A
G R I C U L T U R E
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The policy approach to agriculture, has been to secure increased production of Coconut by adopting suitable agronomic practices and production of vegetables, fruits pulses and tubercrops |
| utilising maximum possible inter
spaces of Coconut
gardens through package of
efforts on increasing the area under
these crops. |
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1. Coconut Development Programme:- Coconut is the major crop of the territory and is the life line of the people. Multiplication of reputed coconut varieties of the territory viz. Laccadive ordinary, Laccadive small and Lacadive micro are spread to other states and Union Territory considering their quality in respect of copra, oil content etc. |
| The production of
coconut has reached 283 million nuts during 2000-2001 as against 16.3 million during 19966-67. Elimination of low
productive palms and maintenance
of optimum spacing was vital
to improve and increase the production
from unit holdings. An
estimated 2000 trees were cut and removed
from various fields by paying an incentive of Rs.400/- per tree. Scheme
contemplates to provide financial assistance
to coconut nursery
growers, coconut producers etc. A
target of 2000 is set
for the current financial year also.
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2.
Horticulture Development Programame:-
The main objective of the
scheme is to reduce the import of fruits from near by
states and to produce as
much as quantity of fruits locally.
This has
facilitated to create family
employment to generate
additional income.
Banana, Pappaya
and sapota cultivation
along with
distribution of agricultural
inputs are envisaged
under the
scheme. Banana cultivation
was the highest during the last plan
period and it will be improved further to meet the local
demand. Nearly
70 hectors of land were brought under fruit cultivation. The
department was able to instill confidence among
the farmers
and
more and
more people have come forward to take
up fruit
cultivation as a source of nutritious food and income
generating job.
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3.
Olericulture Development Programme:-
A
deserving priority has
been given to the schemes inorder to provide nutritional diet to the people.
The scheme contemplates to
increase vegetable
production, tuber
crops, pulses as an inter crop in
coconut gardens to meet the
basic minimum requirement and to minimize the
import of
vegetable from near by states.
Inputs like
seeds, implements,
manures and fencing materials were supplied
to the farmers.
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4.
Manure and Fertiliser:-
Soils in the islands are very poor
in Nitrogen, Potash and macro nutrients. Prudent attempt is made for
organic dressing,
fertility improvement
steps through
bio fertilizers, green
manures, organic
manures so
that the
ecology and
environment of
the islands are
not damaged.
Procurement of micro
nutrients, bio fertilizers, green manure
seeds, organic
manures and production of pith plus
compost on
large scale
are undertaken under the scheme.
Self help groups
from all the islands came forward to take up pith plus composting
self employment.
5.
Integrated Pest Management:-
Lakshadweep is a disease free zone. But rodent pest is the major menace posing coconut production. An estimated 10 to 20 % loss is caused. Control of rat is arranged through hunt campaign and by supplying available devices like glue trap, Ratol paste etc. Horticulture. Olericulture, and Floriculture crops too are infested by pests and diseases. Considering the delicate ecology of the territory, control measures being organic and bio control methods are adopted.
6.
Agricultural Extension Service and Technology
Transfer:-
The scheme acquires importance as it enable the department to extent latest technical inputs in the relevant areas of agricultural activities to the professionals and to the farmers. Training programmes both for extension functionaries and farmers are arranged. Farmers are coming forward to adopt new methods, for better production.
7.Research
and Development:
The department is undertaking research
studies in
collaboration with CPCRI, Kasargod,
the Regional
Station, Minicoy, NBSS, ICAR, Bangalore,
Agricultural Universities etc
on agronomic
practices, soil
and water
conservation, biofertiliser application, rodent pests managements ect.
8.
Floriculture &
Orchid Development:-
This is a new
scheme started
during IX plan period to empower the women flok to
take floriculture activities
and earn income. Response from
the public
is encouraging and more women come forward to take up
the work.
9.
Agricultural Marketing and Proce
Though the copra is main
produce of
Lakshadweep, there is no facility
for copra
grading. Scheme
envisages to provide financial assistance
for copra grading to fetch
better price in the market. Assistance also are
provided under
the scheme
for fruit
processing, neera
taping.jaggary making, vengar making and their marketing.
10.
Agricultural
Engineering Service:-
The basic
minimum services like providing of Tools and implements, equipment and
machineries to
the farming commnity is harnessed through
this scheme.
Copra drying devices, fencing materials, heliflex
hose, garden tools are also
procured and supplied to the farmers.
11.
Soil and Water Conservation:-
Lakshadweep islands are prone to
soil erosion and about 20 running kilometers sea
shore line
are subjected to erosion and the same length has been subjected to
merosion. Added
importance is
given for
soil and
water conservation,
efficient use of soil and water, and
connected activities
which have
direct bearing to improve
ecology and
environment.
12.
Disaster management:-
Andrott, Kalpeni and Minicoy lie in a
cyclone belt. The remaining
islands are facing the fury of south west monsoon and
north east monsoon causing heavy
damages to
coconut, crops,
seashore land,
sheds and
dwelling houses.
Suitable compating
measures and appropriate compensation
for victims and their
rehabilitation is thrust of the scheme.
12.
Social and Agro Forestry-
Owing chiefly to the
delicate and vulnerable
ecology of
the islands, adequate
thrust is
necessary on social and Agro
forestry aimed at rejuvenation of littoral
and mangrove vegetation,
raise marine green belt
with massive tree plant and
other social forestry activities.
New programmes Homestead
farming and minikit distribution
to the selected 1000 farmers of this territory will be a stepping stone
to enhance vegetable production and ensure availability of fresh
vegitable from islands itself.
Establishment
of Krishi Vidyan Kendra by the ICAR, to
this territory
was a
blessing as far as
Agricultural Development activities
and various
training needs
of the
farmers and
extension workers
are concerned. During last year 10
nos on campus and 13
nos off campas training programmes were conducted
benefiting 667
trainees. 77 nos training
programmes covering
1325 farmers
& extension workers are proposed for the current
year. Front line
demonstration and on farm testing on various
crops and problem areas are also being taken up by the KVK.
