ANNUAL PLAN 2002-03
Agriculture

DEMAND NO. 1

1. Sikkim has total geographical area of 7,09,600 hectare, of which the area under Operational Holding a about 1,10,000 hectare i.e. 15.5% of the total geographical area.

2. Of this, the net cultivated area is about 79,000 hectare i.e. only about 11.13% of the geographical area. The area under crop has been decreasing due to diversion of land for industry, road, schools, hospital, buildings etc. The extension of area under cultivation is not possible. The area and production statistics of the depart department is made by extrapolation of the benchmark data. A thorough survey of area and production of crops is under progress and likely to be completed by March 2002.

3. Although the irrigated area in the state is about 15% of the Operational Holding, the area under assured irrigation is less than 5%. All the area under paddy crop has been considered as irrigated area but.

a. Many paddy fields cannot be irrigated even in the Kharif season if the rainfall is less than normal resulting in inadequate surface runoff in the stream that can be collected for puddling of rice field. In 2001 Kharif season many paddy field could not be transplanted due to less rainfall (the rainfall was 34% less than normal); the question of irrigating these field is out of question during Rabi season.

b. In many paddy field, the raising of seedlings are delayed when there is inadequate rainfall during the pre-monsoon the delayed seedling raising lead to delayed transplanting Hence agriculture in the state is practically all Rainfed.

4. The State is wholly a hilly state with no plan land.

5. The agro-climatic condition ranges from sub-tropical type in the lower valleys to alpine condition in the upper reaches. No single Crop or the variety of crop can suit to all the elevation. The crop and the variety have to be different for different elevation and sometimes even the different aspect of slope due to the presence of mighly Kanchenjunga range of mountain in the Northwest of the state.

6. Less than 3% of the land has been classified as the land of Capability Class I. The cultivation is done in slopping topography with or without proper bench terracing which call for careful approaches and scientific systems of land utilization so as to realize maximum benefit.

7. Except the paddy field, more than 50% other lands are either improperly terraced or unterraced. As a consequence.

a. Plant nutrient area lost by runoff and leaching when there is high intensity rain during the monsoon.

b. Cultivation is difficult due to slopping land. In some of the places even ploughing using bullock is not possible and the whole operation is done manually, though these field can be properly terraced for making broad terraced.

8. The total rainfall ranges from 80-100 inches – the east district receiving the higher rainfall than the south district. But the rainfall is not uniformly distributed. The rainfall is very high and of very high intensity from May to September and tapers to almost zero by December-February. The rainfall of most of the years shows that during the Rabi season, the amount of precipitation does not meet the loss of soil moisture due to evaporation alone .

9. No system of harvesting the rainfall of the monsoon and utilisation during the Rabi season has been established. Some harvesting structures made in the recent years have been quite successful.

10. The literacy rate of the state is higher than the national average. In the absence of adequate number of other industry and more and more educated person may have to find their employment in agriculture or agro based industry. This will require.

a. Mechanisation of agriculture.

b. Agriculture not as medium of subsistence but as business enterprise

c. High level of inputs and technology.

11. The state is deficit in food coupled with the rice based food habit. With intensive cultivation and slight change of food habit, the state can even strive for food self-sufficiency. It will be much cheaper to import fertiliser than the food itself as every unit of fertiliser increases the food production by two or more units. Irrespective of whether it is food or fertiliser, the transportation cost in the hill is very high. The question whether it would be more economical to provide more incentive/subsidy in the production input or provide food in subsidised rate may require through analysis.

12. Although horticulture is more profitable for the state, if has been the tendency with the average farmers that he will look for food security and will grow annual crops in preference to meet his requirement. To make the state as horticultural state, the stepping step will be to have a intensive agriculture so that his requirement is met from less area and the rest is diverted to horticulture (fruits, cardamom etc. requires long gestation period)

13. Approximately 64% of the working population is dependent in agriculture and horticulture and contribute about 30% of the State GDP.

14. The principle field crops grown include cereals like maize, rice, wheat, finger-millet, barley, buckwheat, pulses like urd, rice been, field-pea, cluster-bean and rajmah; oilseeds like soybean, rapeseed and mustard.

15. The investment in agriculture has been stagnant or rather tapering over the successive plan period. The investment pattern is as under.

SIKKIM 8^TH PLAN EXPENDITURE

TOTAL STATE Agriculture % to agriculture 1992-93 12033 1183.3 0.0983 1993-94 11989 987.82 0.0824 1994-95 13250 1215.1 0.0917 1995-96 21078 1572.3 0.0746 1996-97 19279 1158.6 0.0601 8th Plan 77628.6 6116.98 0.0788 1997-98 22000 861 0.0391 198-99 19383 861 0.0444 1999-2000 25000 854 0.0342 2000-201 28000 609 0.0218 2001-2002 281.5 755 0.0268 TOTAL 122533 3940 0.0322

The above figure includes agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation. In 2001-2001, the expenditure on establishment cost (salary, office expense, motor vehicle, MR etc.) amounted to 45% for agriculture and 56% for soil conservation. The major development expenditure for agriculture was on seed and fertiliser. The allocation for the IXth Plan for Crop Husbandry for Agriculture was 57% of approved outlay of 80.00 crore and that of Soil & Water Conservation was 14% of approved outlay of 16.25 crore.

16. In spite of limited area of cultivated land, smaller land holdings, difficult hilly terrain, diverse agro-climatic conditions prevailing at short distances, low farm income and lack of supportive infrastructures for agricultural development, the State has achieved to sustain a larger portion of the food requirement with its effort for improving agricultural production.

17. The population of the state has increase by 32.98% say 33% over a decade (1991-2001) but the import of the food has increased by around 22% only indicating that there has been a substantial increase in the production of food. The estimate of area and production has been made by extrapolation of the base data (earlier estimation based on the crop cutting experiment done in 1 square mater area, when the net sown area on the average in the state range from 40.65% of the gross area due to area covered by terrace riser, boulders, stream bank, fodder grass/tree etc.) which is being revised by intensive survey of area and production, which is likely to be completed by March 2002, Unit then, the figure projected is only a estimate.

18. Between the period between 1975 and 1990, there was tremendous increase in the departments and also employment in the Government jobs. The state has an employment of over 25,000 as regular employee and over 10,000 as muster Roll employee, thereby leaving a very little room for further employment in the government sector. The industrialisation has also not picket up as yet as anticipated and hence the population may have to find employment in the agriculture sector.

19. The Department is now fully strengthened to take up the agriculture development programme in right perspective. The department has a VLW in every Panchayat, a Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer in every Subdivision and senior level officer of the rank of Joint Director at district level assisted by Dy Directors independently for Extension & Director at District level assisted by Dy Directors independently for Extension & Training and Research & Development. The Department has 10 Research cum seed multiplication farm manned by Agriculture Farm Research Officer. The minimum training of practically all the technical persons will be completed by December 2001.

20. There is no agriculture college in the state and the ICAR centre has been in existence for over 25 years but with less than 25% of sanctioned scientific staff. Accordingly the department has to depend on its own adaptive research. For this the department, which has already a cadre of specialist but most of them with only graduation degree, will have to send its officers for post graduation as in-service candidates.

STRATEGY PROPOSED TO BE ADPTED.

I Adequate investment in Land development and Water harvesting structure including sprinkler irrigation.

II. Strengthening the government farms to meet the requirement of

a. Adaptive trials and research work.

b. Testing of the new technologies before taking to the farmers

c. Production of Foundation and first general Certified Seed.

d. Serving as demonstration farm.

e. Training Centre for the area covered by it. This would involve

i. Strengthening of the existing Government Farms.

ii. Establishment of new farms (One Government farm at Pakyong has been given to ICAR for National Orchid Centre, one at Namchi for Public School, one at Gaucharan for Sikkim Himalayan Orchid Limited, Part at Namli for KVK, part at Daramdin for School, part at Gyalshing for School etc.)

III. Encouraging private Seed Farms as Joint Venture undertaking No private entrepreneurs venture to take up the seed production industry due to stringent land sale/transfer/lease system of the state unless the State Government takes up a joint collaborator.

IV. Mechanisation of Farming

The high literacy rate has weaned away the manpower from the agriculture sector to other sector and the educated youth shy off taking up agriculture in the absence of farm mechanisation. With adequate investment in land development, the mechanisation of agriculture is one of the priority sectors. The approach could be

i) Large scale testing of Power tillers, power/bullock drawn tools and implements, improved harvesting and threshing tools and implements including storage in the government farms followed by farmers field.

ii) Provide adequate subsidy to the farmers to adopt these improved tools and implements in the beginning to the tapered off progressively.

V. Large Scale demonstration on package technology involving HYV, fertiliser and IPM

The main emphasis will be on consumption of fertilizer as the present level of fertiliser use in the state is one of the lowest in the country (Less than 10 Kg/Ha). The demonstration to be effective it is proposed.

a. To cover every village in the state

b. Every farmer for 2 years in succession so that the farmers is well convinced

c. All the farmers are covered by 6-10 years (instead of repeating the same farmers, the demonstration will cover all the farmers over a period of time)

VI. Development of Human Resource through

a. Regular iraining of the farmers

i. In the field

ii. In the training centre to be established in each district with hostel facilities

b. Up gradation of the skill of the extension staff

c. Strengthening the skill of the specialist

VII. Post harvest storage, processing, packing including consumption (the emphasis will be to encourage to have more of wheat based food)

VIII. Strengthening of the date base

The status of IX" Plan and the proposal for X’ Plan vis-à-vis are as under:

A. CROP HUSBANDRY

1. DIRECTION & ADMINISTRATION.

The present set up will continue. The expenditure during IXth plan and the proposal for Xth Plan is as under

(Rs in lakh)

 

2. HIGH YIELDING VARIETIES PROGRAMME

The objective of the programme is to introduce and promote new and better high yielding and improved varieties of field crops in the State. The physical target reflects the cumulative level of increase because the programme involves varietals replacement from 5% in the case of open-pollinated varieties to 100% in F-1 hybrids. The Physical and financial achievement and the targets are as follows.

(Rs in lakh) Sl. No Item of Expenditure Unit 2001-2002 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial   HYV Seeds (Deficit)             (a) Cereals Tonnes 246.00   270.00 48.00   (b) Pulses Tonnes 3.00   10.00     (c) Oilseeds Tonnes -   10.00   1. Total (1)   249.00 43.20 290.00 48.00   HYV Demonstration             (a) Cereals Tonnes 24.00   27.00     (b) Pulses Tonnes 0.30   1.00     (c) Oilseeds Tonnes -   1.00   2. Total (2)   24.90 4.80 29.00         - 48.00       HYV Coverage             (a) HYV ‘000 Ha     2.70 -   (b) Improved Varieties ‘000 Ha     1.50 - 3. Other Charges       - - 4. TOTAL (1+2) Tonnes     - 48.00

 

3. SEED MULTIPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION

the production and distribution of improved seeds of field crops constitutes as the primary activity of agricultural development. The scheme aims to produce quality seeds and ensure supply of improved seeds of field crops to farmers at right time and in adequate quantities in the State. Sikkim, having not covered under the National Seed Project as well as having no State Seeds Corporation, requires at least the basic infrastructures for seed testing, certification and quality control of seeds.

(Rs in lakh) Sl. No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Establishment - - 110.00 - 16.50 2. Farm Seed Production             (a) Cereals Tonnes 270.00 81.00 52.00     (b) Pulses Tonnes 13.10 8.00 2.30     (c) Oilseeds Tonnes 30.00 18.00 5.00     Total (2) Tonnes 313.10 107.00 59.30 3.95 3. Farmer’s Field             Seed Production             (a) Cereals Tonnes 410.00 82.00 50.00     (b) Pulses Tonnes 70.00 28.00 10.00     (c) Oilseeds Tonnes 70.00 28.00 10.00     Total (3) Tonnes 550.00 138.00 70.00 5.00 4. Seed Testing & Certification             (a) Seed Testing ‘000 No. 26.80 7.00 5.00 1.00   (b) Seed Certification Ha. 740.00 22.00 100.00 0.50 5. Seed Processing & Distribution Tonnes 863.10 20.00 129.30 6.00 6. Other Expenditure (Packaging, seed law enforcement, store, maintenance, publication & publicity, trainings, buffer & Other deficit stocks, etc.)   - 30.00     7. Capital Expenditure Nos. 5.00 25.00 1.00 5.00   TOTAL - - 459.00 - 37.95

 

4. AGRICULTURE FARMS

Based on different agro-climatic regions and sub-regions, the State has 10 Agriculture Farms, each having area ranging from mere 0.85 to over 30 hectares. For each Agriculture Farm, infrastructures in terms of farm, office, stores and other farm structures at the bare minimum level have been established along with the posting of qualified agriculture officers and staff. The main objectives of these farms are to conduct adaptive research trials, to multiply seeds of promising pre-released crop varieties and to demonstrate recommended or improved crop production practice. In addition, there are several V.L.W. Centre Demonstration Farms of less than one hectares size each to demonstrate improved agricultural inputs and package of practices as a method of transfer of technology to farmers in the respective areas of operation.

It is envisaged to upgrade and consolidate the physical facilities of Agriculture Farms as well as V.L.W. Centre Demonstration Farms in terms of technical manpower, land development, fencing, irrigation facilities, construction or renovation of residential buildings, threshing floors and other farm structures. The farms will further be equipped with improved implements, hand tools and other related accessories to render greater efficiency to various activities of Agriculture Farms and V.L.W. Centre Demonstration Farms. With the reorganisation of the Department with the creation of posts at the Sub-divisional and watershed levels, it is felt necessary to acquire land at appropriate locations for establishment of required infrastructures.

Sl.No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Establishment - - 168.00 - 76.00 2. Minor Works Nos. 44.00 40.00 8.00 17.00 3. Farm Maintenance Nos. 44.00 9.00 8.00 11.00 4. Farm Improvement Ha. 16.00 4.00 2.00 3.00 5. Farm Acquisition Ha. 20.00 50.00 - 0.00 6. Capital Expenditure Nos. 20.00 190.00 3.00 17.00   TOTAL - - 461.00 - 124.00

5. MANURES & FERTILISERS

The consumption of fertilisers, one of the most important agricultural inputs for enhancing production and productivity of crops, one of the lowest in the Country. Efforts will be made to improve use of fertilizers through promotional measures like subsidy and demonstrations. Effective distribution through the Sikkim Marketing Federation (SIMFED) will be emphasised in the State. Further, corrective measures will be undertaken to improve upon the availability of requisite macro- and micronutrients.

Sl. No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Salaries           2. Travel Expenses           3. Office Expenses           4. Rent, Rate & Taxes           5. Establishment     100.00   17.60 6. Materials & Supplies         5.00 7. Subsidy Grant 000 tonnes             (NPK) 6.50 195.00 0.8 50.00 8. Other Charges         10.00 9. Motor Vehicle         17.00 10. Demonstration 000 Ha. 70.00 210.00 14.00 1.00 11. Grant to SIMFED         0.00 12. Biofertilizers 000 Ha. 14.50 36.00 1.00 0.00 13. Rural Composting 000 Ha. 8.00 80.00 1.60 0.0 14. Green Manuring 000 Ha. 8.00 80.00 1.60 0.00 15. Micronutrient 000 Ha. 1.50 15.00 0.10 0.0   Total     716.00   100.60 B. SOIL TESTING Sample 000 60 115.00 10 18.70

6. PLANT PROTECTION

Plant protection programmes are cost intensive in Sikkim due to difficult terrain, high rainfall and mixed cropping system. The measures are more of protective and preventive nature duly adopting control measures on extensive campaign basis in case of occurrence of diseases and pests in endemic or epidemic forms. IPM has been given priority over blanket control measure. Emphasis is given to seed treatment, soil treatment and prophylactic measures. Further, three is an urgent need to control of rodents including stored grain pests on a campaign basis.

Sl. No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Establishment     12.00   1.50 2. Area Coverage Ha 58000 - 5000 -   Materials & Supplies Rs.   115.00   7.00   TOTAL     127.00   8.50

7. EXTENSION AND TRAINING

The extension and training activities provide the means through which transfer of technology to farmers is achieved. The scheme aims to disseminate scientific knowledge to the grassroots level through a system of training, audio-visual aids, printed materials, meetings, field days, exhibitions, crop competitions, conducted tours, group discussions, etc. including practical demonstration of crop production practices. The proposal also includes the purchase of land for setting up of the constituent College of Agriculture Engineering and Post Harvest Technology.

Sl. No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Establishment     37.50   7.50 2. Agriculture Information & Extension Education     28.50   4.50 3. Farmers training & Education 000 36.00 51.00 6.00 0.50 4. Publication, No. 200   40     Exhibition & No. 40   8     Competition No. 80 75.00 16 5.00 5. Assistance to Panchayat     40.00   16.00 6. Training Centre including land of Agri. Engineering College No.   260   0.00 7. Farmers Board         2.50   TOTAL     492.00   36.00

8. AGRICULTURE ECNOMICS AND STATISTICS

The scheme is meant to generate reliable data on every aspect of agriculture for realistic planning and implementation of various development programmes in the rural areas. This is a crucial need of the State like Sikkim where the land terrain and the agro-climatic conditions present a great deal of heterogeneity and variations. A beginning has been made in building up database for crop area statistics and compilation of realistic crop cutting results. Of late, a system of data collection, analysis and documentation has been started. Now there is need to strengthen and diversify the activities providing adequate support mechanism.

Sl. No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Crop Cutting             Experiment ‘000 Nos. 21.30 15.00 4.00 1.50 2. Other Surveys/EARAS Nos. 9.00 3.00 1.00 5.20 3. Wages & Office Expenses - - 27.00 - 2.30   TOTAL - 30.30 45.00 5.00 9.00

9. AGRICULTURE ENGINEERING

Farm mechanisation would be of considerable importance in improving productivity and efficiency in agriculture. Efforts will be made to introduce simple mechanical devices to bring about improvement in farm operations. The programmes to be implemented will be (a) to strengthen the physical facilities of the Agriculture Engineering Workshop, (b) to promote and popularise improved agricultural fools and implements like threshers, plant protection equipments, seed drills, cultivators, shellers, seed-bins, planters, ploughs, etc. and (c) to solve the problem of post-harvest processing of farm produce for increasing agricultural production in the State.

Sl. No. Item of Expenditure Unit 10th Plan 2002-2003 Physical Financial Physical Financial 1. Establishment - - 49.00 - 4.50 2. Agri. Engg. Workshop ‘000 Nos. 9.00 22.00 1.40 5.00 3. Agricultural Implements Nos. 1500.00 30.00 200.00 15.00 4. Water Management Ha. 75.00 30.00 10.00 0.00 5. Post-harvesting Facility Nos. 60.00 30.00 8.00 0.00 6. Agro-service Centre Nos. 5.00 40.00 1.00 0.00 7. Maintenance of Buildings & Structures Nos. 52.00 13.00 8.00 0.00 8. Capital Expenditure Nos. 2.00 22.00 - 0.00   TOTAL -