As
per the X Plan proposal, an extent of 3,835
ha. (at an outlay of Rs. 433.00 lakhs) is
to be covered under the programme for Organic
Production of Pepper in the North Eastern
States. Board had already taken up programmes
for multiplication of pepper rooted cuttings
through 3 rapid multiplication units during
the year, 2001-02 with the co-operation
of 3 NGOs; 2 near Guwahati in Assam and
one in Meghalaya. Efforts were also made
for locating other NGOs or agencies willing
to participate in similar programme. Owing
to climatic factors beyond control, especially
on account of torrential rain and flood
affecting the RMUs, there was a set back
in the production of required planting materials
and efforts have been made for rehabilitating
the units and the work is progressing. It
is expected that only about one lakh planting
materials would be available during the
ensuing season. Since, required planting
materials could not be generated as expected,
the programme is now rescheduled as follows:-
|
Year |
Physical
Target(in ha.) |
Planting
material production cost (Rs. in lakhs) |
Subsidy
cost (Rs. in lakhs) |
Financial
Target(Rs. in lakhs) |
2003-04 |
50 |
4.00 |
2.00 |
6.00 |
2004-05 |
200 |
16.00 |
9.00 |
25.00 |
2005-06 |
1000 |
80.00 |
45.00 |
125.00 |
2006-07 |
2585 |
206.00 |
71.00 |
277.00 |
Total |
3835 |
306.00 |
127.00 |
433.00 |
|
| The following are the tentative
targets for the Tea Estates:- |
| Assam |
750 + 500 (Tea Estate) + 500 (large
farms)
Total 1750 ha. |
| Arunachal Pradesh |
500 ha. |
| Tripura |
500 ha. |
| Manipur |
700 ha. |
| Nagaland |
500 ha. |
| Meghalaya |
500 ha. |
| Sikkim |
50 ha |
|
1. |
Planting
materials are proposed to be multiplied
in all the above North Eastern States with
the help of State Departments, NGOs and
individuals. |
2. |
Area suited for cultivation
and beneficiaries would be selected with
the help of State Departments/NGOs. |
3. |
In order to facilitate
effective supervision, organic certification,
marketing the planting will be taken up
in contiguous areas / compact blocks in
two or three villages in different blocks
to begin with and surrounding villages can
be covered later. |
4. |
Each farmer should
take up planting of a minimum of 100 standards
(200 rooted cuttings 0.1 ha. and a maximum
of 4 ha.). Planting materials will be provided
by the Spices Board from the PRMUs and the
cost will be adjusted against the subsidy.
Prior arrangements will be made for organic
certification by the Spices Board and the
cost will be paid by the Spices Board from
the amount earmarked for subsidy. |
5. |
Spices Board would
also give assistance to the farmers for
production of inputs like vermicompost,
trichoderma etc. with the help of Governmental
agencies / NGOs. A separate scheme for production
of Vermicompost is operated by the Board
and the farmers who are selected under this
scheme will be allotted Vermicompost units
under the scheme. |
6. |
Cost of inputs like
trichoderma, bio pesticides & fungicides
etc. would be deducted from the subsidy.
|
7. |
Farmers who are willing
to participate in the scheme for a minimum
period of 10 years will only be selected
and an undertaking in writing has to be
submitted along with the application. Operations
are to be carried out strictly as per NSOP
standards. |
8. |
Accredited inspection
and certifying agencies would be contacted
for taking up organic certification well
in time and the payment towards certification
will be paid by the Spices Board. |
9. |
The grant-in-aid will
be provided in the form of planting materials
and inputs like trichoderma, bio pesticides
& fungicides etc. and for meeting the
cost of certification. If there is any fund
in excess after meeting the above, it would
be paid to the beneficiaries during the
second year. |
10. |
NGOs having very good
past records / reputation would be selected
wherever the scheme cannot be implemented
by the Spices Board’s officials. A
retention fee of Rs. 25,000/- would be paid
per year to the NGO selected under the scheme
and the payment will be effected from the
subsidy earmarked in the scheme. |
11. |
Wherever NGOs are engaged,
the farmers should sign an MOU with the
NGO and the NGO with the Spices Board. Regarding
the willingness to participate in the scheme
and regarding the willingness to continue
organic farming practices for a minimum
period of 10 years, ie. the scheme period
and beyond. |
12. |
Spices Board does not
take the responsibility for marketing of
the produce or assure any floor / minimum
price. However, Board would provide market
information and act as a facilitator to
organize farmer – trader meetings.
|
