Agriculture
Kanyakumari District is a land of varied topography with sea on three sides and the mountains of the western Ghats bordering the northern side. The district comprises of four out of the five traditional land classifications namely the Kurunchi, Mullai, Marutham and Neidhal. The district also represents a varied cropping pattern from Rice being cultivated in Yela condition to Tea and coffee cultivated in higher elevations. The district has a unique advantage of rainfall during both the south west and north east monsoons.
Kanyakumari District extends over a geographical area of 1,67,200 Hectares with net sown area of 74,712 Hectares which accounts for 44.6 percent of the total area.: Paddy is the main food crop in the district. It is grown in two seasons. April – June (Kannipoo) and September – October (Kumpapoo). Pulses are raised as rice-fallows. Blackgram is the main pulse crop. Coconut is a major plantation crop, cultivated extensively in this district.. The soil pH is between 4.5 to 8.0.
The Agricultural Department plays major role in improving the livelihood of farmers. Various centrally sponsored and state schemes are being implemented in the district to enhance sustainable development and increase production.
Infra-Structure Facilities
State Seed Farms – Thirupathisaram
The State Seed Farm aimed at the production of Foundation and Certified classes of Paddy Seeds for distribution to Farmers through Agricultural Extension Centers. The total area under cultivation is 31.6 Acres.
Government Coconut Nursery – Puthalam
The main purpose of the Coconut Nursery is procurement of Tall, T x D and D x T Coconut Seednuts and production of quality seedlings for distribution.
Coconut Crossing Centre – Agastheeswaram
The main objective of the centre is to produce T x D and D x T nuts by hybridization.
Fertilizer Control Laboratory – Nagercoil
To ensure the quality of the Fertilizers distributed through various outlets the laboratory analyses and confirm the standards of the fertilizer samples.
Soil Testing Laboratory – Nagercoil
Soil Samples are taken from the farmers field (Grid System of Sampling) and sent to Soil Testing Laboratory for analysis. Based on the analytical report of the Soil Testing Laboratory, Soil Health Cards are generated and distributed to the farmers.
Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory – Nagercoil
The Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory visits the villages, collect soil samples, analysis and suggest suitable fertilizer recommendation to the farmers then and there.
Farmers Training Centre – Nagercoil
The Farmers Training Centre, Nagercoil caters the training needs of the Farmers by imparting Village level Training, Conveners Training and demonstrations for improved farming technologies and innovations.
Schemes
1.Centrally sponsored scheme
- National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) for Paddy, Pulses, Enrichment of Soil Fertility through Green manure, Red palm Weevil control and distribution of solar light traps
- Agricultural Technology Management Agency. (ATMA)
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses
- Coconut Development Board Schemes (CDB)- including Laying out of Demonstration and Replanting
and Rejuvenation of Coconut Gardens - Submission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP) – Paddy
- Pradhan Manthri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Micro Irrigation
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Mission Soil Health Card.
2.State Schemes
- Seed Multiplication Schemes by TANSEDA
- Collective Farming
- Food Grain mission
- Quality Control Schemes
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM
| Jurisdiction | Designation | Address | Contact No |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Level Office | The Chief Engineer (Chennai for all Districts) |
The Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, 487-Anna salai, Nandanam, Chennai -35, e mail – aedce@tn.nic.in |
044-2435 2686, 044-2435 2622 |
| Region Level Office | The Superintending Engineer @ Tirunelveli (Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and kanniyakumari Districts) |
The Superintending Engineer(A.E), 5C,C-colony, Perumal puram, Tirunelveli -7 email – aedsetnv@tn.nic.in |
0462 -2534646 |
| District Level Office | The Executive Engineer @ Nagercoil (Nagercoil and Thuckalay Sub Divisions) |
The Executive Engineer,(AE), 833, Industrial Estate, Konam, Nagercoil -4 email – aedeengl @ gmail.com |
04652-260681 |
| Nagercoil Sub Division | Assistant Executive Engineer(Agastheeswaram, Rajakkamangalam and Thovalai Blocks) |
Assistant Executive Engineer(AE) 833, Industrial Estate, Konam, Nagercoil -4 email – aeeaedngl @ gmail.com |
04652-260181 |
| Thuckalay Sub Division | Assistant Executive Engineer(Kurunthancode, Thuckalay, Thiruvattar,Killiyoor, Munchirai and Melpuram Blocks) |
Assistant Executive Engineer(AE) 22/31A, Mettukadai, Dharga Road, Thuckalay -629175 email – Aeeaedthuckalay @ gmail.com |
04651-250181 |
| Agasteeswaram Block | Junior Engineer | 9486510421 | |
| Rajakkamangalam Block | Junior Engineer | 9442225856 | |
| Thovalai Block | Junior Engineer | 9489788986 | |
| Kurunthancode Block | Junior Engineer | 9443450727 | |
| Thuckalay Block | Junior Engineer | 9442193414 | |
| Thiruvattar Block | Junior Engineer | 9442193414 | |
| Killiyoor Block | Junior Engineer | 9443450727 | |
| Munchirai Block | Junior Engineer | 9952502059 | |
| Melpuram Block | Junior Engineer | 9952502059 |
SCHEME NO – 1
| Name of Scheme | Agricultural Mechanization Programme under National Agriculture Development Programme |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | Centrally sponsored scheme Sharing pattern: (Central Government – 60% and State Government 40%) |
| Project Area | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives |
|
| Details of Works |
Agricultural Mechanization:Providing subsidy assistance to Farmers for the purchase of Agricultural Machinery/Implements such as Power Tiller, Self Propelled Rice Transplanter, Rotavotor, Seed Drill, Zero Till Seed cum Fertilizer Drill, Seed cum Fertilizer Drill, Bund Former – Tractor Operated/ Power Tiller Operated, Straw Baler – Tractor operated Power Weeder for Garden land / Wet land walk behind type including Brush Cutter, Pady Power weeder, Chaff Cutter and Book Sprayer – Tractor Operated. |
| Benefits offered(Subsidy) |
|
| Eligibility | All Farmers, additional benefits to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Small, Marginal and Women farmers |
| Time-limit for Implementation | Programme will be completed within the financial year on first come first serve basis along with paying total amount upfront |
| Oficer to be approached | Assistant Executive Engineer, AED in the Revenue Division Executive Engineer, AED in District Superintending Engineer, AED in the Region At State Level:- Chief Engineer,Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai -35, Phone:044-2435 2686, 2435 2622. |
Annexure – I
| Sl.No | Name of the Component | Average Unit Cost (Rs.in Lakhs) | Subsidy * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum eligible subsidy amount for other farmers(Rs. in Lakhs) |
Maximum eligible subsidy amount for SC,ST,Small, Marginal and Women farmers (Rs.in Lakhs) |
|||
| 1 | Power tiller with accessories (Below 8 BHP) | 1.00 | 0.40 | 0.50 |
| 2 | Power tiller with accessories (8 BHP and above) | 1.60 | 0.60 | 0.75 |
| 3 | Paddy Transplanter (4 rows) | 2.50 | 0.75 | 0.94 |
| 4 | Paddy Transplanter(above 4 rows) | 17.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 5 | Rotavator | 0.90 | 0.50 | 0.63 |
| 6 | Seed drills/Zero Till Seed cum Fertilizer drill/Seed cum Fertilizer drill | 0.70 | 0.35 | 0.44 |
| 7 | Bund former – Tractor operated/power Tiller operated | 3.20 | 0.50 | 0.63 |
| 8 | Straw baler – Tractor operated | 3.50 | 0.50 | 0.63 |
| 9 | Power weeder for Garden land/Wet land walk behind type including Brush cutter, paddy power 3 HP) | 1.00 | 0.15 | 0.19 |
| 10 | Chaff Cutter (Operated by engine/electric motor below 3 Hp) | 0.40 | 0.16 | 0.20 |
| 11 | Chaff Cutter (Operated by engine/ electric motor above 3-5 Hp) | 0.50 | 0.20 | 0.25 |
| 12 | Boom Sprayer – Tractor operated | 1.50 | 0.50 | 0.63 |
* As per the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization Guidelines
SCHEME NO – 2
| Name of Scheme | Establishment of Agricultural Machinery and Implements Custom Hiring Centres under National Agriculture Development Programme |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | Centrally sponsored scheme sharing pattern: Central Government – 60% an State Government 40%) |
| Project Area | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives |
|
| Details of Works | Providing 40% subsidy assistance to the beneficiary group or entrepreneours for forming the agricutural machinery and implements Custom Hiring Centre |
| Benefits offered (Subsidy) |
|
| Eligibility | Progressive farmer, Farmers groups and Entrepreneurs |
| Time-limit for Implementation | Programme will be completed within the financial year on first come first serve basis along with paying total amount upfront |
| Officer to be approached | Assistant Executive Engineer, AED in the Revenue Division Executive Engineer, AED in District Superintending Engineer, AED in the Region At State Lelvel: Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai -35. Phone 044-2435 2686, 2435 2622 |
SCHEME NO – 3
| Name of Scheme | Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | Centrally sponsored scheme Sharing pattern: (Central Government 60% and State Government 40%) |
| Project Area | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives |
|
| Details of Works | Agricultural Mechanisation:
Providing subsidy assistance to Farmers/Custom Hiring Centres for the Purchase of Agricultural Machianery/Implements such as Tractors (8-15PTO HP),Tractors (15-20 PTO HP), Tractor (20-40 PTO HP) Tractors (40- 70 PTO HP) Rotavators, Power tiller (8 BHP and above), pady Transplanter (4 rows),power Weeder, Chaff Cutters Brush Cutter and Multi Crop Threasher. |
| Benefits offered (Subsidy) |
Providing subsidy assistance to the individual farmers for the purchase of Agricultural Machinery / Implements with 40% subsidy or the eligible subsidy prescribed by the Government whichever is less for other beneficiary farmers and 50% subsidy or the eligible subsidyprescribed by the Government, Whichever is less for farmers under Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Small, Marginal and Women farmers. |
| Eligibility |
All farmers additional benefits to Scheduled Casts, Scheduled Tribe, Small, Marginal and women farmers for the purchase of individual based machiner.All farmers, Farmers groups and Enmtrepreneurs for the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres.All Co-operative Societies of farmers, Self Help Groups of Farmers, FPOs etc., for the establishment of Farm Machinery Banks at village level. They can selelct any make and model of agricultural machinery and implements from the empaneled and approved list of Agricultural Engineering Department |
| Time-limit for Implementation | Programme willl be completed within the financial year on first come first serve basis along with paying total amount upfront |
| Officer to be approached | Assistant Executive Engineer, AED in the Revenue Division Executive Engineer, AED in District Superintending Engineer, AED in the Region At State Lelvel: Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai -35. Phone 044-2435 2686, 2435 2622 |
SCHEME NO – 4
| Name of Scheme | Provision of Solar Powered Pumping systems |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | State Fund, MNRE and TANGEDCO |
| Project Area | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives |
|
| Details of Works | Provision of Solar powered pumping system to the individual farmer’s field for irrigation |
| Benefits offered (Subsidy) |
90% subsidy assistance for the Solar powered pumping systems (5 Hp to 10HP) is provided for the farmer’s and the remaining 10% is farmers contribution |
| Eligibility |
All the farmers whose lands are provided with good source of irigation and those who are willing to withdraw their appliction alrelady registered with TANGEDCO for free power connection. |
| Time-limit for Implementation | Works will be completed within the financial year |
| Officer to be approached | Assistant Executive Engineer, AED in the Revenue Division Executive Engineer AED in District Superintending Engineer AED in the Region At State Lelvel: Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai -35. Phone 044-2435 2686, 24352622 |
SISTER DEPARTMENT WORKS
SCHEME NO – 5
| Name of Scheme | MICRO IRRIGATION SCHEME |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | Central share (60%) State Share (40%) |
| Project Area | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives |
To Utilize the effcient use of water with the availability and increase the productivity |
| Details of Works |
|
| Benefits offered (Subsidy) | 100% subsidy to farmers |
| Eligibility | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Time-limit for Implementation | Every year |
| Officer to be approached | Assistant Executive Engineer, AED in the Revenue Division Executive Engineer, AED in District Superintending Engineer, AED in the Region At State Lelvel: Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai -35. Phone 044-2435 2686, 2435 2622 |
SCHEME NO – 6
| Name of Scheme | Integrated Agricultural Extension Centre (IAEC) |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | NADP |
| Project Area | Thovalai Block in Kanniyakumari District for the year 2017 – 18 |
| Objectives | To Integrate all Agriculture allied Departments in one Office |
| Details of works | Construction of Office Building and Storage Godowns in all Blocks |
| Cost of Building for each Block | Rs.150.00 Lakhs |
SCHEME NO – 7
| Name of Scheme | Soil Testing Lab & Fertilizer Control Lab (STL & FCL) |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | NADP |
| Project Area | Thovalai Block in Kanniyakumari District for the year 2017 – 18 |
| Objectives |
|
| Details of works | Construction of Soil Testing Laboratory and Fertilizer control Laboratory in all Blocks |
| Cost of Building for 1 Block | Rs.120.00 lakhs |
SCHEME NO – 8
| Name of Scheme | STATE SEED FARMS – CIVIL WORKS |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | State Fund |
| Project Area | Establishment of Agriculture Farms in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives | Development of Agriculture Farms to increase the variety seeds of the crops |
| Details of works | Construction of civil works like Irrigation Systems and maintenance works in the Agriculture farms |
SCHEME NO – 9
| Name of Scheme | TANHODA – CIVIL WORKS |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | State Fund |
| Project Area | Establishment of Horticulture Farms in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives | Infrastructure Development of Horticulture Farms to increase the variety seeds of the crops |
| Details of works | Construction of Civil works like Pot Mixture Preparation Unit in the State Horticulture Farms, Kanniyakumari and Pechiparai |
| Cost of work | Rs.7.045 Lakhs at SHF, Kanniyakumari & Rs.8.00 Lakhs at SHF , Pechiparai |
SCHEME NO – 10
| Name of Scheme | Establishment of Eco Park |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | NABARD |
| Project Area | State Horticulture farm, Kanniyakumari |
| Objectives | Establishing an eco – friendly park nearby Kanniyakumari which is the most important Tourist place in Kanniyakumari District |
| Details of works |
|
| Cost of work | Rs.400.00 Lakhs |
SCHEME NO – 11
| Name of Scheme | COLLECTIVE FARMING |
|---|---|
| Funding Pattern | State Fund |
| Project Area | All Blocks in Kanniyakumari District |
| Objectives |
Formation of Farmers Producers Group and improving the Post Harvest technologies of Agricultural Products, Developing of Farmers producers Organization |
| Details of works | Formation of Farmers Producers Group with a corpus fund of Rs.5.00 Lakhs |
Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business
Schemes
A. Agmark
- In Kanyakumari District State Agmark Grading Laboratory is functioning at Nagercoil and Marthandam.
- Agmark Grading is done for centralized commodities like Honey ,Rice, Ground spices, Coconut Oil and Ghee etc.
- Decentralised commodities like Tamarind seed also Graded under Agmark
- Awareness campaigns on Agmark is conducted among consumers and public
- Awareness creation on Agmark products and Awareness campaigns, exhibition are also conducted in schools and colleges.
B. Agri Business
- Commercial grading
- Formation of farmer producer groups
- Creation of awareness on marketing of agricultural produce
- Conducting campaigns regarding post harvest technologies
- Creation of awareness for gain more income through value addition
C. Uzhavar Santhai
- Direct interaction among farmers and consumers
- fair trade and standard Weight
- Providing fresh vegetables and fruits to consumers
- Farmers getting better price for their produce.
Important Activities of Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business
Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business department was extended and headed by Deputy Director of Agriculture (Agri Business) in district level. This department doing the activities of Agmark grading, Agribusiness and administrating activities of uzhavar santhai.
I. Agmark Grading
Health is wealth, Every consumer has the right to get the quality food product. The main aim of Agmark Scheme is assuring quality food products to the consumers. The term AGMARK was coined by joining the words ‘AG’ to mean Agriculture and Mark for a certification mark. The “Agmark” is a Voluntary Scheme. This scheme was implemented with the joint co-operation of central and State government.
In Kanyakumari District the Agmark Certification is employed through State Agmark grading Laboratories at Nagercoil and Marthandam. At present Agmark Standards cover quality guidelines for 222 different commodities which include Rice, pulses, Honey, Vegetable Oil, Ground spices and Tamarind Seed etc.
Samples were drawn from packers having certificate of authorization issued by Govt of India. The drawn samples were analysed by Agricultural Officer(Chemistry) and grades were assigned to that commodity as per analytical results.Agmark replica labels ar issued to the samples which confirms to the standards and are pasted on the containrs, which is a guarantee given by Govt of India for the purity of the commodity. In such a way consumers get a quality products.
Apart from grading, awareness creation on agmark products among consumers are done through mass media like radio , news papers and campaigns.
II. Agri Business
Main aim is to create awareness for getting more income to farmers for their produce through marketing technologies.
To implement this scheme 2 Agricultural Officers were appointed in revenue division level and one Assistant Agricultural Officer in each block.
In this scheme , forming farmer producer groups and make memorandum of understanding among groups and traders in which the group sell their produce to that particular Trader and get more income than individual farmer.
It creates awareness among farmers to sell their produce after grading, value addition to gain more income, and also selling of vegetable and fruits through uzhavar santhais.
III . Uzhavar santhai
There are 2 uzhavar santhai in our district One is at near Vadasery Bus stand another one is situated at Mylaudy, 13 km away from vadasery.
Vadasery Uzhavar santhai opened on 22/08/2000. On an average 19.00MT Vegetables and fruits are in sales per day. 40-45 varieties of vegetables and fruits are bring by the farmers from 19 villages within Kanyakumari District.
Mylaudi Uzhavar santhai opened on 22.04.2008. As per the Government order No.212 Agri department (AE-3) it was closed on 07.09.2001. Again it was opened on 03.06.2006. On an average fruits and vegetable sale is 2.8.MT/day. Vegetables and fruits are bring by the farmers from 7 nearby villages. Through these farmer markets, farmers sell their produce without mediators, and consumers also get fresh vegetables with fair price.
Infrastructure facilities
- Establishment of Specialised market complex viz., Spices complex at Oorakonam, Arumanallur village, Thovalai taluk for the benefit of spices growers in kanyakumari district and establishing forward linkages with processing industries fetching better economic returns to the farming community. The fund Rs 3.2crores for the establishment of this complex is contributed by NADP and kanyakumari Marketing Committee
- Flower market complex is functioning with 75 shops at Thovalai for the benefit of flower growers and traders. Construction fund Rs.3.00 crores was contributed by kanyakumari Marketing Committee.
- In order to reduce the fall in price during harvesting seasons, 1000MT storage godown was constructed at Theroor under NADP sheme (2014-15)
- With NABARD fund of Rs. 45Lakhs a computerized weigh bridge and open transaction shed were constructed and benefited by farmers
- Under NADP scheme with the estimate of 80 Lakhs e-learning centre is under construction at regulated market campus , vadasery.
Department of Horticulture
In Kanyakumari District the major Horticulture crops grown are Rubber, Banana, Mango, Tapioca, Pepper, Clove, Nutmeg, Arecanut, Tuberose, Chrysanthimum, Arali etc., In total about 42,536 ha of area covered by various Horticulture crops in the district. Doubling production and tripling income of farmers is the prime policy of Tamil Nadu.
Encouraging cultivation of traditional cultivars in horticultural crops, adopting Hi – Tech Horticulture technologies, promoting Horticulture as a profitable and viable sector by leaveraging technologies, encouraging farm mechanization and improved Post Harvest Management etc., paves the way for achieving the policy.
The strategies of Horticulture Department are to encourage the use of hybrid seeds and quality planting material in area expansion of horticulture crops. Promotion of use of micro irrigation, pollination support through bee keeping for enhancing the production, Integrated nutrient management, pest and disease management, farm mechanization and improved Post Harvest Management techniques. The hybrid vegetable protray seedlings will be raised in State Horticulture Farms and distributed to farmers at subsidized cost to increase the area under vegetable cultivation.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Micro Irrigation is an advanced water conservation and management technology that improves water use efficiency by 40-60%. Irrigation is a critical factor for increasing production and productivity of crop. Besides water use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency is also ensured by applying fertilizers through irrigation water directly in the root zones. This irrigation technology minimizes the weed growth and reduces the labour requirement. Through Micro Irrigation, area under cultivation is increased with available water leads in doubling the food production resulted in tripling of farmer”s income. In Tamil Nadu, Governement has given big thrust to Micro Irrigation and it is the only State in the Country which continued its support to provide 100% subsidy to small and Marginal farmers and 75% subsidy to other Farmers. This scheme is implemented with a sharing pattern of 60:40 between Centre and State. During the year 2017 – 2018 a sum of 97 lakhs is alloted to this scheme to cover an area of 130 ha to Horticulture crops.
National Horticulture Mission
The main focus of National Horticulture Mission is to encourage horticulture crops cultivation among farmers. Area expansion of high remunerative horticulture crops such as Banana, Perennial spices like pepper, Clove, Nutmeg, Vegetables and bulbous Flowers, and Plantation crops is being promoted with adopting of high tech cultivation practices. National Horticulture Mission is implemented with fund sharing pattern of 60:40 between Centre and State under this scheme assistances was given to the beneficiaries to establish area expansion of Banana, Spices, Vegetables, Bulbous flowers, protected cultivation, Pollination support through bee keeping, mechanization of Horticulture, Pack house and special intervention. This year an financial outlay of Rs. 1770.124 lakhs is allotted to this district.
National Agriculture Development Programme
National Agriculture Development Programme is a shared scheme between Centre and State with 60:40 sharing pattern. Choice Fruit Development, Mukkani, Development scheme, HINFAS (Horticulture Introduction in Non Farm Sector). Medicinal plants kits, Vegetable seeds kits. During the year 2017 – 2018 a sum of Rs.23.53 lakhs is allotted to this scheme.
Rainfed Area Development
RAD aims at promoting Integrated Farming System (IFS) with emphasis on multi tier cropping, rotational cropping, inter – cropping, mixed – cropping practices with allied activities like horticulture, livestock, fishery, agro- forestry, apiculture, conservation / promotion of NTFPs etc. to enable farmers not only in maximizing farm returns for sustaining livelihood, but also to mitigate impacts of drought, flood or other extreme weather events. Rainfed Area Development under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented with a sharing pattern of 60:40 between Centre and State. In 2017 – 2018, it is proposed to implement the scheme at an outlay of Rs. 475 lakhs for Horticulture Based Farming System. (Rubber + Banana/ Pineapple/ Vegetables)
Crop Insurance – “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana” (PMFBY)
The Government is implementing this scheme with a deep concern to protect the livelihood of the farmers suffering from crop losses. The new Crop Insurance Scheme “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana” (PMFBY) conceptualised to protect the farmers from production risks, ensure food security, encourage crop diversification, besides enhancing growth and competitiveness of agriculture sector is implemented with the following objectives: Extending financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/ damage arising out of unforeseen events Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. Uniform cut – off date for enrollment of loanee and non loanee farmers is the other benefit that will be provided under this scheme. Further, the farmers would get more accurate compensation for crop loss since revenue village has been notified as the unit insurance. Kanyakumari Districts has been categorised under cluster I and implemented by AIC.
State Horticulture Farms (SHFs)
The objective of State Horticulture Farms is timely production and distribution of pedigree and quality planting materials of Horticulture crops to the farmers. There are 2 State Horticulture Farms functioning in this district.
State Horticulture Farm, Kanyakumari :
The Farm was established in 1922 by Sree Moolam Thirunal Ramavarma Maharaja of Travancore state and situated on the NH 47 on the way to Kanyakumari. The major plants produced in this Farm are Mango, Guava, sapota, Amla, and flowering plants. The total area of this farm is 31.64 acres. Annualy 5 lakhs plants are produced and distributed to the farmers through various Horticultural Development Programmes under implementation in this district, and also for the neighbouring districts. The annual receipt is Rs.65 to 70 lakh from sale of plants and produces from this farm.
State Horticulture Farm, Pechiparai :
The State Horticulture Farm, Pechiparai was established in 1967 in Kaliyal village of Vilavancode taluk. The total area of this farm 15 acre. In this farm, Spices plants like pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and other economical plants are propagated and distributed to the needy farmers of this district and also the neighbouring district of the State. Annually 6 lakhs no of plants are produced and the total annual income of the farm is Rs.20 lakhs.
These farms also serve as demonstration centres on the latest technology, farm mechanization, modern irrigation technologies etc., to the farmers. As a new venture, high yielding varieties/ hybrids of vegetables and Vegetable seedlings are produced in protrays for distribution to the farmers.
Centre of Excellency for Bee Keeping :
Proposal has been submitted under NHM scheme to establish a Centre of Excellence for Bee Keeping at State Horticulture Farm Pechiparai for an out lay of Rs.150 lakhs. Under these programme various components like Training centre, Bee breeding centre etc., are proposed to support the Bee keepers in this district.
Ockhi cyclone livelihood programme:
Amoung all the Horticulture crops, Banana and Rubber are the most affected crops due to the Ockhi Cyclone. Hence apart form SDRF relief, Government of Tamil Nadu announded a special livelihood package programme to rehabiliate the affected farmers in Kanyakumari District.
As per the announcement the affected farmers are proposed to support through Hoticulture schemes such as MIDH – NHM and NMSA – RAD to undertake recultivation of their affected crops.
Department Name: Sericulture
State Plan 2018 – 2019
| Sl. No. | Scheme | Components | Target 2018-19 | Progress as on 31.05.18 | % physical Progress | % Financial Progress | Remarks / Reason for shortfall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical | Financial(Rs. in lakh) | Physical | Financial(Rs. in lakh) | ||||||
| 1 | State Plan | Mulberry Plantation Rs.10500/acre | 20.00 | – | 2.00 | – | 10% | – | Farmers Identification under Progress |
| Rearing shed level I >1500 sq.ft Rs.82500/- |
– | – | – | – | – | – | Target Not fixed | ||
| Rearing shed level II 1000-1500 sq.ft Rs.87500/- | 1 No | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Rearing shed level III >700 sq.ft Rs.63000/- |
1 No | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Drip irrigation Rs.30000/ acre | 5.00 Acres | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Appliances Rs.52500/- value appliances/ beneficiary | 2 Nos | – | – | – | – | – | |||