TECHNOLOGY MISSION ON OILSEEDS, PULSES and MAIZE

INTRODUCTION  

he Technology Mission in the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is responsible for the development of oilseeds through its four Mini-Mission on production technology,
post harvest, input supply and support services, marketing and credit aspects.
In addition the National Oilseeds and vegetable Oils Development (NOVOD) Board is supplementing the efforts of TMOP also by opening of newer areas for non-traditional oilseeds and non-traditional areas for promotion of traditional oilseeds cultivation.  It is also promoting tree-borne oilseeds.  TMOP is implementing the following schemes: -  

-       Oilseeds Production Programme (OPP) 

-       National Pulses Development Project (NPDP) 

-       Accelerated Maize Development Programme (AMDP) 

-       Post Harvest Technology (PHT) 

-       Oil Palm Development Programme (OPDP) 

-       National Oilseeds & Vegetable Oils Development (NOVOD), Board.  

1.   Oilseeds Production Programme (OPP) :       

For increasing the production of oilseeds/edible oils and to attain self sufficiency in the production of oilseeds/edible oils, a Centrally Sponsored Oilseeds Production Programme(OPP) is being implemented in 28 States covering 408 selected districts in the country.  Under this scheme financial assistance is being provided for various critical inputs like production and distribution of seed, distribution of seed minikits, distribution of improved farm implements, sprinkler sets, rhizobium culture and PSB/micro nutrients etc.  In order to disseminate the production technology amongst farmers, frontline demonstrations are organized by the I.C.A.R.  Besides, block and integrated pest management demonstrations are organized through State Department of Agriculture.  A new component of crash programme for quality seed production of groundnut and soybean has also been introduced during the Ninth Plan. Implementation of Oilseesd Production Programme has helped in increasing the production of oilseeds from 10.83  MT in 1985-86 to 24.75 MT during 1998-99.  There has been marginal decline in production during the last two years due to drought conditions in many oilseeds producing states.   The estimated production of oilseeds during 2001-02 is 20.73 MT.

The  total  production  of oilseeds and amount of  funds  released  to different  States under Oilseeds Production Programme as Central Share  during  1999-2000 and 2000-2001 and 2001-02 is given below :  

The total outlay for the scheme for 2002-2003  is  Rs.11,63,34,00 thousand.  Out of which the Government of India's share is Rs 93,0000 thousands. An amount of Rs.44,12,00 thousand has been released under OPP upto 31^st December, 2002 . In view of increased  focus  given to North eastern region, the allocation  for  these States has  been  raised to 12 per cent of the central  allocation.   Crop-wise production of major oilseeds upto 2002 –03 (Kharif) is given below:  

The thrust areas identified for increasing  production of oilseeds during Tenth Plan are special production programme in areas at the tail end of the command irrigation system, diversification programme of rice – wheat system, convergence  of oilseeds production programme with watershed development programme, inter cropping of oilseed with other crops and extension of these crops in selected regions of the various States for production.  A productivity increase of about 60 per cent in oilseeds is possible with the existing technology.  Besides above, thrust will be given to increase the seed replacement rate (SRR), promotion of proper and balanced mix of NPK and use of sulphur, use of bio fertilizers like rhizobium culture & PSB popularization of IPM technologies and promotion of sprinkler sets.  Involvement of private sectors for extension, production of seeds, supplying inputs and marketing support will also be promoted. Increasing availability of seeds by under taking programme for production of certified/quality seed will also include the crash programme for quality seed production of groundnut and soybean.  

2.         NATIONAL PULSES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (NPDP)

This programme covers 350 districts in 30 States/Union Territories. The scheme is being implemented on 75:25 sharing basis between Central government and State Government. However, in the case of Union Territories, the entire expenditure is met by the Central government from the funds provided under the scheme. Under this programme, emphasis is given on increasing the coverage as well as the yield per unit of area.  

The major programme components covered under the NPDP are as under:  

(i)                  Purchase of breeder seed, production of foundation & certified seed and distribution of certified seed and minikits.

(ii)                Organisation of Frontline, Block and IPM demonstrations.

(iii)               Distribution of sprinkler sets.

(iv)              Distribution of improved farm implement and plant protection equipments.

(v)                Distribution of Rhyzobium cultures and micro-nutrients.

(vi)              Training of farmers.  

Assistance is being provided under distribution of sprinkler sets to women, SC/ST and small and marginal farmers to the extent of 50 per cent or Rs. 15,000/- per set whichever is less and for other farmers to the extent of 33 per cent of the cost of the set or Rs. 10,000/- whichever is less.  

The total production of pulses achieved and the amount of funds released under National Pulses Development Project, during 1999-2000, 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 is given below:

The total outlay of the scheme for 2002-2003 is Rs. 45,62,50 thousand rupees, out of which, the Central Share is Rs.39, 00,00 Thousand and an amount of Rs.14,99,00 thousand has been released upto 31^st December, 2002.  In view of increased focus given to North Eastern region, the allocation for these States has been raised to 12 per cent of the central allocation.  

Pulses production in the country is facing a number of constraints like their cultivation on rainfed marginal and sub-marginal lands, high susceptibility to insect-pests and diseases, lack of irrigation and diversion of pulse area to other more remunerative crops as and when irrigation facilities become available. Besides these limitations, the production of pulse has been depending upon the behaviour of the monsoon. The pulses production for 1998-99 reached a figure of 14.91 MT, however, due to drought conditions prevailing in the major pulse growing States in the years 1999-2000, 2000-2001 and 2001-2002, the production suffered some decline.

3.        Oil Palm Development Programme (OPDP)    

OBJECTIVE  
The basic objective of giving assistance to farmers for Oil Palm cultivation is the need to induce them to take up Oil Palm cultivation which is capital intensive and has long gestation period. 

After the setting up of Technology Mission on Oilseeds in 1986, a major breakthrough in increasing oilseed production was achieved through an integrated  approach by introducing new crop technologies, better supply of inputs and extension services support for marketing and post harvest technologies and coordination and cooperation between various organizations/departments and Ministries. As a result of concerted efforts by the TMO&P, the production of oilseeds has increased from 10.83 MT in 1985-86 to 24.75 MT in 1998-99.  However, we have long way to go.   

Oil palm cultivation assumes significance for augmenting the indigenous availability of edible oil as it is the highest oil yielding perennial crop.  With good planting material, irrigation and proper management, there is a potential of 20-25 MT fresh fruit bunches (FFB) per hectare after attaining the age of 5 years.  This in turn is capable of yielding 4-5 MT of palm oil and 0.4-0.5 MT palm kernel oil (PKO).  In comparative terms yield of palm oil is 7-10 times the yield of edible oil obtainable from traditional oilseeds.   

OVERALL PERFORMANCE 

        The  "Oil Palm Development Programme" (OPDP) was launched with a total outlay of Rs.126,17,00 Thousand for development of Oil Palm over 80,000 hectare in the identified states during Eighth Plan (1992-97) against which 33,366 ha have been brought under oil palm cultivation.   Out of this the share of Government of India was Rs.94,55,00 Thousand.   During Ninth Five Year Plan Scheme was continued with total out lay of Rs.179,65,00 Thousand with a Govt. of India share to the tune of Rs.134,74,00 Thousand to bring an additional area of 80,000 ha under oil palm.  Physical and financial progress under the programme during the Ninth Five Year Plan is indicated below: 

* Provisional

OPDP is restructured as Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil palm and Maize (ISOPOM) for implementation during Tenth Five Year Plan.  However, till approval for ISOPOM is accorded in the meantime an outlay of Rs.8,40,00 Thousand is approved for 2002-2003 with a physical targets of 11,000 ha to be brought under oil palm cultivation.  During 2002-2003 scheme is continued on existing pattern for which Administrative Approvals have been issued for implementation upto 31^st March, 2002.  An amount of Rs.1,78,50 Thousand has been released upto 31^st December, 2002. 

Proposal for implementation of the Oil Palm Development Programme (OPDP) during Tenth Five Year Plan 

In view of the significance and progress of the oil palm cultivation, it is proposed to continue the efforts to promote oil palm cultivation during Tenth Five Year Plan through implementation of  OPDP broadly on the lines similar to those during Ninth Five Year Plan but with suitable modification in light of the experience gained and the impediments observed during the implementation of the scheme.  Accordingly, an area of 80,000 ha is proposed to be covered under oil palm cultivation through implementation of OPDP with a financial outlay of Rs.50,00,00 Thousand.  However, scheme is proposed to be implemented as Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm and Maize (ISOPOM) during Tenth Five Year Plan. 

            The oil palm fruits require to be processed within 24 hours of harvesting.  Therefore, processing unit has to be an integral part of oil palm plantation. Eleven processing units have been set up at various places so far.       In addition to above units TMO&P is taking effective steps for establishment of processing units in states of Tamil Nadu and Orissa.    

            National Research Centre for oil palm, established by ICAR at Eluru in West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh is nodal agency for Research and Development of Oil Palm.  The National Research Centre started functioning since 1995-96 and has been providing necessary technical guidelines to the farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other oil palm cultivating states.

4.       A.   Accelerated Maize Development Programme (AMDP): 

            Maize is cultivated over an area of 68.00 lakh hectares with a grain production of 13.51 MT annually (2001-2002) in India.  About 80% of cultivated maize is Kharif rainfed.  Maize cultivated mainly for food, fodder, feed and industrial use.  More than 3500 value added products of daily application are derived from maize. 

3.         AMDP is implemented in 26 States viz.: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and West Bengal, covering all maize potential districts in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.

Major components:
a)                  Components for which 100% assistance is given by Government of India:

b)                  Components for which 75% assistance is given by Government of India and 25% by State Government:

4.         All the above mentioned components are being implemented in all the 26 states including North Eastern States & Sikkim. 

5.            Total production of maize and the amount of funds released to different States and agencies under AMDP, as Central share, since its inception are given below;

Year-wise Production and Funds Released under AMDP:

6.         The total outlay for AMDP for the year 2002-2003 is Rs.6,83,34 thousand out of which, Government of India share is Rs. 5,50,00 thousand including Rs. 1,00,00 thousand allocation for North Eastern States.  Out of  this, Rs. 3,08,95 thousands has been released to the States Governments and other agencies (ICAR) upto 31^st December, 2002.  The production target for 2002-2003 is 12.5 MT.  Target for the year 2003-2004 is 13 MT.

B)      Sub-programme on Maize-based Cropping System for Food Security in India:

7.         A Sub-programme on maize based cropping systems for food security in India under GOI-UNDP Food Security programme for a total amount of US $ 8,14,000/- being fully funded by UNDP, for implementation in 9 villages of six districts in three States viz: Bihar, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh for four years, w.e.f. 1999-2000, is also in implementation.  The project’s object is to provide stimulus effect on the AMDP for attaining GOI’s objective of increasing the production & productivity of Maize in the country.  The overall development goal of this sub-programme is poverty alleviation by ensuring availability, accessibility and affordability of balanced food & nutrition for all, thus eliminating malnutrition and under nutrition of poor and marginalised families in the areas covered by the sub-programme.  The major thrust under the sub-programme is being given to address the major constraints in the maize production by making maximum involvement of the farm-women.

8.         The year-wise details of funds allocated and expenditure made under the sub-programme since its inception, are given as under:

(Rs. in thousand)

9.         For effective & smooth implementation of both the programmes  (AMDP & UNDP Sub-Programme on maize), review meetings are organized under the Chairmanship of Senior Processing Technologist (SPT).  In these meetings all the Directors of the concerned States, Heads of Concerned Agencies/Institutions, like Dte. of Maize Research, ICAR, National Seeds Corporation of India, Indian Maize Development Association (IMDA), etc. are invited.  All the issues/constraints responsible for lower production and productivity of maize in the country along with the measures for effective and smooth implementation of the programmes are discussed in these meetings. The main constraints identified are non-availability of good quality Seeds of HYVs/Hybrids, non-release of funds/delay in release of funds by the State Department of Finance to the State Department of Agriculture, the actual implementing agency for the programmes in the State.  It is also felt that since maize is one of the most important crops in the country, there is urgent need to implement AMDP in the country on Mission Mode. The programme will aim at removing the aforesaid constraints and providing financial assistance on various components. 

Measures for pollution control: 

10.       The demonstration on improved crop production technology including Front Line and Field Demonstrations, Demonstration on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) & Trainings of Officers and farmers on improved crop production technology etc. are the measures which may be helpful in controlling the pollution and make the production sustainable. In addition to this, the demonstrations on inter-cropping of pulses with maize, which are helpful for making the production sustainable, have also been conducted under both the programmes.  Besides, the use of Bio-fertilizers, Compost, Vermi-compost etc. is also being encouraged under these programmes.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS 

11.       The major achievement in area, production & productivity of maize may be summarized as under:

Major achievements in Area, Production and Productivity of Maize: 

1.   Recorded area coverage of 68.70 lakhs ha. under maize during 2001-2002;

2.   Recorded production of 13.51 MT of maize during 2001-2002;

3    Demonstration of inter-cropping of Gladioli;

4.   Popularization of inter-cropping of pulses, oilseeds and vegetables with maize;

5.   11.89% increase in area during the mission period (1995-96 to 2001-2002);

6.   52.14% increase in production during the mission period (1995-96 to 2001-2002); and

7.  35.97% increase in productivity during the mission period (1995-96 to 2001-2002).

Growth rate in Area, Production & productivity of maize prior to inclusion of Maize in Mission (TMOP&M){1990-91 to 1994-95} and after inclusion in Mission (1995-96 to 2000-2001-Mission period)

12.       Besides above, major achievements under the UNDP Sub-Programme on maize during its implementation in last three years are summarized 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.      Farmers groups/associations formed in all project areas;

7.      Agricultural Implements have been/are being transferred to Farmers’ Groups/Associations for their use and maintenance after getting deposited the 25% (1/4^th ) of the cost of the implements in the form of 3 years fixed deposits in favour of the Association(s)/Group(s);

8.      Solar Pumpsets installed in the project areas;

9.      Rabi Maize popularized in Behraich and Deoria.  Yield of 60 qtls/ha in Behraich and upto 96 qtls/ha in Deoria achieved;

10.  Method of Irrigation demonstrated and popularized;

11.  Yield of 30-40 qtls/ha. in Lalitput against 9-10 qtls/ha, district average, in Kharif season;

12.  Seed production of single cross hybrid (PEHM-1&2) taken successfully in Rajasthan at farmers’ field (60 qtls.) in Rabi 2000-01 & 150 qtls. in Rabi 2001-02 season;

13.  Average yield 60 qtls/ha in Kharif 2001 in Banswara project area;

14.  Workshops/seminars on Maize production and protection technologies, processing, value addition, storage and marketing organized;

15.  Officers and farmers trainings organized for updating the knowledge of involved officials/field workers and farmers.

16.  Workshops on maize production, processing, value addition, storage and marketing specially organized for women farmers/groups in the project areas and storage bins and solar lanterns distributed at 50% subsidy;

17.  Community Infrastructures, including Community Hall, Threshing & Drying Floor etc. have been constructed;

18.  Inter-State/exposure visits of the farmers/workers have been organized to show the best technologies being adopted by the farmers/researchers;

19.  Book on Baby Corn production technology and its uses published;

20.  Books on Maize production technologies for Kharif, Rabi and Spring seasons prepared; and

21.  Book and Maize Seed Production Technology prepared.

5.    NATIONAL OILSEEDS & VEGETABLE OILS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (GURGAON) 

            National Oilseeds & Vegetable Oils Development  (NOVOD) Board   is exploring and augmenting the potential of  Tree Borne Oilseeds (TBOs) in a coordinated manner in the country through  nursery raising, plantation, installation of pre-processing and processing facilities, capacity building  and need based  research. 

2.         5.18 lakh quality nursery from identified superior trees were raised and plantation of 4.376 lakh of TBOs like neem,  jojoba, simarouba, jatropha, mahua, karanja, cheura, kokum, tung etc. has been organized in potential states  as per their suitability to various agro-climatic conditions. 

3.         Compact plantation of neem, karanja,  jojoba, jatropha, simarouba has also  been organized in various states.  

4.         Under National Network on Neem, significant achievements such as identification of 7265 candidate plus trees CPTs), raising of  18 lakh   quality seedlings and 6422 clones, model plantation in 97.5 ha., development of neem product such as neem oil based pesticides and mosquito repellent, neem husk and cake based mosquito repellent, personal hygienic, skin care and dental care products have been developed.  Besides improved farm implements like seed depulper, decorticator have been fabricated.

5.         CPTs having high yield and oil content in   mahua (48%), karanja (38%), jatropha (56%), cheura (60%), simarouba (60%), wild apricot (53%) and mahua trees having less gestation period (6-7 yrs),  have been identified.

   6.       Post Harvest Technology (PHT) 

The plan scheme for the Post Harvest Technology (PHT) for Oilseeds, Pulses and Maize was brought under the purview of the TMOP&M with the objective of stepping up their production through efficient scientific processing for realizing the ultimate objective of self-reliance in edible oils and other crops and bringing about a position of zero imports. 

2.         The Research &Development in PHT in Oilseeds and Pulses gained momentum during the Eighth Five Year Plan.  Out of total approved outlay of Rs.411500 thousands under the scheme, an amount of Rs.303200 thousands was released during the Eighth Five Year Plan, for the programmes pertaining to: 

(a)                Research & Development in Oilseeds for improved processing efficiency for oilseeds and oil palm including the promotion/popularization of technologies developed viz. 10tpd expellers, establishment of Palm Oil Mill etc. under the transfer of technology programme and also included other projects like mechanization of ports for handling of de-oiled cake for better export promotion, modernization of huller rice mills etc.; and

(b)               Research & Development in pulses, promotion/popularization of Mini Dal Mills, survey of non-traditional pulses and development of Dal Analogue, etc.
 

3.  The  Major  achievements during Eighth  Plan :- 

The main achievements under the scheme during  Eighth Plan are as follows:-

(i)                  Design and development of indigenous technology packages for 2.5 to 10.00 tonne Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB)/hour capacity oil palm processing plant;

(ii)                 Design and development of modern Oil Expeller of 10 tpd capacity   resulting in higher recovery of oil, improved quality of oil cake;    reduced power consumption and improved longevity of parts prone to wear and tear;

(iii)               Development of better and energy efficient 1 TPD capacity oil       expeller for production of pungent mustard oil to replace traditional ghanis;

(iv)              Development of mini dal mills of 800 Kg./day capacity for small scale sector;

(v)                Design and development of Fluidized Bed Dryers of capacity of  upto 2 tonnes per hour;

(vi)              Design and development of decorticators of various capacities for  sesame, sunflower and groundnut;

(vii)             Bakery high protein products from pulse milling and oilseeds  processing by products;

(viii)           Specialty foods from pulses for patients of diabetes and heart   diseases;

(ix)              Increase of production of mustard/rapeseed by split application of               sulphur;

(x)                Manufacture of Dal Analogue; and

(xi)              Establishment of an Oil Palm Processing Plant of 4.00 tonnes     FFB/hour capacity in Andhra Pradesh ( Cooperative Sector ) with part central assistance. 

4.         For Ninth Five Year Plan, an outlay of Rs.370000 thousands was  approved by the EFC and  reduced at RE level to Rs. 348000 thousands.  Against this, an amount of Rs.341624 thousands  has released  during IX Plan Period.  The major thrust area identified was commercialization  of the technologies developed earlier during the eighth plan through setting up of demonstration units in the identified potential locations.  Besides, R&D being a continuing activity, need- based commercially-viable research  projects were also undertaken. 

5.         During the current  annual plan 2002-2003, an amount of Rs.57500 thousands has been released upto 31^st December, 2002. to CSIR, the nodal agency, appointed for the purpose, to complete the on-going projects and also to take up some  new projects. 

6.         Regarding NE States,  20 oil expellers, each of 1TPD capacity to  Govt. of Assam and  60 oil expellers to Govt. of Manipur  with part central  assistance (90% of the cost of the expeller unit) as grant-in-aid were supplied.   Besides, the proposal for setting up palm oil mills of suitable capacity  with GOI assistance in Assam & Tripura are also under consideration. 

7.     The Mini Mission II Core Committee is constituted for evaluating and recommending the new research & development programmes/projects under the scheme.  For monitoring and reviewing these programmes, in order to have smooth implementation, a Review Committee has also been constituted by the TMOP&M, DAC with CSIR (nodal agency) and a few experts as members under the Chairmanship of  Senior Processing Technologist, TMOP&M , DAC. 

8.        As per the target, 100 modern oil expellers  each of 1 TPD capacity have been  distributed in the potential states  under demonstration programmes, out of which 80 were to NE States, as stated para 6 above. A total number of 1336 huller rice mills in the states of U.P., Tamil Nadu, Manipur & West Bengal  have been modernized and  palm oil processing mills, each of 2.5 tonnes FFB per hr capacity in the states of Goa, Gujarat have been commissioned. Two, one  each in   Orissa and Tamil Nadu are under implementation. 

9.      It is proposed to take up  establishment of 4  demonstration units of Palm Oil Processing Mills, each of 2.5 Tonnes FFB/hr capacity, or suitable capacity one each in the potential States, establishment of 212 units of  1TPD/6TPD capacity of  oil expellers, Modernization of 3000 nos. of huller rice milling units, 60 Pulse milling units, and 11 nos. of Red Palmolein units each of 50 TPD capacity,  18 nos. of  Rice Bran Oil Refineries, 6 units of Maize Milling Units  based on Dry Milling Technology and upgradation and modernization of oil milling industries during the X Five Year Plan Period.  Besides, this new Research and Development programmes  will also be  taken up  during the period.     

ANNEXURE-I       
 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

ANNEXURE-II
PROGRAMMES OF NORTH-EASTERN STATES                                    

Table : 1

* Since the contribution of the north-eastern States to the total production of oilseeds is negligible, no separate State-wise  production target has been fixed for these States.  Details of the various activities  taken up by these States under OPP are given in the Administrative Approval.

   Table : 2