Model Nurseries are intended to serve as a model for the production of superior quality planting materials on a commercial basis. To meet the requirements of planting material for bringing additional areas under improved varieties of horticultural crops and for rejuvenation programme in old/senile plantations, assistance would be provided for setting up of new nurseries under Public as well as Private sector. It has been estimated that a Model nursery with an area of 4 ha would cost Rs.18.00 lakhs per unit. The Model nurseries, which would be established under the Public sector will be eligible for 100 percent assistance of maximum of Rs. 18.00 lakhs per unit. It would be the responsibility of the nurseries to ensure quality of the planting material. The nursery will be laid out in a compact area of 4 ha. For model nurseries in the private sector the assistance will be 50 percent of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs.9.00 lakhs per unit. Regarding establishment of model nurseries in the department farms separate action plan for each nursery will be prepared by concerned Farm superintendent or Agricultural officer and scrutinized by the District level Deputy Director of Agriculture (Horticulture), [DDA (H)]. District Level Committee (DLC) of State Horticulture Mission (SHM) will approve the action plans. Similarly in the case of private farms the action plans submitted by the entrepreneurs will be approved by DLC after scrutiny by the DDA (H) of the districts concerned following the instructions issued earlier. Registers should be maintained showing the calendar of operations as well as action taken weekly during the nursery preparation. Periodical inspection has to be done by the scientists of nearby stations of KAU and Principal Agricultural Officers of the district may record comments then and there. A team comprising of PAO, DDA (H), Professor of KAU, and Scientists from ICAR/CSIR should visit periodically and certify the quality of the planting materials produced before its distribution.
The Model Nurseries would be laid out for following crops.
a) Public Sector Cashew -Three model nurseries (of size 4.0 Ha/Nursery) is envisaged at a cost of Rs.54.0 lakhs (Rs. 18.0 lakhs/ nursery)
b) Private Sector Pineapple -Three model nurseries (of size 4.0 Ha/Nursery) is envisaged at a cost of Rs.27.0 lakhs (Rs. 9.0 lakhs/ nursery)
The model nurseries will produce 4 lakh plants per year. In the case of public sector nurseries 25% of the cost will be released after demarcating the land for the nursery. Further release of funds will be based on the completion of work and on verification of results. In the case of private nurseries funds will be released only as back-ended subsidy on loans availed for the purpose or based on the completed work utilizing own resources.
In the case of Private Nurseries the following guidelines may be observed.
The model nurseries should produce at least 4 lakhs plants and small nurseries 60,000 plants in a year. This number taken is the quality planting materials, produced and lifted for planting and not the planting materials totally produced.
The selection of beneficiaries for raising nurseries can be done by the District Horticulture Mission and should have the approval of the District Level Committee.
The applicant should have sufficient resources, willingness and capability for establishing the nursery as per norms prescribed by District Horticulture Mission/ State Horticulture Mission.
If the applicant is already in the field of production of planting materials examine whether the nursery has been black listed or he has been proceeded against, for any unsatisfactory work or supply of poor quality planting materials. Such applicants may be avoided for implementing the programme.
The assistance under SHM will be given as credit linked back ended subsidy.
The nursery should have adequate supply of rootstock and progeny orchard of approved varieties for scions, so as to produce and supply the required number of grafts.
The private nurseries should have the approval of Department of Agriculture.
It would be the responsibility of the nurseries to ensure the quality of planting materials through self-accreditation. If the beneficiary willfully produce substandard planting materials, action should be initiated against the beneficiary to get them black listed.
The payment of assistance will be given to the beneficiary only on satisfactory production and supply of required number of quality planting materials.
An MoU should be executed between selected beneficiary and District Horticulture Mission for completing the work within the stipulated time and to supply the required quantity of quality planting materials as per the demand and agreed quantity by District Horticulture Mission. Other conditions as mentioned in this guidelines should be included in the MoU.
Frequent visit to the nurseries should be done by the Deputy Director of Agriculture (H) and the Officers at the Block and Krishi Bhavan level and give necessary directions to the nurseryman for the production of quality planting materials. A register showing the details of propagation work carried out in the nursery along with quantum of labour should be maintained in the nursery. The observations of inspecting officers have to be recorded in the register. The involvement of Scientists from KAU, ICAR institutions may also be also ensured for suggestions.
The planting materials produced in the nurseries should be distributed to prospective beneficiaries who are implementing the programmes of State Horticulture Mission and hence a proper linkage between the demand and supply has to be established by District Horticulture Mission before approving the project.
The infrastructure facilities to be provided in the nurseries remain the same as given in the working instructions issued from this office on 14.12.2005
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be executed between the investor and the District Horticulture Mission (DHM) to the effect that all the quality planting materials produced will be supplied at the price fixed upon mutual consensus for the Mission programmes. In the case of public sector nurseries the supply of quality planting materials produced from the nurseries should be ensured for the Mission Programmes.
1. Cashew
Infrastructure for cashew model nursery would include the following:
I. Mother stock block maintenance in a maximum area of 1.6 ha. II. Raising root stock seedlings under net house conditions. III. Propagation house with a maximum of 500 m2 tropical poly house with ventillation having insect proof netting in the sides and fogging and sprinkler irrigation systems. IV. Hardening/maintenance in insect proof net house maximum of 2000 m2 with 35% light screening properties and sprinkler irrigation systems. V. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement VI. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from KAU, Research Institutions of ICAR etc. VII. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the DLC and SHM
2. Pineapple
Pineapple will be cultivated in an area of 4 Ha. in private sector land with an aim to provide good quality planting materials for area expansion with Kew/ Mauritius varieties. The infrastructure for pineapple will include the following. The seed material will be purchased from KAU, Research stations of ICAR or reputed farmers. The requirement of suckers will be 30000 nos. per ha in respect of Kew varieties and 25000 nos. per ha in respect of Mauritius varieties. Each model nursery should be capable of producing 4 lakh slips/suckers, which will be of superior quality certified by the committee headed by DDA/PAO after a series of inspections.
Infrastructure for pineapple model nursery would include the following:
i. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement ii. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from Research Institutions of KAU, ICAR etc. iii. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the District Level Technical Committee (DLTC) constituted for the purpose.
The following general instructions are also issued: - The production programme should have the approval of the District Level Committee and copy of the approved programme forwarded to the State Horticulture Mission (SHM) All purchases should be done according to SP rules except in the case of planting materials and fertilizers. Timely action should be taken for distribution of planting materials, disposal of farm produce, unserviceable items etc. All seed productions to be done as per Seed Act and Seed rules under the strict supervision of concerned officers to ensure the quality of seed materials. An MoU should be executed with the private investors and public sector investors, other departmental nurseries to the effect that quality planting materials of required quantity would be produced and supplied within the stipulated period of time. Separate account for SHM activities should be maintained.
Small nurseries, covering area of about one ha, will have infrastructure facilities to hold 60,000 to 80,000 plants. These plants will be maintained for a period of approximately 9 months. Small nurseries would cost Rs. 3 lakhs per unit. The assistance will be to the extent of 100% of the cost for the nurseries under Public sector and 50% of the cost limiting tof Rs. 1.5 lakhs for the nurseries in the private sector. The small nurseries would produce at least 60000 plants per year. In the case of public sector nurseries 25% cost will be released as advance on demarcating the land for the purpose in the departmental farms or agencies under Public sector. The remaining amount will be released in three equal installments based on the completed work. The release of assistance to private sector nurseries will be on the basis of completed work in four stages.
Nurseries for the following crops will be raised in public sector lands Cashew Pepper Ginger Turmeric
In the cases of pineapple and ginger nurseries net house will not be required. However suitable irrigation system will be provided.
Private sector nurseries will be for the following crops Pineapple Mango Banana Cashew Pepper Ginger Nutmeg Turmeric Floriculture
1. Mango, and Cashew
Infrastructure for the small nurseries will consist of the following in the cases of Mango and Cashew.
i. A net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% light. ii. The floor of the net house will have raised beds of one-meter size, which will be covered with mulching sheet to control weed and ground pathogens. Iii.Suitable irrigation system will be provided. Iv.The nurseries will also have provision for solar sterilization of soil media.
2. Pineapple
In pineapple nurseries, close planting is to be practised in order to raise required number of suckers/slips per Ha.
The infrastructure for Pineapple will be for the following. i. The requirement of suckers will be 30000 nos /Ha. for Kew varieties and 25000 nos /ha for Mauritius varieties to produce 60000 suckers/slips per Ha. ii. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement iii. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from KAU, Research Institutions of ICAR, reputed agencies etc. iv. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the DLC and SHM.
3. Pepper
Pepper cuttings will be produced in the small nurseries by following serpentine method of propagation as far as possible. Infrastructure for pepper nursery would include the following: Panniyur and Karimunda varieties will be propagated based on the need of the respective districts. i. Raising two node cuttings under net house conditions ii. A net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% light. The floor of the net house will be covered with mulching sheet to control weed and ground pathogens. iii. Suitable irrigation system will be provided. iv. The nurseries will also have provision for solar sterilization of soil media. v. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from KAU, IISR Research Institutions etc. vi. Any other infra structure with the approval of the DLC
4. Ginger, Turmeric
Infrastructure for the small nurseries will consist of the following in the cases of nurseries like Ginger.
i. A net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% light. ii. The floor of the net house will have raised beds of one meter size, which will be covered with mulching sheet to control weed and ground pathogens. iii. Suitable irrigation system will be provided. iv. The nurseries will also have provision for solar sterilization of soil media to meet the contingency requirement of containers/transfer from small to big containers. v. Smoke house for initiation of sprouting is required for Ginger Nurseries
5. Banana
i. In banana nurseries close planting is to be practiced in order to raise 60000 suckers per Ha. ii.. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement iii. It must be ensured that disease free suckers are used for planting to produce plantlets iv. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the DHM and SHM
6. Floriculture
Floriculture nursery will have flowers like Orchids, Anthuriums, Heliconias, and Gerberas etc.
Infrastructure for Floriculture model nursery would include the following: i. Hardening/maintenance in insect proof net house/greenhouse and sprinkler ii. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement iii. Purchase of newly evolved planting materials from KAU, Research Institutions of ICAR, other reputed agencies etc. iv. Any other infra structure with the approval of the DLC and SHM
The following general instructions are also issued: - i. It would be the responsibility of the District Mission to ensure the quality of the planting material produced. ii. Nurseries will also be regulated under the legislation in force relating to seeds and planting material. iii. The production programme should have the approval of the District Level Committee and copy of the approved programme forwarded to the SHM iv. All seed productions to be done as per Seed Act and Seed rules under the strict supervision of concerned officers to ensure the quality of seed materials. v. The private nursery should be the ones registered with the Department of Agriculture vi. The private nursery should invariably have the mother stock for planting materials indented to be produced. vii. The DDA (H) of the district will prepare an action plan indicating the infrastructure facilities proposed to be provided in the nurseries. The plan should also contain an assessment of the existing nurseries, the number of planting material being produced, crop wise and the additional requirement of nurseries. viii. An MoU should be executed with the private investors and public sector investors, other departmental nurseries to the effect that quality planting materials of required quantity would be produced and supplied within the stipulated period of time.
The programme of production of disease free vegetable seeds will specifically apply to hybrid cultivars of vegetables in which case the seed is very costly and there is low germination of seeds and heavy mortality of seedlings take place when raised in open nurseries. Wherever necessary, environment control for germination, growth and hardening of vegetable seedlings could be introduced. This will ensure production of seedlings in such a manner that early and late crops will be possible which in turn will ensure that production of vegetable takes place over a longer period and the alternation of glut and scarcity period is minimized. In addition, hybrid seeds will be selected after trials, which will ensure high production.
The infrastructure facilities will consist of green house with a maximum area of 2000 m2 designed for tropical conditions, with insect netting on the sides and rolling poly sheets. The plants will be propagated in plastic trays having small plugs. The plugs will be of varying sizes for different crops. Sprinkler irrigation system will be installed. The infrastructure for media sterilization that steam boiler, holding bins etc will also be provided.
The assistance for vegetable seed production will be Rs. 50,000/- per ha for public sector and 50% of the cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 25,000/- per ha to the private sector limited to 5 ha per beneficiary.
The District Horticulture Mission will ensure the timely availability of the good quality seeds to the farmers at nominal price. Superior quality of vegetable seeds of selected varieties in the public sector will be produced in Departmental Farms and farmers field in identified locations following the provision of Seed Act and Seed Rules. The varieties suitable for each location will be identified and promoted based on farmer’s choice, market preference and advice of Kerala Agricultural University. The breeder seeds will be made available from KAU or IIHR. Inspection by a committee constituted comprising experts should visit atleast three times to ensure quality seed production.
As far as possible seed required for an agro-climatic region would be produced in that region itself for timely supply to farmers. The seeds produced will be tested for purity and germination before distribution. The seed will be procured, processed, packed, labelled and distributed. The entire quantity of the seeds will be distributed to the farmers through the Krishi Bhavans. The average cost of vegetable cultivation works out to Rs. 50,000/- per ha.
The Vegetable seed production units will be established for the following vegetables to produce seeds mentioned against each.
According to Codex Alimentarius (Food Code) Commission (CAC), organic agriculture is holistic food production management system, which promotes and enhances agro-eco system health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. This is accomplished by using agronomic biological and mechanical methods, as opposed from using synthetic materials. Hence Organic Farming in horticulture is becoming increasingly important. Its environmental and economic benefits have captured attention in many countries. Consumers’ demand for organically produced food products and society’s demand for more sustainable development provide new opportunities for farming and business around the world.
The basic rules for organic production are that the natural inputs are to be applied and the synthetic inputs are prohibited. But there are exceptions in both cases, certain natural inputs determined by various certification programmes to be harmful to human health or the environment are prohibited (e.g. Arsenic). Certain synthetic inputs determined to be essential and consistent with organic farming philosophy are allowed (eg Insect pheromones). An organic production system would be designed to:
i. Enhance biological diversity within the system; ii. Increase soil biological activity; iii. Maintain long term soil fertility iv. Recycle plant and animal waste; v. Rely on renewable resources in locally organized system; vi. Promote healthy use of soil, water and air and minimize all forms of pollution; vii. Handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all stages.
In view of the growing demand for the organically produced food items worldwide the natural advantages in this regard needs to be fully exploited. In order to help the growers obtain the required certification for organically produced crops, awareness has to be generated through training and distribution of information material. During 2006-07 assistance will be provided for organic cultivation of Pineapple ( 200 ha.), Ginger (300 ha.) and Banana ( 2000 ha.) at a cost of Rs. 250.0 lakhs under SHM schemes. For adopting organic farming for perennial and non perennial fruit crops, aromatic plants, spices etc additional assistance will be given over and above the area expansion programme if it is a new planting @ Rs. 10,000 per hectare subject to a limit of 4 ha per beneficiary.
The assistance will be provided for the use of organic manures like-farmyard manure, cowdung, vermiwash, slurry from biogas units, use of bio-pesticides and bio fertilizer application, like Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, adopting plant protection measures using bio control agents. For adopting Organic Farming as per recommended package of practices of KAU assistance limited to Rs.9000/- or 50% of the total cost of the materials which ever is less will be given for the above said practices. In addition to that when a garden is switched over to organic farming system it yield may be low for initial 2-3 years. Systematic adoption and practising organic farming may ensure that the crop yield is raised to the expected levels after 2-3 years. Hence assistance of Rs.1000/- per ha will be provided as compensation to the beneficiary farmers to make up for loss in yield during this conversion period provided they successfully practice organic farming cultivation as per the guidelines and directives of the department during the first year of cultivation.
The SHM will also provide financial assistance up to a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakhs for a group of farmers covering an area of 50 ha, on a case to case basis for certification of organic process/produce. It is also decided to include the cost of setting up of internal certification system and for making the system ready for certification process.
1. Vermicompost can be used as a major input in organic farming . Production of vermi compost will assist the farmers in reducing the use of other organic manures and this will also enrich soil fertility. The unique system of homestead farming in the state also helps the establishment of large number of vermicompost units. 2. The process and mode of operation for vermicomposting is given below.
a. The size of vermicompost unit should be 20 m x 1.5 m x 0.7 m. One unit can produce 6 MT of compost in one batch of 4 months duration during the first year and 13.5 MT of compost in one batch of 4 months duration during the second year, altogether producing 18 MT in 1st year and 40.5 MT in 2nd year.
b. The tank is to be constructed with locally available raw materials such as hollow cement bricks. A small ditch and well having dimension of 5 cm width and 2.5 cm depth is to be made around the tank to keep water for preventing ants from entering into the tank and attacking earthworms. The floor of the tank is to be strengthened with cement mortar. Provision should be given in the tank for proper drainage.
c. A roof with corrugated tin sheet and iron pipes is to be constructed to save the worms from rain and heat. Thatched roof with plastic line can be adopted with a cost reduction for the same. In that case subsidy will be limited to 50% of actual cost of construction.
d. Suitable species of earthworms can be used for the production of vermicompost. Under Kerala conditions African Night Crawler and Hybrids Eudrillus euginae worms are found good. Twenty thousand earthworms are to be used initially for getting quick and efficient vermi compost production.
The estimated cost for establishment of a vermi compost unit of size 20 m x is Rs.60000 per unit. 50% cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 30000 per unit will be provided as subsidy. However, units of smaller size can also be allowed at proportionate rate of subsidy.
It is proposed to establish 1420 vermicompost units for the benefit of Banana, pineapple, Ginger, Turmeric and pepper at a cost of Rs.426.0 lakhs during 2006-07.
It is proposed to expand area under the following crops through establishment of new gardens.
I. Fruits (Perennials)
1. Mango 2. Gooseberry
1. Mango
It is proposed to establish new mango orchards on a contiguous/ selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting varieties recommended for the area and their maintenance. The varieties recommended include Olour, Prior and Muvandan. The establishment cost will come to Rs. 30,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost of cultivation limited to Rs. 22500/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance for establishment will be spread over a period of three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30. In the first, second and third years respectively. Assistance for the second year will be subject to 75% survival of the plants and for the third year assistance will be subject to 90% survival of the plants. Amount of Rs.11250/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of grafts @ 120 numbers per ha b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.4500/- per Ha. and Rs.6750/- per Ha. respectively will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes.
Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals weeding and cost for top working It is proposed to bring an area of 1400 ha under mango at a cost of Rs.157.50 lakhs for first year. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
2. Gooseberry
It is proposed to bring new area under Indian Gooseberry on a contiguous / selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting varieties recommended for the area and its maintenance. The varieties recommended include Kanchan, Krishna, Champakkad local etc. The cost of establishment will come to Rs. 30,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost limited to Rs. 22500/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance for establishment will be spread over a period of three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30 In the first, second and third years. Assistance for the second year will be subjected to 75% survival of the plants and for the third year assistance will be subjected to 90% survival of the plants. Amount of Rs.11250/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of grafts @ 150 numbers per ha b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.4500/- per Ha. and Rs.6750/- per Ha. respectively will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals It is proposed to bring an area of 150 ha under the crop at a cost of Rs.150.0 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
II. Fruits (non perennials)
1. Banana
It is proposed to provide assistance for area expansion of Nendran poovan, Rasakadali, etc. Good quality disease free planting materials available locally and tissue culture plantlets can be utilized. Assistance to farmers is limited to 50% or Rs. 15,000/- per ha for a period of 3 years in the ratio 50:20:30. for critical components such as planting materials, manures, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals. . Amount of Rs.7500/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of suckers @ 2500 per ha b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices. During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.3000/- per Ha. and Rs.4500/- per Ha. respectively will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals
It is proposed to bring an area of 10000 ha under the crop at a financial assistance of Rs.750.0 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple provides scope for expansion of fruit processing industry. It is proposed to give assistance for area expansion of pineapple. The cost of cultivation per hectare will be around Rs.30000/-. 50% of this amount subject to a maximum of Rs. 15,000/- per hectare would be provided to farmers as subsidy for undertaking area expansion in new areas for meeting the cost of planting material and inputs. The assistance will be disbursed in three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30. Amount of Rs.7500/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes a. Cost of suckers b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices. During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.3000/- per Ha. and Rs.4500/- per Ha. respectively will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals It is proposed to bring an area of 2000 ha under the crop at a financial assistance of Rs.150.0 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
3. Floriculture
1.Cut flowers – Cut flowers like orchids, anthurium, roses and heliconia are best suited for the State, as they do not require open area for cultivation. It has great demand both in domestic and export markets.
Orchid and anthurium varieties
It is estimated that the total cost of cultivation per 1 hectare of orchid and anthurium comes to Rs. 70000/-. It is proposed to give 50% assistance @ Rs. 35000/- per unit to Small &Marginal farmers only. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 2 ha. For other farmers the subsidy allowable is 33% of the cost @ Rs.23100/- per Ha. and maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha. Payment will be made to the beneficiary based on investments made and rate of survival of plants. 75% survival of the plants should be ensured before release of subsidy.
The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 50% or 33% as the case may be of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of planting materials b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, materials to regulate temperature &light, and to provide irrigation as per recommended package of practices. It is proposed to bring an area of 50 ha under the crop at a financial assistance of Rs.17.50 lakhs.
2. Loose flowers - Aster, Jasmine, Crossandra, Chrysanthemum, Marygold, Tuberose, Rose petals, Lotus petals are best suited for the State, as they have great demand both in domestic and export markets. It is estimated that the total cost of cultivation of loose flowers comes to Rs. 24000/-per Ha.It is proposed to give 50% assistance @ Rs. 12000/- per unit to Small &Marginal farmers only. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 2 ha. For Other farmers the subsidy allowable is 33% of the cost @ Rs.7920/- per Ha. and maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha. Payment will be made to the beneficiary based on investments made and rate of survival of plants. 75% survival of the plants should be ensured before release of subsidy.
The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 50% or 33% as the case may be, of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of planting materials b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, and to provide irrigation as per recommended package of practices. It is proposed to bring an additional area of 215 ha under the crop this year at a financial assistance of Rs.25.80 lakhs.
4.Spices
1.Ginger
Trade ginger varieties such as Cochin ginger and Calicut ginger which have low fibre and characteristic flavour and pungency have tremendous export scope. It is proposed to give assistance for area expansion under ginger. The cost of cultivation per hectare will be around Rs.15000/-. 75% of this amount subject to a maximum of Rs. 11250/- per hectare would be provided as subsidy to farmers for undertaking cultivation in new areas for meeting the cost of planting material and inputs. The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of planting materials b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, as per recommended package of practices. It is proposed to bring an additional area of 1500 ha under the crop during the financial year with a financial assistance of Rs.168.75 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
2. Turmeric
Considering its demand in the international as well as domestic markets there is much scope for bringing in more area under this crop. It is proposed to give assistance for area expansion of turmeric. Dugrala and Kodur varieties are generally recommended. Thekkurpetta variety is also recommended for Ernakulam area. The cost of cultivation per hectare will be around Rs.15000/-. 75% of this amount subject to a maximum of Rs.11250/- per hectare would be provided to farmers as subsidy for undertaking area expansion in new areas for meeting the cost of planting material and inputs. The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of planting materials b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, as per recommended package of practices. It is proposed to bring an area of 500 ha under the crop with a financial assistance of Rs.56.25 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
3. Nutmeg
It is proposed to extend nutmeg cultivation on a contiguous / selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting high yielding varieties of nutmeg grafts recommended for the area and its maintenance. The varieties recommended by KAU and IISR will be cultivated. The cost of establishment will come to Rs. 15,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost of cultivation limited to Rs.11250/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of grafts for planting b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, as per recommended package of practices.
It is proposed to bring an additional area of 150 ha under the crop during the year with a financial assistance of Rs.16.875 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
4. Plantation Crops
1. Cashew
It is proposed to extend cashew cultivation on a contiguous / selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting high yielding varieties of cashew grafts recommended for the area by KAU and its maintenance. The varieties recommended include Kanaka, Dhana, Dhanasree, priyanka, Anakha etc. The cost of establishment will come to Rs. 15,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost of cultivation limited to Rs.11250/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance for establishment will be spread over a period of three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30 for the first, second and third years. Assistance for the second year will be subject to 75% survival of the plants and for the third year assistance will be subject to 90% survival of the plants. . Amount of Rs.11250/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of grafts @ 120 per ha. b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices. During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.4500/- per Ha. and Rs.6750/- per Ha. respectively will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals weeding and cost for top working It is proposed to bring an area of 1000 ha under Cashew at a cost of Rs.56.25 lakhs for first year. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
11.Medicinal Plants
The demand of medicinal plants is increasing throughout the world with the growing awareness against synthetics and inclination towards naturals. Considering the up rise in the global market demand and potential of growing medicinal plants the State Horticulture Mission has proposed establishment of new gardens for medicinal plants.
The major varieties of medicinal plants popularly grown are a. Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) b. Thippali (Piper longum.Linn) c. Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.) d. Nilappana kizhangu (Curculigo orchioides Goertin) e. Kodampuli (Garcenia gummi-gutta) f. Wayambu (Acorus calamus) g. Kanjiram (Andrographis paniculata) h. Sathavari (Asparagus racemosus) i. Chakkarakolli (Gymnema sylvestre) j. Kurumthotti (Sida Cordifolia) k. Chittamruthu (Tinospora cordifolia) l. Menthoni (Gloriosa Superba) m. Chittadalotakom (Adhatoda beddomei) n. Koovalam (Aegle marmelos) o. Sarpagandhi (Rauvolfia serpentina) p. Kattarvazha (Aloe vera ) q. Veppu (Azadirachta indica) r. Koduveli (Plumbago rosea) s. Pathimugham (Caesalpinia sappan) etc.
The average cost of cultivation per hectare is worked out to be Rs.22500/- and 50 percent of the cost of cultivation is provided as assistance. It is proposed to bring an area of100 Ha. with a subsidy of Rs.11.25 lakhs.
Following general guidelines are also issued for releasing subsidy under area expansion.
The Mission envisages coverage of large areas under improved varieties of horticultural crop. A farmer will be eligible for receiving assistance, normally, for one crop. The cost of raising new plantations will vary from crop to crop. The cost, norms indicated in Annexure III are indicative. The new gardens as far as possible be established in a contiguous area and a display board demarcating the area be exhibited
Low productivity of perennial crops like cashew and pepper due to small size of holdings, preponderance of old and senile trees and poor management of inputs such as water, nutrients and pesticides including disease affected pepper, and cashew plantations are commonly seen in large tracts in different parts of the country. These have brought down the average productivity. Under the SHM, it is proposed to take up productivity improvement programmes through removal of senile plantations, re-plantation with fresh stock supported with appropriate and integrated combination of inputs, pruning and grafting techniques. The programme will be implemented through individual farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, self-help groups, NGOs, growers’ associations and commodity organizations. The assistance for rejuvenating senile plantations will be @ Rs. 50% of the cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- per ha limited to 2 ha per beneficiary.
1. Rejuvenation of pepper
In the current year Action Plan (2006-07) of State Horticulture Mission approved by National Horticulture Mission an amount of Rs.1500 lakhs is provided as assistance for rejuvenation of 10,000 ha. pepper garden. In the action plan for 2005-06, 5000 ha. has been kept for rejuvenation with an assistance of 750 lakhs.
Pepper is one of the most important dollar-earning crops in Kerala. The State enjoys virtual monopoly in its production accounting for about 81 per cent of the nations production and bagging 37 per cent of the total export earnings from pepper. The area under the crop in the State is 216440 ha 92003-04) 2,37,669 ha. (2004-05), 216759 (2005-06). The present average yield is only 319 kg/ha (2003-04), 316 kg. per ha. in 2004-05 against a potential of 1000 kg/ha under better management practices.
The present low productivity is due to senile and disease affected vines and poor management practices. Hence this programme is concentrated in the major traditional pepper growing districts, ie Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kozhikode.
The main objectives of the schemes are 1. To rejuvenate pepper gardens by removing senile and diseased plants and by filling gaps and to put to new standards if lost. 2. To enhance production by adopting scientific management practices. 3. To augment average productivity to 1000 kg/ha by growing pepper in most suitable locations and restricted on poorly suited places 4. To increase employment opportunity 5. To increase export 6. To reduce the cost of cultivation and increase overall income from the land. The cost of cultivation for rejuvenation of one hectare of pepper garden comes about Rs.30000 per hectare. The assistance for rejuvenating senile plantations will be @ 50 per cent of the cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 15,000 per hectare limited to 5 ha per beneficiary. The proposed subsidy is to meet the cost of pepper rooted cuttings and cost of soil ameliorants, manures, fertilizers, bio control agents and PP chemicals etc as in the following order.
a. Cost of rooted cuttings ie. 40 per cent of total recommended population b. Application of the organic manure/FYM as per the package of practices of KAU c. Application of chemical fertilizers as per the packages of practices d. Application of PP chemicals as per the packages of practices e. Application of Bio-control agents like Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and soil ameliorants etc with other components of IPM and INM. f. Other expenses like cost of standards, cultural expenses, like shading, training, pruning, twining vines to standard etc.
The estimated cost of rejuvenation at 1 ha. pepper is Rs.30,000/- as follows:
1. Cost of rooted cuttings for replacing senile, diseased - Rs. 2,000 Vines@ 40% of total recommended population.
2. Cost of vermi compost/FYM/Organic manure - Rs.11, 000 3. Chemical Fertilizers - Rs. 5,000 4. Cost of Bio-control agents, soil ameliorants etc. - Rs. 5,000 5. Cost of PP chemicals - Rs. 5,000 6. Other expenses - Rs. 2,000 Total - Rs.30,000
While calculating eligible subsidy 50 per cent of total cost will be considered instead of 50 per cent of expenses incurred in each component. Murukku (Erythrina indica), Karayam or Killingil (Garuga pinnata), Ailanthus sp etc are suitable standards for growing pepper. The recommended spacing for planting standards is 3 m x 3 m on plain lands and 2 m between plants in rows across the slope and 4 m between rows on sloppy lands. For planting pepper, prepare pits of size 50 cm x 50 cm on the northern side of standards, 15 cm away from it. The pits will be filled with a mixture of topsoil and compost or FYM @ 5 kg/pit and plant 2-3 rooted cuttings in the pits at a distance about 30 cm away from the standards.
For existing vines, apply FYM/Compost/Green leaves at the rate of 10 Kg/plant/annum just at onset of SW monsoon and general recommended dosage for pepper (3 years and above) is 50:50:150 gm N: P: K/vine/year and for Panniyur and similar varieties 50:50:200 gm/vine and that of Kozhikode and similar areas is 140:55:275 gm/vine.
The bio-control agent Trichoderma is effectively used against quick wilt disease. The recommended dosage is 1-2 kg. per 100 kg. neem cake - cowdung mixture. Pseudomonas fluorescense are group of bacteria and very effective against diseases of pepper like pollu disease, foot rot etc. It is a talc-based formulation at 1-2 per cent level used for soil drenching and spraying.
It is estimated that around 40% of the pepper plantations in the state are old and senile. Majority of the traditional pepper plantation are poorly managed leading to low productivity of 275-300 kg/ha. However, there is potential for improving productivity to one ton/ha through better management. A systematic rehabilitation programme is also reported to be over due in the pepper growing districts. The proposed subsidy is to meet the cost of pepper cuttings and cost of soil ameliorants, manures, fertilizers, bio control agents and PP chemicals. An area of 10000 ha with an assistance of Rs.1500.00 lakhs will be rehabilitated under the programme.
2. Rejuvenation of cashew
It is estimated that around 34% of the cashew plantations in the state have become old and senile. Majority of the traditional cashew plantation come under non descriptive varieties with wide variation in character and poor yield. The proposed subsidy under the programme is to meet the cost of cut and removal of old trees, cost of grafts, manures, fertilizers, and PP chemicals. It is proposed to bring an area of 5000 ha under rejuvenation of cashew with an assistance of Rs.750.00 lakhs.
3. Rejuvenation of Cocoa
It is proposed to rejuvenate cocoa cultivation on a contiguous area basis as inter crop in gardens like coconut and arecanut. Varieties under Forastero recommended by KAU will be advocated. The assistance of rejuvenation will come to Rs. 15,000/- per ha. The proposed subsidy under the programme is to meet the cost of cut and removal of old trees, cost of grafts, manures, fertilizers, and PP chemicals. It is proposed to bring an area of 500 ha under rejuvenation of cocoa.
The given general guidelines will be followed while implementing the programme
a. The selection of farmers should be done by Agricultural Officers of concerned Krishi Bhavans and this list of beneficiaries should get approved by District Level Committee of State Horticulture Mission headed by District Collectors. b. While selecting farmers preference should be given to small and marginal farmers, SC/ST farmers and women farmers etc. c. The scheme will be implemented in a contiguous area on contract basis. d. The planting materials will be purchased from Department farms, institutions of KAU, ICAR and Government approved nurseries. e. The quality of inputs like organic manures, bio-control agents, PPC, Soil ameliorants should be ensured before the supply.
Activities like green house construction and shade net would be promoted.
1. Green House
Poly house technologies have been standardized to grow orchids and anthuriums. The greenhouse will also help in checking the pest and disease infestation to crop since the cultivation is under controlled condition. The green house will cover an area of 20ha and an amount of Rs. 192.00 lakhs has been provided. The Estimated Cost of a green house is Rs. 650/m2 for Hitech and Rs. 250/m2 for Normal. 50% of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 325/m2 for hitech and Rs. 125/m2 for normal, limited to 1000 m2/beneficiary will be provided as subsidy. The green house structure can also be constructed by the beneficiaries themselves using local materials approved by the Director of Agriculture. However, materials should be only UV stabilized films, which can be obtained from IPCL or other companies approved by the Directorate of Agriculture.
2. Shade Net
Shade net is used to grow plants, which grow under comparatively low light intensity. Flowering plants like anthurium and orchids are grown under shade net of different intensities. Shade net also reduce transpiration rate saving water. It is proposed under the project to provide shade net for an area of 100 ha. The actual cost will be Rs.14 per m2 . 50% of cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 3500 per 500 m2 limited to 2 ha per beneficiary will be given as subsidy.
3. Mulching
Mulching is proposed in300 Ha. at a total assistance of Rs.21.00 lakhs. (Rs. 7000/-Ha.)
4.Plastic Tunnel
Rs.25.00 lakhs is ear marked as assistance for the construction of plastic tunnel in an area of 50 Ha.
It is proposed to make small ponds of sizes varying from 0.1 to 1.0 ha. Ponds of various sizes will be mixed to cover a total area of 150 ha. Under the Mission assistance would be provided for creating water sources through construction of community tanks, farm ponds/reservoirs. The assistance will be limited to Rs.10 lakhs per unit for an area of 1 ha to be taken up on community basis. The construction work will be entrusted to a beneficiary community. Maintenance of the water source will also be the responsibility of the community.
IPM has become inevitable because of the environment pollution and eco degeneration brought about by intensive agriculture. Therefore, farmers require systematic education on IPM, which employs alternative methods of pest control including cultural methods, mechanical methods, use of bio control agents, etc.
The main objectives of the scheme are:-
i. To keep pests and diseases of crops below Economic Threshhold (ETL) by adopting an integrated pest management practice. ii. Creating awareness among farmers on the prominent pests and diseases, which cause severe damage to the crops and suggest measures to prevent outbreak or to contain outbreak.
It is proposed to cover 30000 ha under IPM with an assistance of Rs.20.00 lakhs. The crops proposed are pepper, ginger pineapple, and banana. An amount of Rs. 2000 is estimated as the expenditure. 50% of cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 1000/- per ha, limited to 4 ha per beneficiary will be paid as subsidy.
Assistance for setting up sanitary and phyto sanitary certification facilities would be provided to the Public Sector on project basis. Assistance will also be extended for meeting the cost of sanitary and phyto sanitary certificates for importing/exporting horticultural produce and planting material on case to case basis.
1. IPM on Pepper
The foot rot disease of pepper occurs mainly during Southwest monsoon season and all parts of the plant are vulnerable to the attack. Regular and integrated adoption of phyto sanitary measures is very essential for the management of this disease and further spread. They include removal of dead vines along with root system from the garden, use of disease free planting material, minimum tillage to avoid soil disturbance and root damage, provision of adequate drainage facilities and application of Trychoderma and Pseudomonas multiplied in suitable carrier media during May-June and second application during August -September.. Whenever ariel symptoms of food rot disease is noticed, spraying of 1% Bordeaux mixture recommended. It is proposed to bring 500 ha under IPM for pepper.
2. IPM on Ginger
Rhizome rot is the major disease of ginger. Inoculation with Trichoderma and pseudomonas at the time of planting is recommended. When incidence is noted in the field, the affected plants have to be dug out and the bed be drenched with cheshunt compound or 1%Bordeaux mixture or .3% mancozeb. It is proposed to bring an area of 300 ha under IPM for ginger
3. IPM on Pineapple
Plant protection measures against major pests and diseases has to be undertaken on contiguous area basis by adopting package of practices recommendations in consultation with the Agricultural Officers of local Krishi Bhavans. Organic pesticides will be used as far as possible. It is proposed to bring 200 ha under IPM for Pineapple.
4. IPM on Banana
Plant protection measures against major pests and diseases has to be undertaken on contiguous area basis by adopting package of practices recommendations in consultation with the Agricultural Officers of local Krishi Bhavans. Organic pesticides will be used as far as possible. It is proposed to bring 2000 ha under IPM for Banana.
1. The Programmes will be undertaken scientifically as per the package of practices recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University. 2. The procedures followed in the schemes of Department of Agriculture should be adopted in the absence of specific working instructions under State Horticulture Missions. 3. The farmers will be permitted to use only superior quality inputs. 4. The inputs can be purchased by the farmers only from approved firms or through Service Cooperative Banks/Societies or govt. agencies of their area. 5. The subsidy will be disbursed in the order of planting material, fertilizers, PP chemicals, bio control agents, organic manures etc only after ensuring the 100 percent utilization of the inputs and should be visible in the field on inspection. 6. No component wise ceiling is fixed under SHM programmes. But overall subsidy ceiling may be strictly observed and subsidy will be limited to 50% of the amount spent subject to the maximum of 50 percent of the unit value fixed. 7. The cash vouchers will be received and examined thoroughly by the Agricultural Officers in the Krishibhavan before approval. 8. The Deputy Director of Agriculture will effect payment based on the utilization certification of the Agricultural officer and on recommendation by the Assistant Directors of Agriculture concerned. 9. All the claims should be placed in the DLC and get it passed and the statement of the beneficiaries with address of all schemes to be kept in bound form in all Krishi bhavans and a copy of the same has to be placed in the NIC net system for assessment of SHM. 10. All the programmes allotted to district should be implemented with approval from DLC/DHM. 11. The quality of the inputs like fertilizers, PP chemicals, bio control agents, organic manures may be tested by proper lab analysis. Quality testing by Department of Agriculture and University/ICAR laboratory is compulsory. 12. The procedure for making available the subsidy will be transparent and decided by DLC. But it should be beneficial to the farmers and ensure that the assistance is given to the farmers without any difficulty. 13. The valuation of shade net, green house, creation of water resources will be done by Assistant Directors of Agriculture. 14. The material for shade net, green houses will be purchased from approved firms as per Bureau of Indian standards and specification prescribed by Directorate of Agriculture. 15. The planting material utilized for the programmes should be purchased from Kerala Agricultural University, Agricultural Department, Research institutions of ICAR or nursery funded by NHM. If sufficient material is not available, it should be purchased from SHM nurseries or nurseries approved by Department of Agriculture. 16. The subsidy from SHM will be released only after ensuring the utilization of inputs as per POP and the total cost for development as per the NHM guidelines and on seeing the effect of application in the field, as back ended subsidy 17. The quality of planting material purchased from approved nurseries will be ensured by a committee consisting of experts from Kerala Agricultural University, ICAR and SHM and after inspection and quality certification.
Dept of Agriculture Development 
SFAC Kerala
Schemes through SHM
Posted ByTechnical Officer 3,sfac.tvmModel Nurseries
Model Nurseries are intended to serve as a model for the production of superior quality planting materials on a commercial basis. To meet the requirements of planting material for bringing additional areas under improved varieties of horticultural crops and for rejuvenation programme in old/senile plantations, assistance would be provided for setting up of new nurseries under Public as well as Private sector. It has been estimated that a Model nursery with an area of 4 ha would cost Rs.18.00 lakhs per unit. The Model nurseries, which would be established under the Public sector will be eligible for 100 percent assistance of maximum of Rs. 18.00 lakhs per unit. It would be the responsibility of the nurseries to ensure quality of the planting material. The nursery will be laid out in a compact area of 4 ha. For model nurseries in the private sector the assistance will be 50 percent of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs.9.00 lakhs per unit. Regarding establishment of model nurseries in the department farms separate action plan for each nursery will be prepared by concerned Farm superintendent or Agricultural officer and scrutinized by the District level Deputy Director of Agriculture (Horticulture), [DDA (H)]. District Level Committee (DLC) of State Horticulture Mission (SHM) will approve the action plans. Similarly in the case of private farms the action plans submitted by the entrepreneurs will be approved by DLC after scrutiny by the DDA (H) of the districts concerned following the instructions issued earlier. Registers should be maintained showing the calendar of operations as well as action taken weekly during the nursery preparation. Periodical inspection has to be done by the scientists of nearby stations of KAU and Principal Agricultural Officers of the district may record comments then and there. A team comprising of PAO, DDA (H), Professor of KAU, and Scientists from ICAR/CSIR should visit periodically and certify the quality of the planting materials produced before its distribution.
The Model Nurseries would be laid out for following crops.
a) Public Sector
Cashew -Three model nurseries (of size 4.0 Ha/Nursery) is envisaged at a cost of Rs.54.0 lakhs (Rs. 18.0 lakhs/ nursery)
b) Private Sector
Pineapple -Three model nurseries (of size 4.0 Ha/Nursery) is envisaged at a cost of Rs.27.0 lakhs (Rs. 9.0 lakhs/ nursery)
The model nurseries will produce 4 lakh plants per year. In the case of public sector nurseries 25% of the cost will be released after demarcating the land for the nursery. Further release of funds will be based on the completion of work and on verification of results. In the case of private nurseries funds will be released only as back-ended subsidy on loans availed for the purpose or based on the completed work utilizing own resources.
In the case of Private Nurseries the following guidelines may be observed.
The model nurseries should produce at least 4 lakhs plants and small nurseries 60,000 plants in a year. This number taken is the quality planting materials, produced and lifted for planting and not the planting materials totally produced.
The selection of beneficiaries for raising nurseries can be done by the District Horticulture Mission and should have the approval of the District Level Committee.
The applicant should have sufficient resources, willingness and capability for establishing the nursery as per norms prescribed by District Horticulture Mission/ State Horticulture Mission.
If the applicant is already in the field of production of planting materials examine whether the nursery has been black listed or he has been proceeded against, for any unsatisfactory work or supply of poor quality planting materials. Such applicants may be avoided for implementing the programme.
The assistance under SHM will be given as credit linked back ended subsidy.
The nursery should have adequate supply of rootstock and progeny orchard of approved varieties for scions, so as to produce and supply the required number of grafts.
The private nurseries should have the approval of Department of Agriculture.
It would be the responsibility of the nurseries to ensure the quality of planting materials through self-accreditation. If the beneficiary willfully produce substandard planting materials, action should be initiated against the beneficiary to get them black listed.
The payment of assistance will be given to the beneficiary only on satisfactory production and supply of required number of quality planting materials.
An MoU should be executed between selected beneficiary and District Horticulture Mission for completing the work within the stipulated time and to supply the required quantity of quality planting materials as per the demand and agreed quantity by District Horticulture Mission. Other conditions as mentioned in this guidelines should be included in the MoU.
Frequent visit to the nurseries should be done by the Deputy Director of Agriculture (H) and the Officers at the Block and Krishi Bhavan level and give necessary directions to the nurseryman for the production of quality planting materials. A register showing the details of propagation work carried out in the nursery along with quantum of labour should be maintained in the nursery. The observations of inspecting officers have to be recorded in the register. The involvement of Scientists from KAU, ICAR institutions may also be also ensured for suggestions.
The planting materials produced in the nurseries should be distributed to prospective beneficiaries who are implementing the programmes of State Horticulture Mission and hence a proper linkage between the demand and supply has to be established by District Horticulture Mission before approving the project.
The infrastructure facilities to be provided in the nurseries remain the same as given in the working instructions issued from this office on 14.12.2005
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be executed between the investor and the District Horticulture Mission (DHM) to the effect that all the quality planting materials produced will be supplied at the price fixed upon mutual consensus for the Mission programmes. In the case of public sector nurseries the supply of quality planting materials produced from the nurseries should be ensured for the Mission Programmes.
1. Cashew
Infrastructure for cashew model nursery would include the following:
I. Mother stock block maintenance in a maximum area of 1.6 ha.
II. Raising root stock seedlings under net house conditions.
III. Propagation house with a maximum of 500 m2 tropical poly house with ventillation having insect proof netting in the sides and fogging and sprinkler irrigation systems.
IV. Hardening/maintenance in insect proof net house maximum of 2000 m2 with 35% light screening properties and sprinkler irrigation systems.
V. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement
VI. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from KAU, Research Institutions of ICAR etc.
VII. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the DLC and SHM
2. Pineapple
Pineapple will be cultivated in an area of 4 Ha. in private sector land with an aim to provide good quality planting materials for area expansion with Kew/ Mauritius varieties. The infrastructure for pineapple will include the following. The seed material will be purchased from KAU, Research stations of ICAR or reputed farmers. The requirement of suckers will be 30000 nos. per ha in respect of Kew varieties and 25000 nos. per ha in respect of Mauritius varieties. Each model nursery should be capable of producing 4 lakh slips/suckers, which will be of superior quality certified by the committee headed by DDA/PAO after a series of inspections.
Infrastructure for pineapple model nursery would include the following:
i. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement
ii. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from Research Institutions of KAU, ICAR etc.
iii. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the District Level Technical Committee (DLTC) constituted for the purpose.
The following general instructions are also issued: -
The production programme should have the approval of the District Level Committee and copy of the approved programme forwarded to the State Horticulture Mission (SHM)
All purchases should be done according to SP rules except in the case of planting materials and fertilizers.
Timely action should be taken for distribution of planting materials, disposal of farm produce, unserviceable items etc.
All seed productions to be done as per Seed Act and Seed rules under the strict supervision of concerned officers to ensure the quality of seed materials.
An MoU should be executed with the private investors and public sector investors, other departmental nurseries to the effect that quality planting materials of required quantity would be produced and supplied within the stipulated period of time.
Separate account for SHM activities should be maintained.
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Small Nurseries
Small nurseries, covering area of about one ha, will have infrastructure facilities to hold 60,000 to 80,000 plants. These plants will be maintained for a period of approximately 9 months. Small nurseries would cost Rs. 3 lakhs per unit. The assistance will be to the extent of 100% of the cost for the nurseries under Public sector and 50% of the cost limiting tof Rs. 1.5 lakhs for the nurseries in the private sector. The small nurseries would produce at least 60000 plants per year. In the case of public sector nurseries 25% cost will be released as advance on demarcating the land for the purpose in the departmental farms or agencies under Public sector. The remaining amount will be released in three equal installments based on the completed work. The release of assistance to private sector nurseries will be on the basis of completed work in four stages.
Nurseries for the following crops will be raised in public sector lands
Cashew
Pepper
Ginger
Turmeric
In the cases of pineapple and ginger nurseries net house will not be required. However suitable irrigation system will be provided.
Private sector nurseries will be for the following crops
Pineapple
Mango
Banana
Cashew
Pepper
Ginger
Nutmeg
Turmeric
Floriculture
1. Mango, and Cashew
Infrastructure for the small nurseries will consist of the following in the cases of Mango and Cashew.
i. A net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% light.
ii. The floor of the net house will have raised beds of one-meter size, which will be covered with mulching sheet to control weed and ground pathogens.
Iii.Suitable irrigation system will be provided.
Iv.The nurseries will also have provision for solar sterilization of soil media.
2. Pineapple
In pineapple nurseries, close planting is to be practised in order to raise required number of suckers/slips per Ha.
The infrastructure for Pineapple will be for the following.
i. The requirement of suckers will be 30000 nos /Ha. for Kew varieties and 25000 nos /ha for Mauritius varieties to produce 60000 suckers/slips per Ha.
ii. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement
iii. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from KAU, Research Institutions of ICAR, reputed agencies etc.
iv. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the DLC and SHM.
3. Pepper
Pepper cuttings will be produced in the small nurseries by following serpentine method of propagation as far as possible. Infrastructure for pepper nursery would include the following: Panniyur and Karimunda varieties will be propagated based on the need of the respective districts.
i. Raising two node cuttings under net house conditions
ii. A net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% light. The floor of the net house will be covered with mulching sheet to control weed and ground pathogens.
iii. Suitable irrigation system will be provided.
iv. The nurseries will also have provision for solar sterilization of soil media.
v. Purchase of newly evolved nucleus planting materials from KAU, IISR Research Institutions etc.
vi. Any other infra structure with the approval of the DLC
4. Ginger, Turmeric
Infrastructure for the small nurseries will consist of the following in the cases of nurseries like Ginger.
i. A net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% light.
ii. The floor of the net house will have raised beds of one meter size, which will be covered with mulching sheet to control weed and ground pathogens.
iii. Suitable irrigation system will be provided.
iv. The nurseries will also have provision for solar sterilization of soil media to meet the contingency requirement of containers/transfer from small to big containers.
v. Smoke house for initiation of sprouting is required for Ginger Nurseries
5. Banana
i. In banana nurseries close planting is to be practiced in order to raise 60000 suckers per Ha.
ii.. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement
iii. It must be ensured that disease free suckers are used for planting to produce plantlets
iv. Any other infrastructure with the approval of the DHM and SHM
6. Floriculture
Floriculture nursery will have flowers like Orchids, Anthuriums, Heliconias, and Gerberas etc.
Infrastructure for Floriculture model nursery would include the following:
i. Hardening/maintenance in insect proof net house/greenhouse and sprinkler
ii. Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation with peak load of 5 mm per day and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement
iii. Purchase of newly evolved planting materials from KAU, Research Institutions of ICAR, other reputed agencies etc.
iv. Any other infra structure with the approval of the DLC and SHM
The following general instructions are also issued: -
i. It would be the responsibility of the District Mission to ensure the quality of the planting material produced.
ii. Nurseries will also be regulated under the legislation in force relating to seeds and planting material.
iii. The production programme should have the approval of the District Level Committee and copy of the approved programme forwarded to the SHM
iv. All seed productions to be done as per Seed Act and Seed rules under the strict supervision of concerned officers to ensure the quality of seed materials.
v. The private nursery should be the ones registered with the Department of Agriculture
vi. The private nursery should invariably have the mother stock for planting materials indented to be produced.
vii. The DDA (H) of the district will prepare an action plan indicating the infrastructure facilities proposed to be provided in the nurseries. The plan should also contain an assessment of the existing nurseries, the number of planting material being produced, crop wise and the additional requirement of nurseries.
viii. An MoU should be executed with the private investors and public sector investors, other departmental nurseries to the effect that quality planting materials of required quantity would be produced and supplied within the stipulated period of time.
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Vegetable Seed Production
The programme of production of disease free vegetable seeds will specifically apply to hybrid cultivars of vegetables in which case the seed is very costly and there is low germination of seeds and heavy mortality of seedlings take place when raised in open nurseries. Wherever necessary, environment control for germination, growth and hardening of vegetable seedlings could be introduced. This will ensure production of seedlings in such a manner that early and late crops will be possible which in turn will ensure that production of vegetable takes place over a longer period and the alternation of glut and scarcity period is minimized. In addition, hybrid seeds will be selected after trials, which will ensure high production.
The infrastructure facilities will consist of green house with a maximum area of 2000 m2 designed for tropical conditions, with insect netting on the sides and rolling poly sheets. The plants will be propagated in plastic trays having small plugs. The plugs will be of varying sizes for different crops. Sprinkler irrigation system will be installed. The infrastructure for media sterilization that steam boiler, holding bins etc will also be provided.
The assistance for vegetable seed production will be Rs. 50,000/- per ha for public sector and 50% of the cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 25,000/- per ha to the private sector limited to 5 ha per beneficiary.
The District Horticulture Mission will ensure the timely availability of the good quality seeds to the farmers at nominal price. Superior quality of vegetable seeds of selected varieties in the public sector will be produced in Departmental Farms and farmers field in identified locations following the provision of Seed Act and Seed Rules. The varieties suitable for each location will be identified and promoted based on farmer’s choice, market preference and advice of Kerala Agricultural University. The breeder seeds will be made available from KAU or IIHR. Inspection by a committee constituted comprising experts should visit atleast three times to ensure quality seed production.
As far as possible seed required for an agro-climatic region would be produced in that region itself for timely supply to farmers. The seeds produced will be tested for purity and germination before distribution. The seed will be procured, processed, packed, labelled and distributed. The entire quantity of the seeds will be distributed to the farmers through the Krishi Bhavans. The average cost of vegetable cultivation works out to Rs. 50,000/- per ha.
The Vegetable seed production units will be established for the following vegetables to produce seeds mentioned against each.
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Organic Farming
According to Codex Alimentarius (Food Code) Commission (CAC), organic agriculture is holistic food production management system, which promotes and enhances agro-eco system health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. This is accomplished by using agronomic biological and mechanical methods, as opposed from using synthetic materials. Hence Organic Farming in horticulture is becoming increasingly important. Its environmental and economic benefits have captured attention in many countries. Consumers’ demand for organically produced food products and society’s demand for more sustainable development provide new opportunities for farming and business around the world.
The basic rules for organic production are that the natural inputs are to be applied and the synthetic inputs are prohibited. But there are exceptions in both cases, certain natural inputs determined by various certification programmes to be harmful to human health or the environment are prohibited (e.g. Arsenic). Certain synthetic inputs determined to be essential and consistent with organic farming philosophy are allowed (eg Insect pheromones). An organic production system would be designed to:
i. Enhance biological diversity within the system;
ii. Increase soil biological activity;
iii. Maintain long term soil fertility
iv. Recycle plant and animal waste;
v. Rely on renewable resources in locally organized system;
vi. Promote healthy use of soil, water and air and minimize all forms of pollution;
vii. Handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all stages.
In view of the growing demand for the organically produced food items worldwide the natural advantages in this regard needs to be fully exploited. In order to help the growers obtain the required certification for organically produced crops, awareness has to be generated through training and distribution of information material. During 2006-07 assistance will be provided for organic cultivation of Pineapple ( 200 ha.), Ginger (300 ha.) and Banana ( 2000 ha.) at a cost of Rs. 250.0 lakhs under SHM schemes. For adopting organic farming for perennial and non perennial fruit crops, aromatic plants, spices etc additional assistance will be given over and above the area expansion programme if it is a new planting @ Rs. 10,000 per hectare subject to a limit of 4 ha per beneficiary.
The assistance will be provided for the use of organic manures like-farmyard manure, cowdung, vermiwash, slurry from biogas units, use of bio-pesticides and bio fertilizer application, like Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, adopting plant protection measures using bio control agents. For adopting Organic Farming as per recommended package of practices of KAU assistance limited to Rs.9000/- or 50% of the total cost of the materials which ever is less will be given for the above said practices. In addition to that when a garden is switched over to organic farming system it yield may be low for initial 2-3 years. Systematic adoption and practising organic farming may ensure that the crop yield is raised to the expected levels after 2-3 years. Hence assistance of Rs.1000/- per ha will be provided as compensation to the beneficiary farmers to make up for loss in yield during this conversion period provided they successfully practice organic farming cultivation as per the guidelines and directives of the department during the first year of cultivation.
The SHM will also provide financial assistance up to a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakhs for a group of farmers covering an area of 50 ha, on a case to case basis for certification of organic process/produce. It is also decided to include the cost of setting up of internal certification system and for making the system ready for certification process.
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Vermi compost units
1. Vermicompost can be used as a major input in organic farming . Production of vermi compost will assist the farmers in reducing the use of other organic manures and this will also enrich soil fertility. The unique system of homestead farming in the state also helps the establishment of large number of vermicompost units.
2. The process and mode of operation for vermicomposting is given below.
a. The size of vermicompost unit should be 20 m x 1.5 m x 0.7 m. One unit can produce 6 MT of compost in one batch of 4 months duration during the first year and 13.5 MT of compost in one batch of 4 months duration during the second year, altogether producing 18 MT in 1st year and 40.5 MT in 2nd year.
b. The tank is to be constructed with locally available raw materials such as hollow cement bricks. A small ditch and well having dimension of 5 cm width and 2.5 cm depth is to be made around the tank to keep water for preventing ants from entering into the tank and attacking earthworms. The floor of the tank is to be strengthened with cement mortar. Provision should be given in the tank for proper drainage.
c. A roof with corrugated tin sheet and iron pipes is to be constructed to save the worms from rain and heat. Thatched roof with plastic line can be adopted with a cost reduction for the same. In that case subsidy will be limited to 50% of actual cost of construction.
d. Suitable species of earthworms can be used for the production of vermicompost. Under Kerala conditions African Night Crawler and Hybrids Eudrillus euginae worms are found good. Twenty thousand earthworms are to be used initially for getting quick and efficient vermi compost production.
The estimated cost for establishment of a vermi compost unit of size 20 m x is Rs.60000 per unit. 50% cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 30000 per unit will be provided as subsidy. However, units of smaller size can also be allowed at proportionate rate of subsidy.
It is proposed to establish 1420 vermicompost units for the benefit of Banana, pineapple, Ginger, Turmeric and pepper at a cost of Rs.426.0 lakhs during 2006-07.
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Establishment of new gardens
It is proposed to expand area under the following crops through establishment of new gardens.
I. Fruits (Perennials)
1. Mango
2. Gooseberry
1. Mango
It is proposed to establish new mango orchards on a contiguous/ selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting varieties recommended for the area and their maintenance. The varieties recommended include Olour, Prior and Muvandan. The establishment cost will come to Rs. 30,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost of cultivation limited to Rs. 22500/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance for establishment will be spread over a period of three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30. In the first, second and third years respectively. Assistance for the second year will be subject to 75% survival of the plants and for the third year assistance will be subject to 90% survival of the plants. Amount of Rs.11250/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of grafts @ 120 numbers per ha
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.4500/- per Ha. and Rs.6750/- per Ha. respectively will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes.
Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals weeding and cost for top working
It is proposed to bring an area of 1400 ha under mango at a cost of Rs.157.50 lakhs for first year. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
2. Gooseberry
It is proposed to bring new area under Indian Gooseberry on a contiguous / selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting varieties recommended for the area and its maintenance. The varieties recommended include Kanchan, Krishna, Champakkad local etc. The cost of establishment will come to Rs. 30,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost limited to Rs. 22500/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance for establishment will be spread over a period of three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30 In the first, second and third years. Assistance for the second year will be subjected to 75% survival of the plants and for the third year assistance will be subjected to 90% survival of the plants. Amount of Rs.11250/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of grafts @ 150 numbers per ha
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.4500/- per Ha. and Rs.6750/- per Ha. respectively will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals
It is proposed to bring an area of 150 ha under the crop at a cost of Rs.150.0 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
II. Fruits (non perennials)
1. Banana
It is proposed to provide assistance for area expansion of Nendran poovan, Rasakadali, etc. Good quality disease free planting materials available locally and tissue culture plantlets can be utilized. Assistance to farmers is limited to 50% or Rs. 15,000/- per ha for a period of 3 years in the ratio 50:20:30. for critical components such as planting materials, manures, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals. . Amount of Rs.7500/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of suckers @ 2500 per ha
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.3000/- per Ha. and Rs.4500/- per Ha. respectively will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes
Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals
It is proposed to bring an area of 10000 ha under the crop at a financial assistance of Rs.750.0 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple provides scope for expansion of fruit processing industry. It is proposed to give assistance for area expansion of pineapple. The cost of cultivation per hectare will be around Rs.30000/-. 50% of this amount subject to a maximum of Rs. 15,000/- per hectare would be provided to farmers as subsidy for undertaking area expansion in new areas for meeting the cost of planting material and inputs. The assistance will be disbursed in three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30. Amount of Rs.7500/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of suckers
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.3000/- per Ha. and Rs.4500/- per Ha. respectively will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes
Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals
It is proposed to bring an area of 2000 ha under the crop at a financial assistance of Rs.150.0 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
3. Floriculture
1.Cut flowers – Cut flowers like orchids, anthurium, roses and heliconia are best suited for the State, as they do not require open area for cultivation. It has great demand both in domestic and export markets.
Orchid and anthurium varieties
It is estimated that the total cost of cultivation per 1 hectare of orchid and anthurium comes to Rs. 70000/-. It is proposed to give 50% assistance @ Rs. 35000/- per unit to Small &Marginal farmers only. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 2 ha. For other farmers the subsidy allowable is 33% of the cost @ Rs.23100/- per Ha. and maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha. Payment will be made to the beneficiary based on investments made and rate of survival of plants. 75% survival of the plants should be ensured before release of subsidy.
The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 50% or 33% as the case may be of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of planting materials
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, materials to regulate temperature &light, and to provide irrigation as per recommended package of practices.
It is proposed to bring an area of 50 ha under the crop at a financial assistance of Rs.17.50 lakhs.
2. Loose flowers - Aster, Jasmine, Crossandra, Chrysanthemum, Marygold, Tuberose, Rose petals, Lotus petals are best suited for the State, as they have great demand both in domestic and export markets.
It is estimated that the total cost of cultivation of loose flowers comes to Rs. 24000/-per Ha.It is proposed to give 50% assistance @ Rs. 12000/- per unit to Small &Marginal farmers only. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 2 ha. For Other farmers the subsidy allowable is 33% of the cost @ Rs.7920/- per Ha. and maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha. Payment will be made to the beneficiary based on investments made and rate of survival of plants. 75% survival of the plants should be ensured before release of subsidy.
The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 50% or 33% as the case may be, of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of planting materials
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, and to provide irrigation as per recommended package of practices.
It is proposed to bring an additional area of 215 ha under the crop this year at a financial assistance of Rs.25.80 lakhs.
4.Spices
1.Ginger
Trade ginger varieties such as Cochin ginger and Calicut ginger which have low fibre and characteristic flavour and pungency have tremendous export scope. It is proposed to give assistance for area expansion under ginger. The cost of cultivation per hectare will be around Rs.15000/-. 75% of this amount subject to a maximum of Rs. 11250/- per hectare would be provided as subsidy to farmers for undertaking cultivation in new areas for meeting the cost of planting material and inputs. The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 50% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of planting materials
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, as per recommended package of practices.
It is proposed to bring an additional area of 1500 ha under the crop during the financial year with a financial assistance of Rs.168.75 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
2. Turmeric
Considering its demand in the international as well as domestic markets there is much scope for bringing in more area under this crop. It is proposed to give assistance for area expansion of turmeric. Dugrala and Kodur varieties are generally recommended. Thekkurpetta variety is also recommended for Ernakulam area. The cost of cultivation per hectare will be around Rs.15000/-. 75% of this amount subject to a maximum of Rs.11250/- per hectare would be provided to farmers as subsidy for undertaking area expansion in new areas for meeting the cost of planting material and inputs. The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes.
a. Cost of planting materials
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, as per recommended package of practices.
It is proposed to bring an area of 500 ha under the crop with a financial assistance of Rs.56.25 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4 ha.
3. Nutmeg
It is proposed to extend nutmeg cultivation on a contiguous / selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting high yielding varieties of nutmeg grafts recommended for the area and its maintenance. The varieties recommended by KAU and IISR will be cultivated. The cost of establishment will come to Rs. 15,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost of cultivation limited to Rs.11250/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance proposed per Ha. will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of grafts for planting
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals, as per recommended package of practices.
It is proposed to bring an additional area of 150 ha under the crop during the year with a financial assistance of Rs.16.875 lakhs. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
4. Plantation Crops
1. Cashew
It is proposed to extend cashew cultivation on a contiguous / selected area basis in private lands adopting suitable comprehensive production technologies with the technical advice of KAU. Assistance will be provided for planting high yielding varieties of cashew grafts recommended for the area by KAU and its maintenance. The varieties recommended include Kanaka, Dhana, Dhanasree, priyanka, Anakha etc. The cost of establishment will come to Rs. 15,000/- per ha. 75% of the cost of cultivation limited to Rs.11250/- per ha is proposed as subsidy. The assistance for establishment will be spread over a period of three years in the ratio of 50: 20: 30 for the first, second and third years. Assistance for the second year will be subject to 75% survival of the plants and for the third year assistance will be subject to 90% survival of the plants. . Amount of Rs.11250/- per Ha.released during the 1st year will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
a. Cost of grafts @ 120 per ha.
b. Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals etc as per recommended package of practices.
During the second and third year the amount of assistance provided @ Rs.4500/- per Ha. and Rs.6750/- per Ha. respectively will be 75% of the cost for the following purposes
Cost of fertilizers, manures, PP chemicals weeding and cost for top working
It is proposed to bring an area of 1000 ha under Cashew at a cost of Rs.56.25 lakhs for first year. Maximum area per beneficiary admissible for subsidy will be 4ha.
11.Medicinal Plants
The demand of medicinal plants is increasing throughout the world with the growing awareness against synthetics and inclination towards naturals. Considering the up rise in the global market demand and potential of growing medicinal plants the State Horticulture Mission has proposed establishment of new gardens for medicinal plants.
The major varieties of medicinal plants popularly grown are
a. Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum)
b. Thippali (Piper longum.Linn)
c. Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.)
d. Nilappana kizhangu (Curculigo orchioides Goertin)
e. Kodampuli (Garcenia gummi-gutta)
f. Wayambu (Acorus calamus)
g. Kanjiram (Andrographis paniculata)
h. Sathavari (Asparagus racemosus)
i. Chakkarakolli (Gymnema sylvestre)
j. Kurumthotti (Sida Cordifolia)
k. Chittamruthu (Tinospora cordifolia)
l. Menthoni (Gloriosa Superba)
m. Chittadalotakom (Adhatoda beddomei)
n. Koovalam (Aegle marmelos)
o. Sarpagandhi (Rauvolfia serpentina)
p. Kattarvazha (Aloe vera )
q. Veppu (Azadirachta indica)
r. Koduveli (Plumbago rosea)
s. Pathimugham (Caesalpinia sappan) etc.
The average cost of cultivation per hectare is worked out to be Rs.22500/- and 50 percent of the cost of cultivation is provided as assistance. It is proposed to bring an area of100 Ha. with a subsidy of Rs.11.25 lakhs.
Following general guidelines are also issued for releasing subsidy under area expansion.
The Mission envisages coverage of large areas under improved varieties of horticultural crop. A farmer will be eligible for receiving assistance, normally, for one crop. The cost of raising new plantations will vary from crop to crop. The cost, norms indicated in Annexure III are indicative. The new gardens as far as possible be established in a contiguous area and a display board demarcating the area be exhibited
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Rejuvenation/Replacement of senile plantations
Low productivity of perennial crops like cashew and pepper due to small size of holdings, preponderance of old and senile trees and poor management of inputs such as water, nutrients and pesticides including disease affected pepper, and cashew plantations are commonly seen in large tracts in different parts of the country. These have brought down the average productivity. Under the SHM, it is proposed to take up productivity improvement programmes through removal of senile plantations, re-plantation with fresh stock supported with appropriate and integrated combination of inputs, pruning and grafting techniques. The programme will be implemented through individual farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, self-help groups, NGOs, growers’ associations and commodity organizations. The assistance for rejuvenating senile plantations will be @ Rs. 50% of the cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- per ha limited to 2 ha per beneficiary.
1. Rejuvenation of pepper
In the current year Action Plan (2006-07) of State Horticulture Mission approved by National Horticulture Mission an amount of Rs.1500 lakhs is provided as assistance for rejuvenation of 10,000 ha. pepper garden. In the action plan for 2005-06, 5000 ha. has been kept for rejuvenation with an assistance of 750 lakhs.
Pepper is one of the most important dollar-earning crops in Kerala. The State enjoys virtual monopoly in its production accounting for about 81 per cent of the nations production and bagging 37 per cent of the total export earnings from pepper. The area under the crop in the State is 216440 ha 92003-04) 2,37,669 ha. (2004-05), 216759 (2005-06). The present average yield is only 319 kg/ha (2003-04), 316 kg. per ha. in 2004-05 against a potential of 1000 kg/ha under better management practices.
The present low productivity is due to senile and disease affected vines and poor management practices. Hence this programme is concentrated in the major traditional pepper growing districts, ie Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kozhikode.
The main objectives of the schemes are
1. To rejuvenate pepper gardens by removing senile and diseased plants and by filling gaps and to put to new standards if lost.
2. To enhance production by adopting scientific management practices.
3. To augment average productivity to 1000 kg/ha by growing pepper in most suitable locations and restricted on poorly suited places
4. To increase employment opportunity
5. To increase export
6. To reduce the cost of cultivation and increase overall income from the land.
The cost of cultivation for rejuvenation of one hectare of pepper garden comes about Rs.30000 per hectare. The assistance for rejuvenating senile plantations will be @ 50 per cent of the cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 15,000 per hectare limited to 5 ha per beneficiary. The proposed subsidy is to meet the cost of pepper rooted cuttings and cost of soil ameliorants, manures, fertilizers, bio control agents and PP chemicals etc as in the following order.
a. Cost of rooted cuttings ie. 40 per cent of total recommended population
b. Application of the organic manure/FYM as per the package of practices of KAU
c. Application of chemical fertilizers as per the packages of practices
d. Application of PP chemicals as per the packages of practices
e. Application of Bio-control agents like Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and soil ameliorants etc with other components of IPM and INM.
f. Other expenses like cost of standards, cultural expenses, like shading, training, pruning, twining vines to standard etc.
The estimated cost of rejuvenation at 1 ha. pepper is Rs.30,000/- as follows:
1. Cost of rooted cuttings for replacing senile, diseased - Rs. 2,000 Vines@ 40% of total recommended population.
2. Cost of vermi compost/FYM/Organic manure - Rs.11, 000
3. Chemical Fertilizers - Rs. 5,000
4. Cost of Bio-control agents, soil ameliorants etc. - Rs. 5,000
5. Cost of PP chemicals - Rs. 5,000
6. Other expenses - Rs. 2,000
Total - Rs.30,000
While calculating eligible subsidy 50 per cent of total cost will be considered instead of 50 per cent of expenses incurred in each component.
Murukku (Erythrina indica), Karayam or Killingil (Garuga pinnata), Ailanthus sp etc are suitable standards for growing pepper. The recommended spacing for planting standards is 3 m x 3 m on plain lands and 2 m between plants in rows across the slope and 4 m between rows on sloppy lands. For planting pepper, prepare pits of size 50 cm x 50 cm on the northern side of standards, 15 cm away from it. The pits will be filled with a mixture of topsoil and compost or FYM @ 5 kg/pit and plant 2-3 rooted cuttings in the pits at a distance about 30 cm away from the standards.
For existing vines, apply FYM/Compost/Green leaves at the rate of 10 Kg/plant/annum just at onset of SW monsoon and general recommended dosage for pepper (3 years and above) is 50:50:150 gm N: P: K/vine/year and for Panniyur and similar varieties 50:50:200 gm/vine and that of Kozhikode and similar areas is 140:55:275 gm/vine.
The bio-control agent Trichoderma is effectively used against quick wilt disease. The recommended dosage is 1-2 kg. per 100 kg. neem cake - cowdung mixture. Pseudomonas fluorescense are group of bacteria and very effective against diseases of pepper like pollu disease, foot rot etc. It is a talc-based formulation at 1-2 per cent level used for soil drenching and spraying.
It is estimated that around 40% of the pepper plantations in the state are old and senile. Majority of the traditional pepper plantation are poorly managed leading to low productivity of 275-300 kg/ha. However, there is potential for improving productivity to one ton/ha through better management. A systematic rehabilitation programme is also reported to be over due in the pepper growing districts. The proposed subsidy is to meet the cost of pepper cuttings and cost of soil ameliorants, manures, fertilizers, bio control agents and PP chemicals. An area of 10000 ha with an assistance of Rs.1500.00 lakhs will be rehabilitated under the programme.
2. Rejuvenation of cashew
It is estimated that around 34% of the cashew plantations in the state have become old and senile. Majority of the traditional cashew plantation come under non descriptive varieties with wide variation in character and poor yield. The proposed subsidy under the programme is to meet the cost of cut and removal of old trees, cost of grafts, manures, fertilizers, and PP chemicals. It is proposed to bring an area of 5000 ha under rejuvenation of cashew with an assistance of Rs.750.00 lakhs.
3. Rejuvenation of Cocoa
It is proposed to rejuvenate cocoa cultivation on a contiguous area basis as inter crop in gardens like coconut and arecanut. Varieties under Forastero recommended by KAU will be advocated. The assistance of rejuvenation will come to Rs. 15,000/- per ha. The proposed subsidy under the programme is to meet the cost of cut and removal of old trees, cost of grafts, manures, fertilizers, and PP chemicals. It is proposed to bring an area of 500 ha under rejuvenation of cocoa.
The given general guidelines will be followed while implementing the programme
a. The selection of farmers should be done by Agricultural Officers of concerned Krishi Bhavans and this list of beneficiaries should get approved by District Level Committee of State Horticulture Mission headed by District Collectors.
b. While selecting farmers preference should be given to small and marginal farmers, SC/ST farmers and women farmers etc.
c. The scheme will be implemented in a contiguous area on contract basis.
d. The planting materials will be purchased from Department farms, institutions of KAU, ICAR and Government approved nurseries.
e. The quality of inputs like organic manures, bio-control agents, PPC, Soil ameliorants should be ensured before the supply.
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Protected Cultivation
Activities like green house construction and shade net would be promoted.
1. Green House
Poly house technologies have been standardized to grow orchids and anthuriums. The greenhouse will also help in checking the pest and disease infestation to crop since the cultivation is under controlled condition. The green house will cover an area of 20ha and an amount of Rs. 192.00 lakhs has been provided. The Estimated Cost of a green house is Rs. 650/m2 for Hitech and Rs. 250/m2 for Normal. 50% of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 325/m2 for hitech and Rs. 125/m2 for normal, limited to 1000 m2/beneficiary will be provided as subsidy. The green house structure can also be constructed by the beneficiaries themselves using local materials approved by the Director of Agriculture. However, materials should be only UV stabilized films, which can be obtained from IPCL or other companies approved by the Directorate of Agriculture.
2. Shade Net
Shade net is used to grow plants, which grow under comparatively low light intensity. Flowering plants like anthurium and orchids are grown under shade net of different intensities. Shade net also reduce transpiration rate saving water. It is proposed under the project to provide shade net for an area of 100 ha. The actual cost will be Rs.14 per m2 . 50% of cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 3500 per 500 m2 limited to 2 ha per beneficiary will be given as subsidy.
3. Mulching
Mulching is proposed in300 Ha. at a total assistance of Rs.21.00 lakhs. (Rs. 7000/-Ha.)
4.Plastic Tunnel
Rs.25.00 lakhs is ear marked as assistance for the construction of plastic tunnel in an area of 50 Ha.
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Creation of Water Sources
It is proposed to make small ponds of sizes varying from 0.1 to 1.0 ha. Ponds of various sizes will be mixed to cover a total area of 150 ha. Under the Mission assistance would be provided for creating water sources through construction of community tanks, farm ponds/reservoirs. The assistance will be limited to Rs.10 lakhs per unit for an area of 1 ha to be taken up on community basis. The construction work will be entrusted to a beneficiary community. Maintenance of the water source will also be the responsibility of the community.
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Integrated Pest Management
IPM has become inevitable because of the environment pollution and eco degeneration brought about by intensive agriculture. Therefore, farmers require systematic education on IPM, which employs alternative methods of pest control including cultural methods, mechanical methods, use of bio control agents, etc.
The main objectives of the scheme are:-
i. To keep pests and diseases of crops below Economic Threshhold (ETL) by adopting an integrated pest management practice.
ii. Creating awareness among farmers on the prominent pests and diseases, which cause severe damage to the crops and suggest measures to prevent outbreak or to contain outbreak.
It is proposed to cover 30000 ha under IPM with an assistance of Rs.20.00 lakhs. The crops proposed are pepper, ginger pineapple, and banana. An amount of Rs. 2000 is estimated as the expenditure. 50% of cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 1000/- per ha, limited to 4 ha per beneficiary will be paid as subsidy.
Assistance for setting up sanitary and phyto sanitary certification facilities would be provided to the Public Sector on project basis. Assistance will also be extended for meeting the cost of sanitary and phyto sanitary certificates for importing/exporting horticultural produce and planting material on case to case basis.
1. IPM on Pepper
The foot rot disease of pepper occurs mainly during Southwest monsoon season and all parts of the plant are vulnerable to the attack. Regular and integrated adoption of phyto sanitary measures is very essential for the management of this disease and further spread. They include removal of dead vines along with root system from the garden, use of disease free planting material, minimum tillage to avoid soil disturbance and root damage, provision of adequate drainage facilities and application of Trychoderma and Pseudomonas multiplied in suitable carrier media during May-June and second application during August -September.. Whenever ariel symptoms of food rot disease is noticed, spraying of 1% Bordeaux mixture recommended. It is proposed to bring 500 ha under IPM for pepper.
2. IPM on Ginger
Rhizome rot is the major disease of ginger. Inoculation with Trichoderma and pseudomonas at the time of planting is recommended. When incidence is noted in the field, the affected plants have to be dug out and the bed be drenched with cheshunt compound or 1%Bordeaux mixture or .3% mancozeb. It is proposed to bring an area of 300 ha under IPM for ginger
3. IPM on Pineapple
Plant protection measures against major pests and diseases has to be undertaken on contiguous area basis by adopting package of practices recommendations in consultation with the Agricultural Officers of local Krishi Bhavans. Organic pesticides will be used as far as possible. It is proposed to bring 200 ha under IPM for Pineapple.
4. IPM on Banana
Plant protection measures against major pests and diseases has to be undertaken on contiguous area basis by adopting package of practices recommendations in consultation with the Agricultural Officers of local Krishi Bhavans. Organic pesticides will be used as far as possible. It is proposed to bring 2000 ha under IPM for Banana.
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General Instructions
1. The Programmes will be undertaken scientifically as per the package of practices recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University.
Wednesday,July 25, 20182. The procedures followed in the schemes of Department of Agriculture should be adopted in the absence of specific working instructions under State Horticulture Missions.
3. The farmers will be permitted to use only superior quality inputs.
4. The inputs can be purchased by the farmers only from approved firms or through Service Cooperative Banks/Societies or govt. agencies of their area.
5. The subsidy will be disbursed in the order of planting material, fertilizers, PP chemicals, bio control agents, organic manures etc only after ensuring the 100 percent utilization of the inputs and should be visible in the field on inspection.
6. No component wise ceiling is fixed under SHM programmes. But overall subsidy ceiling may be strictly observed and subsidy will be limited to 50% of the amount spent subject to the maximum of 50 percent of the unit value fixed.
7. The cash vouchers will be received and examined thoroughly by the Agricultural Officers in the Krishibhavan before approval.
8. The Deputy Director of Agriculture will effect payment based on the utilization certification of the Agricultural officer and on recommendation by the Assistant Directors of Agriculture concerned.
9. All the claims should be placed in the DLC and get it passed and the statement of the beneficiaries with address of all schemes to be kept in bound form in all Krishi bhavans and a copy of the same has to be placed in the NIC net system for assessment of SHM.
10. All the programmes allotted to district should be implemented with approval from DLC/DHM.
11. The quality of the inputs like fertilizers, PP chemicals, bio control agents, organic manures may be tested by proper lab analysis. Quality testing by Department of Agriculture and University/ICAR laboratory is compulsory.
12. The procedure for making available the subsidy will be transparent and decided by DLC. But it should be beneficial to the farmers and ensure that the assistance is given to the farmers without any difficulty.
13. The valuation of shade net, green house, creation of water resources will be done by Assistant Directors of Agriculture.
14. The material for shade net, green houses will be purchased from approved firms as per Bureau of Indian standards and specification prescribed by Directorate of Agriculture.
15. The planting material utilized for the programmes should be purchased from Kerala Agricultural University, Agricultural Department, Research institutions of ICAR or nursery funded by NHM. If sufficient material is not available, it should be purchased from SHM nurseries or nurseries approved by Department of Agriculture.
16. The subsidy from SHM will be released only after ensuring the utilization of inputs as per POP and the total cost for development as per the NHM guidelines and on seeing the effect of application in the field, as back ended subsidy
17. The quality of planting material purchased from approved nurseries will be ensured by a committee consisting of experts from Kerala Agricultural University, ICAR and SHM and after inspection and quality certification.