Sub-programme on Maize-based Cropping Systems for Food Security in India under GOI-UNDP Food Security Programme.

Transfer of available technologies and agricultural practices in the project areas for Food Security and reduction in malnutrition with the following objectives: 

1)  To mobilize farmer groups for taking up Maize based cropping system;

2)  To enhance production and productivity as well as to ensure food security through best practices and inter-cropping of pulses, oilseeds & vegetables with maize: and

3)  To develop and demonstrate post-harvest technology practices. 

This can be achieved by assisting five priority areas:

a)     Intensification of agriculture;

b)     Diversification of farming systems and value addition;

c)      Transfer of technology for sustainable agricultural practices with an emphasis on rain fed and marginal lands;

d)     Improving community access to food and;

e)     Addressing gender concerns in food security.

                              The main objective of the Sub-Programme is to transfer available technologies and agricultural practices to resource-poor small and marginal farmers in the selected areas for their food security and reduction in malnutrition.  The technology and best practices, if adopted in large-scale are likely to result in increased production and productivity of maize leading to household food security, providing additional employment opportunities, especially for women.  The technology and practices should be environmental friendly.  This can be achieved by the  following main Sub-Programme components

 Technology Demonstrations, IPM Demonstrations, Seed Minikit Demonstrations, Farmers trainings, Intra/Inter-State Visits, Capacity Building of Farmers/NGOs/Officials, Distribution of Agricultural Implements, Infrastructure Development, Participatory Planning and Review, Certified Seed Production of Maize Hybrids, & Officers' trainings, etc. .

Pattern of Assistance

100% grant by UNDP

The  following are the implementing agencies for the Sub-Programme

1.             Bihar-Indian Maize Development Association (IMDA)       & National Seeds Corporation(NSC)

2.             Rajasthan- Rajasthan  States Seeds Corporation (RSSC)

3.       U.P.- I)  State Institute for Management of Agriculture  (SIMA), Rehman Khera, Lucknow  ii) Gram Vikas Samiti, Barabanki  iii) National Seeds Corporation (NSC)/SFCI iv) Swarn Jayanti Mahila Bahu Udyaishiay   Sahakari  Samity Ltd., Malghot, Biraicha,      Deoria

4.     Central Agencies- ICAR, DMR, NCIPM, CSIR, CFTRI, etc.

       These agencies will implement the programme in Close association with the Department of Agriculture, State Governments of Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, other line Departments, ICAR Institutions, State Agricultural Universities, State Seeds Corporations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Non-Governmental Organizations, Farmers Associations/ Cooperatives, Lead Banks and other concerned National and State level Institutes of other Departments of the Central and the State Governments respectively.

Procedure to apply

    The agencies, as per the details mentioned above (1to 4) in eligibility column/concerned Department of Agriculture of the State Governments, ICAR, NSC, SFCI, NGOs, & SSCs etc. are the implementing agencies.  Funds are released  to implementing agencies after getting the work plan for the year. 

Person to be contacted

The Sub Programme Director  (SPD),
TMOP&M, DAC,
Ministry of Agriculture,
Janpath Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 Phone:-  3325265, Fax:- 3320167, 3320445

The  Sub Programme Coordinator (SPC),
TMOP&M, DAC,
Ministry of Agriculture,
Janpath Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 Phone:-  3719025, Fax:- 3320167, 3320445

Date of Start/ Duration

w.e.f 1999-2000 for four years.

Implementation Status

This  Sub-Programme is being implemented in 9 Villages of 6 districts in 3 States Viz: Bihar (Begusarai district), Rajasthan (Banswara district) & Uttar Pradesh (Behraich, Bulandshahar, Deoria and Lalitpur  Districts) for a total outlay of US $ 8,14,000/- for 4years w.e.f. 1999-2000.  An amount of Rs. 150.00 lakhs has been allocated under the Sub-Programme for its implementation during 2001-2002.

Additional Information

The major achievements under the Sub-Programme during its implementation in last two years are as under;

1.     Convergence with other National Programmes: - AMDP, NPDP, OPDP, UNDP, Oil seeds & Pulses Development programmes;

2.     Promotion of inter-cropping practices of pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, flowers etc. with maize;

3.     Promotion of use of organic/bio fertilizers like vermi composting, NADP method of composting etc.;

4.     Use of single cross hybrids of maize;

5.     Demonstrations of  complete package of practices;

6.     Implements maize sheller, planter, solar & Diesel pumps sets, etc, supplied.

7.     4-5 workshops/conferences organized;

8.     Inter-cropping of maize with Gladioli and sugar-cane during spring season got introduced & found successful;

9.   Community Infrastructures developed;

10. Inter-State visits of farmers, official, NGOs, etc;

11. Convergence with Women in Agriculture (WIA)

         programmes;

12.   Visit of Krishi Expo-200

13.  Rabi maize popularized-in Behraich &  yield of 50-60 qtls. per ha. achieved.    

14.   70-80 qtls. per ha yield of maize during Rabi season achieved in Deoria.

15.   Farmers’ associations/groups formed

16.  30-40  qtls. per ha yield of maize achieved during Kharif 2000 against district Avg. of 9-10 qtls per ha. in Lalitpur.

17.   Rabi Maize introduced during 2000-2001 in Lalitpur & expected 40-50 qtls. per ha. yield.

18.   Successful production of seed of single cross hybrid –Pusa  Early Hybrid Maize (PEHM)-1 & 2 in Padauli village at farmers’ fields during Rabi 2000-2001 even in serious drought conditions in Rajasthan ( 60 qtls. Seed produced).

19.   Inter-cropping of pulses & vegetables have been got introduced during the Rabi-2000-2001 season in Begusarai district of Bihar &  yield of 80-98.50 qtls. Per ha. of maize has been achieved.  Besides, farmers got Rs. 600 to  2800/- per acre  from inter-crops in the season.