Ministry of Agriculture takes mid-year stock
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana: About 309 lakh farmers of 23 states had been covered under fasal beema during previous Kharif season 2015 in which 294 lakh farmers were loanee and 15 lakh farmers were non-loanee. During Kharif 2016, however, 366.64 lakh farmers have been covered out of which 264.04 lakh farmers are loanee and 102.60 lakh farmers are non-loanee. The scheme has been implemented by 21 states.
National Agriculture Mandi (One Nation One Market): Earlier, different states had different regulations for the mandis. After consultation with the states, rectification of three rules, recognition of e-trading, implementation of mandi tariff on single window and single licence across the state have been implemented to provide single mandi for trading to the farmers. The Prime Minister has inaugurated the web based online trade, through this portal the farmers are disposing off their products in the mandis spread all over the country. By June 8, 419 mandis of 13 states, 46 lakh farmers, 90,000 traders and 47,000 commission agents have been linked with e-NAM portal.
Soil Health Card (SHC): Earlier to 2015-16, the soil health card was prepared in separate editions at a small level by different state governments. Keeping in view the importance of this subject, the soil health card scheme was initiated for the first time n which an unanimous soil specimen unification and trial methodology has been adopted. Through this scheme, 12 soil health parameters are analysed so that the farmers might be aware accurately about the use of fertilisers and nutrients in their fields. Also there will not only be reduction in the cost of farming but the identification of nutrients in the land and their importance will be established.
Agro-forestry: The sub-Mission on Agro-forestry has been launched for the first time by the present government to augment tree planting activities, intercropping and increase farmers’ income. The scheme has been implemented in the states having liberalised transit regulations for transport of timber. This will not only help in reducing the effects of climate change, increase soil biodiversity, but will also provide a source of income for farmers. Under this scheme, the work has started in eight states in the year 2016-17 and in five states in 2017-18 after liberalised transit regulations. Other states are also being motivated to do so.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission: This scheme has been launched for the first time to ensure conservation and promotion of domestic bovines in a scientific and consolidated way. Through this, 35 projects have been approved in 27 states, under which 31 mother bull farm of high breeding (for genetic improvement), recording of cows’ milk productivity, training to 30,000 artificial semen technicians conducive for 6 crore artificial semen activity during this year as well as 14 gokul grams (bovine development centres) for special conservation are being established. Apart from this, two Kamdhenu breeding centres for special conservation of domestic species on national level are being set up in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This mission will help in the productivity of 30 crore bovines and buffaloes as well as seven crore milk-producing farmers.