SPEECH IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Rosaiah ji, Hon. Minster for Agriculture Shri Raghuveera Reddy, MPs, MLAs, Senior Officers of State Government, Farmer brothers and sisters of Andhra Pradesh & West Godawari.
May I congratulate the progressive government of Andhra Pradesh in leading the country in the field of Agriculture during a difficult time. Andhra Pradesh government under Hon. Rosaiah ji & Hon. Agriculture Minister Shri Raghuveera Reddy has achieved unparalleled success in both high growth in agriculture and higher farmer returns. I pay tribute to Andhra’s most Valliant Warrior for the poor, Late Shri Rajasekhar Reddy with whom I enjoyed a deep personal friendship when we were in Lok Sbha together. I am sure that Dr. Reddy’s contribution in making Andhra strong and particularly good for the farming community will go down as a golden period in Indian history. The memory of the departed leader must guide us in future also. I offer tributes to him on this occasion once again.
Andhra overcame unfavourable weather conditions to produce about 209 lakhs metric tonnes of food grains in 2009-10 contributing highly into the national food stocks. It produces the 3rd largest quantum of food grains and topped the productivity of Maize and Bengal Gram. Andhra disburses highest crop & term loans and a sum of Rs.37,574 crores was disbursed in 2009-10. The ‘Polambadi’ scheme of village specific farmer training has resulted in significant reduction in the consumption of pesticides. The State’s interest in improving seed replacement rate, encouraging seed production by farmers and integrated nutrient management and mechanisation is noteworthy. The huge participation of our farmer brothers in Raithu Sadassus like this is an indication of the trust the farmers have with the State Government’s leadership. I must say that the agriculture department and the State’s administration as a whole is as a model for other States to emulate.
The Central Government continues to support the State through numerous other schemes like RKVY, Macro Management of Agriculture, National Food Security Mission, National Horticulture Mission, Micro Irrigation, Extension Reforms, National Bamboo Mission etc. The total allocations of AP under these Schemes are to the extent of Rs.941.19 crores for this year and once the State qualifies again for RKVY, the assistance is likely to increase further substantially. I am sure this will happen in the near future.
Coming to the specific issues related to oil palm cultivation firstly let me congratulate the farmers for helping to address the net shortage India is facing in edible Oil.
As you are aware, we import 8-9 million tonnes of palm Oil at a cost of about 2700 crores annually. Andhra Pradesh came forward to help the country in this difficulty and planted oil palm in West Godawari district initially to an extent of 132 hectares in mid eighties, taking support from Department of Biotechnology and Technology Mission on Oil seeds (TMOP). Now Andhra has oil palm cultivation to the extent of 4,00,000 hectares spread in 11 districts, covering an area of 1,02,132 hectares against an identified potential of 4,20,000 hectares.
Further AP also processes the largest quantity of oil palm in India. With an annual production of 3.5 lakh tonnes, A.P contributes Rs.220 crores to the country. State has also formulated an Oil Palm Act for helping farmers by regulating trade by administered prices. Now I understand that A.P wants to expand area under Oil palm to another 30,000 hectares of which government of India will support, initially 16,000 hectares which will be taken up immediately. To overcome the difficulties in harvesting the tall Palm, the state is organising supply of harvesters on pilot basis through adequate subsidization. State Government is also investing in micro irrigation for the crop. State Government wants Government of India to include Oil Palm under its Micro irrigation programmes.
The Micro Irrigation component of ISOPOM, NFSM and TMC will be retained and 50% central share of system cost for small farmers and marginal farmers and 40% of cost for general farmers is allowable as subsidy. This is allowed under current plan and Minor Irrigation Schemes for Oil Palm can be supported under Minor Irrigation for ISOPOM. The proposals may be sent under ISOPOM implemented by DAC. I understand that the government could not pay costs to the farmers to the extent they would have liked during the last two years.
Therefore, the State had to avail Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) compensatory rates to protect the farmers under the MIS cost of supporting the farmers is borne 50:50 between Central and State Governments. The Central procuring agency shall be NAFED. For March and April 2009, Government of India has approved Market intervention Prices of Rs.5000/- per Metric Tonne. This has helped the State to extend a support of Rs.4.6 crores for the FFB procured in March -April, 2009. The State’s proposal to continue the same is under active consideration.
The State has also proposed Minimum Support Price to Oil Palm. The State can avail the Market Intervention Scheme until the issue of MSP is decided. As you are aware MSP crops require appropriate recommendations from CACP and may take a little time for Government to decide. The import terms of edible Oils can be looked into, in the meantime Government has an open mind in the matter.
Government of India is open to support Govt. of AP in area increase of Oil Palm and mechanization under RKVY or mechanization schemes. A mission for Oil Palm already exists in the Ministry and we must take up as many activities under RKVY and other projects a mission would add, without waiting for new organization. We need to focus on productivity post procurement and processing value addition at this stage.
Apart from policy interventions the ICAR has also invested into Oil Palm research with its dedicated centre in Andhra Pradesh itself. Recently it has been elevated as a directorate. It focuses on hybrid development, production management system, post harvest management etc. Govt. of India spends about Rs.15 crores in the research and development effect in Oil palm.
In the other welfare projects Andhra has shown the ways too. The “Indiramma Scheme” in housing helps 80 lakh poor families while pension schemes for the needy help 75 lakh persons. Self-help groups are being supported by Rs.365 crores and State provides two rupees a kilo rice and pulses at Rs.30/- and vegetable oil at Rs.35/- to poor consumers through the Public Distribution system. The ‘Rajiv Aroggyashri’ Scheme extends unique health benefits to the poor. The emergency health transport under ‘108’ and fixed day health service under ‘104’ helps the most needy of the Society. Scholarship support, water conservation ‘Udyogashri’ are yet another set of exemplary schemes in welfare. Andhra has emerged as a unique example of rapid economic development with a human touch, in the last few years by investing in the people and farmers. A.P government shows the way forward for the country in achieving 10% overall growth and 4% in Agriculture sector. Government of India will be an active partner in Andhra’s efforts and will leave no stone unturned in helping the state’s requirements in the coming months.
Personally the State can consider me as an Ambassador for Andhra in Delhi and any of you can please feel free to meet me any time for my humble assistance. I wish the people and Government of Andhra all the best in its task.
JAI HIND



SPEECH IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Rosaiah ji, Hon. Minster for Agriculture Shri Raghuveera Reddy, MPs, MLAs, Senior Officers of State Government, Farmer brothers and sisters of Andhra Pradesh & West Godawari.
May I congratulate the progressive government of Andhra Pradesh in leading the country in the field of Agriculture during a difficult time. Andhra Pradesh government under Hon. Rosaiah ji & Hon. Agriculture Minister Shri Raghuveera Reddy has achieved unparalleled success in both high growth in agriculture and higher farmer returns. I pay tribute to Andhra’s most Valliant Warrior for the poor, Late Shri Rajasekhar Reddy with whom I enjoyed a deep personal friendship when we were in Lok Sbha together. I am sure that Dr. Reddy’s contribution in making Andhra strong and particularly good for the farming community will go down as a golden period in Indian history. The memory of the departed leader must guide us in future also. I offer tributes to him on this occasion once again.
Andhra overcame unfavourable weather conditions to produce about 209 lakhs metric tonnes of food grains in 2009-10 contributing highly into the national food stocks. It produces the 3rd largest quantum of food grains and topped the productivity of Maize and Bengal Gram. Andhra disburses highest crop & term loans and a sum of Rs.37,574 crores was disbursed in 2009-10. The ‘Polambadi’ scheme of village specific farmer training has resulted in significant reduction in the consumption of pesticides. The State’s interest in improving seed replacement rate, encouraging seed production by farmers and integrated nutrient management and mechanisation is noteworthy. The huge participation of our farmer brothers in Raithu Sadassus like this is an indication of the trust the farmers have with the State Government’s leadership. I must say that the agriculture department and the State’s administration as a whole is as a model for other States to emulate.
The Central Government continues to support the State through numerous other schemes like RKVY, Macro Management of Agriculture, National Food Security Mission, National Horticulture Mission, Micro Irrigation, Extension Reforms, National Bamboo Mission etc. The total allocations of AP under these Schemes are to the extent of Rs.941.19 crores for this year and once the State qualifies again for RKVY, the assistance is likely to increase further substantially. I am sure this will happen in the near future.
Coming to the specific issues related to oil palm cultivation firstly let me congratulate the farmers for helping to address the net shortage India is facing in edible Oil.
As you are aware, we import 8-9 million tonnes of palm Oil at a cost of about 2700 crores annually. Andhra Pradesh came forward to help the country in this difficulty and planted oil palm in West Godawari district initially to an extent of 132 hectares in mid eighties, taking support from Department of Biotechnology and Technology Mission on Oil seeds (TMOP). Now Andhra has oil palm cultivation to the extent of 4,00,000 hectares spread in 11 districts, covering an area of 1,02,132 hectares against an identified potential of 4,20,000 hectares.
Further AP also processes the largest quantity of oil palm in India. With an annual production of 3.5 lakh tonnes, A.P contributes Rs.220 crores to the country. State has also formulated an Oil Palm Act for helping farmers by regulating trade by administered prices. Now I understand that A.P wants to expand area under Oil palm to another 30,000 hectares of which government of India will support, initially 16,000 hectares which will be taken up immediately. To overcome the difficulties in harvesting the tall Palm, the state is organising supply of harvesters on pilot basis through adequate subsidization. State Government is also investing in micro irrigation for the crop. State Government wants Government of India to include Oil Palm under its Micro irrigation programmes.
The Micro Irrigation component of ISOPOM, NFSM and TMC will be retained and 50% central share of system cost for small farmers and marginal farmers and 40% of cost for general farmers is allowable as subsidy. This is allowed under current plan and Minor Irrigation Schemes for Oil Palm can be supported under Minor Irrigation for ISOPOM. The proposals may be sent under ISOPOM implemented by DAC. I understand that the government could not pay costs to the farmers to the extent they would have liked during the last two years.
Therefore, the State had to avail Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) compensatory rates to protect the farmers under the MIS cost of supporting the farmers is borne 50:50 between Central and State Governments. The Central procuring agency shall be NAFED. For March and April 2009, Government of India has approved Market intervention Prices of Rs.5000/- per Metric Tonne. This has helped the State to extend a support of Rs.4.6 crores for the FFB procured in March -April, 2009. The State’s proposal to continue the same is under active consideration.
The State has also proposed Minimum Support Price to Oil Palm. The State can avail the Market Intervention Scheme until the issue of MSP is decided. As you are aware MSP crops require appropriate recommendations from CACP and may take a little time for Government to decide. The import terms of edible Oils can be looked into, in the meantime Government has an open mind in the matter.
Government of India is open to support Govt. of AP in area increase of Oil Palm and mechanization under RKVY or mechanization schemes. A mission for Oil Palm already exists in the Ministry and we must take up as many activities under RKVY and other projects a mission would add, without waiting for new organization. We need to focus on productivity post procurement and processing value addition at this stage.
Apart from policy interventions the ICAR has also invested into Oil Palm research with its dedicated centre in Andhra Pradesh itself. Recently it has been elevated as a directorate. It focuses on hybrid development, production management system, post harvest management etc. Govt. of India spends about Rs.15 crores in the research and development effect in Oil palm.
In the other welfare projects Andhra has shown the ways too. The “Indiramma Scheme” in housing helps 80 lakh poor families while pension schemes for the needy help 75 lakh persons. Self-help groups are being supported by Rs.365 crores and State provides two rupees a kilo rice and pulses at Rs.30/- and vegetable oil at Rs.35/- to poor consumers through the Public Distribution system. The ‘Rajiv Aroggyashri’ Scheme extends unique health benefits to the poor. The emergency health transport under ‘108’ and fixed day health service under ‘104’ helps the most needy of the Society. Scholarship support, water conservation ‘Udyogashri’ are yet another set of exemplary schemes in welfare. Andhra has emerged as a unique example of rapid economic development with a human touch, in the last few years by investing in the people and farmers. A.P government shows the way forward for the country in achieving 10% overall growth and 4% in Agriculture sector. Government of India will be an active partner in Andhra’s efforts and will leave no stone unturned in helping the state’s requirements in the coming months.
Personally the State can consider me as an Ambassador for Andhra in Delhi and any of you can please feel free to meet me any time for my humble assistance. I wish the people and Government of Andhra all the best in its task.
JAI HIND

Haritholsavam-2009

STATE AGRICULTURE MINISTERS’ MEETING-NEW DELHI

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Agriculture, Shri Sharad Pawar chaired the Meeting of State Agriculture & Horticulture Ministers on Managing Agriculture in the context of deficient rainfall, in New Delhi on August 21, 2009. The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee ,The Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri C.P. Joshi and the Minister of State of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Professor K.V. Thomas are also seen.

Kerala to have a permanent agriculture exhibition Centre

Kochi (PTI): A permanent agriculture exhibition centre, jointly promoted by the Centre and the Kerala government, would be set up in the city, Minister of State for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution, K V Thomas said here on Sunday.
Speaking after releasing the logo for the Agricultural and horticultural exhibition, 'Haritholsavam 2009' to be held here from August 28 to 31, he said one of the objectives of the exhibition centre was how the agricultural products of Kerala could be taken to other parts of the country.
Kerala was in the forefront among other states in the horticulture sector and the Centre had decided to provide Rs 26 crore for the development of the sector, he said.
Along with the exhibition, a two-day seminar on enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability would also be held on August 29 and 30, he said.
Eminent scientists and academicians from the agricultural sector, including Mangal Rai, Director General, ICAR, will participate in the seminar, he said.

SPEECH AT INAUGURATL FUNCTION OF INDIAN FISH FESTIVAL (INFISH 2009) AT HYDERABAD ON 11 JULY, 2009.

SPEECH OF PROFESSOR K. V. THOMAS, HON'BLE UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AT THE INAUGURATL FUNCTION OF INDIAN FISH FESTIVAL (INFISH 2009) AT HYDERABAD ON 11 JULY, 2009.

Shri Sharad Pawarji, Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy Garu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Parthasarathi Garu, Hon'ble Minister for Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, other dignitaries on the dais, Ladies and Gentlemen;

I am happy to be associated with two major activities of the National Fisheries Development Board today. I congratulate National Fisheries Development Board for commencing construction work of its new office complex with a unique architectural design. I am equally happy to see the display of various technologies in the field of aquaculture, marine fisheries, domestic marketing and ornamental fisheries. I congratulate NFDB and State Fisheries Department, Andhra Pradesh for taking this initiative to showcase the latest technologies in the field. I hope this effort would promote understanding of the opportunities in the fisheries sector to the emerging entrepreneurs as well.

I am delighted to see that ICAR research institutions are displaying their technologies. Similarly, I appreciate the efforts of Fishery Survey of India, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology & Training and other State Government Departments in showcasing the contribution of their States in fisheries sector. While, much has been done so far, I believe that the full potential of this sector has not been fully exploited.

While India is the third largest fish producer of the world, still I believe that the total production of the country of around 7 million tons as against the total global production of 143 million tons needs to be enhanced. Fisheries sector is contributing to 1.07% of the total GDP in the country while its contribution to Agriculture GDP is 5.03%. In terms of exports, the fish and fishery products contribute 18% of the agri-exports. There is an opportunity for fisheries entrepreneurs to focus on quality and conversion of fish into value added products and export them to world markets.

India has a coast line of 8,118 Kms. and there are nearly 15 million fishermen depending on the sector for livelihood. The infrastructure particularly in the fishing harbors and landing centers needs to be modernized and I understand NFDB has a pivotal role to play in modernizing the coastal infrastructure facilities. Apart from the export opportunities, we should also look at the domestic marketing opportunity as well. India with a population of more than 100 crore and with the increasing middle class, domestic market can be encouraged in a big way.

The present level of fish consumption at the global level is around 17 Kgs. while per capita consumption of India is less than 5 Kgs. If the per capita consumption could be increased even by 2 Kgs., there will be a huge demand for fish within our country.

In this context, I am happy to see the marketing outlets established in this exhibition. I am sure that the entrepreneurs would be encouraged to establish such markets through NFDB. I wish the NFDB focuses more attention on market development in domestic sector so that the producers get remunerative prices.

India has been one of the important producers of shrimp in the world. However due to persistent disease outbreaks, I understand that vast areas developed for shrimp farming are under disuse. Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has introduced SPF prawn seed project in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs.40 crores and works are expected to commence shortly. Once this facility is ready, 3 billion disease free shrimp seed would be made available to the aqua-farmers all over the country. Further, the Ministry has also permitted introduction of white shrimp (Liptopenaeus vannamei) culture in India. The NFDB has funded an aquatic quarantine facility exclusively for white shrimp brood stock import through Marine Products Export Development Authority at Chennai and this facility is ready for use by the hatcheries. I hope with the introduction of vennamei shrimp culture, India would regain its glory in shrimp aquaculture.

I congratulate the participants who have joined in the festival to display their products and wish them all success in promoting their business.
Thank you,
Jai Hind

SPEECH BY Prof K V THOMAS TO THE CONFERENCE OF STATE FISHERIES MINISTERS AT ORISSA

SPEECH OF THE HON'BLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRBUTION TO THE CONFERENCE OF STATE FISHERIES MINISTERS 4-5 JULY, 2009, BHUBANESWAR, ORISSA.

My Respected Senior Colleague, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Sharad Pawar Ji, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik ji, Hon'ble Ministers for Fisheries from States, Experts, Officials of Central and State Governments and distinguished delegates; I am indeed happy to be here in the conference of State Fisheries Ministers to discuss various important issues pertaining to the fisheries sector development in the country. As I have been associated with this sector as a Minister for Fisheries in Kerala and as a person with keen interest in the development of this sector which provides livelihoods to millions of fishermen, I consider it a privilege to address this conference.
As you are aware, there are a number of issues in the fisheries sector which need detailed discussions and a process of consensus before these can be resolved and acted upon for the development of the sector. This Conference will provide us an opportunity to put forward our ideas and views together, which will pave way for finding practical solutions which are workable at the ground level.

While the fisheries sector in a few States is developing rapidly, the performance in other states requires tremendous improvement. There is a wide gap between the States and the regions of the country in terms of their level of development of this sector, and this gap needs to be bridged. We need to take stock of the success stories and try and replicate them in other places for increasing production and productivity in the fisheries sector. There is a need to identify the critical success factors, which would enable the sector to rejuvenate in accordance with a well thought out road map. We need to identify the kinds of interventions required in areas of technology, infrastructure, marketing and capacity building. Given the uneven levels of development in the sector in many states at the moment, no pan Indian solution would be applicable to all states. While policy guidelines could be laid down for the country as a whole, States will have to find State specific solutions to deal with local problems in this sector. This is essential also because, fishery is a State subject and the responsibility for the development of this sector primarily rests with the State Governments.
This, however, does not undermine the crucial role that the Central Government on its part has been playing as a catalyst, enabler & facilitator in the process. As you are aware there are many central and centrally sponsored schemes, which are being implemented to improve the fisheries sector. Based on the recommendations of the Working Group set up for the 11th Five Year Plan and the evaluation reports on the efficacy of the schemes during the 10th Plan, these schemes have been appropriately modified for implementation during the 11th Five Year Plan. Further, the outlays of all the schemes have been enhanced for the current plan period. The allocation for various schemes of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for the current year has also been increased in consultation with the Planning Commission. The scheme guidelines of the NFDB are being modified to better address the requirements and problems facing the fisheries sector in the states. The States on their part however, must initiate proactive measures and speed-up implementation so that they could access more resources for their programmes.
The Eleventh Plan objective of inclusive growth necessitates priority attention to the agriculture and allied sectors. Additional central Assistance (ACA) to the tune of Rs.25,000 crore has been allocated to these sectors through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) launched during 2007-08. I would urge the States to access funding for the fisheries sector from this scheme. The importance placed on the implementation of the scheme can be judged from the fact that there is no State-matching share to be provided for the scheme and 100 per cent outlay is provided by the Centre as ACA for various sectors within agriculture and allied sectors. RKVY provides an opportunity to complement the resources of the States for the fisheries sector.
The Eleventh Five Year Plan has targeted a growth rate of 6 per cent for the fisheries sector. This requires resources and investments. Our fish farmers need to be convinced through training and demonstration activities that fishery is a highly profitable activity. Many a time it has been seen that the technology, perfected in our laboratories has not reached the intended beneficiaries in the field. The transition of technology from the lab to the field has to be managed in an efficient manner. A host of activities need to be undertaken to perfect this transition. The efficacy of the extension services in Agriculture Sector in general and fisheries in particular must be improved. A fish farmer must be convinced of the economic viability of his project before he decides to embark on aquaculture.

Fish farmers in the country by and large belong to the weaker sections of our society. In most cases, a large segment of the fishing community, belongs to the Below Poverty Line households. Despite their hard work, many a times not enough remuneration is received by the fishermen to guarantee a comfortable livelihood for their families. I would therefore urge the State Governments to put greater emphasis on the welfare of fishermen apart from making adequate efforts to access funding and efficiently implement the centrally sponsored National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. There are a large number of other schemes of various other ministries and departments which impinge on the welfare of fishermen and their livelihood. For example the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme aims at providing 100 days of guaranteed employment in the lean period to all persons in the rural areas who are willing to do manual work at minimum wages. I would urge the State Governments to initiate a process of convergence of all such schemes and projects by dovetailing resources through a viable strategy to alleviate the poor living conditions of fishermen.
I would urge all the State Ministers of Fisheries to discuss and exchange their views on some of these issues so that fisheries sector as well as all the persons dependant on this sector could benefit from a viable, pragmatic and State specific strategy during the 11th Plan.

Thank you,
Jai Hind