NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURE FOR RABI CAMPAIGN 2005-2006

1. NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTUREFOR RABI CAMPAIGN 2005-2006 STATE : MEGHALAYA

2. FUND RECEIVED FROM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT DURING 2005-06

3. ADDL. FUND DURING 2005-2006( Macro Management of Agriculture = Rs 8 Crs ) • Plant Protection = 112.62 (L) • Area Expansion = 68.55 (L) • Promotion of Agril. Mechanization = 60.00 (L) • Crop & Seed Production = 91.00 (L) • Pulses & Oilseed Development = 56.00 (L) • Organic Farming = 110.00 (L) • Tech. Dissemination = 120.33(L) • Other Programmes = 181.50 (L)

4. PROGRESS IN SEED PRODUCTION Through Seed Multiplication programme 550 ha covered under rice during 2004-05 & production of 1650 MT seeds Seed village concept introduced during current year to cover an area of 900 ha with production target of 2700 MT of certified seeds Additional requirement of certified seeds through other Seed corporations and tie-up has been taken up during Zonal conference. Farmers are motivated on the importance of using certified seeds every three years to maintain higher yield and productivity

5. PROGRESS IN BALANCED USE OF FERTILIZER & INM Solid Waste Disposal Plant Ameliorate Urban waste problem & production of bio-organic soil enricher Public-Private participation with Government subsidy of Rs 50 lakhs Joint venture with local entrepreneur through technology partnership with EXCEL Industries Ltd.using controlled aerobic microbial composting technology INM Est. Fertilizer consumption 6491 MT in 2005-06 against 4930 MT in 2004-05 particularly for Vegetables & Cereals Fertilizer sale points ( 464 nos.) - 43 (Co-operatives) & 421 (Private) Using of organic manure encouraged to maintain soil health.

6. PROGRESS IN IPM • Consumption of pesticides during Kharif 2005 ( 4.330 MT) & projected for Rabi 2005-06 ( 4.197 MT) - Pesticides (1.151 & 1.486 MT) Fungicides ( 2.712 & 2.412 MT) • Distribution Points (106 nos.) - Govt.(85),Coop.(1)& Pvt.(20) • Setting of Farmers field Schools with season-long training • Establishment of the Bio-Control laboratory • For possible rodent outbreak, proposal for Rs 22.62 lakhs has been sent under Macro Management of Agriculture during current year.

7. STEPS TAKEN TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY • Increase of acreage under Hybrids and High Yielding varieties • Production and distribution of certified/quality seeds • Improvement of Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) of rice from the existing level of 7 % which is below the desired level • Mechanization through power tillers • More emphasis on adoption of non-monetary inputs like timely sowing, maintaining optimum plant population, irrigation at critical stages of crop growth, etc. • Use of bio-fertilizers and other organic manures to maintain soil health

8. PROGRESS ON APMC AMENDMENT • Government has constituted a State Level Task force to work out on the APMC amendment • Initial report submitted has been examined and require further revision before final acceptance for introduction in the State Assembly.

9. READINESS TO IMPLEMENT NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION • To achieve horizontals and vertical integration of the programmes under TMH, the State to continue implementation of Mini Mission II and Mini Mission III • With successful implementation of the TMH, the State looks forward to implement National Horticulture Mission when it is extended to the State • Pilot projects for commercial cultivation of low volume high value short duration crops viz; strawberry, rose & anthurium • Potential flowers which can be commercially exported outside the region viz; carnation, bird of paradise, anthurium and roses • To continue with new innovations with value addition

10. ATMA RELATED EXISTING PROGRAMMES • Three districts to be covered for implementation of Extn. Reforms • Activities completed – State Level Orientation Workshop – 1 no. District Level Orientation Workshop – 3 nos. Training on Strategic Research Extension Plan – 1 no. • State Agri. Management & Extn. Trg. Institute (SAMETI) identified • Activities yet to be carried out – Formation of District Core Groups ( 3 nos.) Identification of Agro-Ecology situation (AES) & AES Team Collection of primary data from representative villages of AES Preparation of District Strategic Research Extension Plan (DSREP) & State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) Formation & Registration of Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA)

11. STATUS OF QUARANTINE FACILITIES • Temporarily taken up at the State Hq. for issuing phytosanitary certificates for exportable produce – orange, arecanut & betel leaves • Availability of land and building at border checkgates being explored for two centres – non-availability of Govt. land and high rental cost in private buildings • Few equipments acquired – illuminated magnifier, trinocular microscope, BOD Incubator, Oven, electronic balance, etc. • Requirement of land and building for setting up proper quarantine station

12. STRATEGIES FOR RABI PRODUCTION • Mass awareness through Rabi campaign during October 2005 • Mass awareness through Media,Farmers’ trainings &Demonstration • Proper land preparation through optimum tillage operations • Use of Certified seeds of recommended varieties • Timely sowing and transplanting of crops • Adequate field management and inter- cultural practices • Application of recommended dose of fertilizers at the critical stages of crop growth. • Adjustment at the time of sowing/ transplanting and harvesting of summer rice to avoid period of monsoon flash flood. • Proper water and drought management • Timely and effective field monitoring supervision for quick corrective measures • Timely and proper post harvest operations

13. THANKYOU