Aadil
Mir, Devesh Dubey New Delhi,09 June: - Agriculture has
been the backbone of India's economy and during last 50 years has demonstrated
the strong correlation between agricultural growth
and economic prosperity. If India has to emerge as an economic power; our agricultural yield should be
at par with those countries, which are currently considered as economic powerhouses.
The
present agricultural scenario is a mix of outstanding achievements and missed
opportunities. We need a new and effective technology which can improve the
productivity, profitability, sustainability of our major farming systems.
Increasing
production in horticulture through area
expansion is gradually making way for concerns like enhanced productivity,
eco-friendly production, safe and nutritionally rich produce, value chain
management, international competitiveness, intellectual property issues,
sustained production etc...
Being
an agrarian economy, India needs to focus on state wise increase in the
agricultural produce. Optimizing the resources can provide a much needed boost
to the economy.
Particularly
in Arunachal Pradesh, only 5 per cent land
is available for cultivation, with more than 80 per cent of land under forests.
While the extent of forests is seen as the most valuable asset from the point
of view of environment and ecology, the same can be of little advantage as
far as agricultural development is
concerned.
The
state is reported to be a region having high potential of horticultural
development since there are wide range of variation in terrain and climate.
Arunachal Pradesh is also suitable for growing of large number of horticultural
crops. The grain farming is proving less remunerative in comparison to growing
of horticultural crops in this hilly, undulating area which is devoid of
irrigation facilities. Yet, potential has remained unexploited although Government
of India and the state Government have been putting forth endeavors for the
upliftment of the agriculture sector in Arunachal Pradesh. But the location
specific technologies generated so far had limited applicability. Traditional
cultivation is continuing perhaps due to the absence of technical knowledge.
Therefore, there is a need to create awareness and make the farmers receptive
to new technologies through demonstration and training programs precisely
designed for the same.
The
total area of fruits during 2009-2010 has
been estimated as 57600 hectare with a total
production of 108000 Metric Tons 9260 hectare under spices with 30,017 Metric Tons production. However the
productivity status of various crops is still low as compared to all India
level.
Timely
application of fertilizers and adoption of
suitable plant protection measures are the basic factors which affect plant
growth and productivity. Department of horticulture needs to have a programme
under which there is a provision for the supply of fertilizers and plant
protection chemicals.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a
Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector
covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers,
aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. And for the North Eastern
States and Himalayan States, Government of India (GOI) contribution is 100%
under the scheme. Arunachal Pradesh can make use of the available government
grants to the fullest.
Horticultural
crops being perishable require to be handled properly. But due to a lack of
marketing federations or associations, farmers fail to dispose off their
produce or are forced to sell their produces at very low prices.
The
need of the hour is to ensure an environment conducive to healthy growth of the
Horticulture Sector. Which is created through proactive involvement of
different stakeholders. Taking into consideration the enormous potential of
horticulture, it is pertinent to assess the progress achieved and identify
gaps, which are inhibiting its growth. This process will help in taking stock
of development, and its key constraints and challenges.
Source: 'Themetrolive'
No comments:
Post a Comment