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Thursday 28th Mar 2024
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Home | Policy | Announcements | Honorable Minister

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Implementation of Micro irrigation Scheme

Tamil Nadu is the leading state in the implementation of Micro irrigation in the past two years. The total area covered under micro irrigation in Tamil Nadu was 3.21 Lakh.acre in 2018-19 with an financial expenditure of Rs.700.69 Crore and in 2019-20 with 5.63 Lakh acre are being covered with an outlay of Rs.1,370.24 Crore. It is announced that, in 2020-21,7.41 Lakh acre will be covered under Micro irrigation with an outlay of Rs.1,884.97 Crore.

Source : Micro Irrigation Scheme fund.

2. Special centres for Horticulture crops

To encourage remunerative Horticulture crops is an effective way of boosting farmers income while catering to changing nutritional requirements. The Government will establish special centres for Cashew in Cuddalore, Onion in Perambalur, Moringa in Theni, Turmeric in Erode, Acid lime in Thenkasi and Chillies in Thoothukudi at an outlay of Rs.18 Crore.

Source:NABARD.

3. Production of 325 MT of vegetable seeds in State Horticulture Farms

During 2020-21, 325 MT of Vegetable seeds will be produced and distributed to farmers to expand the area under Vegetables crops.

Source:FRA fund.

1. Establishment of seed and nursery Infrastructure in State Horticulture Farms.

Horticultural crops occupy a significant segment of the total Agricultural production in the Country. Horticulture impacts our lives on a daily basis by providing nutritious fruits, vegetables, also paving way for nutritional security. Though there is development of improved vegetable varieties/hybrids/ technologies, the per capita requirement of vegetables is also on the increase.

In order to fulfill the daily requirement of vegetables and fruits and to provide a nutritious food to both the Rural and Urban population, the Department of Horticulture has planned to bring more area of Vegetables and Fruits under cultivation targeting each revenue village.

To expand the area under Vegetables and Fruits it is inevitable to ensure the availability of Seeds and planting materials like protray seedlings, fruit seedlings, layered/budded/grafted fruit plants. Hence it is proposed to establish seed and nursery infra structure in State Horticulture farms at an outlay of Rs.4000.00 Lakh.

Source: NABARD – RIDF.

2. Horticulture Crop Incentive Scheme for sensitive crops.

Horticulture is a promising sector for assured returns. This sector offers not only a wide range of options to the farmers for crop diversification, it is also seen as a source of nutrients, medicines for healthy living.Higher returns / unit area, higher income by cultivating short duration crops have attracted small and marginal farmers to diverse their crops into Horticulture crops.But the main hurdle in cultivation of Horticulture crops is the higher expenses towards cost of cultivation. To motivate the farmers to cultivate Horticulture crops, it has been planned to incentivize them.For this an amount of Rs. 2500.00 Lakh will be allocated to the farmers by dovetailing funds from existing Horticulture Schemes to encourage the farmers who cultivate sensitive Horticulture crops.

Source: NHM, IHDS and TN-IAMP.

3. Promotion of Organic farming in Vegetables.

Promotion of Organic Farming among farmers is a key priority of the Government as it enables healthy and chemical-free food-chain supply. Various promotional activities are being implemented in Tamil Nadu in 2019-20 for promotion of Organic Cultivation. The presence of pesticide residues in the fresh vegetables is a major threat in the consumer industry. Considering the importance of promotion of Organic Cultivation of Vegetables, it has been proposed to incentivize the farmers to encourage them to shift to Organic cultivation of Vegetables like Greens, Tomato, Brinjal, Bhendi, Cabbage and Cauliflower and to assist the farmers in National Programme for Organic Production Certification. Hence, it has been proposed to promote Organic cultivation in the State at an outlay of Rs.20 Crore during 2020-21.

Source: NADP and NHM.

4. Special centre for Betelvine.

In Kumbakonam block of Thanjavur District, Special centre for Betel vine will be established at an outlay of Rs.3.00 Crore.

Source: NABARD.

5. Hi Tech Horticulture practises in Delta Districts.

To promote Hitech Horticulture practices like shade net, poly green house, Pandhal cultivation, Mulching and MI among the Delta farmers at an outlay of Rs.33.00 Crore.

Source : NHM, NADP and MI.

1. Establishment of Vegetable Collection Centres

The Collection centre aims to optimize the entire flow of a product from production to final customer by identifying bottlenecks in the availability of the produce in the market. The collection centres will be established in the potential Horticulture blocks and at the periphery of the Primary processing centres to make the centres vibrant. The interested farmers will be grouped as FIG/FPG’s. FIG/FPG’s will act as collection centres from where the produce will be transported to PPC’s. This will ensure the availability of Horticulture produce in the market in time and assured price for their produce. To form the FIG (146 nos) incentive of Rs.500/person, 10,000/FPG (37 FPG) and to establish Infra structure for collection centres (150 nos) an amount of Rs.400.00 Lakh will be allocated during 2020-21.

Source: NABARD and NADP.

The new park in the name of “Senganthal Poonga” will be established at an outlay of Rs.5.00 Crore at the heart of the city of Chennai opposite to Semmozhi Poonga with varieties of green Vegetation and for recreation.

Source : FRA fund.

2. Establishment of Senganthal Poonga.

3. Conduct of Flower, Vegetables and Fruit shows and award for best performing Horticulture farmers in all Districts

The art of flower, vegetable and fruit arrangement is a visual treat to the viewers. These sort of shows will also serve as a relaxation spot. This show will be organized by the Department to portray the highlights and importance of Horticulture coupled with competition for the best decorators of flowers, vegetables and fruits. In addition, it has been planned to honor the best performing farmers who have rode a wave of change in the field of Horticulture. To encourage them it has been planned to award them with trophy’s for their best performance in the field of Horticulture at District level-108 nos (36 Districts - 3 prizes/District) and State level (3 prizes).It is proposed to allocate an amount of Rs.200.00 Lakh to honor the best performers in the field of Horticulture and for the conduct of flowers, vegetables and fruit shows.

Source : NHM,MI and FRA.

4. Onion Development Programme.

In Tamil Nadu, Onion is cultivated through out the year. Every year the price of Onion goes to the peak during the month of October – December due to reduced production. In order to bridge this gap it has been proposed to expand the area and production under Onion for price stabilization through Schemes like NADP and NHM. For this an amount of Rs.500 Lakh will be earmarked.

Source :NADP and NHM.

5. Augmentation of Moringa area.

Moringa is a fast growing drought resistant crop. Moringa has been used for centuries due its medicinal properties and health benefits. All most all the parts of Morings viz, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds and roots are used to make medicines which has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, anti-inflamatory properties. Nowadays value added moringa produce like Moringa leaf powder, ben oil, Moringa tea dust, capsules fetches high income to the farmers by way of export. To exploit the benefits of Moringa and increase the income of the farmers, it is proposed to cover an area of 35,000 Ha at an outlay of Rs.500. 00 Lakh.

Source :NHM, IHDS and TN-IAMP.

6. Dissemination of Horticulture techniques in Schools.

Horticulture supplies quality food for health and mind, more calories and higher yield returns per unit area. Horticulture is thus, important for health, wealth, hygiene and happiness. To impart knowledge on Horticulture and importance and art of growing plants and the nutritional benefits by the way of consumption of health Fruits and Vegetables it has been planned to disseminate the Horticulture techniques to the school childrens. During 2020-21, it has been planned to implement the horticulture techniques in 1000 Schools by involving the freshers /retired persons with B.Sc qualification in Horticulture at an outlay of Rs.120.00 Lakhs.

Fund: FRA.

7. Entrepreneurship in Seed production.

Vegetables constitute a major part in Horticulture in terms of providing food and nutritional security. To cope up with the current demanding scenario for the food as well as nutritional security, vegetables has got the upper hand. The production of Vegetables got significant improvement over the past. In most of the Vegetable crops, the seed is an significant item in the total cost of production. To reduce the cost of seeds, it has been proposed to train entrepreneurs in Vegetable seed production.

Source: NHM, NADP, MI and FRA.

8. Establishment of Spices and Medicinal garden in Kolli hills.

Kolli hills located in Namakkal District is an offbeat paradise in the heart of Tamil Nadu.It is a serene mountain range situated on the Eastern Ghats and located at an altitude ranging from 1000 to 1300 meters above MSL. This fertile pocket in Namakkal District is where Spices, exotic tropical fruits and medicinal plants grow in Plenty. Hence, to explore the aesthetic beauty of Kolli hills it has been planned to establish Spices cum Medicinal plants garden at an outlay of Rs.1.00 Crore.

Source: FRA.

9. Creation of Bee park at Jamunamarathur in Tiruvannamalai District

The Jawadhu hills are an extension of Eastern Ghats spread across parts of Vellore and Tiruvannamalai Districts.The major Horticulture crops cultivated in this hills include Jack, Banana, Guava, Custard apple, Mango, Tamarind, Litchi, Pepper, Mint, Palmarosa etc. Bee keeping in these areas will generate additional income to the tribal people residing in the hills and also aid in cross pollination, thereby increasing the yield. Hence, creation of bee park in Jamunamarathur - Jawadhu hills at an outlay of Rs. 1 crore will act as a demonstration centre for Bee keeping to the farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs and students.

Source: FRA.

10. Cashew High density planting in Cuddalore and Pudukottai

To uplift the Cashew growers in Delta regions of Cuddalore and Pudukottai, High density planting in Cashew will be promoted at an outlay of Rs.6.27 Crore.

Source: NADP and MI.

1. Micro Irrigation Scheme Implementation in Tamil Nadu during 2019-20

It is proposed to cover 2.00 Lakh Ha under Micro Irrigation during 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs.1,361 Crore under Micro irrigation.

2. Chief Minister’s Scheme for Augmentation of Fruits and Vegetables

A special scheme for Chief Minister’ Scheme for Augmentation of Fruits and Vegetables will be implemented from 2019-20 for which a sum of Rs.50 Crore is earmarked.

3. National Horticulture Mission – 2019-20

A sum of Rs.100 Crore has been provided in the Budget Estimates 2019-20 for the Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture.

4. Production of Truthfully labeled seeds in State Horticulture Farms

Institutionalized Vegetable seed production will be augmented through State owned Horticulture Farms for facilitating distribution of Truthfully labeled Vegetable seeds in needy areas.

I. Hon’ble CM 110 Announcement

1. Horticulture Heritage Garden at Washermanpet

Chennai is a metropolitan city and people are interested in Urban Horticulture technologies to make their surroundings greener. This Heritage Garden will be a centre for sustaining the environment in North Chennai, which breaks the existing industrial environment by providing recreation to the people. Keeping this in mind, Horticulture Department has planned to establish a Heritage Technological park for displaying various Horticulture activities, inputs, produce and products related to Horticulture.

In addition, this garden will act as a training centre to impart training and demonstrate the technologies to the department officials and students. The Heritage Garden will be established in the Government Agricultural Engineering Department site in Survey No. 1796/1 in an area of around 5.5 acres at Old Washermenpet, Chennai-21 which will be attractive to the visitors to know about Urban Horticulture and various irrigation equipments. Horticulture Heritage Garden at Washermanpet will be established at an outlay of Rs.500.00 Lakhs.

Source: Farm Receipt Account Fund.

II. Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture Announcements

1. Urban Horticulture Development

To make Horticulture 'A Profitable Venture' in Urban areas and to ensure the availability of per capita requirement of Fruits and Vegetables to the future generations, it has been planned to utilize even the small piece of land available in the back yards, roof top for production of Horticulture crops through relevant technologies like Shade net and Polygreen house for growing Greens, Vegetables and Fruits in the established and new construction areas.

The Department will render hands to the public during the initial works right from awareness creation, Planning, Layout till planting activities. For providing training and demonstration regarding Urban Horticulture Development scheme an amount of Rs.100.00 Lakhs will be allocated. This Scheme will be implemented in all the Districts based on Public/private approach.

Source: TANHODA

2. Comprehensive Bee Development Scheme

Honey contains about 70 to 80 percent sugar, which provides its sweetness. Honey will not spoil due to its acidity and lack of water content and hence long lasts for years. Honey has antiseptic, antibacterial properties.

Honey bees play an important role as crop pollinators in Horticulture crops. They help in pollination process resulting more and uniform crop yield.

In order to enhance pollination & productivity and promote Honey production in the State, it has been proposed to implement Bee keeping through National Honey Bee Mission at an outlay of Rs. 2802.00 Lakhs. Assistance will be provided to the farmers and bee keepers to undertake bee keeping activities like development of nucleus stock of honey bees, Bee breeding, establishment of honey bee colonies, hives in the fields, production of honey using bee keeping equipments etc.,

Source: National Honey Bee Mission.

3. Creation of Marketing facilities for Horticulture produce through TANHODA Outlets.

In State Horticulture Farms, various usufructs like Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Spices, Plantation crops, etc and by products like Jam, Jelly, Squash, Pickle, etc are produced and sold in the farm gates. It is now proposed to start selling the farm fresh fruits, vegetables and also other materials like farm tools and implements, inputs for roof garden kits, vegetable seeds, Spice up boxes, Dry fruit boxes, FPO products, etc., by establishing new TANHODA outlets in all districts at District Collectorate, Joint Director / Deputy Director of Horticulture Office Complex or in the places where public access is at ease.

TANHODA outlets will ensure that the quality produce and products are being sold at a nominal price to the public in these outlets. It has been proposed to establish 32 nos of sales outlets (each unit at Rs.10.00 Lakhs) at an outlay of Rs.320.00 Lakhs.

Source:TANHODA.

4. Formation of Horticulture clubs in Colleges & Schools

To create awareness among students on Horticulture, Horticulture Club will be formed as “Green corps” in Colleges, Schools and other Education Institutes.

Students will be motivated to join the Horticulture Club and encouraged to make their campus green by undertaking activities like Tree planting, avenue planting and making and maintenance of vegetable garden, flower garden, herbal garden and various type of garden in their campus. Activities like debating, seminar, group discussion on green environment will be conducted and knowledge on importance of Horticulture will be disseminated. Students will be encouraged to familiarise the art of Gifting plants in the social function. As an initiative, it has been planned to form 1000 clubs in Colleges & Schools in all districts at an outlay of Rs.100.00 Lakhs.

Source: TANHODA

5. Development of new fruit and Vegetable processing units

To minimize the post harvest losses and to utilize the produce effectively, the fruits and vegetables may be processed and converted into food products like jam, jelly, squash, crush, pickle, dry fruits, etc. These food products can be stored and used for a longer time than the fresh produce. Considering the importance, the Fruit Preservation Unit was started in Coonoor during 1965 and food products like jam, jelly, marmalade, squashes, pickles, etc are being produced in this unit and sold in the outlets.

Similarly, it is proposed to establish five more units with processing facilities in State Horticulture Farms located at Salem (Giant Orchard Karumandurai), Kancheepuram (State Horticulture Farm Athur), Theni (State Horticulture Farm Periyakulam), Krishnagiri (State Horticulture Farm,Thimmapuram) and Pudukottai (State Horticulture Farm, Vallathirakottai) mainly for fruits and vegetables. These units will help in imparting training to the farmers on fruits and vegetable processing. Each unit will be established at a cost of Rs.50.00 lakhs. Five such fruit and Vegetable processing units will be established at an outlay of Rs.250.00 Lakhs.

Source: Farm Receipt Account / NHM Scheme.

6. Use of Solar energy production in State Horticulture Farms.

In Tamil Nadu, there are 61 State Horticulture Farms and 19 Parks and Gardens all over the state. Normally, the power consumption in farms and parks are high leading to the hike in electricity bill. The main period of power consumption is between 9 am to 5 pm during which the sunlight is available in plenty. In order to reduce the electricity bill and to make the farms self sustainable, natural resources like sun light and biogas must be used. Hence, as a green initiative, solar panels with net metre will be installed in the Farms, Parks and Gardens in phased manner. Hence, the excess power produced will give additional income to the farms while reducing the expenses and it helps the farms to act as a model farm to the farmers. It has been planned to allocate an amount of Rs.300.00 Lakhs to initiate Green energy production as phased manner in 10 State Horticulture farms.

Source:Farm Receipt Account

7. Incubation centre for Vegetables, Medicinal and flower crops

Tamil Nadu with Seven agro-climatic conditions and varied soil types is better placed for production of Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, Plantation crops, Flowers, Medicinal and Aromatic plants. Horticulture crops are relatively resilient to changes in weather conditions. Many Horticulture crop produce need to be value added like Concrete for Jasmine, Essential oil for aromatic plants, Seed Ben oil for Moringa and fruit preservation unit. For this incubation centres ere inevitable. The main goal of incubation centers is to help the small and marginal farmers to convert their produce into Value added produce to fetch remunerative prices. Since the initial investment will be high, the farmers will be hand hold by the Department during the initial period. These Incubation centers are focused to help various startup entrepreneurs by connecting them with producers, investors and possible customers.

During this year, Incubation centres for crops like Chiilies, Coriander, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Turmeric, Lemon grass, Geranium, Patchouli, mint will be established at the cost of Rs.100.00 Lakhs/unit. Hence, it has been planned to create 10 Incubation Centres for Vegetables, Medicinal and flower crops at an outlay of Rs.250.00 Lakhs.

Source:Farm Receipt Account

8. Eco Horticulture Tourism

Ecotourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness, adventures, and environmental protection. The main objective of the Eco Tourism is to promote tourism in sustainable manner without impact of ecology and the culture of the site to be developed. For eco tourism, unutilized, underutilized and abandoned buildings can be renovated and augmented to create unique tourism experience quickly and at a relatively low cost, which has amenities and attractions such as restaurants, conferencing, etc.

The State Horticulture Farms located in the foothills may be ideally converted into eco tourism destinations that not just de-stress, but also rejuvenate people. Hence, Giant Orchard Karumandurai in Salem District,Kallar and Devala,The Nilgiris District, Kodaikanal in Dindigul District, Coutralam in Tirunelveli District will be developed as an eco - horti tourism spot at a cost of Rs.50.00 Lakhs each for preparing DPR and for creation of additional facilities for facilitating the tourists. In total an amount of Rs. 250.00 Lakhs will be allocated for the establishment of Eco Horticulture Tourism spots.

Source: Farm Receipt Account

9. Establishment of Chocolate Production and Demonstration Units

Department of Horticulture has planned to produce pure and best quality fine flavoured chocolate bars without any additives by establishing its own production units in State Horticulture Farms. This unit will procure cocoa beans directly from the farmers for production of chocolates which ensures the quality of the product. The healthy and high quality cocoa chocolates without any harmful additives to the people will be sold at a nominal price. As a pilot project, an integrated bean to bar unit is being established in State Horticulture Farm Madhavaram, Chennai. Similarly, three new units will be established at Coimbatore, Theni and Kanyakumari districts at a cost of Rs.5.00 Lakhs each. These units will also act as a training centre for the local people and motivate them to start their own small scale industries. 3 Chocolate units will be established at an outlay of Rs.15.00 lakhs.

Source: Farm Receipt Account.

10. Creation of Eco friendly Environment through Distribution of Seed ball

Planting trees play a major role in extending the greener environment and maintaining Ecological balance. Trees are mainly propagated through seeds and seed act as the basic input for sustainable environment. A seed ball is a seed that has been wrapped in soil materials, usually a clay soil / cow dung / mixture of clay and compost, and then dried. This wrap will keep the seed safely until the conducive environment for proper germination arises. Seed balls are an easy and sustainable way to create greener environment by convenient dispersal mechanism for people.

The Seed balls of the 10 kinds of Indian native tree species which are hardy to with stand the climatic conditions will be promoted through this programme. This will be rooted through school children and NGOs. Hence, as a service oriented special scheme, during the year 2019-20, 5 Lakh seed balls will be produced and distributed from 61 State Horticulture Farms in all districts of Tamil Nadu at an outlay of Rs.10.00 Lakhs.

Source: Farm Receipt Account

11. Geo spatial survey for assessment of impact and potentiality for effective implementation of Micro Irrigation

The Micro Irrigation Scheme is under implementation in Tamil Nadu since 2007-08. In Tamil Nadu, the area irrigated through Open wells and bore wells is 17.2 lakh hectares. Of this, so far an area of 4.00 Lakh hectares (23%) has been brought under Micro Irrigation. The State has planned to bring the entire well and tube well irrigated area under MI in a phased manner till 2025. For this all the existing fields and will be Geotagged and for the remaining available area, potentiality will be surveyed and all individual fields will be mapped with Geomaps to ensure 100% Coverage in Micro Irrigation. To initiate the Geo spatial survey it has been planned to allocate an amount of Rs.100.00 Lakhs for this purpose.

Source of fund: Admin cost of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

12. Agri Tech Expo

From the current year onwards, four Agri Tech Expo’s will be conducted jointly by the Department of Horticulture, Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering Department. The activities and the Technologies of the Departments will be displayed and highlighted during the Expo’s to the public and farmers.

The exposure gained in the shows will help the farmers to expand and diversify their activities. It will create linkage between general public, farmers and entrepreneurs. The Agri Tech Expo will be conducted at an outlay of Rs.5.00 Crore ( Rs.1.00 Crore – Horticulture and Rs.4.00 Crore from Agriculture Engineering Department).

Source : Farm receipt Account/ Agriculture Engineering Department.

13. Creation of Landscape wing in TANHODA

TANHODA is implementing various schemes benefitting the farmers to a larger extent. In addition, TANHODA is maintaining 19 Parks and Gardens all over the state with a beautiful landscape with the help of the technical people in this Department. In urban areas / metropolitan cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Madurai of Tamil Nadu, landscape is gaining more popularity since people are most interested in creating greenery in their surroundings. The landscape will aid in depicting the green nature and aesthetics of any premises.

At present, only private landscape firms without any technical background are involved in landscape activities and get higher profits. Hence, to cater the landscape needs of urban people, TANHODA will establish a landscape wing headed by Managing Director, TANHODA. This wing will take projects on establishment of new landscape, maintenance of existing landscape, kitchen garden, rooftop/ terrace garden, etc for various departments, industries and public depending upon their requirement at a nominal cost. To establish the Land scape will an amount of Rs.10.00 Lakhs will be allocated.

Source: TANHODA fund

14. Establishment of District Horticulture Information and Training Centre at Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Karur and Vellore.

Horticulture Department implements various schemes for the benefit of the farmers. The schemes like MI, NHM, NADP, RAD, PKVY, IHDS & IAMWARM in addition SHF’s are also operated in Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Vellore and Karur. As there is space crunch in the above Districts it is very difficult to carry out the daily activities of the Department, which causes enormous delay. Considering the actual facts mentioned above, it is herewith proposed to establish District Horticulture Information and Training Centre at Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Vellore and Karur.

This building will be established in such a way that, it can cater to all the needs in respect of development of Horticulture in the State. It will serve as an information centre, demonstration centre and all Horticulture related information will be shared to the farmers from this office. This proposed office will also house all the sections and will serve as the administrative centre for the Department activities of the State.

This District Horticulture Information and Training Centre will be constructed at a cost of Rs.95.00 Lakhs. Hence, 4 District Horticulture Information and Training Centre will be established at an outlay of Rs.380.00 Crore.

Source:Farm Receipt Account.