purchase of breeder  seed , production of foundation seed  , production and distribution of certified seed, distribution of seed minikits, distribution of plant protection chemicals , plant protection  equipments, weedicides , supply of Micro nutrients and improved agricultural implements supply of rhizobium culture ,phosphate solubilizing bacteria ,  distribution of gypsum/ pyrite /liming/ dolomite, distribution of sprinkle resets and water carrying pipes, training publicity  etc. including free distribution of seed miniskirts of oilseed and maize to encourage all types of farmers including small and marginal farmers to grow these crops.  

·                     Department of Agriculture is in the process of finalizing a National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) for increasing production/ productivity of oilseeds and area expansion under oil palm /The Borne Oilseeds for augmenting the overall availability of vegetable oils in the country from domestic sources.

Emphasis on Organic Methods and Eco-sensing Farming

                         Government is providing organic farming through various schemes like National Project on Organic farming (NPOF) , National Horticulture Mission, Horticulture Mission for North –East and Himalayan  States ,National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility and  RKVY.

·                          For eco-sensitive farming, Government is promoting balanced use of fertilizers and various measures taken to promote balanced use fertilizers are as follows:

                          National project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility has been under implementation since 2008-09 to promote soil test based balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with organic sources of nutrients to improve soil fertility.

            Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, Bhopal has been sanctioned a project for preparation of Geo-Referenced Soil Fertility  maps including interlinking of soil fertility status with Soil Test Crop Response data to generate site specific  recommendations  for use of chemical fertilizers in 19major states. 

           Ministry has been encouraging use of customized fertilizers with an object to promote site-specific nutrient management so as to achieve maximum fertilizer use efficiency.

Farm Mechanization

·                              Mechanization enhances productivity besides reducing human drudgery and cost of cultivation. Mechanization also helps in improving utilization efficiency of other inputs, safety and comfort of the agricultural workers, improvements in the quality and value addition of the produce and also enabling the farmers to raise a second crop or multiple crops making the Indian agriculture attractive and a way of life by becoming commercial instead of subsistence.

·                             Though, India is one of the top countries in agriculture production in terms of Farm Mechanization, it is behind the world average. For instance, the tractor density in India is about 16 tractors for 1 hectare, while the world average is 19 tractors and that of developed countries is very high. 

·                      Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture has proposed the sub-mission on Agriculture Mechanization during 12^th plan, with a special emphasis on reaching the unreached that will bring small and marginal farmers at the core and will provide a suitable platform for converging all activities relating to agriculture mechanization by providing a single window approach for implementation.

Kisan Call Centres

·             Kisan Call Centres have been functioning since 21^st January, 2004 with the basic aim to provide information to farming community through Toll Free Telephone Numbers: 1800- 180-1551 on all seven days a week from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

National e- Governance Plan in Agriculture

                          National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NEGP-A) :  Department of Agriculture and Cooperation  , Ministry of Agriculture , Government of India has initiated, other centrally sponsored scheme, a national  e-Governance  Plan in Agriculture with a view to promoting focused  and integrated implementation of e- Governance activities in agriculture in order to secure rapid development  of agriculture in India through the use of Information Technology and enable the farmers to raise their from productivity and farm income.

·           The project is being implemented in seven selected states, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, M.P., A.P., Jharkhand and Maharashtra.  The scheme also aims to integrate existing e- governance initiative of the Department.   

·                     SMS Portal: The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India has created a SMS portal for Farmers. Officers, Scientists and Experts will use the Portal for disseminating information given topical and seasonal advisories and providing service through SMS to the farmers in the local languages. 

      An on-going centrally sponsored scheme “ Support to State Extension Programme for Extension

Reforms popularly known as ATMA Scheme are under implementation in 614 districts of 28 states and UTs of the country. The scheme has promoted Farmers’ Centric Extension scheme by putting in place a new institutional arrangement for technology dissemination in the form of agriculture   technology management agency (ATMA) at district level.

           Information on Judicious use of fertilizers and broadcasted through Krishi Darshan, and Krishi vani Programmes, and through focus advertisement campaign under Mass media scheme implemented through the Ministry.