Dr.M.P.Gupta
In order to meet increasing food demand for growing population, National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in August 2007 to increase production and productivity of cereal crops like rice, wheat and pulses on sustainable basis for food security of the nation. It is to be achieved through pragmatic approach to bridge the production gaps by the adoption of improved technology and management practices.
Target
NFSM was launched in 166 districts of 22 States to increase Rice production to 10 million tons (Year 2011-12), Wheat production to 8 million tons and Pulses to 2 million tons. In achieving this target, it was proposed to cover 20 million ha area under rice, 13 million ha area under wheat, 4.5 million ha area under pulses. For this purpose, 50% subsidy will be given on all farmers’ activities.
NFSM in J&K
NFSM was introduced in J&K State in 2011-12 with an outlay of Rs3.59 crore covering six districts namely: Jammu, Samba, Kathua both for rice and wheat where as Udhampur, Leh and Kargil for Wheat only. Further, Rs.14.17 crore has been allocated for wheat promotion alone for the year 2012-13.
*Looking into the present Area and Production Status of Rice, Wheat, Pulses in Jammu Province, Kashmir Province and the State as a whole, it is worth mentioning that per Ha production of these major crops is well below the national average, especially the average yield which has declined in the recent years and bridging the production gap in Rice and Wheat through Rice- wheat cropping system is the main objective of the National Food Security Mission.
*Food deficiency has increased to 36 %( 2012) and is further expected to rise to 41% by 2014 and to 50% by 2025 which poses a great challenge.
*Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) has been satisfactory in the recent years
(i) Rice- 24.78 % (ii) Wheat – 29.77 %.
In this backdrop, it is imperative to bridge the yield gap through scientific interventions so as to ensure the success of Food Security Mission for which all initiatives are being undertaken by GOI. It will be in place to mention that Convergence of different Centrally Sponsored Schemes should be encouraged which in a way is going to supplement and complement each other to cover more people and more area.
Components of NFSM
System of Rice Intensification (SRI) will serve as important intervention to increase rice production, besides Direct Seeded Rice and Line Transplanting has to be encouraged. SRI, its components has vital significance over conventional system of rice farming and calls for more emphasis on the development strategies for the implementation of “System of rice intensification” in J&K. The distinctive features of SRI are as under:
a) Transplanting: In SRI, a single seedling is transplanted per hill at a wider spacing and the hills are also spaced more widely than usual, thus reducing the density of seedlings needed for planting. Thus this system helps to reduce requirement of seeds from 80-90%
b) Seedlings for SRI: SRI system uses the much younger seedlings (8-14 days old) compared to 3 to 4 weeks old seedlings in the traditional system. Transplantation of young seedlings at shallow depth of water results in quick recovery besides establishment and production of more effective tillers & profuse growth of roots.
c) Planting: Planting is generally done in squares to facilitate the use of a weeder of a particular width; if the spacing in one direction is greater it will take longer to cover the space in between or it will not be properly covered. A minimum width is required in both directions and thus a square is optimal.
d) Irrigation: In SRI there is no need to keep the field flooded with water; it is enough to keep the soil moist. Thus it reduces 25-50% of irrigation.
e) Weed Control: Special aspect of the SRI method is to use a hand operated weeder to disturb and churn the soil between the rows.
Training: Season long trainings are being conducted in four sessions of four hours duration each i.e. in the beginning of kharif, during kharif & rabi and at the end of rabi. The modern training curriculum is developed and discussed with state consultant before finalization for training program.
Technical Support: With the appointment of staff in the project, NFSM work has been geared up. The technical assistant(s) under the guidance of their respective consultant are to document all the information pertaining NFSM-District and will also provide technical support in the successful execution of the project. Such information will also be furnished to State technical assistant for further compilation at the State level. To begin with, Base-line survey of the District has been conducted by using prescribed Performa; SWOT analysis will be employed to determine strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation with cereal crops i.e. Rice-Wheat in the Districts. The district-wise data regarding above crops in terms of Area, Production, Productivity from 2006-07 to 2012-13 will be collected and analyzed to determine the growth trend. The production gaps and extension strategies will be identified for intensification of crops. Impact/case studies will be conducted to study the input-output, outcome and impact growth of the project. Besides success stories will be developed of NFSM-Districts.
Lastly, above information will also be used to bring out booklets on wheat scenario and rice scenario of Districts under NFSM to serve as ready reference for future course of action to boost food production in the State.
Achievements under NFSM
In the first quarter of 2013-14, the following achievements have been made in NFSM-districts:
Jammu: As regard Cluster Demonstration, out of 1000 ha area 957 ha area has been covered successfully under System of Rice Intensification (SRI), Direct Seeded Rice and Line Transplanting. Further use of micro nutrients (Zinc sulphate) and distribution of Cono Weeder, rotator tiller and knap sack sprayer are under process.
Samba: In achieving target of Cluster Demonstration (2013-14), 200 ha area has been covered under SRI, Hybrid Rice, Mechanical Transplanting and Line Sowing. Besides, distribution of Micronutrients, Gypsum and construction of Water Harvesting Structures are under process.
Udhampur: Under demonstration programme, use of new varieties is being promoted. Out of 100 ha only 91.25 ha of area was achieved under Cluster Demonstration. Further, 8 ha and 3.5 ha was covered under Direct Seeded Rice and SRI. Use of herbicides and fungicides is under process.
Kathua: About 1st session training and Cluster Demonstration, 400 ha area has been covered successfully out of which 5 ha was covered under SRI and 100 ha covered under Hybrid Rice & rest under Direct seeded.
During current year, it is proposed to organize 500 farmers’ trainings and cluster demonstrations over an area of 12300 ha in 6 NFSM-Districts of J&K State namely Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Leh and Kargil, which in turn will certainly help to increase food production and decrease in present food deficiency (36%), besides serve as road-map to usher agriculture prosperity in the State.
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