AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS

Agriculture continues to be the core sector in the rural economy of Kerala, providing livelihood security for vast majority of the population. The state which accounts for only 1.18 per cent of the geographical area of the country, supports nearly 3.10 per cent of the population. Kerala is one of the states in India, where land resources are put to more intensive use than anywhere else mainly because of the low per capita availability of land. Out of a geographical area of 38.85 lakh ha, land devoted to agriculture is about 58 per cent. Even after five decades of development planning, over half of the population in Kerala still subsists on the income generated from the relatively small agricultural holdings. Agriculture and allied sectors account for 28.61 per cent of the GDP of the state. Year wise growth rate is shown in Table 1.

In the crop production sub sector, a mixed trend has been observed indicating fluctuations in production of coconut, pepper, ginger, arecanut, banana and coffee with declining trend in cashew and tapioca. The production of rubber has shown consistent increase over the years. Although the growth performance of the sector as a whole is encouraging since 1990 - 91, it is noteworthy that the engine of growth is fuelled by the two principal crops namely coconut and rubber that too on account of the large scale area expansion through the shift in cropping pattern. Food crops in general have suffered severe set back in production mainly on account of the reduction in area under rice and tapioca. The trend in production in the agricultural and allied sectors is given in Table 2.

The livestock sector has been acting as a major support to the weaker and vulnerable sections of the population especially the unemployed and underemployed agricultural labourers in the rural areas, by creating opportunities for self employment and supplementary income generation. All the segments in livestock sector have shown consistent performance over the years. In the fisheries sub sector, while the marine fish production is stagnant, the inland fish production is picking up slowly over the years. Kerala has great potential for the development of inland fisheries.

      After more than a decade of stagnation, the agricultural sector in Kerala has been giving positive signals since the late eighties. The sector witnessed record performance during Eighth Plan by recording a growth rate of 3.60 per cent against the projected target of 2.75 per cent. The annual average growth for the first three years of the Ninth Plan was 2.27 per cent. The approved outlay during the Ninth Five Year Plan for Agriculture and allied sectors in the state was Rs. 1039.50 crore. The anticipated expenditure during the period is Rs. 1134.89 crore and the physical targets and achievements are shown in Table 3. The Ninth Five Year Plan is likely to end with an annual production of around 8 lakh tonnes of rice and 5600 million nuts of coconut.

      The increase in production of most of the perennial crops during the past four decades was mainly due to the increase in area under these crops rather than improvement in productivity. Inefficient use of water, insufficiency and non optimal use of inputs like fertilizers and credit, monoculture and lack of full-time attention and long term investment in improving productivity of land are some of the main reasons for the decelerating trend in productivity of crops. Trend in productivity of major crops in the state is given in Table 4.

      Despite considerable investment and special attention given to rice, the fact remains that the area and production under the crop continues to decline. Though recently the productivity has touched an all time high of 2203 kg. / ha., the declining trend in production has not been reversed. In spite of spending Rs. 46.03 crore through state plan and nearly double the amount through local bodies during the first four years of the Ninth plan, rice production could not be salvaged from the declining trend. In respect of coconut also, the performance is not encouraging. The productivity of the crop declined to 5870 nuts per hectare in 2000-01. The prevalence of the debilitating coconut root (wilt) disease, the presence of coconut mite as a potential pest, existence of a large number of senile and unproductive palms, poor attention to farms and growing of coconuts in unsuitable areas are the major reasons attributed for the low productivity.

      The productivity of pepper was at its peak level of 376 kg. / ha during 1998-99. In the case of cashew, in spite of operating special schemes for expansion of area, the coverage has been steadily declining during the last two decades. The decline in area suffered during the period is to the tune of around 30,000 hectares. Productivity of the crop which was lingering at around 800 kg. / ha., has also started declining from 1995 - '96 onwards, reaching 537 kg / ha during 1999-'00. Kerala has a substantial share in the four plantation crops, viz, rubber, tea, coffee and cardamom. These together occupy 28 per cent of net cropped area of the state. In the plantation segment, rubber is the only crop which could maintain steady and stable performance in productivity.

      A review of the overall development of the livestock sector of the state reveals an emphasis on strategies directly related to cattle development, mainly for improving the genetic quality of indigenous cattle breeds through cross breeding. Even though there is considerable increase in the population of high yielding cross bred cattle (68%) the average yield per animal per day remains low at 6 litres compared to its potential of at least 8 - 10 litres. The challenges in the sector include the sharp and continuous decline in the area under livestock supporting seasonal crops especially paddy, declining trend in the family participation and high cost of production as a result of increasing reliance on externally sourced purchased inputs. There is in fact scope for realising the potential of other areas like poultry, piggery and goat rearing also. The major constraint in goat and pig development has been the lack of availability of improved variety of breeding stock.

      Marine fisheries in Kerala has witnessed a progressive growth since independence due to technological innovations it received during the last four decades. Fisheries development in this sector experienced many convulsions during this period. The inshore capture fisheries has already reached a saturation point making further expansion difficult. The poor state of infrastructure existing in the fishing harbours and landing centers, markets, social tensions in the marine and potential inland areas are the challenges to be resolved to realise the potential. Maintenance of high quality standards have increasingly become critical in realising the export potential.

Over the years vast tracts of forests in Kerala have been diverted for non-forestry purposes. The forests have undergone qualitative changes adversely affecting interests of the people at large and eroding the ecological value. The reduction in revenue from the forest sector, inspite of substantial increase in quantity of timber and firewood extracted needs to be addressed. Many of the forest products could be subjected to improved processing for better economic returns. The non-wood forest products are under exploited. The major problems are destructive collection procedures, improper storage, inadequate primary processing and marketing.

Approaches and Strategies for the Tenth Plan

There would be a shift from a crop-based approach to an area-based approach related to farming systems and homesteads. A step-by-step switch over is to be attempted with initial focus on the already well-recognized agro ecological situations. Simultaneously scientific delineation of agro ecological zones would be taken up to be completed in two years. This has to be done in a participatory manner with the full involvement of local governments and research institutions.

Within an agro ecological zone effort would be made to develop a natural resource perspective on the basis of integrated watershed management. This again would be fully participatory with self-help groups of farmers leading the process.

Within a watershed the thrust would be on maximizing income from unit area through a systems approach by integrating different crops, livestock and fisheries in a farm. Thus diversification and intensification and reliance on synergy within a farm would be aimed at. This will be a major thrust in the tenth plan.

In order to realize the new approach an intensive capacity building exercise would be taken up to improve the capability of departmental professionals and tone up the responsiveness of the departmental mechanism. There would be a shift of emphasis from distribution of benefits to provision of expert services.

The extension services would be reoriented to utilize the modern communication technologies to help the farmer become competitive by transferring knowledge not only on practice but also on market possibilities.

The WTO Commission's recommendations would be utilized for policy modifications and programme realignment to suit the new context especially in tapping export potential.

Agro processing would be promoted in linkage with the Industries Department.

The agriculture marketing system would be toned up through improved market information systems and provision of infrastructure for storage, transportation and sale.

High value crop production especially in horticulture would be promoted.

Reforms Suggested

To offset the declining investment in infrastructure for agriculture, private investment would be facilitated particularly in setting up markets, storage centers, and in providing certain types of agro services.

Farmer participation would be strengthened further by upgrading the existing use of group approach into a closer-knit group concept. Farmers' groups would be capacitated to take up functions like transporting, marketing, processing besides operation and maintenance of common infrastructure.

In order to channelise institutional credit to this sector tripartite arrangement consisting of the local governments, banks and farmers' groups would be put in place in all local governments.

The functioning of the Agriculture Department would be revamped to make it an expert service provider.

The role of local governments in agriculture development would be strengthened to facilitate exploitation of micro level production possibilities, local innovations and local investment matching the local potential.

Institutional reform would be tried out by bringing together departments of Fisheries, Local Governments, Specialized Agencies like Land Use Board, Kerala Agricultural University and Central institutions like ICAR, Spices Board, National Horticulture Board, Rubber Board, Coconut Development Board etc., to provide a convergence of services and resources.

All the public sector units, co-operatives, boards and other autonomous agencies would be subject to detailed review and arrangements for coordination and synergy among organisations performing similar functions would be made.

Safety nets would be provided to farmers in the form of insurance by expanding the scope of existing schemes and their coverage.

Sub sector specific Strategies and Action Plans

A. Crop Production

I. Rice

Farming systems perspective for rice production through more coherent group farming.

Intensive efforts to promote rice cultivation in Potential areas.

Integration of rice cultivation with pisciculture in Kuttanad and Kole lands.

Activation of paddy development agencies to provide total solutions to problems in rice production covering provision of soil maps, advising on nutrient use, pest surveillance and marketing.

Network farmer groups in areas having substantial paddy cultivation

Promote the concept of seed villages for paddy.

II. Coconut

Increasing cropping intensity through multiple crops in an integrated manner.

Production and distribution of quality planting materials.

Replacing of senile and diseased palms.

Market promotion through KERAFED.

Product diversification and by-product utilization through private investment.

III. Vegetables

Promotion of homestead cultivation.

Focus on group activity right from planning up to processing and marketing through self-help group of farmers.

IV. Spices

Replanting of old pepper vines

Promotion of value added processing

Thrust on marketing, quality control and export promotion

Development and promotion of appropriate bio control methods for disease control.

V. Floriculture

Promotion of floriculture in selected clusters of potential villages

Farmers will be organised into Self Help Groups and promotion of marketing tie up with suitable organisations
VI. Other high value crops like Vanilla etc.

Promotion of high value crops in selected locations

Marketing tie up with suitable organisations

VII. Cashew

New planting and replanting with high yielding varieties

Promotion of eco friendly plant protection measures

Promotion of value added products

VIII. Fruits

Production and distribution of quality planting materials

Promotion of value added processing

Production planning for export

IX. Plantation Crops

Intermediation between farmers and national agencies.

Monitoring of plantation sector.

Popularisation of suitable plantation based farming systems.

B. Livestock

Promotion of farming systems approach.

Enhancing fodder availability
.

Stock upgradation
.

Extending health cover.

Establishment of micro enterprises for poverty reduction.

C. Fisheries

Optimizing offshore and deep-sea fishing.

Intensification of inland fisheries Conservation and management of aquatic resources.

Social and livelihood security to the poor groups.

Promotion of micro enterprises.

Introduction of quality assurance systems to ensure international competitiveness.

D. Forest

Improvement of technology both in rearing and harvesting of timber.

Bio diversity conservation

Proper collection and value addition to non-timber forest produce.

Developing participatory forest management with focus on tribals.

Community forestry in public lands.

TABLE - 1

Year wise growth rate under Agriculture and Allied Sectors

Year	1993 - ' 94 Prices(Rs. in crore)				Rate of Charge over previous year (%)
Year	Agriculture	Forestry	Fishery	Total	Rate of Charge over previous year (%)
1994 - '95	6324	814	682	7820	11.67
1995- '96	6398	717	598	7713	- 1.37
1996 - '97	6526	746	660	7932	2.84
1997 - '98	6578	776	693	8047	1.45
1998 - '99	6900	757	573	8230	2.27
1999-'00*	7158	788	591	8537	3.73

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics * Provisional

TABLE - 2 Trend in Commodity production (in '000 tonnes)

Sl. No.	Commodity	1980-'81	1990-'91	1996-'97	1999-'00
A	Crops
1.	Rice	1271	1086	871	771
2.	Pulses	22	17	14	10
3.	Tapioca	4060	2303	2691	2564
4.	Coconut (million nuts)	3008	4232	5276	5167
5.	Groundnut	8	9	10	5
6.	Sugar cane	48	52	41	48
7.	Pepper	28	46	57	56
8.	Ginger	32	46	46	39
9.	Turmeric	6	5	10	8
10.	Arecanut (million nuts)	10805	13074	17039	16014
11.	Banana & plantain	317	491	743	802
12.	Cashew nuts	82	102	63	46
13.	Cardamom	3	4	5	6
14.	Tea	50	63	69	71
15.	Coffee	36	36	47	60
16.	Rubber	140	307	513	573
B.	Livestock
1.	Milk	908	1600	2258	2525
2.	Egg (Million nos)	962	1550	2024	2054
3.	Meat	-	95	142	155
C.	Fisheries
1.	Inland	26	41	52	74
2.	Marine	274	564	653	594

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Animal Husbandry
and Fisheries.

Table - 3

Physical Targets and Achievements

Commodity	Unit	IXth Plan Target	Achievement 1999-'00
A.Crops
1. Rice	'000 tonnes	1250	771
2. Pulses	'000 tonnes	67	10
3. Ground nut	'000 tonnes	25	5
4. Sesamum	'000 tonnes	6	1
5. Coconut	Million nuts	9000	5167
6. Sugarcane	'000 tonnes	80	48
7. Cashew	'000 tonnes	175	46
8. Pepper	'000 tonnes	115	56
9. Banana & Plantains	'000 tonnes	1400	802
B.Livestock
1. Milk	'000 tonnes	3383	2525
2. Egg	Million Nos.	2979	2054
3. Meat	'000 tonnes	166	155
C. Fisheries
1. Inland	'000 tonnes	150	74
2. Marine	'000 tones	600	594

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Animal
Husbandry and Fisheries.

TABLE - 4

Average Productivity of Important Commodities

Sl. No.	Name of Commodity	Productivity (Kg. / ha)
		Kerala			India
		1980-81	1996-97	1999-2000	1980-81	1996-97
1.	Rice	1586	2022	2203	1336	1882
2.	Pulses	664	747	778	330	498
3.	Tapioca	16575	22354	23463	18280	22112
4.	Coconut(Nuts / ha)	4618	5849	5747	5280	6908
5.	Cashew nut	580	710	537	NA	653
6.	Arecanut (Nuts / ha)	176436	224003	210353	170730	233861
7.	Pepper	263	309	306	280	308
8.	Ginger	2530	3513	3494	2000	3308
9.	Turmeric	1878	2428	2159	2130	3912
10.	Groundnut	876	743	795	736	1138
11.	Cardamom	55	110	160	70	127
12.	Tea	1400	1701	1933	1546	1810
13.	Coffee	633	573	719	570	847
14.	Rubber	590	1126	1211	550	1030

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics

TABLE - 5

Production Targets for the Tenth Plan

Sl. No.	Commodity Current levels	Expected levels	after five years
1.	Rice (lakh tonnes)	7.71	11
2.	Coconut (million nuts)	5496	7500
3.	Pepper ( '000 tonnes)	56	110
4.	Cashew ( '000 tonnes)	46	85
5.	Milk (lakh tonnes)	25.25	35
6.	Egg (million nos)	2054	2255
7.	Meat (lakh tonnes)	1.55	1.74
8.	Marine fishes (lakh tonnes)	5.94	7
9.	Inland Fishes (lakh tonnes)	0.74	1.5

CROP HUSBANDRY

1. Grass Root Level Support System for Agriculture Development at the Panchayat level

(Outlay 2002-07Rs.300.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 50.00 lakh

The role and responsibility of Krishi Bhavans, the grass root level structural and functional units of the Agriculture Department and the basic contact point of the farming community have acquired new dimensions with their functioning brought under the control of Grama panchayats. It is proposed to reorient their extension activities with regular and scheduled field visits to functional groups following participatory extension approach. Transfer of technology including method demonstrations & farmer interaction sessions will be organised as part of this field visit. It is proposed to pursue a new strategy for agricultural development from a commodity based to resource based approach integrating all land based activities such as crop, livestock and other activities.

Agriculture Department requires reorientation to function more as a facilitator for agricultural development through local bodies by providing the technical support, research back up, infrastructural facilities, marketing tie up, institutional support for market intelligence and training. In addition the department intends to operate specialised agricultural development programmes like development of floriculture, seed production & promotion programmes, promotion of high tech and innovative technologies like green house culture, tissue culture, bio-technology, agro-processing for value addition which warrants technical support of a high order.

Group farming concept will be the corner stone of agricultural extension system of the State and the group visit system will be implemented in such a way that it will be complementary to the successful implementation of the scheme. For each group a common place will be fixed known as Agro-Clinics. The scheme proposes to provide information technology facilities and infrastructure for storage and disse mination of information. It is also proposed to set up an Agricultural Information

Centre in each Krishi Bhavan for facilitating effective transfer of technology. An Agricultural Data Bank will also be established. Basic data on biophysical resources available, current status of crop production, fertiliser consumption, resource use and development support through various agencies etc. will be collected, compiled and documented. The data compiled will be disseminated to the public through the panchayat level information system. Computers will be installed in the Block level offices and then in Krishi Bhavans in a phased manner linked to the Panchayat Information System.

2. Agricultural Farms

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs.1300.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 150.00 lakhs)

The Departmental Farms will be modernised to function not only as production centres of quality planting materials but also as centres of demonstration of advanced agricultural technology. The farms have to be provided with basic as well as sophisticated infrastructural facilities like green houses, micro and macro irrigation support, tissue culture and hardening facilities, seed processing facilities, and fruit processing facilities. A perspective master plan will be prepared for all the departmental farms taking into consideration of the availability of resources from various sources including the contribution of local governments. A critical study and economic analysis of the working of the farms will be carried out. In each farm cropping pattern will be modified accordingly so as to commercialise the farms. In the case of District farms and Seed farms, the departmental programmes will be restricted to filling the gaps. But in the case of eleven specialised farms, the Department has to cater to all the requirements and make them commercially viable. Funds will be released on the basis of an approved project report for each farm, which will be evaluated later.

3. Integrated Nutrient Management System

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs.400.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 50.00 lakhs)

Under the scheme it is proposed to promote green manure, utilisation of biodegradable wastes through bacteria based composting and vermi-composting, popularise bio-fertilisers like Rhizobium, Azotabacter, Azospirillium, VAM, etc. It is also proposed to promote advanced and innovative fertilisation techniques to increase fertiliser use efficiency. Models appropriate to different agroecological zones will be evolved and popularised.

The soil testing services will be revamped to make them more field oriented with appropriate arrangement for regular visits to important padasekharams for providing advisory service on all aspects covering the health of the soil.

The functioning of Soil health clinics will be made more effective by providing all supporting services and technical guidance for promotion of zone specific integrated nutrient management system and undertaking soil test-crop response programmes. The proposed outlay is also for strengthening and modernisation of Fertiliser Quality Control Laboratories, Bio-fertiliser Laboratories, Soil Testing Laboratories, and Pesticide Testing Facilities functioning under the Department of Agriculture. It is also proposed to set up "Model INM Farms" in each Krishi Bhavan for demonstrating nutrient recycling and integrated use of bio/organic/chemical sources of fertilizers.

4. Integrated Pest Management System

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs.900.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03Rs. 100.00 lakhs)

IPM will be effective only under the umbrella of a full fledged system of pest surveillance and regular monitoring of pest and disease incidence. The attacks of BPH in paddy and mite in coconut have once again necessitated the significance of introduction of an effective pest surveillance system on a state wide basis. Therefore, it is proposed to establish a full fledged system of pest surveillance on a phased manner, to start with in predominant rice growing areas and gradually extending to other crops and the whole state. The pest surveillance units functioning at Alappuzha will be strengthened and new units established at Thrissur and Palakkad by redeployment of personnel. Activities of the monitoring cell at the district and state level will be strengthened. Linkages with Farm Information Bureau (FIB) for dissemination of information on pest/disease forecasting will be established. Coconut mite attack has become a serious problem in the State affecting the yield and quality of nuts. Similarly bud rot disease affecting coconut is a serious problem in certain pockets of the state especially in Kozhikode district requiring intervention. The outlay is also proposed to be utilised for undertaking plant protection operations on a campaign basis when the pest population exceed ET levels in partnership with local governments. Rapid Action Force will be made more effective. The thrust will be on biocontrol measures from a long term perspective although chemical control would also be necessary at times of emergency. It is also intended to tone up the activities of State Bio-Control Laboratory at Mannuthy and the existing Parasite Breeding stations.

5. Sustainable Development of Rice Based Farming System

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs7000.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 1000.00 lakhs)

The rice development programme will be concentrated in the major rice growing tracts of the State with natural endowments for augmenting rice productivity. The ultimate objective would be to sustain the rice cultivation in atleast 4.00 lakh ha and to augment the average productivity to more than 2.8 tonnes per hectare.

The group farming samithies will be revitalised adopting the principle of self help groups. A short term and long term seed programme for effective seed replacement, training of farmers and extension workers, regular visit of field staff to the padasekharams etc. will be part of the revitalisation programme. Additional infrastructure and better management of land and water resources on the basis of a system approach will be encouraged. The revitalisation activities will be concentrated in 1.5 lakh hectares in the predominant rice growing areas like Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha etc. with the following activities:

Mechanisation of tillage operations for cost reduction in partnership with local governments.

Use of uniform seeds of an identified HYV for each Padasekharam.

Pre planned sowing and community nursery preparations.

Transplanting using transplanters for cost reduction and to ensure optimum plant population per unit area

Need based nutrient application based on soil test data of Padasekharams, following integrated nutrient management practices with use of bio- fertilizers , organic manures, green manures and chemical fertilizers.

Community weed control using weedicides.

Organising joint plant protection operations following IPM.

Application of soil ameliorants to correct soil pH.

Uniform crop rotation practices including raising of pulses/seasonal oil seeds/vegetables/green manure crops in the rice fallows.

Harvesting and post harvesting on a group basis.

Organising seminars and campaigns, participating the farmers to highlight their achievements.

Infrastructure facilities like layout of irrigation channels, construction/renovation of ponds and tanks, laying drainage systems including surface and sub-surface systems, strengthening of bunds, installation of petty and para, lift irrigation etc. are provided, the productivity of the padasekharams can be augmented and single cropped lands can be converted to double cropped paddy lands. The infrastructural works can be undertaken with the active involvement of the Group Farming Samithies so as to meet the entire need on an area basis. Priority would be given to the special zones of the State where paddy alone and no other crop can be cultivated. These include the Pokkali lands in Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts (30,000 ha.), kari lands (2,000 ha), Kayal lands 7,900 ha.) & Karapadam lands (41,565 ha.) of Kuttanad in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, Kole lands in Thrissur and Malappuram districts (15,423 ha). The problem areas nearly constitute about 30 percent of the total rice area (more than 1 lakh ha). The infrastructural activities will be planned and executed with full and active participation of the farmers in the samithies. The work to be carried out will have to be prioritised by the farmers themselves. Thus demand driven projects will be identified for assistance under the component with insistence on 15% contribution from beneficiary farmers and atleast 50% contribution from local governments. The preference will be given to undertake cost effective vegetative measures. The operation and maintenance will be the responsibility of the groups The State Government has constituted 11 Paddy Development Authorities for tackling problems of rice cultivation in special problem areas. Financial assistance would be provided to formulate location specific projects based on an approved plan for infrastructural development including strengthening of peripheral bunds of Padasekharams to prevent flood.

The Seed Development Authority will implement a systematic seed production programme, following scientific practices and observing all provisions of seed act so as to produce quality seeds by providing all forward and backward linkages. A revolving fund will be provided to the Seed Development Authority for creation of infrastructure facility, operationalisation of the programme and to make it self reliant.

6. National Pulses Development Project (S.S. 25%)

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs.25.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs5.00 lakhs)

Under this 75% Centrally Sponsored Scheme, assistance is provided by Government of India for distribution of certified seeds, distribution of minikits, laying out block demonstrations, distribution of rhizobium culture and IPM demonstrations. The outlay is for meeting 25% state share for the implementation of the programme.

7. Coconut Based Farming Systems

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs.6000.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 909.00 lakhs)

      The strategy proposed to be followed for coconut development is integrated development of holdings aiming at maximising income from unit area through improvement in productivity by selection of planting material and promoting better management especially of water, fertiliser application, plant protection measures, promotion of multi species cropping and mixed farming systems.

      To increase the production and productivity per unit area and to increase the income from unit area in coconut gardens, inter-cropping, mixed-cropping, mixed farming etc. have to be popularised. INM approach has to be followed for crop nutrition. Growing of green manure crops, fertiliser application based on the soil nutrient data has to be ensured. Integrated Pest Management approach has to be adopted for controlling the mite infestation in coconut, root (wilt) disease, leaf rot, leaf eating caterpillars etc.

      The approach would be to adopt integrated management for increasing production and productivity in the areas most suited for coconut. Nearly two crore palms are reported to be senile/unproductive and nearly 44.16 lakh palms reported to be disease-affected. Quality seedling production will be ensured for replanting of every senile/diseased palm cut and removed.

      To mitigate high labour cost as well as labour scarcity, mechanisation has become essential. Small hand operating equipments for tilling of soil, taking of pits etc. will be developed. Use of machines to harvest coconut from coconut palms will be taken up on a priority basis and suitable harvesting equipments developed and popularised. As part of homestead farming in coconut gardens, pumpsets for small and marginal farmers will be popularised. Mechanical copra dryers of suitable capacity according to local needs will be encouraged.

      Product diversification, value addition and by-product utilisation in coconut will be encouraged. Viable coconut processing technologies available for the profitable manufacture of coconut products such as milk-cream, beverages, milk-powder, vinegar, tender coconut water, shell-based products etc. will be made available to new entrepreneurs with necessary help to avail credit.

8. Production and Distribution of TxD Seedlings (S.S 50%)

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs. 90.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 18.00 lakhs)

Under the programme, Coconut Development Board provides assistance on 50:50 basis for production and distribution of quality hybrid coconut seedlings. The outlay is intended to meet the cost of seed nuts, hybridisation charges, and related expenses. The outlay proposed is for meeting the 50% state share for implementing the scheme.

9. Oilseeds Production Programme (S.S 25%)

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs.75.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 15.00 lakhs)

Under this 75% Centrally Sponsored Programme, implemented in selected districts of the state viz, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Palakkad, assistance is provided by Government of India for purchase of breeder seed, production of foundation seed, distribution of certified seeds, distribution of seed minikits, conduct of demonstrations, distribution of farm implements and p.p. equipments, distribution of lime and rhizobium culture, farmers training etc. The crops included under the scheme are groundnut and sesamum. The outlay proposed is for meeting the 25% State Share for implementation of the programme.

10. Oil Palm Development programme (S.S 25%)

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs. 25.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 5.00 lakhs)

Under the scheme it is proposed to establish an Oil Palm Seed garden and production of quality seedlings of improved varieties under Oil Palm India Ltd., Kottayam. The outlay proposed is for meeting the 25% state share for the implementation of the programme.

11. Vegetable Promotion Programme

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs1250..00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 305.00 lakhs)

There is immense scope for augmenting vegetable production in the state. A programme for commercial vegetable production had been launched in areas having potential and popular participation through Haritha Sanghams with the objective of achieving self sufficiency in vegetable production. A programme for cool season vegetables will be launched in Munnar, Vattavada, Kanthaloor and Marayur in Idukki district, Attappady and Nelliampathy in Palakkad and Wayanad District. The production support at the grass root level will be channelised through selected village panchayats. The vegetable seed requirement for a panchayat will be assessed and produced in the panchayat through registered seed growers. The commercial production centres will be linked with the net work of sale depots being organised by KHPDC.

Activities proposed include promotion of commercial cultivation, seed multiplication programme, providing irrigation facilities, promoting vegetable cultivation in educational and public institutions and infrastructure support for marketing. The outlay proposed is intended to meet the above purpose.

12. Participatory Development Model of KHDP - Extension to Kollam and Alappuzha Districts

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs. 1000.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 200.00 lakhs)

The objective of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Kerala, the successor organisation of Kerala Horticulture Development Programme is to improve the livelihood security and there by enhance and sustain the income of fruit and vegetable farmers of Kerala. A replicating model has been evolved by the KHDP successfully in seven districts during the last nine years.

The proposal is to replicate the successful participatory development model of KHDP in the fruit and vegetable area in Alappuzha and Kollam districts with emphasis on increasing and stabilising the income of commercial fruit and vegetable farmers. The improvement of the livelihood security of the farmers is envisaged through horticulture production, value addition and marketing in a sustainable and profitable manner. The component proposed are production, formation of SHG's (600 SHG's, 12000 farmers, 1800 master farmers) participatory research, participatory credit management, marketing, value addition monitoring etc.

13. Homestead Farming

(Outlay 2002-2007 : Rs.300.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-2003 : Rs.50.00 lakhs)

The unique feature of the agricultural scene of Kerala is the existence of a dispersed pattern of settlement with homestead system of cultivation. More than 80% of the cultivated area comes under homestead farming. Potential clusters of homesteads for agricultural production and market oriented development will be identified and all the required forward and backward linkages will be established. Under this programme the arable land of an individual family is considered as an individual homestead unit, in which integrated approach will be undertaken. The scheme envisages productivity improvement, increasing cropping intensity, growing of high value inter crops, adoption of soil and water conservation measures including vegetative methods, organic recycling etc.

The component proposed under this scheme are providing planting materials, agricultural inputs organic and inorganic manures, lime, minor nutrients, organic & inorganic plant protection chemicals, bio-fertilisers, soil conservation measures like contour vegetative hedges, water harvesting and drainage structures etc. The assistance will be given based on a Production Plan prepared for the integrated development of the individual homestead. Innnovative models of homestead farming for different zones will be encouraged.

14. Agave Cultivation in Rain Shadow Areas

(Outlay 2002-2007: Rs.25.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-2003: Rs.5.00 lakhs)

In rain shadow areas of the State, cultivation of Agave will be popularised with main objective of fibre extraction. Women entrepreneurs below poverty line will be mobilised and small fibre extraction unit will be established with governmental support near to farm site.

15. Promotion of Hi-Tech Innovative Agriculture

(Outlay 2002-07Rs. 500.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 100.00 lakhs)

A number of innovative agricultural technologies have emerged in recent times. These include green house farming including vegetable and floriculture, biotechnology including tissue culture, organic agriculture, hydroponics, bio-fertiliser and bio-pesticide production, hybrid vegetable cultivation, high value agro processing, mixed farming, mushroom culture etc.

Being new activities involving relatively high capital and sophisticated technology and tools, an initial support from Government is required in the form of inputs, incentives and infrastructure. The required forward and backward linkages have to be established to sustain the ventures on a commercial basis. Group endeavours are always preferable in such ventures. Farmers' organisations including NGOs coming with suitable proposals have to be given assistance. Such high tech programmes will be organised in selected departmental farms on a pilot basis. The scheme proposes to nurture and develop all innovative hi-tech agri business ventures by giving suitable and need based support on a group basis especially by way of transfer of technology. Institutional credit will be mobilised wherever needed. The outlay is also intended to meet the non salary cost of Mushroom spawn production unit, Pattambi and pasteurised compost units.

16. Farm Information and Communication

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 825.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 125.00 lakhs)

The Farm Information Service provides information and communication support for agricultural development. At present the Farm Information Bureau (FIB) has its state unit at Thiruvananthapuram and regional units at Ernakulam and Kozhikode. It is proposed to expand the information services and supporting activities. A full fledged information cum data centre at the headquarter with appropriate system for regular reporting and delivery of information with the modern communication systems leading to cyber extension would be aimed. Net working with all possible sources could alone serve the emerging requirements. The system should ensure regular flow of information and data from the headquarters to district centres and panchayat centres. At the district and panchayat level there can be information net work for catering to all the development departments with which the agriculture information service could also be linked.

The FIB would be reorganised and reoriented to function as an agency capable of taking up new responsibilities in the context of the decentralised planning programme. FIB has to be equipped to take up information and communication process for all round promotion of integrated intensive farming systems with a variety of enterprises based on crops, livestock, fisheries etc. in appropriate combination in different types and size of farm holdings.

17. Small Farm Mechanisation and Agricultural Engineering Services

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 800.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 100.00 lakhs)

The scheme for mechanisation would be implemented with the following components:

Adoption of equipment & machinery developed elsewhere including import for commercial popularisation by giving assistance to farmer's organisations, service co-operatives, local bodies, paddy development agencies etc.

Induction of relevant machinery and equipments like bund formers, transplanters, dibbling machines, portable pumpsets, combined harvesters etc. for further refinements and modifications to suit our conditions.

Promotion of new entrepreneurs for setting up of supply and service centres for agromachineries.

R&D support to develop prototypes for meeting specific requirements.

Import of new machinery, their popularisation as well as for taking up collaborate research programmes for adoption of appropriate machineries will be undertaken at the State level. Financial assistance for purchase of power tillers, tractors, threshers, winnowers, dryers, seed drills, micronizers, transplanters etc. will be continued through local governments.

18. Human Resources Management (Training Support to Field Functionaries of Department and Panchayat)

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 500.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 75.00 lakhs)

To act as effective agents of transfer of technology (TOT) and catalysts for rural transformation the field level functionaries of the Agriculture Department have to be trained on technology and rural management. The technical officers from the grassroot level to the top level have to be exposed to emerging advances in the fields of sustainable agriculture, eco-farming and bio-diversity conservation, bio-technology, integrated pest management and bio-control, integrated nutrient management and recycling, water harvesting and watershed management etc. These training courses are conducted in the KAU. Besides building technical competence, managerial training in areas like Financial Management, Total Quality Management, Technology Management, Project Management, Strategic Management and Information Management would also be required to equip the officers to identify and tackle location specific problems and to plan and execute viable programmes

Another important purpose of the outlay is to depute technical officers of the Department to short term and long term courses including post graduate courses in eminent institutions of the country like IIMs, IRMA-Anand, IITs, MANAGE- Hyderabad: IARI-New Delhi and others to upgrade the technical and managerial competence. The outlay is intended to meet the expenses, fees, including travel expenses and other contingencies for imparting training to the officers and for purchase of books and periodicals. The outlay is also meant for deputation of senior officers to attend workshops, seminars and conferences at national and international level.

Farmers are the end users of all agricultural technology. The success of all agricultural development strategies depends on the final adoption of scientific technology by the farmers. Training of farmers to motivate them to adopt the scientific package of practices therefore assumes crucial significance. This is especially so in the context of a number of innovative and high technology areas in agriculture and allied fields assuming commercial importance. The training could be a sort of capacity building exercise helping the prospective entrepreneur to build confidence and organise and run the programme on a self support basis.

The selected beneficiaries of schemes like Hi- tech innovative agriculture, Floriculture etc. will be given specialised training to run the enterprises on a commercial and sustainable basis. Master trainer farmers will be selected and trained exhaustively to speed up diffusion of technology.

The outlay under the scheme will also be utilised for upgrading the faculties in the existing training centres. The training centre at Thiruvananthapuram will be equipped for running training programmes on special export oriented commercial agro enterprises with appropriate tie up with exporters organisations.

19. Public Participation in Agricultural Production Programmes

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 600.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 80.00 lakhs)

People's participation in Agricultural Development Programmes is the key factor in ensuring success of the programmes. The measures enunciated for ensuring public participation include organising melas, workshops and seminars, celebrating farmers day in every panchayat, providing awards and incentives to outstanding farmers, farm journalists, workers etc.

20. Crop Insurance

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 1100.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 170.00 lakhs)

A crop insurance scheme is already in operation covering 25 major crops grown in the State. The Crop Insurance Fund is operated with contributions from the participating farmers by way of registration fee, premium and Government contribution. In addition the State Government has to bear 50% contribution on the premium payment under the National Programme for Crop Insurance covering paddy.

It is proposed to revamp the crop insurance programme to make it viable so as to cater to risk coverage of small and marginal farmers in particular. The scheme has to be modeled based on actuarial and insurance principles to make it self sustaining one. A study will be conducted for this purpose. The outlay will cover these activities.

21. Contingency Programme to Meet Natural Calamities
(Agricultural Disaster Management )

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 300.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 75.00 lakhs)

The scheme is intended for creating a buffer stock of seeds of paddy and other annual crops for distribution to affected farmers in the event of natural calamities and resultant crop damages. Assistance for strengthening of bunds to prevent breaches during floods and for removal of debris will be provided in a need based manner. It is also proposed to evolve "Model contingency crop plans" for rice and other crops for the various agro -climatic zones of the state.

A disaster management master plan covering all aspects will be formulated by the Agriculture Department in association with the Institute of Land Management. Preparation of Master Plan for the problem areas is also covered under this programme. Training programme to the officers of Agriculture departments and farmers will be given. An amount of Rs. 25 lakhs is proposed for the implementation of the above programme through the Institute of Land Management during 2002-03 with focus on use of IT in disaster management.

22. Agri- Business Consortium

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 250.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. Nil)

The Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium (SAFC) is functioning on a state wide basis as an autonomous body under the Government of Kerala to foster group endevours in selected areas on a commercial footing to enable the small farmers to share the benefit of value addition. SFAC will help build up organisations and institutions which could organise farmers so that they could benefit from agri-business and help farmers to market their produce. A project for stabilisation of screwpine (Pandanus) farmers is under implementation with SFAC intervention. SFAC would tie up with NGOs and Agri- Business Consortium to develop viable projects. The Tenth Plan outlay proposed is for meeting the share capital contribution to the SFAC for promoting agri-business activities on commercial lines.

23. Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation

(Outlay 2002-07 Rs. 375.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 5.00 lakhs)

The Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation (KSHPDC) popularly known as "HORTICROP" is a public sector undertaking primarily engaged in procurement and marketing of vegetables and fruits. The outlay proposed is for meeting the share capital contribution to the corporation as seed money for availing bank credit for new investments. The proposed outlay is for meeting the state share of the proposed project assistance from APEDA, NHB etc. The provision will be stepped up to match the partial share of requirement.

24. Contractual Research, Adaptive Trials and Frontline Demonstration

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 30.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 5.00 lakhs)

Under the scheme the Department of Agriculture will remit problems requiring R&D support to specialised institutes with the required funding. Participatory research with involvement of progressive farmers will help to refine technology development at research stations by blending traditional wisdom and indigenous knowledge with modern technology. Finding solutions to location specific problems is the goal of both contractual and participatory research. The activities proposed would include innovative farming system including technologies, multiple cropping, crop diversification, utilisation of by-products, utilisation of bio-degradable wastes, innovative water management and drainage system, pest control etc.

The outlay proposed will also be utilised to organise adaptive trials on new varieties, innovations and technologies and for organising frontline demonstrations before recommending for wide scale adoption.

25. State Share for Centrally Sponsored Schemes under the Macro Management Policy of Government of India (SS 10%)

(Outlay. 2002-07 Rs. 4030.00 lakhs)
(Outlay 2002-03 Rs. 403.00 lakhs)

Government of India introduced a new mode of central assistance in 2000-01 by pooling funds of selected ongoing centrally sponsored schemes in the Agriculture and allied Sectors on a funding pattern of 90:10 to allow regional priorities to be reflected in schemes. This newly introduced Macro Management Mode of assistance gives flexibility to the State to formulate schemes appropriate to the local situation. As per the policy a Mermorandum of Understanding (MOU) containing scheme-wise detailed work plans is to be signed between the state and central government every year. The broad schemes selected for macro Management Mode of assistance and their proposed state share for the tenth plan and the annual plan are furnished below.

Sl.No.	Name of Component	Outlay for 2002-07 (Rs. lakhs)	Outlay for 2002-03(Rs. lakhs)
1.	Rice development	1200.00	120.00
2.	Pepper development	400.00	40.00
3.	Other Spices (Ginger, Turmeric, Vanilla & Tree spices)	100.00	10.00
4.	Cashew development	400.00	40.00
5.	Vegetable development	200.00	20.00
6.	Fruit development	100.00	10.00
7.	Floriculture	50.00	5.00
8.	Sugarcane development	30.00	3.00
9.	Medicinal & Aromatic Plant	5.00	0.50
10.	Agricultural Extension and Training	100.00	10.00
11.	Women in Agriculture	40.00	4.00
12.	Soil and plant health Clinics	80.00	8.00
13.	Biotechnology	25.00	2.50
14.	Use of Plastics in Agriculture	300.00	30.00
15.	Small Farm Mechanisation	100.00	10.00
16.	National Watershed Development Programme	700.00	70.00
17.	Information Technology	50.00	5.00
18.	Agricultural Marketing	150.00	15.00
	Total	4030.00	403.00

The outlay proposed is for meeting the 10% St