Growth of Small Farm-Based Agriculture
Indian agriculture is predominantly small land holder agriculture. This feature of land holding is kept in view while developing various kinds of technologies. Researchers are also sensitized about need for developing technologies that are appropriate for small and marginal farmers. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) addresses research needs of farmers, including small and marginal farmers, through All India Coordinated Research Projects conducted in its centres spread across the country.
To promote decentralized, farmer-driven and farmer-accountable extension system, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Support to State Extension Programme for Extension Reforms” popularly known as Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Scheme is being implemented in 604 districts covering 31 States/UTs.
To provide better marketing infrastructure/facilities to all categories of farmers, Scheme for Development/Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization is being implemented in 26 States/UTs.
To galvanize institutional credit system to make it more responsive to needs of farmers, limit of collateral-free farm loans has been raised from Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 100,000/-, interest subvention is provided for timely repayment of crop loans. Initiative has been taken to provide Kisan Credit Cards to all eligible and willing farmers in a time bound manner. Under National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), 10 percent subsidy in premium amount is provided to small and marginal farmers.
To incentivize States to allocate more funds for agriculture and allied sector, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been launched.
Government also provides assistance to farmers, including small and marginal farmers, through various schemes such as National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Revised Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA), National Mission on Micro Irrigation etc.
This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
MP:SB:CP: small (16.12.2011)