Schemes

E-NAM

e-NAM Overview

National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.

Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead agency for implementing eNAM under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.

VISION
To promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining of procedures across the integrated markets, removing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promoting real time price discovery based on actual demand and supply.

MISSION

Integration of APMCs across the country through a common online market platform to facilitate pan-India trade in agriculture commodities, providing better price discovery through transparent auction process based on quality of produce along with timely online payment.

National Mission For Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

Sustaining agricultural productivity depends on quality and availability of natural resources like soil and water. Agricultural growth can be sustained by promoting conservation and sustainable use of these scarce natural resources through appropriate location specific measures. Indian agriculture remains predominantly rainfed covering about 60% of the country’s net sown area and accounts for 40% of the total food production. Thus, conservation of natural resources in conjunction with development of rainfed agriculture holds the key to meet burgeoning demands for food grain in the country. Towards this end, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been formulated for enhancing agricultural productivity especially in rainfed areas focusing on integrated farming, water use efficiency, soil health management and synergizing resource conservation.

NMSA derives its mandate from Sustainable Agriculture Mission which is one of the eight Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The strategies and programmers of actions (POA) outlined in the Mission Document, that was accorded ‘in principle’ approval by Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change (PMCCC) on 23.09.2010,aim at promoting sustainable agriculture through a series of adaptation measures focusing on ten key dimensions encompassing Indian agriculture namely; ‘Improved crop seeds, livestock and fish cultures’, ‘Water Use Efficiency’, ‘Pest Management’, ‘Improved Farm Practices’, ‘Nutrient Management’, ‘Agricultural insurance’, ‘Credit support’, ‘Markets’, ‘Access to Information’ and ‘Livelihood diversification’. During XII Five Year Plan, these measures are being embedded and mainstreamed onto ongoing/proposed Missions/ programmes / Schemes of Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC&FW) through a process of restructuring and convergence. NMSA architecture has been designed by converging, consolidating and subsuming all ongoing as well as newly proposed activities/programmes related to sustainable agriculture with a special emphasis on soil & water conservation, water use efficiency, soil health management and rainfed area development. The focus of NMSA will be to infuse the judicious utilization of resources of commons through community based approach.

NMSA will cater to key dimensions of ‘Water use efficiency’, ‘Nutrient Management’ and ‘Livelihood diversification’ through adoption of sustainable development pathway by progressively shifting to environmental friendly technologies, adoption of energy efficient equipments, conservation of natural resources, integrated farming, etc. Besides, NMSA aims at promoting location specific improved agronomic practices through soil health management, enhanced water use efficiency, judicious use of chemicals, crop diversification, progressive adoption of crop-livestock farming systems and integrated approaches like crop-sericulture, agro-forestry, fish farming, etc.

Schemes under NMSA

• Rainfed Area Development (RAD): RAD is being implemented by RFS Division
• Soil Health Management (SHM): SHM is being implemented by INM Division
• Sub Mission on Agro Forestry (SMAF): SMAF is being implemented by NRM Division
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): PKVY is being implemented by INM Division
• Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI): Being implemented by RFS Division
• National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA): Being implemented by RFS Division
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Being implemented by INM Division
• National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF): Being implemented by INM Division
• Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQC&TI): implemented by INM Division

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

The major objective of PMKSY is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal waste water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in precision irrigation system. Initially Serves as the portal for all the Components of PMKSY scheme. Since PDMC scheme is implementing under RKVY, Now serving as portal for Per Drop More Crop Scheme for obtaining Physical progress as well DBT data from States and its reporting, dissemination of other aspects of the scheme.

PMKSY has been conceived amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR,RD&GR), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of Department of Land Resources (DoLR) and the On Farm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC). The scheme will be implemented by Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development. Ministry of Rural Development is to mainly undertake rain water conservation, construction of farm pond, water harvesting structures, small check dams and contour bunding etc. MoWR, RD &GR, is to undertake various measures for creation of assured irrigation source, construction of diversion canals, field channels, water diversion/lift irrigation, including development of water distribution systems. Ministry of Agriculture will promote efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm “(Jal Sinchan)”, construction of micro-irrigation structures to supplement source creation activities, extension activities for promotion of scientific moisture conservation and agronomic measures

Programme architecture of PMKSY will be to adopt a ‘decentralized State level planning and projectised execution’ structure that will allow States to draw up their own irrigation development plans based on District Irrigation Plan (DIP) and State Irrigation Plan (SIP). It will be operative as convergence platform for all water sector activities including drinking water & sanitation, MGNREGA, application of science & technology etc. through comprehensive plan. State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary of the State will be vested with the authority to oversee its implementation and sanction projects.

The programme will be supervised and monitored by an Inter-Ministerial National Steering Committee (NSC) will be constituted under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister with Union Ministers from concerned Ministries. A National Executive Committee (NEC) will be constituted under the Chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog to oversee programme implementation, allocation of resources, inter ministerial coordination, monitoring & performance assessment, addressing administrative issues etc.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Government of India has been promoting Organic farming in the country through dedicated scheme namely Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2015-16. The scheme stress on end to end support to organic farmers i.e from production to certification and marketing. Post harvest management support including processing, packing, marketing is made integral part of these schemes to encourage organic farmers.

Under PKVY, farmers are provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare/ 3 years, out of which Rs. 31,000 (62%) is provided directly through DBT for inputs (bio fertilizers, bio-pesticides, organic manure, compost, vermi-compost, botanical extracts etc).

An amount of total Rs 29.59 crore has been released to Assam for 220 clusters benefitting 11000 farmers for 4425 ha area against the target 4451 since 2015-16 to till date.

Government has initiated Large Area Certification (LAC) programme since 2020-21 to certify large traditional/default organic areas such as hills, islands, tribal or desert belt with no past history of GMO and agro chemical uses. Entire certification process gets completed within 3-6 months time. This   reduces the conversion period from 2-3 years to few months and allows farmers for marketing of their produce at premium prices.   Car Nicobar and Nancowry group of Island under the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 14,491 ha cultivable area is the first Large Contiguous Area declared as certified organic. Government of India have already sanctioned and released Rs 11.48 lakh to Union Territory of Ladakh for LAC.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is the government sponsored crop insurance scheme that integrates multiple stakeholders on a single platform.

Objectives

1. To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.

2. To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.

3. To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.

4. To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.

Gramin Bhandaran Yojna

Objective of this Scheme:

• Create scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas.
• To meet the requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce and agricultural inputs.
• Promotion of grading, standardization and quality control of agricultural produce to improve their marketability.
• Prevent distress sale immediately after harvest by providing the facility of pledge financing and marketing credit by strengthening agricultural marketing infrastructure in the country.

Livestock insurance Scheme

Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries

Livestock Insurance Scheme:
The Livestock Insurance Scheme, a centrally sponsored scheme, which was implemented on a pilot basis during 2005-06 and 2006-07 of the 10th Five Year Plan and 2007-08 of the 11th Five Year Plan in 100 selected districts. The scheme is being implemented on a regular basis from 2008-09 in 100 newly selected districts of the country. Under the scheme, the crossbred and high yielding cattle and buffaloes are being insured at maximum of their current market price. The premium of the insurance is subsidized to the tune of 50%. The entire cost of the subsidy is being borne by the Central Government. The benefit of subsidy is being provided to a maximum of 2 animals per beneficiary for a policy of maximum of three years. The scheme is being implemented in all states except Goa through the State Livestock Development Boards of respective states. The scheme is proposed to be extended to 100 old districts covered during pilot period and more species of livestock including indigenous cattle, yak & mithun.

The Livestock Insurance Scheme has been formulated with the twin objective of providing protection mechanizm to the farmers and cattle rearers against any eventual loss of their animals due to death and to demonstrate the benefit of the insurance of livestock to the people and popularize it with the ultimate goal of attaining qualitative improvement in livestock and their products.

Guidelines for Implementation of Livestock Insurance Scheme:
Livestock Sector is an important sector of national, especially rural economy. The supplemental income derived from rearing of livestock is a great source of support to the farmers facing uncertainties of crop production, apart from providing sustenance to poor and landless farmers.

For promotion of the livestock sector, it has been felt that along with providing more effective steps for disease control and improvement of genetic quality of animals, a mechanism of assured protection to the farmers and cattle rearers needs to be devised against eventual losses of such animals. In this direction, the Government approved a new centrally sponsored scheme on Livestock Insurance which was implemented on pilot basis during the 10th Plan. From 2008-09 onwards, the scheme is being implemented as a regular scheme in the100 newly selected districts till the end of 11th Five Year Plan i.e. 2011-12. The broad guidelines, subject to the plausible discretion of the Chief Executive Officers to be followed by the States for implementing the scheme are detailed below:-

• Implementing Agency:
  Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB) with the objective of bringing about genetic up-gradation of cattle and buffaloes by artificial insemination as well as acquisition of proven indigenous animals. NPCBB is implemented through State Implementing Agencies (SIAs) like State Livestock Development Boards. In order to bring about synergy between NPCBB and Livestock Insurance, the latter scheme will also be implemented through the SIAs. Almost all the states have opted for NPCBB. In states which are not implementing NPCBB or where there are no SIAs, the livestock insurance scheme will be implemented through the State Animal Husbandry Departments.
• Executive Authority:
  The Chief Executive Officer of the State Livestock Development Board will also be the executive authority for this scheme. In those states where no such Boards are in place, the Director, Department of Animal Husbandry will be the Executive Authority of the scheme. The CEO will have to get the scheme implemented in various districts through the senior most officer of the Animal Husbandry Department in the district; the necessary instructions for this purpose will have to be issued by the State Government. The Central funds for premium subsidy, payment of honorarium to the Veterinary Practitioners, awareness creation through Panchayats etc. will be placed with the S.I.A. As Executive Authority of the scheme, the Chief Executive Officers will be responsible for execution, and monitoring of the scheme. The main functions of the CEO will be:-
  1. Managing the Central funds carefully and in accordance with instructions issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India.
  2. Calling quotations from the insurance companies for implementing the scheme, carrying out negotiations with them and selecting suitable company (companies).
  3. Signing the contract with the selected insurance company/companies.
  4. Payment of subsidy premium to the Insurance Company (including advance, if any and its subsequent adjustment).
  5. Preparing district wise list of veterinary practitioners (Government/Private) and providing the same to the insurance company and also to concerned Panchayati Raj bodies.
  6. Creating awareness among the general public as well as the officials whose services may be required for implementation of the scheme.
  7. Carrying out field inspections and also facilitating field inspections by Central teams.
  8. Release of funds to the District Officers in charge of the Department of Animal Husbandry for payment of honorarium to the Veterinary Practitioners.
  9. Regular monitoring and preparation of reports for submission to the Central/State Governments.
  10. Such other functions necessarily required for efficient implementation of the scheme.

The Principal Secretary/Secretary in-charge Animal Husbandry of the State Governments/Director of State Animal Husbandry Department will ensure availability of sufficient infrastructure in terms of manpower and other logistic support to the CEO/District level officer, needed for effective implementation of the scheme. (The exact name, designation, address of CEO/District Officer in-charge for Insurance work will be made available to Central Government and same will be prominently displayed on important places within the district and especially in the rural areas of the district. Any change in the name and designation of CEO will also be properly communicated to all concerned.). For effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme, if states feel necessity, a district committee could be formed suitably involving the officers/organizations having interest in the field of Animal Husbandry. The Dairy Cooperative Societies, if interested, could also be involved and given responsibility of implementing the scheme wherever possible.

• Districts in which the scheme will be implemented:

The scheme is to be implemented on regular basis in 100 newly selected districts of the country. The scheme will be restricted to crossbred and high yielding cattle and buffaloes only. The list of districts selected for this purpose is given in Annexure-I. The scheme is to be implemented in these districts only.

• Selection of Insurance Companies:

In order to get the maximum benefit in terms of competitive premium rates, easier procedures of issue of policy and settlement of claims, Chief Executive Officer will be empowered to decide upon the Insurance company(s) and the terms and conditions. While selecting Insurance Company, besides premium rates offered, their capacity to provide services, terms and conditions and service efficiency should also be taken in to account. The CEO will invite quotations in writing from those public and private general insurance companies having a fairly wide network in the state or a considerable part of the state. The CEO should select the Insurance Company/Companies after negotiating with the insurance companies for successful and efficient implementation of the scheme and popularizing the scheme amongst the livestock owners. If any Insurance Company is offering cover for any type of disability in addition to death of the insured animal, such offer could be considered, however, no subsidy in the premium for such additional risk coverage will be provided. The entire cost of premium on account of the risk coverage other than death of the animal has to be borne by the beneficiaries. As mentioned above, the CEO has to ensure that the premium rate agreed to is competitive. Under no circumstances, the rate of premium should exceed 4.5% for annual policies and 12% for three year policies. Normally, a single insurance company should be entrusted for insurance with the work in a district. However, for the purposes of encouraging competition and popularizing the scheme more than one insurance company may be allowed to operate in a district, if other terms and conditions are remaining same. Default in settlement of claim or any types of deficiency in services on part of Insurance Companies could be brought to the notice of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority which is a nodal authority in the country in this regard.

• Involvement of Veterinary practitioners:
• The active involvement of the veterinary practitioners at the village level is required for the successful implementation of the scheme. They are to be associated with the work of identification and examination of the animals to be covered under the scheme, determination of their market price, tagging of the insured animals and finally issuing veterinary certificates as and when a claim is made. Besides, being in touch with the farmers and cattle-rearers, they may also help in promoting and popularizing the scheme. As far as possible, only the veterinary practitioners working with the state government may be involved. Private veterinary practitioners who are registered with Veterinary Council of India may be involved only if Government veterinary practitioners are not available. A list of such veterinary practitioners will be prepared for every district by the district officer of the Department of Animal Husbandry. The list of veterinary practitioners will be made available with the insurance company selected for the district as well as to the concerned Panchayati Raj bodies.
• Commencement of Insurance policy cover and adjustment of premium subsidy:

In order to generate confidence among the cattle owners about the efficacy of the scheme, it is important that the policy cover should take effect once the basic formalities like identification of animal, its examination by the veterinary practitioner, assessment of its value and its tagging along with payment of 50% of the premium to the insurance company or its agent by the cattle owner. The selected insurance company will have to agree to this. However, it is possible that the insurance company may point out a provision in the Insurance Act that insurance cover can take effect only after the whole premium is paid in advance. In order to take care of this problem, there could be an arrangement by which certain amount is paid in advance to the insurance company directly by the CEO. This amount should not exceed 50% of the premium of the number of animals expected to be insured in a period of 3 months. The insurance company, on its part, should issue instructions to their branches that as and when 50% of the premium is paid by the cattle owner, they should issue the policy by suitably adjusting the balance 50% from this advance. The insurance company should prepare monthly statements of the policies issued indicating the assessed value of each animal and the Government share for each district duly countersigned by the district officer of the Animal Husbandry Department and submit to the CEO so that, that much amount can be recouped to the insurance company by the CEO. Target of getting the number of animals insured in a three months period for payment of advance to the Insurance Company should be on realistic basis and recouping of the advance fund should be on the basis of subsequent progress made by the concerned insurance Company.

• Animals to be covered under the scheme and selection of beneficiaries:

All those female cattle/buffalo yielding at least 1500 litre of milk per lactation are to be considered high yielding and hence can be insured under the scheme for maximum of their current market value. Animals covered under any other insurance scheme/plan scheme will not be covered under this scheme. Benefit of subsidy is to be restricted to two animals per beneficiary and is to be given for one time insurance of an animal up to a maximum period of three years. The farmers will have to be encouraged to go for a three-year policy which is likely to be more economical and useful for getting the real benefit of insurance on occurrence of natural calamities like flood and drought etc. However, if a livestock owner prefers to have an insurance policy for less than three years period for valid reasons, benefit of the subsidy under the scheme would be available to them also, with the restriction that no subsidy would be available for further extension of the policy. Field performance recorders of the NPCBB could also be involved for identification of beneficiaries. The Gram Panchayats will assist the Insurance Companies in identifying the beneficiaries.

• Determination of market price of the animal:

An animal will be insured for the maximum of its current market price. The market price of the animal to be insured will be assessed jointly by the beneficiary, authorized veterinary practitioner and the insurance agent.

• Identification of insured animal:

The animal insured will have to be properly and uniquely identified at the time of insurance claim. The ear tagging should, therefore, be fool proof as far as possible. The traditional method of ear tagging or the recent technology of fixing microchips could be used at the time of taking the policy. The cost of fixing the identification mark will be borne by the Insurance companies and responsibility of its maintenance will lie on the concerned beneficiaries. The nature and quality of tagging materials will be mutually agreed by the beneficiaries and the Insurance Company. The Veterinary Practitioners may guide the beneficiaries about the need and importance of the tags fixed for settlement of their claim so that they take proper care for maintenance of the tags.

• Change of owner during the validity period of insurance:

In case of sale of the animal or otherwise transfer of animal from one owner to other, before expiry of the Insurance Policy, the authority of beneficiary for the remaining period of policy will have to be transferred to the new owner. The modalities for transfer of livestock policy and fees and sale deed etc required for transfer, should be decided while entering into contract with the insurance company.

• Settlement of Claims:

The method of settlement of claim should be very simple and expeditious to avoid unnecessary hardship to the insured. While entering into contract with the insurance company, the procedure to be adopted/documents needed for settlement of claim should be clearly spelt out. In case of claim becoming due, the payment of insured amount should be made within 15 days positively after submission of requisite documents. While insuring the animal, CEOs must ensure that clear cut procedures are put in place for settlement of claims and the required documents are listed and the same is made available to concerned beneficiaries along with the policy documents.

• Effective monitoring of the scheme:

In order to effectively implement the scheme, there is need of strict monitoring at different stages. The monitoring should be in terms of financial releases, number of animals insured and type of insurance. Monitoring at the Central and State levels is extremely important. CEO will be required to make special efforts for effective monitoring. Secretary in-charge Animal Husbandry in State Government/Director of state animal Husbandry will take periodic review of the implementation of the scheme.

• Payment of honorarium to the veterinary practitioners:

The involvement of veterinary officer in the scheme is from beginning to end. His active interest and support is essential for success of the scheme. In view of this it is essential to provide some incentive to the veterinary practitioners to motivate them to carry out these activities wholeheartedly. It has been decided to pay an honorarium of Rs 50/- per animal at the stage of insuring the animal and Rs100/- per animal at the stage of issuing veterinary certificate (including conducting post-mortem, if any) in case of any insurance claim. Central Government will provide the amount needed for payment of honorarium to the S.I.As. The CEOs should ensure that Boards will pay to Veterinary Practitioners at end of each quarter depending on number of animals insured and veterinary certificates issued by them in that quarter.

• Publicity:

The scheme is new and people inclusive of the concerned officials are not much aware of the scheme. Therefore, public as well as the machinery involved in this have to be made aware of the scheme and benefits thereof. Pamphlets, posters, wall paintings, radio talks, TV clippings etc. will help in creating awareness among the farmers about the benefits of insuring their high yielding animals under the scheme. Publicity campaigns on special occasions like animal fairs etc. will also be taken up for wide publicity. The Panchayati Raj institutions will be involved in publicity in a big way. The task of disseminating information on the scheme and inviting farmers to offer their animals for identification for insurance will be entrusted to the Intermediate Panchayats. For this purpose the CEOs are empowered to provide assistance not exceeding Rs 5000/- for each intermediate Panchayat (in both cash and in the form of publicity material).

• Commission to Insurance Agents:

The active and dedicated involvement of insurance agent is most essential for efficient implementation of the scheme. The insurance company should be persuaded to pay at least 15% of the premium amount to the agent out of their premium income. While entering into contract with the Insurance Company, this has to be ensured by the implementing agency.

Scheme on Fisheries Training and Extension

Introduction

In order to provide training and extension support to the fishery sector, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on “Fisheries Training & Extension” as in operation during the 9th Plan has been continued during the 10th Plan with some modifications. The outlay approved for the scheme for the entire period of the 10th Plan is Rs15.00 crore.

The pattern of assistance for different components/items under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on “Fisheries Training & Extension” in operation during the 10th Plan is as under: – 

Sr. No.	Components/Items	Assistance approved
1	Human Resource Development	Stipend @ Rs 100/- per day subject to a maximum of Rs1500/- per participant during the training period of 15 days and an actual to and fro train/bus fare.
2	Establishment of Fish Farmers’ Training Centre	Financial assistance to the maximum extent of Rs 45 lakh to each State for the establishment of maximum three fish farmers training centres.
3	A. Publication of Handbooks	Rs 15, 000 as an honorarium for each handbook to the Author which will include an approximate expenditure of Rs5,000/= to be incurred by him on stationery, typing, illustrations, transparencies etc.  In addition Rs 50,000/= will be paid to the State Government/UT/organization for the printing of about 500 copies of each handbook.
	B. Publication of training/extension manuals	Rs 5,000/= as an honorarium to the expert for the preparation of a manual and Rs 20,000/= to the State Government/UT/organization for the publication of 500 copies for each manual.
4	Organization of workshops/symposia/seminars/meetings/evaluation studies etc.	For organizing workshops/seminars/symposia etc. at the National level, a lump sum amount not exceedingRs 1.0 lakh will be provided mainly for the publication of proceedings. The amount for meeting expenditure on the miscellaneous items, etc. shall be determined by this Division with the concurrence of Integrated Finance For organizing workshops/seminars, etc. at the State/UT level, A lump sum amount not exceeding Rs50,000/= will be provided to each State/UT. Rs 4.00 lakh per study.
5	Production of documentary films on fisheries and aquaculture	No fixed amount of financial assistance has been approved under this component.  It shall be determined separately for each film by the Script Committee on the basis of script as well as rates quoted by different agencies.   However, it shall not exceed Rs 5.0 lakh/film.
6	Establishment of Awareness Centres	Unit cost is Rs 20 lakh (Rs 15 lakh for the construction of building and Rs 5 lakh for equipment glassware, etc). One Awareness Centre comprising museum, library, aquarium and auditorium facilities, etc. will be established in each State/UT. The land and operational cost would be met by the respective States/UTs.
7	Activities of Fisheries Division at Head Quarters	Overhead expenditure at Headquarters in the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (Fisheries Division) for strengthening the training & extension skills of personnel and upgrading the reference material including audio-visual aids. In addition this will include committed liabilities like international conferences/seminars/Symposia, etc.

The expenditure on the items/components as indicated above will be shared on 80:20 basis between the Government of India and the State Governments. For Union Territories, the entire expenditure will be borne by the Centre. While submitting proposal, the States/UT’s/implementing agencies has to submit detailed plans and cost estimates, utilization certificate/progress report of earlier releases and availability of state share in the state budget.

National Scheme on Welfare of Fishermen

he Centrally Sponsored ‘National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen’ envisaging to provide financial assistance to fishers for construction of house, community hall for recreation and common working place and installation of tube-wells for drinking water and assistance during lean period through saving cum relief component was in operation till the terminal year of the 9th Plan. This welfare scheme has been continued during the 10th Plan. The Plan Outlay approved for the scheme for the entire period of the 10th Plan is Rs 120 crore.
 
Components of the schemes:The scheme is operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme through States/UT’s/FISHCOPFED (Insurance component only) and has the following three broad components:-

1. Development of Model Fishermen Villages.
2. Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen and
3. Saving-cum-Relief.

Explanation & Mode of Operation:

1. Development of Model Fishermen Villages: Under this component, the eligible fishermen in inland and marine sector would be provided with basic civic amenities like houses, drinking water and commonplace for recreation and work. The respective States/UT’s shall provide land for development of these amenities. The States should keep the following criteria in view while selecting beneficiaries for allotment of houses under the scheme:-
   1. The beneficiary should be an active fisherman identified by the State Government.
   2. Preference should be given to fishermen below poverty line and to landless fishermen.
   3. Fishermen owning land or kutcha structure may also be considered for allotment of houses under the scheme.

Cost of the development would be shared equally by the Central Government and State Governments subject to the conditions indicated below. In case of Union Territories, the entire expenditure shall be borne by the Government of India.

1. Housing: A Fishermen Village may consist of not less than 10 houses. There is no upper limit for the number of houses to be constructed in a village, which would depend on the number of eligible fishermen in that village. However, the State Governments may ensure equitable distribution of houses among all villages in proportion to the number of eligible fishermen, as far as possible. The plinth area and cost of construction of a house would be limited to 35 Sq. mts. And Rs 40,000/- respectively. The ceiling on land and cost of construction indicate the upper limit. The State Government may plan and ensure optimizing the use of available resources so that more number of houses could be built within the budgeted amount.
2. Drinking Water: A fishermen village would be provided with one tubewell for every 20 houses. Where a village consists of only 10 houses or more but less than 20 houses, one tubewell may be provided for such a village. The cost of installation of a tubewell should not exceed Rs 30,000/-. However, for North-Eastern states the cost of installation of a tubewell up to Rs 35,000/- would be permissible as a special case for which the State Government should furnish adequate justification. The actual number of tubewells to be installed in a village may be rationalized on the basis of actual water requirement of the inhabitant families and the capacity of the tubewells.

A fishermen village may be provided with alternative source of drinking water supply in case tubewells are not a practical proposition, provided the additional expenditure, over and above what would otherwise be admissible if tubewells were to be provided on the basis of number of houses for which the facility is intended, is met entirely by the State Government.

1. Community Halls/Work Shed: As a recreation and common working place, a fishermen village with at least 75 houses will be eligible to seek assistance for construction of a community hall if found necessary. The hall will be constructed on an area not exceeding 200 sq. mts. Two toilets and a tubewell will also be provided with a community hall. The total cost of the hall should not exceed Rs1,75,000/-. The State/UT’s should ensure optimum utilization of the community hall by permitting its utilization as a drying yard and also as mending shed. If required, construction of walls for the community hall may be dispensed with so that it may be a structure with pillars and roofs to permit its optimum utilization as a common working place for fishermen.
2. Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen: Under this component, fisherfolk/licensed/identified or registered with the State/UT Governments would be insured for Rs 50,000/- against death or permanent total disability and Rs 25,000/- for partial permanent disability. The insurance cover will be for a period of 12 months and a policy would be taken out by FISHCOPFED in respect of all the participating States/ UT’s. The annual premium payable would not exceed Rs 15/- per head – 50% of which will be subsidized as grants-in-aid by the Centre and the remaining 50% by the State Government. In the case of Union Territories, 100% premium will be borne by the Central Government.
   In case of those States/UT’s, which subscribed to this component through FISHCOPFED the Central share of the assistance (100% premium in case of UT’s) would be released directly to FISHCOPFED and will not be routed, through States/UT’s. The State Governments should, however, ensure that their share of premium is sent to FISHCOPFED well before the due date of renewal of the policy. In case of those States/UT’s who do not subscribe to this component through FISHCOPFED, the release of Central share would be restricted on the basis of annual premium that would be payable had the insurance been taken through FISHCOPFED or the actual premium, whichever is less. No contribution will be collected from the fishermen. The scheme would cover fishermen in both marine and inland sectors. FISHCOPFED will be the executing agency and would operate the Scheme through any subsidiary of General Insurance Corporation of India in case of States/UT’s, which opt to subscribe to the Scheme through FISHCOPFED.
3. Saving-cum-Relief:
   1. Mode of implementation for marine fishermen: Under this component Rs 75/- per month shall be collected from eligible marine fishermen for a period of 8 months in a year. A total of Rs 600/- thus collected will be matched with 50% contribution i.e. Rs 300/-, each by the State Government and Central Government separately. In respect of Union Territories, the share of Union Territory Administration would also be borne by the Government of India. The total sum of Rs 1200/- thus collected will be distributed during the four lean months (closed season) to the beneficiaries in four equal monthly installments of Rs 300/- each. The interest accrued will also be disbursed with the fourth installment.
       
      For purpose of this component, an eligible marine fisherman means a person who is professionally engaged in full time fishing in sea, is member of Cooperative Society/Federation/Welfare Society, lives below poverty line, does not own mechanized fishing boat/beach landing craft and is below 60 years of age. If any member of a fishermen family has regular employment or indulges in any other income generating activity, such family will not qualify to be beneficiary under this component.
       
      The President/Secretary of the Association shall collect the beneficiary contribution and entrust the same to an official of the State/UT Administration who shall deposit the fund every month in a nationalized bank in the name of Director of Fisheries of the respective State/UT’s. The Director of Fisheries will draw the money during the lean season and distribute it to the beneficiaries adding Centre and State contribution in equal installments not ordinarily exceeding four. The States/UT’s should ensure that under no circumstances collection of the beneficiary contribution is made in lump-sum and also that the money is not distributed to the fishermen in lump-sum.
       
      If a marine fishermen defaults in paying his contribution during the non-lean months, the Government’s (both State and Centre) matching grant will be limited to the number of months for which he has actually subscribed and will be refunded to the fishermen in equal installments during the lean months. The interest accrued will also be disbursed with the 4th installment.
       
      However, a default by any beneficiary in payment of monthly contribution, not exceeding beyond one month and twice during the fishing season, may be waived provided the amount is paid by the beneficiary with a default fee which is equal to the interest that would have otherwise accrued, had the contribution been paid on the due date(s).
       
      Lean months in different parts of the coast vary according to climatic conditions and monsoon weather. Therefore, Director of Fisheries of the respective maritime states/UT’s will have the discretion, based on the climatic changes and other valid reasons to decide which are the lean months in a year. However, the number of lean months will be limited to four.
   2. Mode of implementation for inland fishermen: This component would be applicable to only those inland States, which impose a ban on fishing during the monsoon period either through legislation or through adequate administrative measures including deployment of extension workers to educate the inland fishermen, etc. Under this component Rs 50/- per month shall be collected from each eligible inland fisherman for a period of 9 months in a year. A total of Rs 450/- thus collected will be matched with 50% contribution i.e. Rs 225/- each by the State and Central Governments separately. In respect of Union Territories, the share of Union Territory Administration would also be borne by the Government of India. The total sum of Rs 900/- thus collected will be distributed during the three lean months (closed season) to the beneficiaries in three equal monthly installments of Rs 300/- each. The interest accrued will also be disbursed with the third installment.
       
      For the purpose of this component, an eligible inland fishermen mean a person who is professionally engaged in full time fishing in the inland waters, is below 60 years of age and lives below poverty line. Further, he should be a member of Cooperative Society/Federation/Welfare Society that has fishing rights in water bodies controlled by the State. If any member of fishermen family has regular employment or indulges in any other income generating activity, such family will not qualify to be beneficiary under this component.
       
      he President/Secretary of the Association shall collect the beneficiary contribution and entrust the same to an official of the State/UT Administration who shall deposit the fund every month in nationalized bank in the name of Director of Fisheries will draw the money during the lean season and distribute to the beneficiaries adding Centre and State contribution in equal installments not ordinarily exceeding three. The States/UT’s should ensure that under no circumstances collection of the beneficiary contribution is made in a lump sum and also that the money is not distributed to the fishermen in lump sum.
       
      If an inland fishermen defaults in paying his contribution during the non-lean months, the Government’s (both State and Centre) matching grant will be limited to the number of months for which he has actually subscribed and will be refunded to the fishermen in equal installments during the lean months. The interest accrued will be disbursed with the 3rd installment.
       
      However, a default by any beneficiary in payment of monthly contribution, not exceeding beyond one month and twice during the fishing season, may be waived provided the amount is paid by the beneficiary with a default fee which is equal to the interest that would have otherwise accrued, had the contribution been paid on the due date(s).
       
      The State Governments/UT’s has to send their proposals for the various components of the Welfare Scheme complete in all respects in the prescribed format for submission of proposals seeking central assistance ANNEXURE II. The proposals must be accompanied by detailed progress reports of the projects sanctioned in the preceding years and reasons for the shortfalls, if any, etc. The progress report has to be furnished in the prescribed formats already circulated. The availability of budgetary provision in the State budget for each component should be specifically indicated in the proposals.

Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF)

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

The Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF), with a corpus of Rs. 5,000 crores has been created under NABARD

MIF is proposed to be doubled by augmenting it by another Rs.5,000 crores

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of  ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-PDMC)’ from  2015-16 in all the States of the country which  focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems. Besides promoting Micro Irrigation, this component also supports micro level water storage or water conservation/management activities to supplement source creation for Micro Irrigation.   An area of 52.93 lakh ha has been covered under Micro Irrigation in the country from 2015-16 to till date.   Further, 4.84 lakh micro level water harvesting / secondary storage structures have been created under the scheme to supplement the micro irrigation.

Recent evaluation studies of the scheme indicate that the coverage of Micro Irrigation is relevant in achieving national priorities such as substantially improving on-farm water use efficiency, enhancing crop productivity, ensuring better returns to farmers, generating employment opportunities etc.  Further, the scheme has been effective in terms of ensuring benefits for farmers e.g. higher productivity; reduction in labour cost, water consumption, power utilization, fertilizer use etc.

Efforts are being made to converge ‘Per Drop More Crop’ Scheme with Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), Namami Gange Districts, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Water Harvesting Structures through Watershed Development component of PMKSY to propagate micro irrigation intensively to contribute in achieving the desired targets to enhance the water use efficiency in agriculture.

With a view to provide impetus to the Micro Irrigation in the country, MIF with a corpus of Rs. 5000 Crore was created with NABARD during 2018-19. The major objective of the fund is to facilitate the States in mobilizing the resources to provide top up/additional incentives to farmers for incentivising micro irrigation beyond the provisions available under PMKSY-PDMC. States may also access MIF exclusively for innovative integrated projects (like high water duty crops like sugarcane/solar linked systems/Micro irrigation in command area etc.) including projects in PPP mode depending on State specific requirements. The GoI provides 3% interest subvention on loans extended to State Govt. under MIF.

Under the ongoing MIF fund, projects for Rs. 3970.17 crore has been approved for loan under MIF to the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, West Bengal, Punjab & Uttarakhand which would be facilitating bringing of 12.83 lakh ha of area under Micro Irrigation. Besides, proposals from Rajasthan, West Bengal Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and J&K are in pipeline at State levels.  More and more States are showing interest in availing assistance from Micro Irrigation Fund considering the potential for Micro Irrigation and its significance. 

To further strengthen & expand the adoption of Micro Irrigation systems by the farmers in the county for enhancing water use efficiency at farm level, a Budget announcement has been made to double the initial corpus of Micro Irrigation Fund of Rs. 5000 created under NABARD, by augmenting it by another Rs. 5,000 crores.

The enhancement of corpus by additional Rs. 5000 crores will give further boost to the efforts of more States/UTs in promoting judicious use of water, enhancing water use efficiency as well as improving production and productivity which ultimately increase the income of the farming community.