National Conference on Agriculture / Horticulture for RABI Campaign 2006

1. DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA National Conference on Agriculture / Horticulture for RABI Campaign 2006 Department of Horticulture Bangalore-04.

2. Horticulture a promising sector of the State • Area under Horticulture in the State 16.31lakhs ha. • Annual production 108.06 lakhs tons. • Area under Horticulture crops accounts to 16% of the total cultivated area in the State. • Income from the Horticultural produce is approximately Rs.10743.65 crores. • Area under Horticulture crops is increasing by 4-5% and production by 6% every year.

3. Measures for improving Production and Productivity of Horticulture Produce Present Scenario of Horticulture in Karnataka Horticulture Crops Position in Karnataka.

4. Position of Karnataka in Export of Horticulture Produce

5. Effect of excess rainfall/floodsduring October 2005 • Has severely affected Horticulture Crops in the state • Drastic reduction in production of Ginger, Turmeric, Tomato, Banana and other vegetable crops. • Crop loss/total damage to perennial crops. • Total devastation of of non-perennial crops like Banana and Vegetables.

6. Significant Achievements of Horticulture in Karnataka State Market Linkages in Karnataka Horticultural Produces Co-operative Marketing Society (HOPCOMS) - To bridge the gap between produces and consumers, Department has established HOPCOMS in Bangalore and 17 district level co-operative societies. KarnatakaState Horticultural Co-operative Federation (KHF) – Apex body as State level – involved in creating Post Harvest and export infrastructure with cold storage, refrigerated transport, pre-cooling units, export houses and integrated market information system. Raithara Santhe- Aims for marketing fruits and vegetables directly from the growers to the consumers without any middlemen or commission agent. At present this is in action at Yelahanka town near Bangalore city.

7. Fruit market yard near Bangalore-The Department of Agriculture Marketing, a state government department opened a new market complex near Bangalore City exclusively for marketing of fruits. • SAFAL Market –New project implemented by National Dairy Development Board. • Vast project developed in an area of 60 acres of land. • Includes sophisticated auction hall, collection centres, distribution centres, wholesale and retail sales counters. • This project will also develop cash and carry stores in prime localities of cities. • About 300 metric tones of fruits and vegetables are handled per day. • For selected districts at Village level growers associations have been organized with backward and forward linkages to train the farmers on production and Post Harvest management of Fruits & Vegetables.

8. Nurserymen Co-operative Society Ltd, Bangalore – For the marketing of different plants and seeds produced by farmers and nurserymen, this society is provides a good platform. This society is also have branches which is also helping farmers and the public to get their requirement of seeds, flower and aromatic plants and other Horticulture inputs. An assistance of 80 lakhs has been provided to this society for expansion and extension of its marketing activity to many other centres of Karnataka State. Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Ltd, Bangalore (KAPPEC) – This agency is a farmer friendly and helps in export of many of the Agriculture and Horticulture crops and also promoting activities involved in export of different crops like providing Cold chain facilities, Storing facilities and also information regarding the crops and the varieties suitable for export. During 2005-06, this agency is also being assisted for a Special project taken up in Bijapur at an amount of Rs.93.75 lakhs.

9. New Interventions made by Department of Horticulture, Karnataka • GI Registration:- The Department of Horticulture, Karnataka for the first time registered 3 crop varieties in geographical indication registry of Government of India which is a unit maintaining geographical indicators of agriculture crops / goods peculiar to territory and climate. The crop varieties registered are Nanjangud Rasabale variety of Banana, Mysore Betal vine, a variety of betal vine. Coorg orange, a variety of orange and also proposal has been submitted for GI Registry of 3 Jasmine varieties namely Mysore Jasmine, Hadagali Jasmine and Udupi Jasmine. 2. DNA Finger Printing Laboratory: A well equipped DNA Finger Printing Laboratory has been established in Hulimavu Biotechnology centre in Department of Horticulture, Karnataka which has a facility for varietal identification through DNA Finger prints, Documentation of varieties by Molecular Markers, Detection of Somoclonal variations in Tissue Culture plants, Virus Identification / Disease Identification.

10. Significant Developments in Horticulture Wine Policy for the Karnataka State: For the purpose of promotion of cultivation of wine varieties of grapes in the State, helping the wine industries to increase their production and to streamline the sales and trade of wines, the Department of Horticulture has drafted a wine policy for the State, and this policy is under the examination of the Government for its adoption. Farm Policy for Horticulture Departmental Farms: A large number of Farms and Nurseries developed by Department of Horticulture are not in a good shape and not serving the purpose for which they were established to the full extent. Hence to improve and put them into purposeful activities and modernize them an effective farm policy is being implemented and will be brought into action shortly. Neera Policy: It is also plans to bring Neera Policy for extracting Neera from Coconut Plants. Suvarna Karnataka Garden Policy: It is proposed to have a separate Garden Policy for the different parks and gardens located in different places of Karnataka State.

11. Private Nursery Regulation Bill: The main aim of this Bill is to regulate the quality of plants produced in the private nurseries and to control their trade. The Bill has been drafted and is under the examination of the Government. Parks Preservation Act: Act is in existence for prevention of construction of structures and buildings in the existing parks and gardens. Oil Palm Act: Government of Karnataka considering to bring an act for production procuring and processing of Oil palm fresh fruits through selected agencies by forming Oil palm act.

12. Creation of Agri Export Zones Agri Export Zones have been established for 4 crops namely Gherkins, Rose Onion, Flowers and Vanilla. Recently, MOU has been signed for establishment of Agri Export Zone for Vanilla crop also. Improving production through Israeli Technology A new Scheme is being implemented to increase production of vegetables in dry districts through Hi-tech Horticulture i.e by Israeli Technology to the cost of Rs. 10.00 crores in selected 10 backward taluks in dry tract of Karnataka. Establishment of Model Floriculture Centers The Department has already established 5 Model Floriculture Centers (MFCs) in Nagarur Horticulture Farm, Bangalore (R) District. Kannamangala Horticulture Farm, Bangalore (U) District. Indiranagar Horticulture Farm, at Bangalore, Pampavana, Munirabad, Koppal District.Navanagar Horticulture Farm, at Bagalkot.

13. Creation of International Flower Auction Centre: The existing small flower auction center at KAIC complex, Hebbal, is being modified and upgraded with all the international standard facilities on par with the auction center at Alsmeer, Holland. The works are expected to complete by September 2006 and will be ready for inauguration. With this, it is expected that the hi-tech flower producers of Karnataka and in the neighboring states can sell their flowers competitively to the national and international buyers. Export of hi-tech cut flowers: The hi-tech flowers produced in Karnataka, mainly Roses, are being regularly exported to Holland, Japan, Singapore and other international markets. The big floriculture companies have created their own refrigerated transport facilities for carrying their flowers to the International Cargo Planes. The total turnover of these companies is about Rs.35 crores per annum.

14. Flora Expo-2005: This international flower trade show was organized at Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bangalore, in the month of June 2005. Many International and National Floricultural Companies were participated in this Expo. This provided a very good platform for the growers-sellers meet and exchange of ideas and requirements. Many floriculture companies and flower growers of Karnataka took the benefit of this flora-expo & presented the strength of Traditional Flowers. Encouragement for Post Harvest Processing and Export: • Every year there is a huge loss of Horticulture Commodities due to Market Glut and heavy market arrivals. To bring down this problem, Government of Karnataka has sanctioned scheme. • Scheme for Post Harvest and processing at the cost of Rs. 20.00 crores. • Scheme for assistance to Karnataka Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation - 10.00 crores which is a Nodal public sector agency for establishing Post Harvest facilities and Cold Chain for export of Horticulture produce.

15. Efforts to reduce Problems of Pesticide Residues • The increased use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides and other off farm inputs in agriculture has resulted in increase of pesticides residuals in Produles and also deterioration of soil health, increased environmental pollution. • Ecological farming method such as organic agriculture is one such alternative that would not only yield environmental benefits, but could also generate healthy residue free produles and also value added income to the farmers since Organic Produles are getting premium price both within the country and abroad. This will also help in increase of export of Agriculture Produce. • Organic Farming policy has been framed by the Government of Karnataka and the programmes for improvement of Organic Farming is being successfully implemented from the year 2005-06 by encouraging the farming community regarding the use of biofertilizers and bio-pesticides in combination with organic manures and also avoiding completely chemicals in farming and bringing holistic approach to increase crop production & to achieve sustainability.

16. For creating awareness about the importance of Organic products and also for providing platform for both consumers and the growers, a Organization called Jaivik Krushik Society has been established in Lalbagh, Bangalore. Under the Department of Horticulture. This Organization is started working from 2004-05 and is having a marketing outlet for procurement and sales of certified organic produce. • An Organic Trade fair was conducted in the year 2005 in Lalbagh, Bangalore which brought awareness about Organic farming, Organic Products and provided platform for both farmers, agencies and the consumers for marketing of Organic products by ICCOA an International Organization in co-ordination with Department of Horticulture. The same organization proposes to have international Trade Show during November 2006 in Bangalore.

17. Mandates for overall Development of Horticulture in Karnataka • Area expansion under Horticulture crops based on agro-climatic suitability. • Production of quality planting materials under Public sector in Departmental Farms & Nurseries to meet 50% of the farmers demand for Quality Planting Material. • Giving boost to dry land horticulture by encouraging development of Minor Fruits. • Helping the farmers to achieve water economy through Micro Irrigation by giving higher amount of subsidy to the Horticulture crops to the extent of 75%. • Encouraging hi-tech horticulture through Green House Production techniques. • Giving stress on Integrated Pest Management and use of Bio-pesticides to bring down the residue levels of Chemicals in the Horticulture Produles. • Encouraging Post harvest and marketing assistance by providing higher assistance to avoid post harvest losses and market gluts. • Helping the farmers in value addition and export of Horticultural produce • Achieving high degree of human resource development. (HRD) • Providing support to the research organizations, especially to solve the burning field problems faced by the farmers.

18. II. PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER DEVELOPMNET OF HORTICULTURE UNDER NEW MACRO MANAGEMENT MODE DURING 2005-06

20. PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER COCONUT DEVELOPMENT BOARD SCHEME DURING 2005-06

21. PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER OIL PALM DEVELOPMENT IN POTENTIAL STATES SCHEME DURING 2005-06

22. STATEMENT SHOWING PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL PROGRESS FOR THE YEAR 2005-06 UNDER NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION AS ON 31/03/2006

23. The progress achieved upto the end of July 2006 is Rs. 2130 lakhs out of the released amount of Rs. 4455 lakhs.

24. Centrally sponsored scheme on Micro Irrigation AIMS at Bringing more Horticulture area under Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Salient Features: The Micro Irrigation Scheme is implemented with the Government of India Assistance i.e. 40% from the GOI and 35% from the State Government and the remaining 25% is the beneficiary Contribution of Bank Loan. Crops covered under Micro Irrigation Arecanut, Banana, Coconut, Sapota, Grapes, Pomegranate, Mango, Vegetables, Rose and Jasmine. Progress: An amount of Rs. 3584 lakhs was released at the fag end of the Financial year 2005-06 (March 2006). Hence progress could not be achieved. The progress at the end of August 2006 is 166.77 lakhs. For the year 2006-07, in addition to the Government of India funds to meet 35% of State share, Government of Karnataka has released 35.00 crores.

25. Reason for shortfall in scheme programmes 1. Under the Scheme for New Macro Management the progress achieved is almost to the targeted amount and there is a meager unspent balance for which revalidation has been requested. 2. In Development of Oil Palm in potential states a sum of Rs.95.77 lakhs was earmarked towards staff’s salaries and other allowances. The amount earmarked toward staff salaries could not be utilized fully as the posts were vacant. Hence, there is a shortfall in the achievement. 3. Under the Coconut Development Board Scheme, full progress has been achieved to the extent of funds released. 4. The National Horticulture Mission scheme was initially approved for 13 Southern Karnataka districts. As the Northern Karnataka districts were not selected there was opposition for the implementation of the scheme programmes. Hence, the scheme programmes could not be implemented. Revised action plan with the inclusion of the Northern Karnataka districts was received from GOI during the fag end of February and the implementation of the scheme programmes was started at the end the annual year 2005-06. The scheme programmes are now being implemented for achieving complete progress. 5. Micro Irrigation funds were released during the fag end of the year 2005-06 (March-2006). Hence progress could not be achieved.

26. Thrust Areas for Development of Horticulture in the State • Conversion of waste and marginal lands into productive lands through dry land horticulture. • Bringing a wider network of both private and public sectors for supply of seeds, fertilizers and other inputs is to be established. • Extending credit facilities to farmers at lower interest rates as the perennial horticulture incurs higher capital expenditure. • Hi-tech interventions in horticulture (viz. Micro propagation, protected cultivation, fertigation, organic farming, Biological control, high density planting, precision farming etc.) are to be encouraged for productivity improvement as the present productivity of horticulture crops is not upto the potential. • Need based cropping systems to be encouraged to conserve moisture and ground water tables i.e. Dry orcharding with minor fruits having low water requirement.

27. Encouraging crop planning to achieve stability in crop production and also avoiding market gluts. • Encouragement of private sector for involvement in buy-back intervention of crops such as Medicinal & Aromatic Plants etc. • Support to farmers through minimum support price for crops at times of glut. • Crop Insurance – Every economic activity is fraught with risk and crop production is no exception. Crop production is single such activity is prone to risk of practically every nature. In recent years, adverse climatic conditions and natural calamities have resulted in heavy losses to the farmers. There are instances, where, the farmers have not even made good the expenditure incurred on inputs like seeds, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals. The perennial horticulture crops are not exception to this phenomenon. To over come the situation and to help the farmers initially, the input insurance scheme to be formulated for identified Horticultural crops in consultation with insurance companies wherever required. • Scope for developing value addition to the Horticulture produce like vegetables and fruits, cleaned and graded products, processed products ready to serve horticulture food products, spice encapsulation, oleoresins, dry flowers, potpourris, etc. • Efforts for Productivity Improvement in Cashew, Mango and Pineapple and also replacement of old varieties of Ginger and Turmeric. More thrust for cultivation of selected Medicinal plants.

28. Action Required from Government of India • Requires approval of 5 AEZ Proposals pending: • Mango & Grapes • Pomegranate & Lime • Potato • Medicine & Aromatic plants • AEZ for Vanilla: • Proposal for AEZ Vanilla was given for 70.00 crores. But sanction has been accorded only for 2.00 crores. This will not be of much use. Hence, revised sanction for the full project cost of Rs.70.00 crores is requested. • A Crop Insurance Scheme extended to all Horticulture crops: • The insurance amount given should not be based on the crop cutting experiments and value should based on the assessment of actual crop loss. • General insurance units should be extended to district places. • Special Prime Minister Package for 6 Suicide Prone Districts in Karnataka State for ammoniating hardship amounting to Rs. 496.50 crores for 3 years has been submitted and needs approval.