C O N T E N T S

S.No. Title Page No.Executive Summary 7

I Introduction 151.1 Background 15

1.2 Main concerns of agricultural sector 16

1.3 Purpose of DAPs 18

1.4 Methodology 18

II General description of the district 21

2.1 Introduction 21

2.2 District at a glance 24

2.3 Development Vision and Strategy 30

III SWOT analysis of the district 32

3.1 Introduction 32

3.2 SWOT Analysis of the district 32

3.3 Issues emerging out of the analysis 35

3.4 Sectoral / Regional growth drivers of the district 36

IV Development of Agricultural Sector 384.1 Introduction 38

4.2 Land Use 38

4.3 Soil Health 38

4.4 Water Resources and Management 40

4.5 Major Crops in the district 42

4.6 Input Management 44

4.7 Farm Mechanization 46

4.8 Constraint Analysis 47

4.9 Interventions proposed to enhance productivity and production of filed crops

57

V Allied Agricultural Sectors 70

5.1 Introduction 705.2 Horticulture Development 70

5.3 Sericulture Development 77

5.4 Animal Husbandry 79

5.5 Fisheries Development 84

5.6 Watershed Development 88

5.7 Irrigation Development 89

5.8 Rural Development 89

5.9 Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) 90

5.10 Credit and Insurance 92

5.12 Investments and Outcomes 93

VI District Plan 956.1 Introduction 95

6.2 Growth Drivers 956.3 Innovative Schemes 96

6.4 Vision of XI plan 99

6.5 District plan 101

AnnexuresTables 104-189

Convergence of Schemes and Activities for Agricultural

Development

190-197

2

List of tables

Table no Name of the table Page no. 1 General information and population particulars by ADA circle 1202 Land holding particulars 1213 Agrarian structure in the district 1214 Month wise rainfall pattern during 2002-03 to 2007-08 122

5 Land utilization as per agricultural census, 2005-06 1236 Land Holdings (Agriculture census 2001) 124

7 Irrigation sources and the area covered by them 1258 Contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to district GDP, 2000-01 to 2004-

05125

9 Year to year changes in the levels of income from sub-sectors of agriculture 12610 Land Utilization statistics 12611 Soil fertility Index (2006-07) 12712 Micronutrient status (2000-01 to 2006-07) 12713 Planning of soil testing program 12814 Soil testing laboratories in district 12815 Reclamation and development of saline / alkali soils in next five years 12916 Date on weather, 2006-07 12917 Source wise Area irrigated in 2006-07 in ha 13018 Water analysis report (2000-01 to 2006-07) 13119 Major cropping patterns under rain fed and irrigated conditions 13220 Area under major crops by season, 2006-07 13321 Trends in area, production and productivity of crops, 2002-03 to 2006-07 13422 Area, productivity and production of major crops, 2006-07 136

23 Area production and yields of major crops in irrigate/ Rain fed conditions during Kharif season

137

24 Area production and yields of major crops in irrigate/ Rain fed conditions during Rabi season

137

25 Area production and productivity trend of main crops in the district Unit : Area in ha, Production in tons

137

26 Estimates of seed requirement in Nalgonda district 138

27 Infrastructure Available on Taluka Seed Farm/ Trial cum Demonstration Farm 138

28 Seed Production at TSF/TCD 139

29 Crop wise NPK consumption 140

30 Planning of Fertilizer requirement by ADA circle, 2007-08 to 2011-12 14131 Planning of Fertilizer requirement by type of fertilizer, 2007-08 to 2011-12 14132 Availability of improved farm equipment and machineries 14233 Proposals for supply of farm implements in XI plan 14234 Service centers in the district (Agriculture and allied sectors) 14335 Description of farming situations and their coverage 14336 Yield gap in kharif rice 14537

Yield gap in rabi rice145

38 Yield gap computation in red gram145

39 Yield gap computations in green gram 14540 Yield gap computation in groundnut during kharif 14541 Yield gap computation in groundnut during rabi 146

42 Computation of yield gap in cotton 14643 Computation of yield gap in castor 146

3

44 Information on Natural Calamities 14645 Yield gap analysis by ADA circle 150

46 Basic infrastructure for agriculture (Post service Management) 15047 Agro processing unit in the district (including sugar, Milk, silk etc related to

agriculture only)151

48 Fertilizer consumption during 2004-2007 152

49 Quantity of seeds distributed in kharif 2007 by crop 15350 Farmers field school projection in next five years 15351 Proposal for establishment of custom hiring centres 15452

Proposals for supply of farm implements on subsidy154

53 Bore wells proposed in XI plan for conjunctive use 15454 Planning for farmers Training Program related to agriculture and allied

department155

55 Training infrastructure proposed for capacity Building of agriculture and allied department staff

156

56 Proposed plan to improve agriculture and allied training facility for farmers at block level

157

57 Area proposed for expansion under organic farming 15758 Treatment / units proposed for the organic farming in next five year 15859 IPM Demonstration in next five years 15860 INM Demonstration in next five years 15961 Varietal demonstration in nest five year 15962 Tools utilized for improving crop production 160

63.A Crop diversification plan in next five year plan 160

63.B Proposed investments in agricultural sector 161

64 Year wise production enhancement plan 162

65 Area under allied agricultural enterprises 16266 Areas under different horticultural crops 163

67 Farming situations and horticultural crops grown 164

68 Details of Rythu Bazars in Nalgonda district 164

69 Area Production and Yields of Major Horticulture Crops : Acid lime 165

70 Area Expansion Plan on Horticulture Crops. (Area in Ha) : Crop Sweet Orange 166

71 Area Expansion Plan on Horticulture Crops 16772 Planting Material Production Plan (Area in Ha) 167

73.A Rejuvenating Plan of Horticulture Crops (Area in Ha) : Crop : Sweet Orange 16873.B Proposed investments in horticultural sector 16974 Sericulture information 16975 Proposals for establishing new mulberry plantations 170

76 Proposals for the supply of drip irrigation systems 170

77 Proposals for supporting the establishment of ideal rearing houses 17178 Proposals for supply of quality disinfectant materials 171

79 Proposals for supply of rearing equipment 17180 Proposals for assisting the construction of chawkie rearing buildings 171

81.A Proposals for support to training during XI plan 172

81.B Proposed investments in sericulture sector 172

82 Livestock information in the district 172

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83 Details of veterinary institutions in the district by ADA circle 173

84 Production plan of Livestock during the Next Five Years of Nalgonda District 174

85 Proposals for supply of vaccines against foot and mouth disease 175

86 Proposals for induction and supply of heifer calves on subsidy 17587 Proposals for supply of feed to heifer calves on subsidy 17588 Proposals for establishment of mobile disease diagnostic labs 176

89 Proposals for supporting training of farmers in animal husbandry technologies 17690 Proposals for establishment of perennial fodder units and supply of chaff

cutters176

91 ADA circle wise Z.P. Outlay for Animal Husbandry during X Plan period of Nalgonda District

177

92 Proposed Physical and Financial Targets for Animal Husbandry for XI Plan 178

93 Fisheries information 179

94 Source wise water spread area in the district 180

95 Proposals for supporting fresh water fish culture in tanks 181

96 Proposals for construction of fish markets during XI plan 181

97 Proposals for providing revolving fund to Fisherwomen Cooperative 181

98 Proposals for supply of nets and boats to fishermen on subsidy 182

99 Proposals for supporting construction of new fish ponds 182

100 Proposals for supporting training and capacity building 182

101 Proposals for stocking reservoirs with fish seed 183

102 Proposals for strengthening departmental seed farms 183

103 Financial Targets and Achievements during X Plan for Fisheries Development in the Nalgonda District

183

104 Projected Outlay for Fisheries Development during XI Plan 184

105 planning of soil survey program 185

106 Area available for watershed development and plan year, 2007-08 to 2011-12 186

107 Technology for in situ Moisture Conservation Plan 2007-08 to 2011-12 187

108 Different ongoing schemes in the irrigation sector 187

109 Proposed projects under irrigation sector 188

110 Statement of volume of marketing transactions by VOs 188

111 Details of credit supplied to agriculture, 2003-04 to 2006-07 189

112Credit requirements for agriculture sector during XI plan

189

113 Agriculture Insurance status and planning for XI five year plan 190

5

List of figures/graphs

Fig.no Title Page no.

1 District map 22

2 Monsoon wise rainfall in the district 26

3 Gross domestic product in the district 29

4 Growth rates in agriculture and allied sectors 30

5 Soils in the district 39

6 Area coverage under different field crops 42

7 Existing farming situations in the district 49

8 Yield gap in kharif rice crop 50

9 Yield gap in rabi rice crop 50

10 Yield gap in red gram crop 51

11 Yield gap in green gram crop 51

12 Yield gap in Kharif ground nut crop 52

13 Yield gap in rabi ground nut crop 52

14 Yield gap in cotton crop 53

15 Yield gap in castor crop 53

16 Fertilizer consumption in the district 58

17 Area under different sectors 70

6

COMPREHENSIVE DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL PLANNALGONDA DISTRICT

Executive summary Nalgonda district was not a homogenous administrative unit in the past and its

component parts were under the control of various dynasties at different periods of

time. Nalgonda district formed part of the Kakatiya kingdom and after its down fall it

became part of Bahamani kingdom and subsequently passed on to Qutub Shahi

dynasty of Golkonda and on its fall was detached in the early part of 18 th Century on

the establishment of Hyderabad state by the Asaf Jahi dynasty. There are 1144

revenue villages in the district out of which 48 are uninhabited. The population of the

district is 28.2 lakh as per 2001 census. The population density of the district is about

201 persons per sq.km. The male-female ratio in population is 1:0.96. The scheduled

caste population has a share of 17.7 per cent in the district population. Similarly, the

population of scheduled tribe formed 11.2 per cent of the population in the district.

The scheduled tribes are concentrated more in Deverkonda and Miryalaguda ADA

circles.

The district lies in southern part of Telangana region between 16°-25’ and 17°-50’ of

northern latitude and 78°-40’ and 80°-50’ of eastern longitude. The general slope of

the district is from west and northwest to southeast and the altitude of the district

varies from 300'to 900'above sea level. It is bounded on the north by Medak and

Warangal districts; on the south by Guntur and partly by Mahabubnagar districts; on

the east by Khammam and Krishna districts; and on the west, partly by

Mahabubnagar district and partly by Rangareddy district.

The rainfall of the district is influenced by both the south-west and north-east

monsoons. The total normal rainfall of the district is 753.4 mm. The contribution from

south west monsoon (June-Sept) is 562.1 mm and from north east monsoon (Oct-

Dec) is 139.8 mm. Out of the remaining rainfall, 7.8 mm occurs in winter season

(Jan-Feb) and the remaining 43.7 mm is received in hot weather period (Mar-May).

The area irrigated in Nalgonda district is about 2.55 lakh ha, which is 32% of the

cultivable area.

7

The soils of the district are mostly consisting of red soil. Among the red soils, 47% is

dubba soil (loamy sands), which has a very low moisture retaining capacity, and the

rest is chalka soil, forming 44 %. Black cotton soils account for the remaining 9 per

cent of the area. The holdings above two ha size constitutes 21.76% of the total

holdings. They together have a share of 59.44% in the total land area. It shows that

the land distribution is quite unequal in the district after all the land struggles the

district had during the last sixty years.

The agricultural potential of Nalgonda district has improved considerably after the

advent of Nagarjuna Sagar left canal. One part of the district is completely irrigated

by canals and lift irrigation schemes. The irrigated area forms one-third of the total

cultivated area in the district. A variety of crops are grown in Nalgonda district. The

farmers are quite resilient having faced many adversities and shocks both from

abiotic and biotic sources. The average size of the holding is larger at about 2.0 ha

which is much higher than in other districts. Rice and sugarcane are the dominant

crops in the irrigated areas. Hardy crops like sorghum, millet, castor and red gram

are grown in the predominantly rainfed areas. Horticulture is developing quite fast as

the farmers are keen on using the limited water resources in high value horticulture

crops. Dairy farming is developing rapidly to take advantage of marketing

opportunities in Hyderabad city for its products. Small ruminants are in big number

and they provide good subsidiary income to the communities which rear them.

Sericulture is gradually becoming popular due to its good potential to provide

employment and income. The potential for fisheries is not fully exploited and there is

good scope for their development. Thus, the district has a modest agricultural

potential which can develop further with new irrigation projects and investment

initiatives of the government.

The district mainly has light soils which don’t retain moisture for long. The rainfall is

low and uncertain, often leading to occurrence of droughts. About two-thirds of the

cultivated area is rain fed and is prone to vagaries of monsoon. The district has

many pockets which are quite endemic for the problem of flourosis. The flourosis

problem has a adverse impact on the health of the labor force and their capacity to

work. The investment capacity of the farmers is quite limited because of very low

earning opportunities from the field crops. The drive for horticulture was halted by the

8

limited and depleting ground water availability. Some of the farmers and agricultural

laborers are migrating to other places and other occupations for their livelihood. It is

creating labor scarcity and bidding up real wages. These rising labor costs are

eroding the profitability of crops. Area under fallow lands is increasing due to the

non-viability of agriculture. Soil salinity and alkalinity are spreading in the irrigated

areas of the district. The district is affected by occasional heavy rains, cyclones and

floods, although drought is the most frequent natural calamity crippling agriculture.

The soil fertility is quite poor with low organic matter content and low to medium

availability of nutrients. Micro-nutrient deficiencies, particularly of zinc are also

emerging as the limiting factors to agricultural production. The tank irrigation is in

shambles due to lack of maintenance and community action. The livestock rearing is

handicapped by lack of sufficient fodder resources, except in some pockets with

perennial irrigation. Fishery development is limited by the availability of water in the

tanks for only a few months in a year. The share of income from agricultural sector is

ranging only between 24 to 30% with a declining trend because of the difficult

drought years through which the district has passed.

There are several initiatives which bring new opportunities to the farmers in

Nalgonda district. Under the ‘Jalayagnam’ program, Dindi, Musi and Srisailam left

bank canal are being constructed/ strengthened to achieve both growth and

stabilization of irrigated area in the district. Other minor projects are also expected to

contribute to growth and stabilization of irrigated area in the district. These projects

can change the productivity and profitability of agriculture radically. The advent of

surface irrigation may also improve the ground water levels and make tank and well

irrigation more sustainable. The land values are going up as a result of the general

spiral in land prices through out the state. A part of the district is included in the

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) which is causing a surge in

the land prices. It provides an opportunity to those who want to quit farming and

move to other sectors for their livelihood. People who made money from non-

agricultural sectors are investing in lands for speculative purposes in general but out

of interest in farming in some exceptional cases. They have the capacity to invest in

land development and in improved technologies. This trend may augur well to the

farming sector because of infusion of capital from new sources. The output prices,

both of food and cash crops, are on the rise and they may alter the rate of return on

9

investments significantly and provide new hope to the farmers. The demand for milk,

meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables is increasing and the process of diversification in to

these high value commodities is likely to intensify further. The farmers are taking up

micro-irrigation in a big way which will help in improving the water use efficiency and

achieving enterprise diversification. Both the crop sector as well as the allied sectors

is likely to do well in this scenario. The free power scheme which is being

implemented for the last four years has been a boon to the farmers depending on

wells/tube wells. The recent loan waiver program has freed marginal and small

farmers from the bond of debt. They can avail fresh credit and invest on their farms.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has brought work and income to

agricultural labor. The rural economy, in general, is infused with new sources of

demand. The product prices are likely to increase further and make agriculture and

allied enterprises more remunerative. The agricultural research station at Kampa

sagaram and arid horticulture research station at Mallepally are catering to the

research support to agriculture and horticulture in the district. The rapid

industrialization taking place in the peripheries of Hyderabad city is throwing open

employment as well as income opportunities to the people. It is likely to create

additional demand for agricultural produce.

The threats to agriculture and allied sectors come from many sources. Due to

medium level of rainfall and predominance of light soils, the agricultural enterprises

are becoming riskier. The predictions of climate change point out to decrease in

rainfall and increase in temperatures. Both these anticipated changes may further

dent the viability of agriculture in the district. The labor wages are going up in real

terms and after the implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee

Scheme (NREGS), the working hours have reduced. Due to this increase in real

wages without a commensurate increase in productivity, the agriculture tends to

become less profitable. The loan waiver scheme has destroyed the credit discipline

and farmers may not get access to credit both from institutional as well as non-

institutional sources of credit. The increase in fuel prices may apply brakes on farm

mechanization trend. The globalization of markets will put the farmers from

advanced countries at an advantage because they are backed by huge subsidies

from their governments. With in the country, farmers from irrigated areas are

expected to do better due to heavy incidence of subsidies for irrigated crops. A

10

predominantly rainfed district like Nalgonda may find it an unequal battle to compete

with the neighboring districts with higher irrigation coverage. Some of the internal

weaknesses may get exacerbated by the external threats looming large on the

agricultural sector in the district. The special economic zones are cutting down the

availability of land for agriculture. The trends of urbanization are also denting on the

availability of land for agriculture.

After analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by

agricultural sector and after analyzing the yield gaps that can be recovered in the

district, a comprehensive district agricultural plan was prepared with interventions in

agriculture and allied sectors. The interventions in agricultural sector include

measures such as supply of green manure seed, application of gypsum and supply

of zinc sulphate for improving the soil health and fertility. The interventions

suggested also included supply of farm equipment and establishment of custom

hiring centers to help the farmers get over the problem of labor shortage. There were

also proposals on supply of sprinkler sets for increasing water use efficiency,

supporting Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS) and strengthening extension support by

appointing Agricultural Officers, technology facilitators and model farmers,

development of human resources through training etc. The total investments on all

the interventions proposed in agriculture amounted to Rs.20999.03 lakh. The

proposed growth rate in the agricultural sector is 6.7 per cent per year.

Horticultural sector which attained some growth in the recent years will be

encouraged further by establishing new nurseries for producing quality planting

material, establishment of new gardens, rejuvenation of the old and senile orchards,

introducing new horticultural crops and multistory cropping systems, hybrid varieties

of vegetables, loose flowers, provision of shade nets, plant protection equipment,

horticultural tools, drip irrigation etc., organic farming, strengthening extension by

appointing more technical personnel, capacity building of technical staff and farmers,

integrated orchard management, provision of post-harvest infrastructure, grading

and packing facilities etc., for the all round development of horticultural sector in the

district. The total investments required for the development of horticultural sector

over the next five years period is Rs.3256.83 lakh and they are expected to put

horticulture on a higher growth trajectory of 5.4 per cent per year.

11

Sericulture in Nalgonda district has just started to give further boost to sericulture

development in the district, a massive investment of Rs. 145.51 lakh is planned over

the next five years to sustain a 6.7 per cent growth per year. The catalytic

development program will be strengthened in all respects to give a further boost to

mulberry cultivation and silk production.

Nalgonda district has substantial populations of livestock and small ruminants. It is

proposed to induct a large number of improved milch animals and heifer calves to up

grade the quality of livestock. Universal coverage of all livestock and small ruminants

by vaccination against foot and mouth disease in case of bovines and against the

common diseases in case of small ruminants is planned to reduce the mortality and

morbidity. Supply of feed to quality heifer calves, establishment of permanent fodder

units, supply of chaff cutters, provision of mobile disease diagnostic laboratories and

other measures required for the development of Animal Husbandry sector are

planned with a total investment of Rs. 2353.44 lakh over the period of five years. The

anticipated growth rate in the animal husbandry sector is expected to reach 6.3 per

cent per year as a result of all the development investments planned. Similarly,

fisheries sector will be developed through a set of initiatives for strengthening

production and marketing of fish at a cost of Rs. 530.50 lakh over the next five years.

These investments are expected to the fish production in the district over the next

five years period at the rate of 7.4 per cent per year.

Besides, the investments in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, animal husbandry

and fisheries, substantial investments are also planned to establish the village

markets and market information centers to cut down the marketing costs and

improve the price realization by the farmers. Similarly, the development investments

on irrigation, watershed development and poverty eradication programs will also be

intensified. The provision of production and development credit will keep pace with

the requirements of agriculture and allied sectors. This district agricultural plan can

bring dynamism to the district economy and raise the incomes of the rural people. It

has a potential to reverse the trends of desertification noted in some parts of the

district. It can make a big dent on the rural indebtedness and make the farmers

optimistic to look forward for a fast pace of development and improvement in their

living standards. It is hoped that the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) will

12

support the Comprehensive District Agricultural Plan (CDAP) for Nalgonda district

fully. Since Nalgonda district is one of the developing districts of Andhra Pradesh

state, such a support is justified both from the point of view of increasing production

efficiency as well as from the angle of balanced regional development and poverty

alleviation. The proposed investments in different sub-sectors of agriculture are

summarized in the table below:

Table: Requirements of agriculture sector during XI plan

S.No. Sub sector Investments (Rs.in lakh)

1 Agriculture 20999.032 Horticulture 3256.83 3 Sericulture 145.514 Animal husbandry 2353.445 Fisheries 530.506. SERP 907.21

Total 28192.52

The total investment for the development of agriculture and allied sectors during XI

plan adds up to Rs.28192.52 lakh. The major part of Rs.20999.03 lakh was needed

for field crops sector. Horticulture and animal husbandry required Rs.3256.83 lakh

and Rs.2353.44 lakh respectively. The requirements for sericulture were at

Rs.145.51 lakh. The requirements of fisheries and SERP sectors were estimated at

Rs.530.50 and Rs.907.21 lakh respectively.

5.12.2 Outcomes

The sector wise growth rates anticipated to result from investments proposed are given below:

Table: Proposed sector wise growth rates (in per cent)

S.No. Sector 1st year

2nd

year3rd

year4th

year5th

YearAverage

1 Agriculture 4.4 6.2 6.9 7.5 8.6 6.72 Horticulture 5.1 5.3 5.5 5.6 5.5 5.43 Animal

Husbandry6.0 6.2 6.3 6.5 6.4 6.3

4 Sericulture 6.5 6.7 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.75 Fisheries 7.2 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.5 7.4

Total sector 5.2 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.6 5.5

13

Of all the sectors, fisheries are expected to increase at a high rate of 7.4 per year.

Animal husbandry is the next fastest growing sector with a growth rate of 6.3% per

year. Horticulture is expected to grow at 5.4 per cent per year. Agriculture is targeted

to grow @ 6.7% per year. Sericulture sector is projected to grow at the rate of 6.7%

per year. The entire agriculture sector is expected to grow at a fast rate of 5.5% per

year. These high growth rates are expected to result from the heavy investments

suggested in the plan. In all the sectors, the growth rates in the initial two years are

projected to be slower and they are projected to accelerate in the next three years.

14

Chapter IIntroduction

1.1 Back ground Andhra Pradesh is predominantly an Agricultural state. Nearly two-thrid of the labor force

in the state depends on it for their livelihoods. But the share of agriculture in the state

income dropped below 20 per cent and the indications are that it may further fall to 15%

in the next five years. Due to this, the gap between those dependent on other sectors

and on agriculture is widening. This phenomenon of ‘retrogression’ which is occurring in

all parts of India is impacting the state much more severely. The rural people are

migrating urban areas and to distant places for livelihood. The state which was once

recognized as the ‘granary of the south’ is now finding it difficult even to meet its needs.

The state is adversely placed with respect to both soils and rainfall, which are the key

resources for agriculture. In India, the alluvial soils which are the most fertile type of soils

occupy about 40% of the land area. Another 40% of area is covered by black soils which

have intermediate levels of fertility. The red and sandy soils, which are poor in fertility,

occupy only 20% of the land area. But, in Andhra Pradesh, red and sandy soils occupy

as much as 65% of the land area and are very poor in soil fertility. Only 25% of the area

is under black soils, while the remaining 10% area is under alluvial soils. Thus, the

fertility as well as productivity levels of crops in Andhra Pradesh are generally below the

all India averages. The average annual rainfall of the state is only 925 mm, as against

the national average of 1150 mm. Besides the low quantum of rainfall, there is a high

degree of variability in the rainfall across locations and years.

Only about 38% of the gross cropped area in state is irrigated. It is slightly higher than

the national average of about 35%. Due to poor soils and low rainfall, the need for

irrigation is quite high in Andhra Pradesh. Rain fed farming gives very poor yields and

contributes only about 22% to agricultural production as against 44% which is the

estimated contribution of rain fed farming at the national level. The state is frequently

affected by droughts of moderate to severe intensity. Equally frequent are the instances

of damages to crops by floods, heavy rains and cyclones. Agriculture in the state is risky

and less viable when compared with the other parts of the country.

Andhra Pradesh had the benefit of irrigation projects constructed 160 years ago on

rivers, Godavari and Krishna. But as the upper riparian states, Maharashtra and

15

Karnataka have built many projects in the up streams of these rivers. During drought

years, water flows in the rivers are quite scanty as it happened during the early years of

21st century. The agricultural production received a set back and farmers reeled under

continuous droughts. The production costs have risen faster than the output prices and

farming has become non-viable, particularly in the predominantly rainfed areas of the

state. The farmers have shifted to cash crops because of non-viability of food crops. It

increased risks and farmers ended up with losses quite frequently. The tenant farmers

and small farmers are unable to access credit from institutional sources and had to

depend on moneylenders who charge higher rates of interest. The average debt per

farmer in Andhra Pradesh was found to be twice the amount at the all India level. Due to

frequent crop failures and harassment of lenders, many farmers lost hope and

committed suicides. The relief package of Prime Minister helped some farmers in the

chronically drought hit districts. But, agricultural sector needs more investments both

from the government as well as from the farmers to face the problems confronting it.

1.2 Main concerns of agricultural sector in the state are summarized below:

1. Land continues to be a critical concern from many angles. On one side, size of the

operational holding has been coming down significantly. On the other side, soil

health has deteriorated significantly in the recent past affecting factor productivity

especially of fertilizers. The reduction of the organic carbon in the soil also led to

many micro-nutrient deficiencies, besides deterioration in the texture and structure

of the soils which again adversely impacted moisture retention capacity.

2. Wide fluctuations in sown area as well as in irrigated area have become a common

phenomenon. Weather changes, monsoon failures, un-scientific ground water

exploitation, poor reservoir-management, power shortages and investment-holiday

in the 1990s in surface irrigation and drainage, are mainly responsible for this

unfortunate development. To get over these problems, the state should focus on

conjunctive-use of surface and ground water, investments in surface irrigation and

drainage, watershed management in rained areas and special effort to bring

current fallows and cultivable wastes under cultivation.

3. There is a clear deceleration in crop-sector growth in recent past. This is, on

account of many factors including failure in maintaining soil health and inadequate

investments in irrigation. But the most notable among all the factors responsible for

the poor performance is the failure to bridge yield gaps in almost all the major

16

crops. These gaps are because of knowledge gaps or lack of skills and awareness

or due to resource constraints. Critical interventions are needed to bridge the

substantial yield gaps.

4. Reinvigorating extension and research systems is crucial as investment in both

these areas is low when compared to the same in neighboring states. Without a

good extension system, other interventions cannot be implemented.

5. Substantial indebtedness in the farming community and poor credit coverage are

other matters of concern. Due to rise in cost of production, the credit needs have

increased. But due to increase in the oral tenancy contracts, the accessibility to

credit from formal financial institutions has become difficult, particularly for the

tenant farmers. Decline in long-term credit for making investments in assets like

wells has become a serious concern. High rate of failures in digging wells is

another issue about which the state has to worry.

6. There is urgency to un-burden agriculture by shifting substantial man-power to non-

farm sector, as gainful employment opportunities are limited in agricultural sector.

7. Rain fed agriculture continues to be less rewarding. More than 70% of the area

under rained cultivation is covered by oil seeds, pulses and cotton. The poor

performance in oil seeds sector has caused stagnation in the crop sector. Besides

seed, extension and credit which are common to both irrigated and rain fed

agriculture, special focus on watershed management, diversification to tree crops

and good mechanization are vital for rain fed agriculture.

8. Improving the marketing efficiency by modernization, expansion of infrastructure

and establishment of specialized markets for commodities like banana, turmeric,

chillies, onions etc, is the need of the hour.

9. Minimizing production losses, substitution of inefficient native breeds by more

input-responsive breeds and expansion of procurement network are needed for the

development of livestock sector.

10. Poor productivity levels of fruit crops because of large extents under old and senile

gardens needs early attention. Use of hybrid seeds in vegetable crops, expansion

of areas under modern and efficient micro-irrigation systems, poly-houses for

quality and off-season production and investments for modernizing markets and

processing units are the interventions needed in horticultural sector.

11. Poor productivity levels of fish in case of reservoirs and tanks are concerns which

need to be addressed. The gap in productivity levels across districts needs special

17

attention. Modern mechanized crafts and quality infrastructure are also necessary

for exploitation of marine resources.

12. Productivity levels in mulberry based sericulture are quite lower than what they are

in neighboring China. Reeling infrastructure is also very poor and inefficient in the

state. Both the problems related to production and processing are to be addressed.

1.3 Purpose of CDAPsThe district agricultural plans are being prepared in this background to serve the purpose

of attracting more investments for the development of agriculture. While announcing the

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Prime Minister mentioned that the central

government will support the states which are increasing their own investments for

agricultural development. The state government has stepped up investments on surface

and lift irrigation projects to utilize the river waters that are flowing in to the sea. On

several occasions, the political leadership has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of

the farmers in the state. It is supplying power to the farmers who lift water from below the

ground free of cost. But the massive investments involved in surface irrigation projects

and supply of free power do not normally count as expenditures meant for agricultural

development. The state government has been pleading with the government of India to

consider these critical investments as agricultural development expenditures. While the

decisions on these aspects are awaited, the state government is interested to increase

other investments meant for agricultural development. The district agricultural plans are

being prepared in a bottom-up manner to assess the requirements of funds for

development of agriculture and allied sectors in each of the districts. While seeking

support from RKVY, the state government is interested in mobilizing funds for

agricultural development from other schemes and sources. Although when the

development plans are prepared, the available funds may be falling short of

requirements, other opportunities may arise in due course to access additional funds

needed from donors and development investors.

1.4 Methodology

The state government has divided the 9 Agro-climatic zones in the state namely High

altitude and tribal area, North coastal, Godavari, Krishna, Southern, Northern Telangana,

Central Telangana, Southern Telangana and Scarce rainfall zones into 322 farming

situations based on the cropping pattern, availability of irrigation source, soil class,

18

temperature levels and rainfall data. In each farming situation, careful analysis was

carried out on the yield gaps for each crop. The yield gap was calculated as the

difference between the best farmers’ yield of that crop in that specific farming situation

and the representative (average) farmers’ yield of that crop in the same situation. The

factors responsible for the yield gap were identified through discussions with the farmers

and the scientists from SAU. The gap was mainly on account of differences in

knowledge, skills, awareness and resources. Knowledge, awareness and skill gaps

could be bridged only through strengthening extension system, training and

demonstrations. Resource gaps are planned to be bridged by promoting investments

and subsidising critical inputs.

The planning is also done from the micro-level. After the setting up of Agricultural

Technology Management Agency (ATMA), there is an emphasis on micro level planning.

Block level technology teams are conducting diagnostic surveys in different farming

situations and are identifying constraints. Almost all the villages are covered by these

surveys and the feedback is collected from a number of groups of farmers. Wherever

possible, sarpanches and members of the gram panchayat were involved with the

processes of taking feed back and diagnosing the constraints. The data collected from

the panchayat level are aggregated first at the mandal level (comprising of 15 to 20

villages) and then at the ADA circle level (more or less corresponding to taluka level in

other states). The data on area, production, productivity, problem soils etc are validated

at the mandal level. The data are finally aggregated at the district level. The thrust areas

are decided based on the feed back from villages. The objectives and concerns

expressed by the farmers also relate to increasing productivity, building up of soil fertility,

market oriented production, mechanization and micro-irrigation to improve precision and

resource productivity. The aspirations of the farmers are reflected in high growth rates

targeted for the XI plan period. Production strategies are planned for different sub-

sectors and the investment requirements are estimated.

After completing yield gap analysis for all the crops in all the farming situations, the

attention has turned to administration of interventions at the field level. There are more

than 21000 gram panchayats in Andhra Pradesh, each covering a population of 500 to

15000. There is no delivery system at present at the Grama panchayat level for

extension purposes. Appointing extension workers in all gramapanchayats for all

departments is found to be not viable and, hence, it was decided to consider mandal

parishad as an ideal administrative unit for implementation purpose. Each mandal

19

covers approximately 10000 ha and 15 to 20 villages. Various departments have their

field level functionaries located at the mandal level. After zeroing on mandal level, 322

farming situations were superimposed on the 1104 Mandals. As expected, we have the

mandal level farming situations covering all the crops grown in that mandal. Using this

base data and yield gap analysis carried out already, mandal level crop sector

agricultural plans were prepared by the SAU and departmental teams jointly.

Horticultural crops and sericulture were also included in the mandal level agricultural

plan. Other allied departments like animal husbandry, fisheries etc have developed the

plans similarly and given their mandal level plans separately which were integrated in

the District Agricultural Plan. However, reporting data by mandal is found to be unwieldy.

Some of the large districts have more than 60 mandals and reporting such detailed

information by mandal was considered to be too cumbersome. Hence, the mandal level

information was aggregated by ADA circle and data were reported by ADA circle. Each

district has about 10 to 20 ADA circles and they are akin to taluks in other states. Since

the standard formats given by the government of India require reporting of results by

taluk, this level of aggregation is considered appropriate.

The departmental plans looked at the availability of resources from existing schemes

and the balance amounts required for the interventions were shown as additional funds

needed for that intervention at the district level. By integrating all the district plans and

prioritising major interventions, the state level agricultural plan will be drawn. Proposals

under stream-I of RKVY are worked out based on the major interventions proposed. Of

course, plans for research under Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU),

Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Horticultural University and broadband

connectivity will be aggregated at the state level only. There is a quasi-government

agency, ‘Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty’ (SERP), which is implementing some

initiatives to reduce use of pesticides and to promote marketing of some products.

Wherever possible, the activities of SERP were integrated in to the district agricultural

plans.

20

Chapter-IIGeneral description of the district

2.1 Introduction

Nalgonda district was not a homogenous administrative unit in the past and its

component parts were under the control of various dynasties at different periods of

time. Nalgonda district formed part of the Kakatiya kingdom and after its down fall it

became part of Bahamani kingdom and subsequently passed on to Qutub Shahi

dynasty of Golkonda and on its fall was detached in the early part of 18 th Century on

the establishment of Hyderabad state by the Asaf Jahi dynasty. In 1947 when the

country attained Independence the princely states were given a choice either to

remain independent or to join the Indian Union. The Nizam's dominions became part

of the Indian union in 1948 as a part "B" state. In 1956, during the reorganization of

states, the Hyderabad state was trifurcated and the nine predominantly Telugu

speaking districts (of which Nalgonda is one) known as Telangana region were

transferred to Andhra Pradesh.

Present status

During the decade 1951 to 1961, the district underwent certain territorial changes. It

lost the taluk of Jangaon to Warangal district in 1953 on the eve of the formation of

Khammam district and in 1958, the uninhabited village of Hafeezpuram was

transferred from Ramannapet taluk in the district to Ibrahimpatnam taluk of

Rangareddy district. Against this loss in territory, the district gained Madanapur

village in Kalwakurthi taluk of Mahabubnagar district as well as Munagala Paragana

comprising 23 villages from Krishna district on account of its transfer to Huzurnagar

taluk in 1959. The district also gained in the same year an area of five square

kilometers from Palnadu taluk of Guntur district, which on account of its contiguity

was added to Miryalguda taluk, mainly for use in connection with the construction of

the Nagarjunasagar project. For administrative convenience, the village of Bethavolu

was transferred from Suryapet taluk to Huzurnagar in 1959. The present boundaries

and jurisdiction is the resultant of these changes. The district at present is

administered by four Revenue Divisions (1) Nalgonda (2) Bhongir (3) Miryalguda and

(4) Suryapet with 59 mandals in all.

21

2.1.1 Map of the districtFig 1 District map

2.1.2 General statistics 2.1.2.1 Population details

The details of villages and population particulars of Nalgonda district are given in

table 1 by ADA circle. There are 1144 revenue villages in the district out of which 48

are uninhabited. The uninhabited villages are concentrated in Suryapet and

Miryalaguda ADA circles. Bhongir and Deverkonda ADA circles have more revenue

villages, while Kodad and Suryapet ADA circles have less revenue villages under

them. The 1096 revenue villages are organized in to 1185 Gram Panchayats. The

population of the district is 28.2 lakh as per 2001 census. The population density of

the district is about 201 persons per sq.km. The male and female ratio in population

is 1: 0.96. The scheduled caste population has a share of 17.7 per cent in the district

population. Similarly, the population of scheduled tribe formed 11.2 per cent of the

population in the district. The scheduled tribes are concentrated more in Deverkonda

22

and Miryalaguda ADA circles. The population is highest in Miryalaguda and Bhongir

ADA circles, while it is lowest in Suryapet and Nalgonda ADA circles.

2.1.2.2 Distribution of land holdings

The particulars of land holding pattern in the district are given in table 2.The holdings

above two ha size constitutes 21.76% of the total holdings. They together have a

share of 59.44% in the total land area. It shows that the land distribution is quite

unequal in the district after all the land struggles the district had during the last sixty

years.

2.1.2.3 Soil types

The soils of the district are mostly consisting of red soil. The fertile black cotton soil

forms only nine percent and occurs on the banks of Krishna and in isolated patches

here and there. Among the red soils, 47% is dubba soil (loamy sands), which has a

very low moisture retaining capacity, and the rest is chalka soil, forming 44 %.

2.1.2.4 Infrastructure facilities / farmer support systems available in the district

1) Arid Horticulture Research station - Konda Mallepalli

2) Agriculture Research Station - A.R.S., Kampasagar

3) Krishi Vigyan Kendra - Gaddipally

4) DAATT centre, Nalgonda - District Agriculture Advisory and Transfer of Technology centre. Nalgonda

2.1.2.5 Agrarian structureThe small and marginal farmers dominate the number of holdings in the district. They

together have a 79% share in the total number of holdings, but their share in the land

area is only 40.54%. The details of land distribution are given in table 3. Medium and

large holdings have a total share of 59.45% in the land area, although they account

for only 20.98% in the number of holdings.

23

2.2 District at a glance2.2.1 Location and geographical units

Nalgonda was formerly known as Neelagiri (Blue hill). It is bounded on the north by

Medak and Warangal districts; on the south by Guntur and partly by Mahabubnagar

districts; on the east by Khammam and Krishna districts; and on the west, partly by

Mahabubnagar district and partly by Rangareddy district. The district lies in southern

part of Telangana region between 16°-25’ and 17°-50’ of northern latitude and 78°-

40’ and 80°-50’ of eastern longitude. The general slope of the district is from west

and northwest to southeast and the altitude of the district varies from 300'to

900'above sea level.

2.2.1.1 Administrative divisions and planning unitThe Nalgonda district is divided into 59 mandals and 1178 gram panchayats. The

gram panchayat is too small a unit to be considered as a planning and monitoring

unit. The next unit in hierarchy i.e. mandal has been considered as a planning unit

for various agricultural and allied activities. The data from the mandals are

aggregated and reported at ADA circle or division level. The ADA circle in Nalgonda

district is comparable to a taluk in other states in geographical coverage. The data

are further aggregated to district and state level for planning and reporting purposes.

Therefore, in this report, constraints, strategies and schemes relevant to each

mandal have been worked out and eventually converged to ADA circle level in the

first instance and later to district level and state level.

2.2.2 Demographic features2.2.3 Topography and Agro-climatic characteristics2.2.3.1 HillsA range of hills runs through the taluks of Nalgonda and Deverkonda and enters

Achampet taluk of Mahabubnagar district. Another range of low hills starts in the

south west of district and extends from the vicinity of Dindi River in a north eastern

direction as far as Khammam district. A third range known as the Nalla pahad after

reaching Dindi and Peddavagu rivers bifurcates one span extending north and other

joining the second stage. A fourth range in the north west of the district runs in the

westerly direction as far as Sirikonda and then takes a sudden turn towards the east,

24

extends for 18 km and turns again towards north passing between Narayanpur and

Ibrahimpatnam, curving again towards Vemulakonda. Besides these, there are a

number of isolated hills, some of which are situated in on one or the other ranges

mentioned above.

2.2.3.2 Rivers

The district is drained and watered by the rivers Krishna, Musi, Alair, Peddavagu,

Dindi, Halia (ruralised form of Ahalaya) and Kanagal. The Krishna river which is the

most important river, forms the southern boundry. It first touches the district at

Yelleshwaram in Devarkonda taluk and after a course of 85 kilometers in the district

in the easterly direction, it enters in Krishna district. The Musi is the next important

river in the district. It enters this district from northwest and flows east for a distance

of 64 kilometers but after it’s joining with Alair river, it follows in a south easterly

direction till it falls into the Krishna near Vadapalli (Wazirabad) after a course of 153

kilometers in this district. Peddavagu and Dindi are the two other important rivers

that flow in Devarkonda taluk and merge in to Krishna river. Halia river rises in the

west hills of Narayanpur in Nalgonda taluk, flows in a south easterly direction for

about 72 km when it is joined by Kanagal river near Kanagal village and, continuing

in the same direction, falls into the Krishna river. Its total length is 132 km. Alair river

flows in Yadagirigutta taluk and joins Musi river. All these rivers are tapped for

irrigation purposes. The Nagarjunasagar project constructed across the Krishna

river, Musi project across the Musi river and Dindi project across the Dindi river are

some of the important irrigation projects.

2.2.3.3 Flora and fauna

There are no big forests of importance in the district. The total forest area in the

district is 0.825 lakh ha, forming 5.84 % of the Geographical area. The forests belong

to only fuel types and do not contain any rich and valuable timber.

2.2.3.4 Agro-climate in the districtThe agricultural season commences with the on set of south west monsoon, mostly

during 2nd week of June every year. The district is divided into four revenue divisions

i.e. Nalgonda, Miryalguda, Suryapet and Bhongir. The agro climatic conditions are

different in the four divisions of the district.

25

2.2.3.5 Rain fall The rainfall of the district is influenced by both the south-west and north-east

monsoons. The total normal rainfall of the district is 753.4 mm. The contribution from

south west monsoon (June-Sept) is 562.1 mm and from north east monsoon (Oct-

Dec) is 139.8 mm. Out of the remaining rainfall, 7.8 mm occurs in winter season

(Jan-Feb) and the remaining 43.7 mm is received in hot weather period (Mar-May).

The month wise distribution of rainfall during the period, 2002-03 to 2007-08 is

presented in table 4. As against the normal rainfall of 753.4 mm, the rainfall in three

out of five years between 2002-03 and 2006-07 was subnormal, while in one year it

was just normal. The rainfall was substantially higher than the normal rainfall during

only one year i.e. 2005-06. Even the rainfall during south-west monsoon in 2007-08

was below the normal rainfall from south-west monsoon. It shows that the rainfall

has been subnormal in four out of six years. It was normal in one year and above

normal in another year. Drought is a common phenomenon in the district due to

scanty and uneven rainfall in the monsoon seasons (south west and north east

monsoons).

26

2.2.4 Land use pattern and land holdings2.2.4.1 Land utilization particulars

The land utilization pattern as per the agricultural census, 2005-06 is detailed in table

5. The district has only one third of the land under current fallows and other fallows.

Only 5.84% of the total geographical area is under forest. 38% of the total land is

sown to crops. Permanent pastures and cultivable waste add up to 6.8%. Land put to

non agriculture uses is relatively smaller at 7.77%.

2.2.4.2 Land holdings

The distribution of land holdings and land area by size group of holdings is presented

in table 6 by ADA circle. Marginal farmers form 44.1 per cent of the land holdings in

the district. But their share in the land area is only 15.9 per cent. Small farmers

account for one-third of the holdings. Their share in land is also close to one-third of

the land area. Semi-medium farms (2 to 4 ha) form only 12.9 per cent of the holdings

but account for 22.4 per cent of the land area. Medium farmers are only 6.5 per cent

of the holdings but they have as much as 15.5 per cent of the land area. Large farms

constitute only 2.7 per cent of the land holdings but have a substantial share of 14

per cent in the land area. Thus, the distribution of lands remains as unequal as

anywhere else, despite the reputation of the district for land struggles. The average

size of holding in the district is 2.27 ha.

2.2.5 Irrigation and ground water2.2.5.1 Surface water

The details of surface water sources of irrigation are given below.

1. Tanks No.

a) Very Large Tanks (Above 2000 ha ayacut) -b) Large tanks (40 to 2000 ha ayacut) 421c) Small tanks (below 40 ha ayacut) 3983

2. Projects

a. Major Projects (above 10000 ha ayacut) 5 b. Medium projects (2000 to 10000 ha ayacut) 1

27

c. Minor Projects (below 2000 ha ayacut) 6

3. Government lift irrigation schemes:

a. Major (about 4000 ha ayacut) -b. Medium (800 to 4000 ha ayacut) 8c. Minor (below 800 ha ayacut) 25

4. Private lift Irrigation sources 1714

5. Other sources (Bandams, Springs, Channels, Jalu etc., ) 5

2.2.5.2 Ground water

1 Tube Wells

a. Public Tube wells 68 b. Community Tube Wells 95 c. Private Tube wells 53542

2 Dug wells (with pump sets)

a. Dug wells with oil engines 197b. Dug wells with Electrical motors 108279

( Source : CPO, Nalgonda )

2.2.5.3 IrrigationThe area irrigated in Nalgonda district is about 2.55 lakh ha, which is 32% of the

cultivable area. The area irrigated by different sources is given in table 7. Canals

have the highest share of 39.2% among the irrigation sources. Tube wells, filter

points and other wells together account for 36.1%. Other sources of irrigation have a

share of 17.6%, while tanks have 7% share in the total irrigated area.

2.2.6 District incomeAgriculture sector plays an important role in the economy of the district. 70% of the

population in the district depends on agriculture for their livelihood. The share of

agriculture and allied sectors in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the district ranged

28

from 24 to 31 % from the year 2001-02 to 2004-05, with some ups and downs

intermittently (table 8). The share of field crops sector touched a low of 13.42% in

2002-03 from the high level of 20.9% recorded in 2000-01. The kind of fluctuation

observed in crop sector was not seen in live stock sector. It ranged between 8 and

9% with a slightly up ward trend. But the fisheries sector showed a declining trend

from more than 2% to about 1%.

2.2.6.1 Growth rateThe year to year changes in the sectoral incomes are detailed in table 9 for the

period 2000-01 to 2004-05. The crop sector recorded negative growth in two years,

2001-02 and 2002-03. But it registered a positive growth in the other three years.

The growth rate in crop sector averaged 2.32% during the five years period.

Livestock sector registered positive growth in all the five years, averaging a growth of

8.28% per year. Fisheries sector registered negative growth in two years, 2000-01

and 2002-03. Although it registered positive growth in the other three years, the

average growth of fishery sector during the five years period is -8.3%. The overall

sector of agriculture also registered negative growth in two years and positive growth

29

in the other three years. The average growth in the sector worked out to 2.52%

during the five years period.

2.3 Development vision and strategyThe broad vision and strategy have been developed at the state level. The important

objective is to accelerate the production of different commodities mainly through

improvements in productivity. There is also emphasis on reclamation of problem

soils and putting fallow lands under plantations like simarouba, jatropha, pongamia

etc to contribute to the production of bio-fuels. But the planning is also done from the

micro-level. After the setting up of Agricultural Technology Management Agency

(ATMA), there is an emphasis on micro level planning. Block level technology teams

are conducting diagnostic surveys in different farming situations and are identifying

constraints. Almost all the villages are covered by these surveys and the feedback is

collected from a number of groups of farmers. Wherever possible, sarpanches and

members of the gram panchayat were involved with the processes of taking feed

back and diagnosing the constraints. The data collected from the panchayat level are

aggregated first at the mandal level (comprising of 15 to 20 villages) and then at the

30

ADA circle level (more or less corresponding to taluka level in other states). The data

on area, production, productivity, problem soils etc are validated at the mandal level.

The data are finally aggregated at the district level. The thrust areas are decided

based on the feed back from villages. The objectives and concerns expressed by the

farmers also relate to increasing productivity, building up of soil fertility, market

oriented production, mechanization and micro-irrigation to improve precision and

resource productivity. The aspirations of the farmers are reflected in high growth

rates targeted for the XI plan period. Production strategies are planned for different

sub-sectors and the investment requirements are estimated. A part of the support to

implement these plans will, hopefully, come from RKVY. The district and state level

officials of different departments will have to find the balance of resources from other

schemes, which are operational in the district.

Reflecting the people’s concerns and aspiration, the plan will work towards achieving

the district vision of accelerating the growth of district economy by creating gainful

opportunities on a self sustaining basis and by increasing the productivity and

profitability of agriculture and allied sectors for better living standards of the people of

Nalgonda district.

31

Chapter-IIISWOT Analysis

3.1 IntroductionBefore preparing a development plan of the district, it will be useful to assess the

relative strengths and weaknesses of agriculture and allied sectors in the district to

assess what works and what does not. The strengths and weaknesses largely refer

to internal environment in which agriculture and allied sectors are operating. The

opportunities and threats arise largely from the external environment. The dynamic

forces at work do influence the growth opportunities. The sector has to adapt itself to

face the threats and to capitalize on the opportunities dawning on the horizon.

3.2 SWOT Analysis of the district3.2.1 StrengthsThe agricultural potential of Nalgonda district has improved considerably after the

advent of Nagarjuna Sagar left canal. One part of the district is completely irrigated

by canals and lift irrigation schemes. The irrigated area forms one-third of the total

cultivated area in the district. The normal rainfall of the district is 753 mm. It has a

varied mixture of soils. Red soils (both chalka and dubba types) dominate the

distribution of soils with a combined share of 91 per cent. Black cotton soils account

for the remaining 9 per cent of the area. A variety of crops are grown on these light

soils. The farmers are quite resilient having faced many adversities and shocks both

from abiotic and biotic sources. The average size of the holding is larger at about 2.0

ha which is much higher than in other districts. Rice and sugarcane are the dominate

crops in the irrigated areas. Hardy crops like sorghum, millet, castor and red gram

are grown in the predominantly rainfed areas. Horticulture is developing quite fast as

the farmers are keen on using the limited water resources in high value horticulture

crops. Dairy farming is developing rapidly to take advantage of marketing

opportunities in Hyderabad city for its products. Small ruminants are in big number

and they provide good subsidiary income to the communities which rear them.

Sericulture is gradually becoming popular due to its good potential to provide

employment and income. The potential for fisheries is not fully exploited and there is

32

good scope for their development. Thus, the district has a modest agricultural

potential which can develop further with new irrigation projects and investment

initiatives of the government.

3.2.2 WeaknessesThe district mainly has light soils which don’t retain moisture for long. The rainfall is

low and uncertain, often leading to occurrence of droughts. About two-thirds of the

cultivated area is rain fed and is prone to vagaries of monsoon. The district has

many pockets which are quite endemic for the problem of flourosis. The flourosis

problem has a adverse impact on the health of the labor force and their capacity to

work. The investment capacity of the farmers is quite limited because of very low

earning opportunities from the field crops. The drive for horticulture was halted by the

limited and depleting ground water availability. Some of the farmers and agricultural

laborers are migrating to other places and other occupations for their livelihood. It is

creating labor scarcity and bidding up real wages. These rising labor costs are

eroding the profitability of crops. Area under fallow lands is increasing due to the

non-viability of agriculture. Soil salinity and alkalinity are spreading in the irrigated

areas of the district. The district is affected by occasional heavy rains, cyclones and

floods, although drought is the most frequent natural calamity crippling agriculture.

The soil fertility is quite poor with low organic matter content and low to medium

availability of nutrients. Micro-nutrient deficiencies, particularly of zinc are also

emerging as the limiting factors to agricultural production. The tank irrigation is in

shambles due to lack of maintenance and community action. The livestock rearing is

handicapped by lack of sufficient fodder resources, except in some pockets with

perennial irrigation. Fishery development is limited by the availability of water in the

tanks for only a few months in a year. The share of income from agricultural sector is

ranging only between 24 to 30% with a declining trend because of the difficult

drought years through which the district has passed.

3.2.3 OpportunitiesThere are several initiatives which bring new opportunities to the farmers in

Nalgonda district. Under the ‘Jalayagnam’ program, Dindi, Musi and Srisailam left

bank canal are being constructed/ strengthened to achieve both growth and

stabilization of irrigated area in the district. Other minor projects are also expected to

contribute to growth and stabilization of irrigated area in the district. These projects

33

can change the productivity and profitability of agriculture radically. The advent of

surface irrigation may also improve the ground water levels and make tank and well

irrigation more sustainable. The land values are going up as a result of the general

spiral in land prices through out the state. A part of the district is included in the

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) which is causing a surge in

the land prices. It provides an opportunity to those who want to quit farming and

move to other sectors for their livelihood. People who made money from non-

agricultural sectors are investing in lands for speculative purposes in general but out

of interest in farming in some exceptional cases. They have the capacity to invest in

land development and in improved technologies. This trend may augur well to the

farming sector because of infusion of capital from new sources. The output prices,

both of food and cash crops, are on the rise and they may alter the rate of return on

investments significantly and provide new hope to the farmers. The demand for milk,

meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables is increasing and the process of diversification in to

these high value commodities is likely to intensify further. The farmers are taking up

micro-irrigation in a big way which will help in improving the water use efficiency and

achieving enterprise diversification. Both the crop sector as well as the allied sectors

is likely to do well in this scenario. The free power scheme which is being

implemented for the last four years has been a boon to the farmers depending on

wells/tube wells. The recent loan waiver program has freed marginal and small

farmers from the bond of debt. They can avail fresh credit and invest on their farms.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has brought work and income to

agricultural labor. The rural economy, in general, is infused with new sources of

demand. The product prices are likely to increase further and make agriculture and

allied enterprises more remunerative. The agricultural research station at Kampa

sagaram and arid horticulture research station at Mallepally are catering to the

research support to agriculture and horticulture in the district. The rapid

industrialization taking place in the peripheries of Hyderabad city is throwing open

employment as well as income opportunities to the people. It is likely to create

additional demand for agricultural produce.

3.2.4 ThreatsThe threats to agriculture and allied sectors come from many sources. Due to

medium level of rainfall and predominance of light soils, the agricultural enterprises

34

are becoming riskier. The predictions of climate change point out to decrease in

rainfall and increase in temperatures. Both these anticipated changes may further

dent the viability of agriculture in the district. The labor wages are going up in real

terms and after the implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee

Scheme (NREGS), the working hours have reduced. Due to this increase in real

wages without a commensurate increase in productivity, the agriculture tends to

become less profitable. The loan waiver scheme has destroyed the credit discipline

and farmers may not get access to credit both from institutional as well as non-

institutional sources of credit. The increase in fuel prices may apply brakes on farm

mechanization trend. The globalization of markets will put the farmers from

advanced countries at an advantage because they are backed by huge subsidies

from their governments. With in the country, farmers from irrigated areas are

expected to do better due to heavy incidence of subsidies for irrigated crops. A

predominantly rainfed district like Nalgonda may find it an unequal battle to compete

with the neighboring districts with higher irrigation coverage. Some of the internal

weaknesses may get exacerbated by the external threats looming large on the

agricultural sector in the district. The special economic zones are cutting down the

availability of land for agriculture. The trends of urbanization are also denting on the

availability of land for agriculture.

3.3 Emerging issues from SWOT analysisDespite some weaknesses and threats, Nalgonda district has a lot of potential for the

growth of agricultural and allied enterprises. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

and Sugarcane Renewed System (SRS) are becoming popular in the district and the

rice and sugarcane yields are poised to take off. The high minimum support price of

Rs.850 per quintal of paddy may instill new confidence and enthusiasm among the

rice farmers to intensify their investments to achieve still higher yields. The proposals

to increase it further to Rs.1000 per quintal of paddy, if materialized, will put more

enthusiasm in the farmers to produce more. Castor, sugarcane, sunflower,

groundnut and red gram cultivation are becoming popular because of the growing

demand for these products. Other pulses like green gram and black gram are also

becoming profitable due to high market prices. Thus, all the major field crops are

having a favorable environment for increasing production. The full potential for

horticultural development is not yet fully utilized. The research centers at Kampa

35

Sagaram and Mallepally are catering to the needs of agriculture and horticultural

sectors respectively. There are some problems of soil salinity in some parts of the

district but these can be sorted out through appropriate investments. Labor scarcity

is an issue but selected mechanization of farm operations can relieve the pressure in

the long run. The livestock and fisheries sectors may see acceleration in their rates

of growth due to burgeoning demand for livestock and fisheries products. Some

companies have come forward for contract farming, particularly in case of broiler

poultry. This system minimizes the risk to farmers and is hence attracting many

farmers. Sericulture is also poised for growth due to the initiatives of the department

and favorable weather for both mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing. The district

is leading in farm forestry enterprises which are quite profitable. Thus, the problems

faced by agricultural sector in the district can be overcome through appropriate

policies and investments. The prices of agricultural commodities are ruling high and

they will surely attract more investments to overcome problems and achieve higher

levels of production in both agriculture and allied sectors in the district.

3.4 Sectoral / Regional growth drivers of the districtWith reasonably good resource endowments and resilient farmers, all the sub-

sectors of agriculture can be good growth drivers in the district. Among the field

crops, rice, sugarcane, pulses and oilseeds are all poised for growth because of the

favorable price and demand situation. Besides new varieties, new cultivation

methods make it possible to achieve yield growth in these crops. The scope for

receiving irrigation facilities to new areas makes it possible to increase areas under

these crops. It should not be difficult to achieve the production growth exceeding 5

per cent per year in case of the field crops. Horticulture is definitely a growth driver

with a possibility to grow at 7 to 8 per cent per year. Fruit crops like acid lime, sweet

orange, mango, sapota, guava, papaya and pomegranate have good scope for

expansion. Similarly, coconut plantations can become more productive due to

intensive management. There is a good response to efforts made for rejuvenation of

acid lime, sweet orange and mango gardens in the district. Farmers are likely to take

it up if there are incentives from the government. The demand for vegetables is

increasing and higher prices can attract more farmers to make investments in

vegetable cultivation. With the government willing to subsidize the supply of hybrid

seeds, farmers can easily increase the yields of vegetable crops by 30 to 40 per

36

cent. The growing demand for flowers may attract more farmers towards it to realize

higher profits. Besides horticulture, aquaculture can continue to be a good growth

sector. With virtually no demand constraint for fish and prawns, there is good scope

for both increasing the area under the ponds as well as to increase the productivity

of ponds. This sector can also easily achieve a growth rate of 5 per cent. Animal

husbandry sector which always received a high emphasis in the past has still got

potential to remain a good growth sector because of constantly increasing demand

for milk, meat and eggs. It can also achieve a target growth rate exceeding 7 per

cent. Sericulture has not spread much but the farmers who have taken it up are

realizing good returns. The expansion of area under high yielding varieties of

mulberry and use of advance equipment for rearing can accelerate the growth rate in

this sector. Due to low base, this sector can grow at more than 8 per cent per year, if

the infrastructure is strengthened to supply DFLs in adequate number. The upland

areas are also buzzing with the activity of farm forestry. Eucalyptus clones and

subabul are becoming quite popular through the efforts of nurseries and more areas

are coming under farm forestry. Each one of these sub-sectors of agriculture can

grow at growth rates ranging between 5 to 10 per cent per year if the necessary

interventions are supported to reduce the yield gaps in all the farming situations.

Rural industries are also an important growth sector with the scope for processing

and cold chains being brighter. Many small scale industries can come up in the

district because of the existence of a pool of entrepreneurs with sufficient resources.

In a booming economy like India, a growing district like Nalgonda is all set to grow

fast to meet the aspirations of the people.

37

Chapter IVDevelopment of Agriculture Sector

4.1 IntroductionNalgonda district is one of the drought prone districts with low and uncertain rainfall.

But one part of the district benefited from the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal and lift

irrigation. Rice and sugarcane are the dominant crops in the irrigated areas while

rainfed crops like castor, jowar, red gram, ground nut occupy large areas in the

rainfed tracts of the district. With the promise of more irrigation facilities, the

agriculture in the district can look for higher investments and better profitability.

4.2 Land useThe land use statistics of the district during 2005-06 are presented in table 10. The

district has only 5.7 per cent of the area under forests. It is very less when compared

to the standard of 33 per cent suggested at the national level. When compared to

forest area, barren and uncultivable land is more, forming 8.2 per cent of the area.

Land under non-agricultural uses is only 7.7 per cent. The area under permanent

pastures is fairly high at 5.3 per cent. More than one-third of the land area is either

under current fallows or under the category of other than cultivable fallows. Only 34.6

per cent of the geographical area is sown to crops. The cropping intensity in the

district is 123.23 per cent. Deverkonda and Miryalaguda ADA circles have the

highest cropping intensities in the district. On the other hand, Bhongir Halia ADA

circles have the lowest cropping intensities.

4.3 Soil health4.3.1 Soil typesThe distribution of soils in the district is: red chalka (dubba) soils (47%), red soils (44

%) and black cotton soils (9%). The soils of the district are poor in organic matter

content with low water retention capacity. They are low in nitrogen and phosphorus

content and moderate in potash content. The problematic soils are in an extent of

8,500 ha spread over 35 mandals.

38

4.3.2 Soil fertility status The results of soil sample analysis carried out in 2006-07 are summarized in table 11

by ADA circle. During 2006-07, 67884 soil samples were analyzed. The results for

soil reaction are available for 55027 samples. Out of them, 64% of the samples

reported neutral reaction. 33.5% of the samples showed alkaline reaction. The

remaining 2.5% of the samples displayed acidic reaction. The results for electrical

conductivity are available for 52542 samples. 63.4% of these samples displayed

medium levels of electrical conductivity. 20% of the samples reported high levels of

electrical conductivity, while the remaining 16.6% of the samples exhibited low levels

of electrical conductivity. The results for organic carbon content were available from

53364 samples. Out of them, 45.3% samples reported low levels of organic matter in

them. Medium levels of organic matter content were reported in case of 46.2% of the

samples. The remaining 8.5% of the samples contained high levels of organic

carbon in them. The results for available nitrogen are available for 54644 samples.

3.7% of the samples contained very low levels of available nitrogen in them. 24.4%

of the samples contained low levels of nitrogen. 28.6% of the samples exhibited

medium levels of nitrogen content while 26.4% of them reported medium high levels

of available nitrogen. 16.1% of the samples contained high levels of available

nitrogen, while only 0.7% of the samples reported very high levels of nitrogen.

4.3.3 Micronutrient status

The results of soil sample analysis for micronutrient status during 2000-01 to 2006-

07 are given in table 12. The results of micro nutrient status were available only for

39

Halia ADA circle. Only 1135 soil samples from the six mandals of Halia ADA circle

were analyzed for micro nutrient status. The results indicated that the micro nutrients

like copper, iron and manganese were sufficient in most of the samples. But, most of

the samples were deficient in zinc.

4.3.4 Planning of soil analysis during XI plan

The targets for soil analysis during XI plan period are furnished in table 13. During

the XI plan period, it is proposed to analyze 23844 soil samples collected from 1037

villages. 16844 of them will be subjected to general soil analysis, while the remaining

7000 samples will be analyzed for special soil analysis. All the farmers from whose

fields the soil samples were collected will be issued soil health cards.

4.3.5 Infrastructure for soil testing

The infrastructure available for carrying out soil test in the district is given in table 14.

There are four soil testing laboratories in the district. One of them is in the

government sector with the facility of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). It

has a capacity to analyze 16844 samples per year. The three soil testing labs in the

cooperative sector together have a capacity to analyze 7000 samples.

4.3.6 Planning for soil reclamation

The proposals for soil reclamation during XI plan period are presented in table 15.

There is 16884 ha area under saline soils in the district. Till 2006-07, an area of 3376

ha was reclaimed by different treatments. The remaining 13508 ha area needs to be

reclaimed during the XI plan period. It is proposed to reclaim 2701 ha every year by

both the application of gypsum as well as by the supply of green manure seeds.

Over the five years period, 13503 ha will be reclaimed at a total cost of Rs.119.35

lakh.

4.4 Water Resources and Management4.4.1 Information on weather

The data on rainfall, temperature and humidity during 2006-07 for Nalgonda district

are summarized in table 16 by ADA circle. The average rainfall of the district is 586

mm in Nalgonda district during 2006-07. The average number of rainy days was 44

40

days. The rainfall in that year was very low in Alair and Kodad ADA circles, while the

highest rainfall was recorded in Tungaturthy and Suryapet ADA circles. The highest

number of rainy days was recorded in Deverkonda ADA circle, while the lowest

number of them was noted at Tungaturthy and Suryapet ADA circles. The average

minimum temperature in the district was 18 degree centigrade, while the maximum

temperature was recorded at 40 degree centigrade. The minimum humidity in the

district averaged 25 per cent, while the maximum humidity was observed to be 43

per cent.

4.4.2 Irrigation sources and their contribution

The contribution of different irrigation sources to the total irrigated area is presented

in table 17. The single biggest source of irrigation in the district still remains to be

tube/bore wells with a 40.3 per cent share in the irrigated area. 27.6 per cent of the

irrigated area is contributed by canals. Canal irrigation is prominent in Miryalaguda,

Kodad and Halia ADA circles. Tanks contribute 17.9 per cent of the irrigated area in

the district. They have a more prominent contribution in Tungaturthy, Kodad,

Miryalaguda and Deverkonda ADA circles. Open wells have a share of 10.8 per cent

in the irrigated area. They are important in Nalgonda, Kodad and Miryalaguda ADA

circles. Tube wells/bore wells are spread in all the ADA circles, but have more

prominent role in Alair and Tungaturthy ADA circles. Lift irrigation has a three per

cent share in irrigated area and it is concentrated more in Miryalaguda and Kodad

ADA circles. Other sources account for less than half per cent of the irrigated area.

The irrigated area forms 50.4 per cent of the gross cropped area in the district.

4.4.3 Quality of water

The results of water sample analysis carried out between 2000-01 and 2006-07 are

given in table 18 by ADA circle. During the six years period, 2000-01 to 2006-07,

2234 water samples were analyzed. Only 26.4% of the samples were in the

permissible range. Another 29% samples were in the moderately safe category. But

39.4% of the samples were in the moderately unsafe category. Only 1.5% of the

samples fell in un-safe category. Thus, there is problem with nearly 40% of the

irrigation water samples in the district falling in un-safe categories due to high salt

41

content in the irrigation water. Since the district is well known for flourosis problem,

these results are understandable.

4.5 Major crops and varieties in the district4.5.1 Cropping patternsThe cropping pattern of the district varies from situation to situation due to different

agro-climatic conditions prevailing. The major cropping patterns prevailing in the

district are summarized in table 19.

4.5.2 Major Crops: The major crops grown in the district in different seasons are

given below

Kharif: Rice, cotton, bajra, green gram, red gram, castor, sesamum, jowar and

groundnut.

Rabi: Rice, bengal gram, black gram, coriander, groundnut, maize and horse gram.

4.5.3 Crop wise area during 2006-07 The area under major field crops during the kharif and rabi seasons is furnished in

table 20.

4.5.4 Details of area, production and productivity

The area under rice mainly depends on the inflows of water in to the reservoirs

during the monsoon season. Maximum area under rice was reported during 2006-07

i.e. 2.90 lakh ha, which is about twice the area noted in previous years. The other

42

major crops are cotton and red gram, which are replacing castor due to good returns

and the advent of genetically modified (GM) varieties of cotton hybrids. Details of

area sown, production and yields of the major crops during 2002-03 to 2006-07 are

given in table 21.

4.5.6 Rain fed agriculture All the crops except paddy are mainly grown under rain fed situations. The crops

raised during kharif mainly depend on south west monsoon from June to September

and the crops raised during rabi depend on north east monsoon as well as on water

levels in the irrigation sources. Nearly 2.76 lakh ha (60%) is under rain fed

agriculture out of the total cropped area of 4.70 lakh ha during the kharif season. The

area, production and productivity of major crops in 2006-07 are detailed in table 22.

4.5.7 Contribution of rain fed and irrigated areas to kharif production The estimates of area, production and productivity during kharif season are

presented separately for irrigated and rain fed areas in table 23. Data are available

for only two main crops, rice and groundnut during the kharif season. Rice is grown

completely under irrigation, while ground nut is grown under both irrigated and rain

fed conditions. Average yield of rice in kharif was 2950 kg per ha. 47 per cent of the

ground nut area was irrigated and 54 per cent of the production came from these

areas. The average productivity was 1106 kg under irrigation, while it was only 885

kg under rainfed condition. The average yield of ground nut in the district worked out

to 974 kg per ha.

4.5.7 Contribution of rain fed and irrigated areas to rabi production

The estimates of area, production and productivity during rabi season are presented

separately for irrigated and rain fed areas in table 24. Data were reported for the

same two crops of paddy and ground nut in rabi season also. All the paddy area was

irrigated and the average yield obtained during rabi was 3209 kg per ha. It was

higher by 259 kg per ha when compared to kharif yield. 41 per cent of the ground nut

crop was irrigated while 61 per cent of the production came from it. The average

yield of ground nut from irrigated area was 1544 kg per ha. Thus, the ground nut

yield under irrigated condition was higher by 438 kg per ha in rabi than in kharif. But

43

the average yield of rain fed ground nut was only 673 kg per ha during rabi and it

was less than the yield obtained in kharif under rainfed condition by 212 kg per ha.

4.5.8 Trends and projections of area, production and productivity of major crops during XI plan

The three year averages of area production and productivity of major crops and their

projections for XI plan period are furnished in table 25. During the three years, 2004-

05 to 2006-07, the average areas under paddy, groundnut and castor are 1.45 lakh

ha, 0.24 lakh ha and 0.78 lakh ha respectively. The average productivity levels of

these crops were 2950 kg, 995 kg and 280 kg per ha respectively. The areas and

productivity of rice and groundnut are expected to increase from year to year. The

production of paddy is expected to increase by 70.4% over the five years period due

to projected increases in area and productivity. The production of groundnut is

expected to increase phenomenally by 355.4% in the same period. The basis for this

projection is the assumption that the area will more than treble and that the

productivity will increase by 46% over the five years period. The area under castor,

which averaged 0.78 lakh ha in the triennium ending 2006-07 is projected to fall to

0.58 lakh ha in 2007-08 and gradually increase to reach again 0.85 lakh ha in 2011-

12. The production is expected to go up by 95% mainly because of the productivity

increase by 79%.

4.6 Input Management4.6.1 Seed requirementsThe seed replacement ratios in 2006-07 and their targets for XI plan period and

plans for the supply of seed by different agencies are presented in table 26. At

present, the seed replacement ratio is 70% in paddy, 60% in castor, 40% in red gram

and 20% in groundnut. It is proposed to increase them to 90%, 80%, 80% and 70%

respectively during the XI plan period. The total seed requirement in case of paddy is

estimated at 1.56 lakh tons. Out of it, 10% will be provided by public sector agencies

and 2.5% will be supplied by Village Seed Production Program. The remaining

87.5% of the requirements will have to be met by private sector agencies. In the

same way, the seed requirements of red gram, groundnut and castor will be met up

to 10% by the public sector agencies and up to about 1 or 2% by the village seed

44

production program. The bulk of the seed requirements in case of all the four crops

will have to be met only by the private sector agencies.

4.6.2 Infrastructure for seed production

The infrastructure available for seed production in Nalgonda district is described in

table 27. There are two seed farms in the district. The farm at Dindi has an extent of

80 ha, out of which 56 ha is under cultivation. Out of it, half the area has irrigation

facilities. This farm has seed processing plant and a godown with a storage capacity

of 100 tons. It has temporary shed which is in a damaged state. There is another

seed production farm at Cherukupally with an area of 21 ha. Out of it, 18.6 ha are

under cultivation. 16.2 ha of it have irrigation facilities. It has a godown but it is in

damaged state now.

4.6.3 Seed production targets

The seed production targets for XI plan period set for the government farms are

given in table 28. The Dindi seed production farm has 48 ha cultivable area. Out of it,

20 ha area is devoted for paddy seed production. Castor seed is produced in 12 ha

and Red gram seed is produced in 16 ha. The target for paddy seed production is

set at 1500 quintals in 2007-08, which gradually increases to 1600 quintals in 2011-

12. The target for castor seed production starts with 120 quintals in 2007-08 and

reaches 135 quintals in 2011-12. Red gram seed target is set at 110 quintals in

2007-08 and moves up to 125 quintals in 2011-12. In the Cherukupally seed farm

has 8 ha area under paddy, 2.5 ha area under red gram and 2 ha area under castor.

The seed production target for paddy starts with 420 quintals in 2007-08 and

reaches 475 quintals in 2011-12. The target for red gram seed production increases

from 25 quintals in 2007-08 to 29 quintals in 2011-12. The target for castor seed

production starts with 20 quintals in 2007-08 and reaches 30 quintals in 2011-12.

4.6.4 Rates of fertilizer application

The present rates of fertilizer application in different crops are presented by ADA

circle in table 29. Farmers in Nalgonda district are using moderate doses of

fertilizers. The fertilizer usage is quite high in case of paddy and cotton crops in all

the ADA circles. They are moderate in case of castor and maize. The fertilizer usage

is relatively low in groundnut, red gram and green gram crops.

45

4.6.5 Planning of fertilizer requirements during XI plan by ADA circle

The requirements of fertilizer in different years of XI plan period are estimated by

ADA circle and are furnished in table 30. During 2006-07, the total fertilizer use in the

district was 2.16 lakh tons. During the XI plan period, a steady growth in fertilizer use

is projected. A total fertilizer use in 2011-12 is expected to be 11.1% higher than the

consumption in 2006-07. Among the ADA circles, the highest fertilizer use is

projected to be in Miryalguda ADA circle, followed by Deverkonda and Halia ADA

circles. On the other hand, the fertilizer is expected to be lowest in Munugode ADA

circle followed by Nalgonda and Bhongir ADA circles.

4.6.6 Planning of fertilizer requirements by type of fertilizer

The requirements of fertilizer in different years of XI plan period are estimated by

type of fertilizer and are furnished in table 31. Out of 2.16 lakh tons of total fertilizer

used in the district, urea accounts for 31.8% share. The share of DAP is 25.1%.

Total complexes have a share of 23.6%. Murate of Potash (MOP) has a share of

13.2%. Single super phosphate has about 5% share in the fertilizer use. Total

mixtures have a very small share of 1.3% in the total fertilizer use. The use of DAP is

expected to increase by 8.4% over the five years period. But the use of MOP is

projected to go up by 15.7%. Single super phosphate will register a high growth rate

of 34.4% over the five years. The use of total complexes is projected to increase by

6.8%. The demand for total mixtures is expected to increase by 33.8%. The usage of

urea is expected to increase by 9.8%.

4.7 Farm Mechanization4.7.1 Status of farm mechanizationThe status of availability of farm implements and farm equipments in 2006-07 are

computed and furnished in table 32. Among the ADA circles, Alair ADA circle

reported highest number of farm implements, followed by Nalgonda and Kodada

ADA circles. At the other extreme, the lowest number of farm implements is noted in

Suryapet ADA circle followed by Deverakonda and Thungathurthy ADA circles. In

the farm equipments, Deverakonda ADA circle has the highest number followed by

Kodada and Miryalaguda ADA circles. No data on farm implements are reported for

46

Suryapeta and Munugode ADA circles. Thungathurthy ADA circle has the lowest

number of farm equipments, followed by Alair and Bhongir ADA circles.

4.7.2 Targets for farm implements supply

The targets for supply of farm implements during XI plan and the subsidy involved in

it are presented in table 33 by ADA circle. It is proposed to supply 60063 farm

implements / equipments / machinery at a total cost of Rs.5862 lakh. The average

subsidy on farm implement works out to Rs.9760. The highest number of farm

implements will be supplied in Tungaturty ADA circle, followed by Alair and Nalgonda

ADA circles. The lowest number will be supplied in Halia ADA circle, followed by

Munugode and Suryapet ADA circles.

4.7.3 Agro service centresThe information on the agro service centres for the supply of inputs in Nalgonda

district is summarized in table 34 by ADA circle. There are 210 service centres

supplying agricultural inputs in the district. The highest number of them is located at

Nalgonda, followed by Bhongir and Thungaturty ADA circles. 194 out of 210 service

centres deal in seeds and fertilizers. 21 of them supply irrigation system. Farm

equipments and machinery are sold by 32 service centres. There are 10 agricultural

consultancy firms in the district. Nine centres provide diagnostic services to the

farmers. Most of the consultancy firms and diagnostic centres are located in

Suryapet ADA circle.

4.8 Constraint Analysis4.8.1 Farming situations in the district at a glanceBased on the nature of soils, rainfall pattern, irrigation sources and crops grown, the

district is broadly divided into eight agricultural farming situations. Each situation has

its own specificity regarding the crops grown and gaps identified. The details of the

farming situations are described in table 35.

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4.8.1.1 Description of farming situations

F.S.1. NSP left canal command including L.I schemes

This is an important situation with assured irrigation from NSP Left canal covering 15

mandals in two revenue divisions. Paddy is the principal crop grown in the situation

in both seasons followed by black gram and groundnut in rabi.

F.S. II. Tanks, Kuntas and red soils

This situation falls in 17 mandals but due to the uncertainty of receipt of water into

the sources, the areas and yields of the crops grown here are not stable, but are

always fluctuating. By taking advantage of conjunctive use with the help of bore wells

drilled in the ayacut, both horizontal and vertical growth can be assured.

F.S. III. Tanks, Kuntas and black soils

This situation is limited to five mandals in the district and paddy is the principal crop

grown when the resources are filled up. It is followed by cotton crop.

F.S. IV. Low rain fall, red soils and rain fed crops

This is a predominant situation occurring in 58 mandals with the highest area of 244,

386 ha. A wide range of crops is grown in this situation i.e. cotton, castor, green

gram, groundnut, jowar, bajra, sesamum and maize under rain fed conditions. This

situation is influenced by south-west and north east monsoons. The yields of the

crops are uncertain in the situation due to recurring droughts which decide the fate of

total agricultural scenario.

F.S.V. Low rainfall, black soils and rain fed crops

This situation occurs in 36 mandals covering an area of 28907 ha. The crops grown

in the situation are cotton, green gram, red gram, jowar, maize, sesamum, coriander

and bengal gram. The yields are slightly dependable in the situation over F.S.IV on

account of more water holding capacity of the soils. The yields of the crop hinge on

the quantum and distribution of rainfall during south-west monsoon.

48

F.S.VI. Problematic soils

The soils of this situation are alkaline in nature with a PH of 9 and above. The soils

are ill-drained, water logging and need amelioration to make them more productive.

Application of gypsum based on soil test data, coupled with green manure will be of

great use in this situation.

F.S. VII. Wells as irrigation source and black soils

This situation is spread in only five mandals and the area covered is 1217 ha. The

contribution of this situation to the district production is insignificant.

F.S. VIII. Wells as irrigation source and red soils

This is the most important farming situation prevailing in 58 mandals and hectic

agriculture and allied activities are taken up with assured yields. Agriculture in this

situation is more intensive, remunerative and farmers tend to grow high value crops.

Horticulture is the predominant enterprise in this situation and crops grown are sweet

orange, acid lime, mango, guava, sapota, aonla and custard apple. Significant area

under vegetables is also seen in this situation. About 2.35 lakh electrified bore wells

are the major source of irrigation in this situation.

49

4.8.2 Analysis of productivity levels in different crops 4.8.2.1 Rice

Rice is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. The area under this crop during kharif

(193860 ha) is higher than that in rabi (143492 ha). Rice is grown in six farming

situations covering all 59 mandals. The potential productivity of rice is 4.218 MTs per

ha in kharif and 4.219 MTs per ha in rabi. The production gap identified in kharif is

703 kg/ha and, in rabi, it is 627 kg/ha. The actual rice production in kharif is 6.793

lakh MTs and it is 5.154 lakh MTs in rabi. The potential production is 8.178 lakh MTs

in kharif and 6.054 lakh MTs in rabi (table 36). The yield gap in kharif rice is

estimated at 703 kg per ha.

The yield gap in rabi rice is calculated in table 37. The yield gap in rabi rice is

estimated at 627 kg per ha.

50

4.8.2.2 Red gram

Red gram is grown during kharif only. Red gram is grown in two farming situations.

The total area under red gram is 33322 ha. The yield gap observed is 400 kg / ha in

red gram under different farming situations. The total production gap identified is

0.1339 lakh tons, which can be bridged by adopting the state of the art technologies in

a phased manner over the next five years. The computation of yield gap in red gram is

given in table 38. The yield gap in red gram is estimated at 400 kg per ha as a

difference between the potential yield of 1092 kg per ha and actual yield of 692 kg per

ha.

4.8.2.3 Green gram Green gram is grown as rain fed crop during kharif in two farming situations. The

yield gap in green gram is 250 kg/ha in kharif (table 39). The total production gap is

0.1159 lakh tons. The yield gap in green gram is worked out as 250 kg per ha as a

difference between its potential yield of 706 kg per ha and actual yield of 456 kg per

ha.

4.8.2.4 Groundnut

51

Groundnut is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons under seven farming situations.

The yield gap identified in kharif is 364 kg/ha, while it is 375 kg ha in rabi (tables 40

and 41). The production gap in kharif is 0.0823 lakh tons and it is 0.0519 lakh tons in

rabi. The total production gap is 0.1398 lakh tons.

4.8.2.5 Cotton:

Cotton is a major crop in the district and is grown in kharif under rain fed condition.

The crop is grown in five farming situations. The productivity gap identified in kharif is

628 kg/ha (table 42). In terms of bales of cotton, the yield gap is 1.29 bales per ha.

The production gap in kharif is 0.49 lakh tons.

52

4.8.2.6 CastorCastor is mainly grown in kharif season under rain fed conditions. The yield gap

identified is 450 kg/ha (table 43) and the production gap is 0.2936 lakh tons.

4.8.2.7 ChillyChilly is mainly grown in kharif season in both red and black soils under assured

irrigation as well as under rain fed condition. The yield gap identified in kharif is 684

kg/ha and the production gap is 0.06 lakh tons.

4.8.3 Technological and agronomic gaps

53

Constraints

The constraints for productivity gaps in different crops are analyzed. The major

constraints affecting crop productivity are poor soil health, lack of efficient irrigation

methods, poor quality seed, lack of awareness, low degree of farm mechanization,

inadequate extension etc. The following are the crop specific constraints identified

for low productivity.

4.8.3.1 Rice

Low plant density.

Non adoption of crop rotation.

Improper nursery management.

Non application of organic manure.

Lack of seed treatment.

Non formation of alleys.

Poor plan formation

Indiscriminate use of nitrogenous fertilizers and top dressing of complex

fertilizers, containing phosphorous.

Non-adoption of IPM concept.

Improper water management.

Less degree of mechanization.

Among micro nutrients, zinc deficiency is common, limiting the productivity.

4.8.3.2 Pulses

Green gram

Non-use of quality seed of high yielding varieties

Non adoption of timely P.P measures

Non application of fertilizers, specially ‘p’ rhizobium inoculation not followed.

Red gram

54

Non-use of quality seed of high yielding varieties. Non adoption of seed treatment with pesticide and rhizobium culture. Improper management of pod borer and wilt problem. Non application of fertilizers.

4.8.3.3 Oilseeds

Ground nut

Non use of quality seed of high yielding varieties Non adoption of seed treatment with pesticides and RBC. Non maintenance of optimum plant population. Micro nutrient deficiencies. Non application of organic manures.

Castor

No crop rotation. Growing castor in marginal lands under neglected conditions. Non usage of quality seed of high yielding varieties. Non application of fertilizers Botrytis Menace.

4.8.3.4 Fiber crop

Cotton

No crop rotation. Non application of organic manure and indiscriminate use of pesticides. Not practicing seed treatment. Cultivation of cotton in red chelka soils.

4.8.4 Losses due to natural calamities

The information on different natural calamities which occurred in the recent years

and the extents of damage associated with them in different mandals of the district

are summarized in table 44. The common natural calamities in the district are

droughts, floods, heavy rains, cyclones and pest and disease out breaks. The most

common calamity which occurs in all most all the mandals of the district is the

drought. Its intensity varies from moderate to severe. Droughts occurred in in 2003-

04 and 2004-05, while floods, cyclones and heavy rains occurred in 2006-07 and

2007-08. When severe droughts occur, about 50 to 60% of the cropped area is

affected. Floods occurred in rabi 2006-07, and caused 100% damage to crops in

some mandals of the district. Pest and disease out breaks also affect of 30 to 40% of

55

the crop area. Livestock mortality is resulting from both severe droughts as well as

from severe floods.

4.8.5 Yield gap analysis

The yield gap analysis done for paddy and cotton in different ADA circles of

Nalgonda district is furnished in table 45. The average yield of paddy was reported

for four ADA circles, while the average yield of cotton was reported for three ADA

circles. The average yield of rice was the highest in Deverkonda ADA circle while it

was lowest in Nalgonda ADA circle. The cotton yield was highest in Alair ADA circle

while it was reported to be lowest in Nalgonda ADA circles. No data are reported for

the state average or for the frontline demonstrations. In the absence of these data,

yield gaps could not be worked out.

4.8.6 Marketing / processing / storage gaps

The facilities available for storage and marketing of agricultural produce are

furnished in table 46 by ADA circle. There are 96 rural godowns in the district with a

total storage capacity of 1.57 lakh tons. Many of them concentrated in Deverakonda,

Nalgonda and Alair ADA circles. There are 13 cold storages in the district with a total

storage capacity of 48000 tons. There are nine main markets and four sub markets

to cater to the needs of marketing of the farmers. Tungaturty, Alair and Kodad and

Deverkonda ADA circles are not having main or sub markets in them.

The facilities available for processing of dairy products are furnished in table 47 by

ADA circle along with projections for XI plan period. There are 113 milk collection

centres in the district, which collect the milk from the farmers. Other than milk

collection centres and some cooling and processing centres, there are no processing

centres. Some more milk collection / processing centres are proposed to be

established in the district during the XI plan period.

4.9 Interventions proposed to enhance productivity and production of field crops

4.9.1 Gypsum for reclamation of problematic soils and also for groundnut

56

About 8,500 ha of alkaline soils with PH of 8.5 and above are noted to exist in the

district and paddy is the principal crop grown in these soils. By gypsum application,

coupled with the use of additional dose of zinc can increase the yields by 20%. As

most of the soils in Nalgonda district tend to be alkaline in reaction, gypsum

application is indispensable in the next decade and beyond to make soils more

healthy and productive.

Gypsum contributes a lot to the yield of groundnut by enhancing pod filling, oil

content, and weight of the pods. Under its influence alone, groundnut yields are likely

to jump by 10-15 %. Calcium and sulphur are the two nutrients which can increase

the yields of oilseeds, especially groundnut. In order to supply the said nutrients at

low cost, application of gypsum is essential. It is proposed to supply a quantity of

62000 Mts of gypsum on subsidy with an outlay of Rs.620 lakh for both the

programs. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.589.43 lakh

to Nalgonda district for supply of gypsum to reclaim soils in 7859 hectares and to

provide nutrient supplement to ground nut. The detailed project analysis is

presented in annexure table A.1 and A.2.

4.9.2 Scaling up of the supply of green manure seeds

Due to non availability of sufficient quantities of organic manure, farmers are not

able to provide required quantities of organic matter to the soil. They are adding only

chemical fertilizers, due to which the health of the soil has deteriorated considerably

in the district. The soil health can be improved by growing green manure crops and

incorporating in situ, there by increasing productivity and reducing cost of cultivation.

The department of agriculture is distributing a quantity of 1200 quintals of green

manure seed by incurring an expenditure of Rs.12.00 lakh per year to enrich the soil

in an extent of 4000 ha. The green manure crops preferred are Daincha, Sunhemp

and Pillipesera. The demand for green manuring seed has been increasing rapidly in

command area of Nagarjuna Sagar Left Canal (NSLC). Yields have been increased

by about 10-15 % with the use of green manure crops and top dressing of Nitrogen

can be avoided with this practice. It also conserves the physical, chemical and

biological nature of the soil. In order to improve the soil health, it is proposed to

supply 42500 quintals of various green manure crop seeds to the farmers on 50%

57

subsidy with a financial out lay of Rs.850.00 lakh over the 5 years (table 48). The

state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.560.0 lakh to Nalgonda

district for supply of green manure crop seeds on subsidy to cover 70000 hectares.

The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure table A.3.

Fig 16 Fertilizer consumption in the district

Fertilizer Consumption from 2004-2007

020000400006000080000100000120000

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007

Products

Con

sum

ptio

n in

MT'

s

N P K

4.9.3 Zinc sulphate to paddy, oil seeds and pulses

With the advent of HYV and non application of organic manures on regular basis, the

deficiency of zinc is wide spread in paddy, adversely affecting the yields. To address

this problem, zinc sulphate is being supplied on 50 % subsidy for the last 5 to 6

seasons. Zinc applied once will suffice for three seasons. Thus, the requirement of

zinc sulphate on 50% subsidy on yearly basis doesn’t vary much.

The problem of zinc deficiency is of recent origin in oil seeds, and it arose due to

non-application of adequate quantities of organic manures over a period of time.

Application of zinc sulphate will contribute to 5% increase in the yield of oil seed

crops. It is proposed to supply zinc sulphate for correction of zinc deficiency in

paddy, oil seeds and pulses to the tune of 11840 MTs on 50 % subsidy over a period

of 5 years with a financial assistance of Rs. 1480.00 lakh. The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has not allotted any funds to Nalgonda district for supply of zinc

sulphate. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure table A.4.

4.9.4 Seed management/ revolving fund

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Seed is a vital input in agriculture, as it contributes more to yield when compared to

other inputs. Hence, quality and high yielding varieties of seeds are in dire need to

augment the production of all crops. Most of the times, farmers are unable to procure

the seed in time due to paucity of quality seed in the market and because of

exploitation by the traders. To make the farmers self-dependent, Seed Village

Program (SVP) is being promoted by the department. It also needs the support of

the department for arranging foundation / certified seed in time from reliable sources

on 50 % subsidy. To supply the foundation / certified seed for seed village program

and to procure the seed from farmers of SVP and to spread the seed to other

farmers at reasonable price in time, each AO should be given revolving fund of Rs. 3

lakh to support the farmers. Apart from this, the subsidy seeds are delivered to the

farmers under PM’s package on 50 % subsidy in kharif as well as in rabi seasons.

The details of seeds distributed during kharif 2007 are given in table 49. The state

level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.49232 lakh to state department of

agriculture for seed management activities in the state. Nalgonda district is likely to

get around 4 per cent of it for seed management activities in the district. It should not

be difficult to get Rs.177 lakh required for providing revolving fund to mandal

agricultural officers in the district.

4.9.5 Farmers field school (FFS)

Farmer Field School is an environment friendly program, which is fully field oriented,

participatory and discovery based i.e. “learning by doing” aiming at teaching science

to the farmers in their fields based on local needs.

Objectives of Farmers’ Field Schools are: To reduce cost of cultivation

To increase productivity

To encourage the farmers to take decisions for adopting ICM practices.

Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is nothing but the combination of measures

included under Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management

(IPM) and agronomic practices, including farm mechanization.

59

Principles of Farmers Field Schools To grow healthy crops

To conserve natural enemies

To conduct regular field observations

To make farmers experts in IC.M

Farmer Field Schools Module Size of Farmer Field School is 10 ha and 30 farmers are selected for Farmer

Field School program in a village.

Field observations and study is done in the fields of one of the participant

farmers in about 2 acres on any fixed day of week.

Farmers in groups conduct studies which includes comparison between ICM

and farmer practice, AESA in crop etc.

Farmer Field School Field Layout

ICM plot--- ½ acre Expt. Field—1 acre Farmers practice field½ acre

To promote Farmer Field School concept for the benefit of the farmers, it is proposed

to organize one Farmer Field School with MAO and two Farmer Field School’s with

farmer facilitators in each mandal during 2007-08. The Farmer Field School’s will be

organized on the principal crops grown in the mandals and in a village / group of

villages when more pesticide consumption takes place in a given crop. The farmer

facilitator will be from among the group who have actively participated in the previous

Farmer Field School’s organized and interested to share the experiences with other

farmers and is capable of delivering the goods with his all round expertise. Pesticide

consumption has declined in the last few years as the department through IPM and

other training programs enlightened them. Hence, to further reduce the pesticide

consumption in the coming years, 1170 Farmers’ Field Schools are proposed for the

next five years with a budget out lay of Rs.273.30 lakh.

4.9.5.1 Projections for farmer field schools in XI plan periodThe details of projections for conducting farmer field schools in Nalgond district

during XI plan period are given in table 50. 885 Farmers Field Schools (FFS) were

conducted in 542 villages of Nalgonda district during the last five years. 550 trained

60

staff is available for conducting FFS in the district. During 2006-07, FFS were

organized in 5420 ha. In the FFS plots, 15% additional yield was obtained over the

normal plots in 2006-07. The target for 2007-08 for organizing FFS is set at 383 in

2007-08. And it gradually increases to reach 455 FFS in 2011-12.

4.9.6 Intensifying Mechanization

4.9.6.1 Custom hiring centres

Besides supplying farm implements on subsidy, it is also proposed to establish 30

Custom Hiring Centres in feasible areas so as make available all the implements at

the reach of farmers on hire basis. For establishing custom hiring centers, an

incentive of 25% subsidy on the cost of implements will be provided to the

entrepreneurs. The Farm implements such as Paddy Transplanter, Laser guided

land leveler, Mini combine harvester, Paddy thresher, Power Tiller etc are proposed

to be placed in the custom hiring centers which are to be established in the irrigated

areas. Like wise, the farm implements such as heavy duty tractor with sub-soiler,

laser guided land leveler, Row-crop cultivator, Rotovator, Multi-crop thresher, maize-

de-husking-cum-sheller etc are proposed to be placed in the custom hiring centres,

which are to be established in the rain fed areas. The total outlay proposed under

custom hiring centres will be Rs. 375.00 lakh (table 51). The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.262.5 lakh to Nalgonda district for establishing

21 custom hiring centers in the district.

4.9.6.2 Farm implements

At present, availability of labor has become a problem in the district and efficiency of

labor is not up to the mark. These are responsible for increasing the cost of

cultivation, resulting in low returns to the farmers. Further, the farmers are unable to

complete their field operations in time, especially sowing, weeding and harvesting.

Due to delayed sowing of crops, the soil moisture has become a constraint which

hinders establishment and ultimately results in poor yields. Due to delayed

harvesting of crops, the quality of harvested produce becomes poor, since the

produce is exposed to rain and other climates like cyclones and depressions, which

are a regular phenomenon in the district.

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The demand for farm mechanization is heavy for preparatory cultivation devices,

followed by inter culture, harvesting, PP equipment and post harvest tools in the

order of priority. The pie diagram depicts the share of each category in the district.

Mechanization plays an important role in Nalgonda district. To over come this

situation and to reduce the field losses, under farm mechanization, about 8000 units

of different types of implements worth Rs. 5.5 crore of subsidy have been distributed

during the past 3 years and the demand for the same is snowballing. But the amount

allotted during the year 2007-08 to the district is Rs.50 lakh which is very meager.

Therefore, it is proposed to supply farm implements to the small and marginal

farmers on subsidy to a tune of Rs. 9750.00 lakh in the coming 5 years (table 52).

The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs. 1919.95 lakh to

Nalgonda district for supply of 44,650 farm implements on subsidy.

4.9.7 Extension 4.9.7.1 Graduate AOs and Technology and Service FacilitatorsTo strengthen the existing extension system, it is proposed to arrange one

Agricultural officer for 5000 ha area. Under him, two additional AOs will be recruited

with minimum qualification of B.Sc. (Agril.) degree to increase the existing strength.

Similarly, for each 2500 ha, one technology and service facilitator will be made

available at grass root level for effective delivery of the latest technologies. Under

this, the persons with Agriculture Diploma will be recruited in addition to the present

strength of AEOs. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted

Rs.588.49 lakh to Nalgonda district for engaging 39 additional agricultural officers

and 77 technology and service facilitators.

4.9.7.2 Model farmersTo strengthen the extension network at village level, for every 250 farm holdings one

model farmer will be selected from among the holdings. He will be a practical and

innovative farmer, adopting high technology and live in that village. He will be

provided honorarium of Rs.1000 per month for his services. He can act as bridge

between farmers and extension officers at mandal level. The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.724.71 lakh to Nalgonda district for appointing

1479 model farmers as coordinators between department and farmers.

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4.9.7.3 Strengthening of farmers’ organizationsFarmers’ organizations will be the vital sources for dissemination of latest technology

in the ensuing years and they serve as important tools to mobilize the farmers to

access the technologies at gross-root level. In this direction, village level farmers

groups, whether CIGs or FIGs or ATMA groups need to be identified and equipped

with state-of-the-art technologies through training, field visits, exhibitions, farmer

scientist interactions. The farmers groups, Rhythu clubs, RMGs, which are already

actively functioning, will be given a prop to capitalize them by extending the support

needed for agriculture and allied fields.

Farmers are organized into groups which can sustain and achieve the demands,

moving cohesively with a positive outlook and make the public extension a win-win

situation. In the days to come, these groups or organizations at village level will turn

into knowledge centers with the help of I.T/Internet centers. In this way, the

organizations are instrumental in marketing the farm products at lucrative prices by

taking advantage of electronic media-access and websites through internet. In the

changing scenario of post WTO regime, the farming enterprises have entered into a

competitive scale, where opportunities are wide and need the support of market

intelligence to fetch higher returns. This task can be made easy when the farmers

organize into groups, which are homogenous, aspiring common goals on sustainable

basis. Agriculture and allied departments, NGOs, KVKs, SAUs should take the lead

to strengthen the groups with the necessary support in convergence. The state level

sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.1000 lakh to state department of

agriculture for strengthening farmers’ organizations in the state. Nalgonda district

can expect to get about 4 per cent of it for strengthening the farmers’ organizations

in the district.

4.9.7.4 Support to public and private partnership

Though public institutional nexus exists from village level to national level, but it is

unable to meet the total demands of the common people by itself with the limited

manpower, lack of technical know how at grass root level and due to financial

crunch. In the field of agriculture and allied sectors, poor knowledge dissemination,

skill orientation, input flow, infrastructure and financial support are some of the

bottlenecks encountered by the farming community in the district. In the marketing

63

area, there are wide opportunities available to promote private public partnerships

but remained untapped. The present public extension alone cannot be successful

per-se unless and until some successful partners from the private sector enter into

the field and give a new face to the system.

More successful private and public partnerships have come recently in marketing of

floriculture, vegetables, fruits and fish products. In paddy and maize, procurement is

being done through IKPs in Andhra Pradesh which is one of the major mile stones in

this direction. Off late, industrial big giants like Reliance, ITC are entering into fresh

vegetable marketing through contract farming which is a win-win situation for both

parties. More areas need to be identified in marketing, processing and export of

agriculture and horticulture products where farmers can derive more benefit with low

investment and drive them to adopt high technology and make them info-rich. By

encouraging private public partnerships the farming enterprises will transform into

commercial status from the present subsistence or professional status. The help of

public institutions, farmers’ organizations, NGOs, KVKs, and banking institutions

jointly can explore the possibilities with the help of ATMA like new institutions

support for better private public partnerships and usher in reforms speedily by taking

advantage of globalization through liberalization in the post WTO regime. The state

level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.1000 lakh to state department of

agriculture for strengthening public-private sector partnerships in the state. Nalgonda

district can expect to get about 4 per cent of it for strengthening public-private

partnerships in the district.

4.9.7.5 Mobility, Training and other ContingenciesExtension always bears fruits when the district level and field level extension

functionaries move frequently to the field to take up various activities assigned by the

department from time to time. This can be accomplished successfully only when

funds are released for mobility, training and other contingencies and to meet this, an

amount of Rs.113.75 lakh is proposed over a period of five years. The state level

sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.9047 lakh to state department of

agriculture for providing mobility, training and contingencies in the state. Nalgonda

district can expect to get about 4 per cent of it for providing mobility, training and

contingencies in the district.

64

4.9.8 Regulatory Infrastructure

Under this item, it is proposed to strengthen the existing labs and also to establish

new labs with a financial outlay of Rs.53.82 lakh. Out of this, an amount of Rs.49.42

lakh is to be utilized for establishment of seed testing laboratory at Miryalaguda and

the balance amount of Rs.4.40 lakh will be utilized to run the soil testing lab.

4.9.9 Conjunctive use

With the completion of AMRP lift irrigation at Puttamgandi on Krishna river, additional

area is brought under irrigation in 5000 ha additionally. An area of about 15,000 ha

out of the localized area of 120, 000 ha under NSLC in Nalgonda district is in tail end

areas where irrigation is not assured due to non-lining of main canals, majors and

minors, canals and timely repairs to canals will improve the situation. To overcome

this situation, and to increase water use efficiency, it is more important to go for

conjunctive use of ground water with canal water. It is proposed to establish 41480

bore wells in command areas over 5 years for conjunctive use of water. The out lay

proposed is Rs. 12444 lakh towards 50% subsidy cost of the bore well. The plan for

bore wells is presented year wise in table 53. The detailed project analysis is

presented in annexure table A.5.

4.9.10 Training4.9.10.1 Training of farmers

The targets for training farmers during XI plan period are furnished in table 54 by

ADA circle. During 2006-07, forty training programs were conducted for the farmers

in the district. The training targets for XI plan period start with 3407 farmers in 2007-

08 at a cost of Rs.9.63 lakh and gradually increase to finally reach 8005 farmers in

2011-12 at a cost of Rs.16.38 lakh. The targets for training are set highest in Bhongir

ADA circle, followed by Alair ADA circle. During the five years period, the target is to

train a total of 32025 farmers at a cost of Rs.68.68 lakh.

4.9.10.2 Training of extension staff and infrastructure requirement

The targets for training extension staff during XI plan period are furnished in table 55

by ADA circle. It is proposed to intensify the training of the staff of agricultural and

allied departments during the XI plan. The target for training the staff is set at 1068 in

65

2007-08 and is gradually increased to reach 1426 in 2011-12. Over all, it is proposed

to train 6351 staff members of all departments during the XI plan period.

4.9.10.3 Targets for setting up agro-polyclinics for strengthening training facilities

The targets for setting up agro-polyclinics in different ADA circles of the district

during XI plan for strengthening training facilities are given in table 56 along with the

financial requirements for it. There are no agro poly clinics in the district to train

farmers at block or mandal level. But it is proposed to set up 82 new agro poly clinics

during the XI plan period. Many of them will be set up in government sector. The

total funds required for establishing 82 agro poly clinics are estimated at Rs.303

lakh. They will generate a capacity to train 30471 farmers. One old agro poly clinic

will be renovated and it will have a capacity to train 1425 farmers in a year.

Permanent buildings are required at Miryalaguda and Halia ADA circles. The total

financial requirement for establishing or renovating and for constructing permanent

buildings is estimated it Rs.485 lakh. The additional capacity for training farmers will

be enhanced by 13773 in the district.

4.9.11 Organic farming4.9.11.1 Targets for expansion of organic farming

The targets for bringing additional areas under organic farming during XI plan period

are given in table 57 by ADA circle. At present, there is only 1009 ha area under

organic farming in the district. Most of it is concentrated in Bhongir ADA circle. It is

proposed to increase the area under organic farming during the XI plan period. It is

proposed to bring 2071 ha under organic farming in 2007-08. This target gradually

increases and finally reaches 5170 ha in 2011-12. Over the five years period, it is

proposed to bring 17579 ha under organic farming during XI plan.

4.9.11.2 Targets for strengthening different components of organic farming

The targets for supporting various components of organic farming during XI plan

period are furnished in table 58. In order to expand area under organic farming, it is

proposed to strengthen several components of organic farming in the district. It is

66

proposed to establish 117 bio fertilizer production units in the district. Similarly, it is

proposed to establish 1959 vermin compost units during the five years period. Bio-

dynamic composts will be produced in 145 units. 250 groups will be organized to

produce bio pesticides. 238 groups will be trained to produce botanical pesticides.

464 groups will be organized to produce seeds required for organic farming. 274

organic farming groups will be established and out of them, 154 groups will be

assisted for getting organic farming certification. For taking up activities required for

strengthening organic farming at the district level, it is proposed to spend Rs.17.9

lakh. The overall budget required for strengthening components of organic farming in

the district is estimated at Rs.87.5 lakh.

4.9.12 Demonstrations4.9.12.1 IPM demonstrations

The targets for IPM demonstrations during XI plan period are given in table 59.

During 2006-07, 160 IPM demonstrations were organized in an area of 128 ha.

During 2007-08, it is proposed to conduct 200 demonstrations at a cost of Rs.4.00

lakh. The number of demonstrations will be scaled up aggressively to reach 1000

demonstrations in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs.20.00 lakh. Over the five years period,

2150 IPM demonstrations will be organized at a total cost of Rs.63.00 lakh.

4.9.12.2 INM demonstrations

The targets for INM demonstrations during XI plan period are given in table 60. In

2006-07, 100 demonstrations were organized on Integrated Nutrient Management

(INM) in 40 ha. The target for 2007-08 for INM demonstrations is set at 130 at a cost

of Rs.3.25 lakh. These targets are gradually raised to reach a number of 400

demonstrations in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs.10.00 lakh. Over the five years period,

1280 demonstrations will be organized on INM at a total cost of Rs.32.00 lakh.

4.9.12.3 Varietal demonstrations

The targets for varietal demonstrations during XI plan period are given in table 61.

Till 2006-07, varietal demonstrations were conducted in 1500 ha, in case of major

crops like paddy, pulses, groundnut and cotton. The target for varietal

67

demonstrations is set at 2900 ha for 2007-08 at a cost of Rs.73.12 lakh. These

targets are gradually increased to reach 5500 demonstrations in 2011-12 at a cost of

Rs.135.62 lakh. The total number of varietal demonstrations targeted in the XI plan

period adds up to 21525. The total financial involvement adds up to Rs.530 lakh.

4.9.12.4 Production tools for increasing crop production

The production tools which will be implemented during XI plan period for improving

crop production are furnished in table 62. In Nalgonda district, there are trained

manpower available in integrated nutrient management, system of rice

intensification, integrated pest management and production of hybrid seeds. In 2006-

07, 18500 ha were covered under different crop production tools for improving

production. The target for 2007-08 for implementing different production tools is set

at 25000 ha and it is gradually raised to reach 50000 ha in 2010-11.

4.9.13 Crop diversification

The plans for crop diversification in Nalgonda district during XI plan period are

furnished in table 63.A. It is proposed to increase the area under paddy, groundnut,

black gram, green gram and horse gram. The maize area is proposed to fall by 1000

ha over the five years period. This expansion in several crops may be possible

because of new areas coming under irrigation due to Jalayagnam program. The

paddy area is proposed to increase by 30000 ha over the five years period. The

groundnut area is targeted to increase by four times, from 15000 ha in 2006-07 to

60000 ha in 2011-12. The area under green gram is expected to more than double,

while the increases in black gram and horse gram will be by about 50%. The detailed

project analysis is presented in annexure table A.6.

4.9.14 Total investments proposed The total investments proposed for development of agricultural sector are given in

table 63.B. The total investments required for implementing all the interventions in

agricultural sector add up to Rs.20999.03 lakh. Supply of farm implements,

promotion of conjunctive use, supplies of zinc sulphate, green manure and gypsum

are the major schemes which required heavy investments. Other schemes like

varietal demonstrations, establishment of agro-poly clinics, setting up custom hiring

68

centers, FFS etc received considerable support. All other schemes received quite

low allocations.

Expected Annual Growth rate (Agriculture Sector)

By extending above financial support in a systematic and concerted manner, the

expected annual growth rate that can be achieved is furnished in table 64.

Chapter V

Allied Agricultural Sectors

5.1 Introduction

69

Although, Nalgonda district has the major area under agricultural crops, other

sectors are also developing gradually. Both the red and black soils with irrigation

facilities are being put under sweet orange, acid lime and mango gardens. The area

under horticultural crops has already reached 105, 413 ha. Social forestry has just

started gaining area with 1360 ha, similarly, sericulture and aquaculture are also

occupying only small areas. 3074 ha is under fodder crops and their area is also

expanding to support animal husbandry enterprises. All these allied sectors have

good scope for expansion due to increasing demand for the products of horticulture,

sericulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and social forestry. The areas under these

allied enterprises are furnished in table 65.

5.2 Horticulture development

Nalgonda district is considered to be predominantly drought prone area with an

annual rain fall of 730 mm and a minimum temperature ranging from 20oC to 40oC,

having most congenial agro climatic conditions for cultivation of horticulture crops in

general sweet orange, lime and mango in particular.

5.2.1 Major horticultural crops

70

Sweet orange is predominantly cultivated due to its wide adaptability to the agro

climate conditions in the district, less labor requirement, good remunerative prices

and marketing avenues. They are covering an area of 54573 ha in 58 mandals,

followed by mango, which is occupying 24333 ha, with commercial varieties like

benishan, mallika, dasheri etc. The area particulars of different horticultural crops in

the district are given in table 66.

5.2.2 Farming situations and horticultural cropsThe different farming situations prevailing in the district and the horticultural crops

grown in them are summarized in table 67.

5.2.3 Infrastructure facilities / farmer supporting systems available in the district.

5.2.3.1 Horticulture research support

1) Arid Horticulture Research Station - Konda Mallepalli

2) Agriculture Research Station - A.R.S., Kampasagar

3) Krishi Vignan Kendra - Gaddipally

4) DATT Centre, Nalgonda - District Agriculture Advisory and Transfer of Technology Centre. Nalgonda

5.2.3.2 Rythu Bazars

The details of rythu bazaars functioning in the district along with their weakly turn

overs are given in table 68.

5.2.3.3 Processing units

Sweet orange being the major crop, covering an area of 54573 ha, there is a glut in

the market. In order to regulate the marketing of sweet orange, the processing units

need to be established in the district. There is a scope for setting up two such

processing units in the district, which require a total financial investment of Rs.30

crore.

5.2.3.4 Cold storage units

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There is necessity for establishing cold storages to meet the requirement of fruits

and vegetables. As vast areas are under fruits and vegetables, and as the area is

increasing year by year, there is a need to establish cold chains to reduce post

harvest losses in fruits and vegetables. Under the Sate Horticulture Mission, there is

a provision for two cold storage units in Nalgonda district, with a financial out lay of

Rs. 2 crore each on 25 % subsidy. Four more cold storage units are required for the

district during the next five years with the total financial out lay of Rs.8 crore for

providing 50 % subsidy.

5.2.3.5 Convergence with other departments

The State Horticulture Mission Programs are converging with the following

departments. There is a scope for State Horticulture Mission to converge with

N.R.E.G.S. to take up area expansion of major crops like sweet orange, mango and

sapota in an area of 25000 ha in 51 mandals out of 59 mandals, over a period of five

years with a financial assistance of Rs.30 crore.

5.2.3.6 Details of area, production and productivity of acid lime

Virtually, all the horticultural crops in the district are irrigated. The details of area,

production and productivity of acid lime are given in table 69. The total area under

acid lime is 10178 ha. All of it is irrigated. The production of acid lime is estimated at

1.62 lakh tons. The average yield is 16 quintals per ha.

5.2.3.7 Details of area, production and productivity of sweet orange

The details of area, production and productivity of sweet orange are given in table

70. The total area under sweet orange is estimated to be 55553 ha in 2006-07.

During the XI plan period, the area is expected to double to reach 1.17 lakh ha by

2011-12.

5.2.4 Interventions proposed5.2.4.1 Establishment new gardens / area expansionSweet orange, mango, and sapota are the major fruit crops grown in the district in an

area of 1.05 lakh ha, sweet orange occupies 54573 ha. Sweet orange area

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expansion has been proposed in 25000 ha over a period of 5 years in convergence

with N.R.E.G.S with an estimated amount of Rs.30 crore. The detailed project

analysis is presented in annexure table A.7.

5.2.4.1.1 Acid lime

The projections for expansion of area under acid lime are given in table 71. The area

under acid lime is targeted to increase from 14540 ha in 2006-07 to 31073 ha in

2011-12.

5.2.4.1.2 Planting material production

The targets for planting material production to facilitate area expansion are furnished

in table 72. There are seven nurseries in the district. They have a total of 27 ha

under mother plants. An investment of Rs.66 lakh is proposed for the development of

nurseries in 2007-08. The targets for plant material production are not specified. But

with the development of nurseries, the planting material production is expected to

increase.

5.2.4.2 Rejuvenation of old gardens of sweet orange

It is proposed to take up rejuvenation in the unproductive old gardens of more than

15 years age for increasing the yields by adopting latest technologies. It is proposed

to take up rejuvenation in 2500 ha under this program with an allocation of Rs.

250.00 lakh per year.

5.2.4.2.1 Rejuvenation of sweet orange gardens during XI plan by ADA circle

The plans for rejuvenation of old sweet orange gardens during XI plan period are

furnished in table 73.A. Till 2006-07, an area of 1245 ha under sweet orange

plantations was rejuvenated in Nalgonda district. It is proposed to rejuvenate 422 ha

area during the XI plan period. The detailed project analysis is presented in

annexure table A.8.

5.2.4.3 Integrated crop management / INM

Sweet orange is the major crop in Nalgonda district with an area of 54573 ha. Out of

this, 38000 ha is under bearing stage and is facing major problems of dry root rot,

gummosis, micro nutrient deficiency and mite / thrip infestation. These problems are

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causing drastic reduction in the yields as well as in the quality of fruits. To overcome

these problems, it is proposal to take-up 5000 ha under Integrated Crop

Management (ICM) with a financial out lay of Rs.50 lakh over a period of 5 years.

The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure table A.9.

5.2.4.4 Farm mechanizationIt is proposed to introduce latest agricultural equipment / farm machinery to the

farmers by providing 50% subsidy for improving the efficiency of farm operations by

extending a financial assistance of Rs.131.57 lakh over a period of 5 years.

5.2.4.5 Post harvest tools For reducing the post harvest losses, it is proposed to supply plastic crates for

achieving quality improvement in spices. It is proposed to supply 1500 post harvest

tools and five dual purpose poly houses each year. Besides these, 500 poly sheets

have been proposed for supply during the next 5 years.

5.2.4.6 Organic FarmingOrganic cultivation is an eco-friendly natural system. Under this, no chemicals and

synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used. But, emphasis is given on sustained

soil fertility buildup by recycling the organic waste and using botanicals or bio

pesticides. By indiscriminate use of fertilizers / pesticides, the organic matter content

of different soils has already deteriorated alarmingly. It has also led to developing

resistance by pests and destruction of beneficial insects and resurgence of sucking

pests. To overcome these problems in vegetable crops, adoption of organic farming

is proposed to maintain soil health, quality of produce and sustainability in the

productivity level. To promote organic cultivation, it is proposed to establish 750

vermin compost units with a financial support of Rs.112.5 lakh over a period of 5

years.

5.2.4.7 Post harvest management As most of the horticulture produce is highly perishable, it is common experience to

lose 30 to 40% of the produce. To reduce the post harvest losses and to increase

the quality standards of the produce, it is essential to render assistance to the

farmers as well as entrepreneurs to set up a new post harvest infrastructure like cold

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storages. The present level of 25% subsidy is not attracting the interest of the

farmers. To motivate more number of farmers towards building post harvest

infrastructure, it is proposed to provide 50% subsidy for promoting an integrated

package, with an out lay Rs.5.00 lakh and 10 mini cold storage units with a financial

assistance of Rs.83.33 lakh over a period of 5 years.

5.2.4.8 New Intervention schemes / other schemes To promote cultivation of vegetables and melons in the district in an area 7525 ha

through organic method, it is proposed to provide financial assistance of Rs.143.75

lakh over a period five years towards supply of bio-fertilizers and pesticides,

including hybrid seeds of perennials and shot duration crops.

5.2.4.9 Protected cultivationTo raise quality seedlings of vegetables and to reduce the quantity of hybrid seed

requirement, it is proposed to take up 1000 shade nets and 100 mulching sheds,

with a financial assistance of Rs.7.07 lakh over a period of 5 years. The state level

sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.15.0 lakh for construction of 20 shade

houses for raising seedlings. The district got an allocation of Rs.31.5 lakh for the

construction of 30 shade houses and Rs.42.5 lakh for construction of five poly

houses during the XI plan period. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has

allotted Rs.741.18 lakh to Nalgonda district for providing 1059 drip irrigation systems

to the vegetable farmers during the XI plan period. The detailed project analysis is

presented in annexure table A.10.

5.2.4.10 Supply of hybrid vegetable seedsThe productivity of vegetables is very less due to the use of local varieties. For

increasing the productivity level and to meet the needs of per capita consumption, it

is essential to use hybrid vegetable seeds. Hence, it is proposed to take up 1500 ha

area under hybrid vegetable crops every year by supplying hybrid vegetable seeds

on 50% subsidy with a financial outlay of Rs.15.00 lakh over a period of 5 years. The

state sanction committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.112.5 lakh to Nalgonda district for

supplying hybrid vegetable seeds on subsidy in 5000 ha during XI plan period. The

district was also allotted Rs.7.5 lakh for erecting pandals for growing cucurbits and

coccinia.

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5.2.4.11 Floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plantsSince Nalgonda district is in the close vicinity of Hyderabad, very good opportunities

are there for raising flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants on a large scale to fetch

good returns. Keeping this in view, it is proposed to take up 250 ha under flowers

and 250 ha under medicinal aromatic plants over the next five years with a financial

support of Rs. 86.25 lakh.

5.2.4.12 Strengthening of extension services Though horticulture is a fast growing sector and the area is increasing by more than

15% every year, the present extension staff is adequate for supervision and

guidance at the field level. Hence, it is essential to strengthen the staff at district level

for which it is proposed to recruit one D.D.H, 2 ADHs, 12 H.Os, 60 field consultants

and 17 supporting staff, along with mobility and infrastructure to DDH and ADH with

a financial support of Rs.375 lakh during the next 5 years. The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.22.0 lakh to Nalgonda district for organizing 220

demonstrations in the district during XI plan period.

5.2.5 Investments in horticulture The total investments required for implementing the interventions in horticulture

sector are given in table 73.B. The total investment proposed for development of

horticultural sector adds up to Rs.3256.83 lakh. Area expansion and micro irrigation

required the maximum allocations. Other schemes like supply of hybrid vegetable

seeds, protected cultivation, floriculture, rejuvenation of old gardens, integrated crop

management etc received relatively smaller allocations.

5.3 Sericulture Development5.3.1 IntroductionSericulture is an agro based cottage industry, which was introduced in Nalgonda

district during 1979 in an extent of 5 acres of mulberry. Due to lucrative cash returns,

some of the marginal and small farmers were attracted towards sericulture and

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presently its area is extended to 175 acres. The soils of this district are well suited for

mulberry cultivation.

5.3.2 Status of sericultureThe area under sericulture in Nalgonda district is given in table 74 by ADA circle.

There are 860 farmers growing mulberry in 338.7 ha. The average cocoon

production in the district is estimated at 2460 kg of cocoons per one ha of mulberry.

The mulberry areas are concentrated more in Deverkonda ADA circle, followed by

Nalgonda and Miryalguda ADA circles. No data are provided on front line

demonstrations to compute the yield gaps in sericulture.

5.3.3 Interventions proposed in sericultureCertain constraints and interventions were identified to increase the growth in

sericulture.

5.3.3.1 Mulberry plantation

It is proposed to take up mulberry cultivation in an area of 50 ha with an out lay of

Rs.3.75 lakh over a period of five years @ of 10 ha every year (table 75).

5.3.3.2 Supply of high yielding variety saplingsTo meet the requirements of planting material for sericulture, the K.V.K. Gaddipalli

has developed about 1.50 lakh mulberry saplings of V1 variety on its farm, which is

being supplied to the selected beneficiaries on subsidy basis through sericulture

department.

5.3.3.3 Establishment of drip irrigation systems Drip irrigation system will improve the leaf quality and production, besides achieving

savings in water, labor, inputs, power and time. To develop better quality leaf and

higher production, it is proposed to extend financial support to the farmers in

establishing 125 units of drip irrigation systems with a financial out lay of Rs.25.00

lakh over a period of five years (table 76).

5.3.3.4 Construction of rearing houses

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Availability of good rearing house is essential to manipulate congenial environment

i.e. temperature, humidity and better aeration for the healthy growth of silk worms.

To create healthy environment and required temperature, humidity, light and air for

the healthy growth of silk worms, it is proposed to extend financial assistance to an

extent of Rs.93.769 lakh to establish 125 ideal rearing houses (table 77).

5.3.3.5 Supply of quality disinfectant materialsProtection from diseases is most important task in silkworm rearing. To avoid

contamination and out break of silk worm diseases, it is proposed to supply quality

disinfectant materials to the farmers in an extent of 50 acres, with a financial out lay

of Rs.3.37 lakh (table 78).

5.3.3.6 Supply of rearing equipment Latest rearing equipment is essential to maintain hygienic environment, besides

achieving saving in labor cost. To improve the rearing facilities and to achieve quality

silk production successfully, it is proposed to supply rearing equipment by duly

extending financial support of Rs.12.50 lakh over a period of 5 years (table 79).

5.3.3.7 Assistance for construction of chawkie rearing buildingIt is proposed to establish ten chawkie rearing units at a cost of Rs.2.50 lakh over the

period of five years (table 80).

5.3.3.8 TrainingTo enrich the knowledge of farmers on latest technologies, it is proposed to organize

training programs to the mulberry farmers with a financial out lay of Rs. 3.125 lakh

during XI plan period (table 81.A).

5.3.4 Investments The proposed investments for implementing the interventions in sericulture sector

are given in table 81.B. The total investments required for implementing the

interventions in sericulture sector add up to Rs.145.51 lakh. The support to

construction of rearing houses, supply of drip irrigation systems and supply of rearing

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equipment are the three major schemes which accounted for the bulk of the

proposed investments. All other schemes like new mulberry plantations, supply of

disinfectants, training, chawkie rearing buildings etc required very small investments.

The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure table A.11.

5.4 Animal Husbandry5.4.1 IntroductionThe bovine population of the district is 10.55 lakh. It includes 1.58 lakh white cattle

and 8.36 buffaloes. Nalgonda district is one of the leading districts in milk production

in the state. Milk production is primarily through buffaloes. There are 14 private milk

chilling centres functioning, in addition to the District Milk Producers Co-operative

Union. The District Co-operative Dairy is procuring 0.83 lakh liters of milk per day.

The private milk chilling centers are procuring 2.0 lakh liters of milk per day. The

district has 20.77 lakh sheep and 4.90 lakh goats. There is a Sheep Breeders Co-

operative Union at district head quarters with 363 Sheep Breeders Co-operative

Societies as members in it.

5.4.2 Details of livestock informationThe details of live stock information by type of live stock and by ADA circle are given

in table 82. An area of 3156 ha is under fodder crops in the district. A large area of

71303 ha is under grazing lands. These fodder resources are supporting the

livestock population in the district. The number of buffaloes is slightly more than in

the number of cows in the district. The proportion of cross bred cattle in the district is

only 1.5%. But in case of buffaloes, about 19% of them belong to improved breeds.

The population of sheep is more than four times the population of goats in the

district. In case of both sheep and goats, there are no improved breeds. All the

sheep and goats belong to indigenous breeds. The population of layers is more than

the population of broilers in case of poultry. The total poultry population in the district

is quite high at about 68 lakh. Other live stock is only 62307 in number. The total

population of livestock in the district is as high as 102 lakh.

5.4.3 Veterinary institutions

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The details of veterinary institutions functioning in different ADA circles of Nalgonda

district are given in table 83. There is a total of 340 veterinary institutions in the

district. Yet, 842 villages in the district do not have any veterinary institutions in them.

Among the veterinary institutions, there are 13 veterinary hospitals and 93 veterinary

dispensaries to treat the sick animals. 172 rural live stock units are performing

multiple functions in the villages. There are 67 Gopalamitra centres to assist in

artificial insemination activities in the district.

5.4.4 Production planThe production plan for livestock products during XI plan period is summarized in

table 84. The milk production in the district is estimated at 3.8 lakh metric tons as

against a target of 3.69 lakh metric tons. In 2007-08 also the target for milk

production was exceeded by about 8200 tons. The targets for XI plan period are

further increased to reach 4.98 lakh metric tons by 2011-12. It represents an

increase of 31% over the period of five years. The meat production in the district in

2006-07 has reached 30211 tons as against the target of 28765 tons in 2006-07.

The target is also exceeded during 2007-08. Encouraged by this, still higher meat

production targets are set for XI plan period. The target for meat production is set to

reach 40403 tons in 2011-12, which represents an increase of 33.7% over the five

years period. In the same way the target for egg production has been achieved and

a production level of 7041 lakh eggs was reached in 2006-07. The target for 2007-08

has also been achieved to record a production of 7609 lakh eggs. The targets are

set still higher in XI plan to reach 9067.68 lakh eggs in 2011-12. It represents an

increase of 28.8% over the five years period.

5.4.5 Interventions proposedCertain constraints, and strategies/ interventions have been identified to increase the

growth rate in live stock production.

5.4.5.1 Foot and mouth disease control program on 100% GOI assistanceFoot and mouth disease is the most important disease, as it causes heavy

production losses to the farmers. Hence, prevention of the disease is essential to

reduce economic loss to the farmers. This has to be achieved by providing the foot

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and mouth disease vaccine free of cost and conducting the vaccination in a

campaign mode through out the district. Hence, it is proposed to vaccine all the

cattle in campaign mode with an aim to eradicate this dreadful disease from the

district completely, with a financial outlay of Rs. 912.80 lakh over a period of five

years (table 85). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has not allotted any

funds for control of foot and mouth disease because the present availability of funds

of Rs.312.12 lakh in the existing schemes are considered sufficient to arrange for

18.36 lakh vaccinations against the disease. The detailed project analysis is

presented in annexure table A.13.

5.4.5.2 Calf induction program It is one of the breeding programs essential as part of breed improvement and

thereby increasing the milk production in the district substantially over a span of 5

years. The present cross breed germplasm program contributes only 5% of

crossbreds in the total cattle population. Hence, it is proposed to supply 500

crossbred murrah / graded murrah heifer calves of 10-12 months age to the

identified beneficiaries on 50% subsidy with a total outlay of Rs. 536.20 lakh over a

period of five years (table 86). This program will develop milch animals with higher

milk production capacity in the district. The state level sanction committee of RKVY

has allotted Rs.214.48 lakh to Nalgonda district for inducting and supplying 2000

heifer calves on subsidy. The detailed project analysis is presented in annexure table

A.14.

5.4.5.3 Heifer calf feed subsidy

To provide nutritional and health support to female calves born out of artificial

insemination in the district, it is proposed to supply calf feed on 50% subsidy. Hence,

it is proposed to support female calves produced out of A.I., with a financial out lay of

Rs.268.10. lakh over a period of five years (table 87).

5.4.5.4 Mobile disease diagnostic laboratories

To provide doorstep services and diagnostic facilities to the farmers, it is proposed to

establish four Mobile Disease Diagnostic Laboratories in four divisions of the district

at the rate of one per division. It is proposed to provide a financial outlay of

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Rs.115.40 lakh over a period of 5 years (table 88). The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.82.16 lakh for establishing one mobile disease

diagnostic laboratory in the district.

5.4.5.5 Training and Extension

For creating awareness on scientific management practices to the farmers, it is

essential to conduct human resource development training programs on various

technical aspects like profitable dairying, formulation of ration which is economically

viable, clean milk production etc,. Hence, for conducting Human Resource

Development training program to the farmers, it is proposed a financial outlay of

Rs.349.15 lakh over a period of five years (table 89). The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.30 lakh for training 3000 dairy farmers and

shepherds during XI plan.

5.4.5.6 Establishment of perennial fodder production units on 50% subsidy

The health and nutritional status of the animal can be improved only by providing

sufficient green fodder. For this purpose, it is necessary to propagate perennial

fodder varieties. Hence, for providing sufficient green fodder, perennial fodder

varieties like APBN-I and CO-3 should be propagated by providing subsidy to the

farmers. Hence, it is proposed to increase green fodder production with a financial

outlay of Rs.78.75 lakh over a period of five years. The detailed project analysis is

presented in annexure table A.15.

5.4.5.7 Chaff cuttersBy using chaff cutters, the wastage of fodder can be minimized by an extent of 30 –

40 %. Chaffed fodder increases the availability of nutrients; digestibility and

palatability to the animal. Hence, it is proposed to supply chaff cutters on 50%

subsidy with a financial outlay of Rs.370.00 lakh over a period of five years (table

90).

5.4.6 Investments5.4.6.1 Investments for animal husbandry development in X plan period

The targets for expenditure to develop animal husbandry sector during X plan period

and the achievements recorded are furnished in table 91. There are no district level

schemes for animal husbandry sector during the X plan period. But the total plan

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allocation which implies the state sector schemes implemented in the district, kept on

increasing over the years. The allocation was Rs.54 lakh in 2002-03, which

increased up to Rs.114.69 lakh in 2005-06. But it came down to Rs.84.89 lakh during

2006-07. The total expenditure for live stock development under the state sector

schemes was Rs.358.59 lakh. All the investments targeted were achieved during the

X plan period.

5.4.6.2 Investments proposed for animal husbandry development in XI plan period

The physical and financial targets for the development of livestock sector during XI

plan period are furnished in table 92. The total investment required for livestock

development during XI plan period (2007-08 to 2010-11) is estimated at Rs.2353.44

lakh. The major item of expenditure is for supply of medicines, mainly for the control

of foot and mouth disease. Another major item of expenditure is for induction of

animals and supplying them to farmers. Construction of buildings is their repairs also

require substantial investment. Other schemes like supply of de-worming medicines,

artificial insemination and fodder seed supply also received considerable allocations.

The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allocated Rs. 800.00 lakh to

Nalgonda district for induction and supply of 4000 milch animals to the farmers on

subsidy during the XI plan. The detailed project analysis of inducting milch animals is

presented in annexure table A.16. It has also allotted Rs.25.95 lakh for supply of

1730 breeding rams and Rs.25 lakh for establishing a sheep market yard in the

district. The state level sanction committee of RKVY has also allotted Rs. 181.76

lakh for health care to sheep and goats to supply 90.88 lakh doses of de-worming

medicine free of cost. It has also allotted Rs.2.75 lakh for establishing five bulk milk

cooling units in Nalgonda district.

5.5 Fisheries Development5.5.1 IntroductionNalgonda district is one of the potential districts in Andhra Pradesh for fish

production. Rivers Krishna and Moosi, which are abundant with water are flowing

through the district. Apart from these rivers, seven reservoirs, 570 irrigation tanks

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and 1000 panchayat raj tanks are available for fish culture. The present level of fish

production in the district is estimated at 18000 MT per year. Fisheries sector is

providing livelihood directly or indirectly to 31500 families in the district. There is a

need to strengthen the sector for the following reasons.

For optimum utilization of natural resources.

For improvement of livelihood and living standards of fishermen.

For providing protein rich food to the people.

To make it available to common man at an affordable price.

To supplement the income of fishermen.

To earn foreign exchange.

5.5.2 Estimates of yield gapsThe information on fisheries, average yields and yield gaps noted in fisheries sector

are given in table 93 by ADA circle. There are 52 inland water ponds under 32

farmers in the district. More of them are concentrated in Miryalguda and Bhongir

ADA circles. The average yield of fish in the ponds is estimated at 2225 kg per ha.

The yield gap in fish production is estimated at 2450 kg per ha. Some of the yield

gaps can be bridged by proper management of ponds.

5.5.3 Water spread areaThe estimates of water spread area available for fish culture are furnished in table

94. There are 235 gram panchayat tanks with a total water spread area of 6525 ha.

The average water spread area of the tanks is 27.77 ha. 287 tanks are under the

control of fishery department with a water spread area of 19336 ha. The average

water spread area of the departmental tanks is 67.37 ha. There are seven reservoirs

in the district with a water spread area of 5681 ha.

5.5.4 Interventions proposed5.5.4.1 Fresh water fish culture in tanksAll the irrigation tanks are being utilized for fish culture. But due to lack of finance

and non adoption of systematic culture practices, the productivity is low. The present

productivity per ha of water spread area is 650 kg against the targeted productivity

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level of 2000 kg per ha. To reach the targeted productivity during the 5 years, it is

proposed to take up systematic fish culture in all the sources which are useful for fish

culture. An outlay of Rs.312.50 lakh is proposed for encouraging fresh water fish

culture in 1250 ha during XI plan (table 95). The state level sanction committee of

RKVY has allotted Rs.80.0 lakh for encouraging fish culture in 80 tanks in the district.

5.5.4.2 Construction of fish markets

At present, fish vendors are selling the fish on the road side, as there is no organized

fish market in Nalgonda district. As fish is perishable and emits foul smell,

consumers are not willing to purchase fish as much as other non-vegetarian items

like meat or poultry meat. If the commodity is kept in fresh and hygienic condition in

an attractive manner in the markets, consumers will automatically turn toward the

fish items, as they are easily palatable. In order to attract more people, it proposed to

establish modern fish markets in all major towns of the district during next 5 years.

An outlay of Rs.250 lakh is proposed to construct 50 fish markets in the district

during XI plan period (table 96). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has

allotted Rs.30.0 lakh for establishing six fish markets in major gram panchayats and

Rs.10.0 lakh for construction of one fish market in municipal areas. The district has

also received Rs.9.0 lakh for supporting 60 individual fish retail vending units.

5.5.4.3 Revolving fund for fisherwomen

To strengthen the activity and financial status of women vendors, it is proposed to

provide revolving to the Fisher Women Cooperative Societies. It is proposed to

provide Rs.10 lakh during XI plan as revolving fund to 10 fisher Women Cooperative

Societies (table 97). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has allotted

Rs.27.5 lakh for supporting 12 matsya mitra groups in the district.

5.5.4.4 Supply of nets and boats The fishermen who fish in reservoirs and rivers are required to incur major portion of

their income for the purchase of craft and tackle. In monsoon season, frequently

there will be losses of their nets due to sudden flash floods, which cause huge

financial losses to the fishermen. In order to recoup some of the losses, it is

proposed to supply nylon nets and boats to the fishermen. An outlay of Rs.112.50

lakh is proposed for supplying nets and boats to 1500 fishermen over the five years

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period (table 98). The state level sanction committee of RKVY has not allotted any

fund during XI plan period.

5.5.4.5 Construction of new fish ponds

The farmers of command area are showing a lot of interest to take up fish culture in

their own lands. At present, 100 ha area is converted to fish ponds and they are

practicing fish culture. There is a need to encourage the farmers who are

enthusiastic to take up fish culture, which generates more income and employment

to the farmers as well as to the unemployed youth, when compared to other crops.

So it is proposed to provide assistance for 250 farmers for construction of fish ponds

during the next five years (table 99). The state level sanction committee of RKVY

has allotted Rs.460 lakh for construction of fish ponds in 100 ha area.

5.5.4.6 Training and capacity buildingTo create awareness among the fishermen with regard to innovative technologies in

culture and marketing aspects, there is a need to impart training and capacity

building. So, it is proposed to conduct 250 training programs and field visits during

the next five years at a cost of Rs.25.00 lakh (table 100).

5.5.4.7 Reservoir fish seed stockingThe fishermen in and around the reservoirs are exploiting the fish through out the

year, as they have no other alternate profession for livelihood. Naturally, the

availability of fish is drastically reduced year after year. Whereas the dependent

population is increasing, the fish production in the reservoirs is not increasing due to

shortage of fish seed. To maintain a balance between productivity of reservoirs and

per capita catches of the fishermen, there is a need to stock the fish seed in

reservoirs continuously every year. So, it is proposed to stock fish in reservoirs

during next five years at a cost of Rs.210 lakh (table 101). The state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.800 lakh to the state fishery department for

stocking reservoirs in the state with fish seed. The Dindi reservoir from Nalgonda

district is one of the 29 reservoirs selected for stocking fish seed in the state. The

district may get about Rs.27 lakh for stocking fish seed in the reservoir in

proportionate terms.

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5.5.4.8 Strengthening of departmental farms

In Nalgonda district, presently there are two fish seed rearing farms with a rearing

capacity of 100 lakh spawn. But, the demand for seed in Nalgonda district is

estimated at 8.00 crore fingerlings. To reduce the gap between demand and supply

there is a need to strengthen the existing two department farms at an outlay of

Rs.150.00 lakh (table 102).

5.5.5 Investments5.5.5.1 Investments in X plan

The investments targeted for producing fish seed during X plan period and the

achievements are furnished in table 103. During the X plan, an amount of Rs.3.00

lakh per year was allocated for fishery development in Nalgonda district. As against

this, the achievement was more than 80% in the first year. But the achievement fell

to 35 to 40% in the next two years. The achievement improved to 70% during 2005-

06. But, it again fell below 30% in 2006-07. Thus, most of the funds allocated for

fishery development were not spent during the X plan period.

5.5.5.2 Investments proposed in XI plan

The investments targeted for fishery development during XI plan period are detailed

in table 104. During the XI plan period, it is proposed to spend Rs.530.50 lakh for

fishery development. The major scheme is the supply of crafts and tackles to

fishermen for fishing in the reservoirs. Other major items of expenditure are

establishment of modern fish markets, supply of fish seed and assistance to fish

farmers for construction of fish ponds. Other schemes like assistance for the

establishment of ice plants, supply of ice boxes and supply of scampi seed received

relatively less allocation. The detailed project analysis of fishery development is

presented in annexure table A.12.

5.6 Watershed Development

5.6.1 Soil survey plans

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The plans for surveying the watershed areas during XI plan period are furnished in

table 105 by ADA circle. The total area of watersheds in 103 villages of the district is

62775 ha. Up to March, 2007, 18661 ha area was surveyed in 28 villages. An area of

8953 ha from 46 villages has to be deleted from survey. The target for soil survey

during XI plan period is 39569 ha from 32 villages.

5.6.2 Plan for watershed development activities

The plans prepared for watershed development activities during the XI plan period

are given in table 106. In Nalgonda district, 5.41 lakh ha is the total geographical

area in seven ADA circles. Out of that, 0.89 ha area is not suitable for watershed

development. 2.18 lakh ha was taken up for watershed development in the district.

Till 2006-07, an area of 0.64 lakh ha was treated. The remaining 1.54 lakh ha area is

available for development activities during XI plan period. The target for treatment

starts with 14440 ha in 2007-08, at a cost of Rs.466 lakh and goes up to 20755 ha at

a cost of Rs.740 lakh in 2009-10. But the target is reduced in the next two years to

reach 15287 ha in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs.498 lakh. Over the five years period, it is

proposed to cover 1.10 lakh ha at a cost of Rs.2966 lakh. The maximum area will be

treated in Alair ADA circle, followed by Munugode ADA circle.

5.6.3 Technologies for in situ moisture conservation

The targets for implementing different soil conservation methods during XI plan

period are summarized in table 107. In 2006-07, 350 ha area was treated by different

technologies for in situ moisture conservation. The targets for in situ moisture

conservation are set higher for the XI plan period. The targets start with 575 ha in

2007-08 and go up to 1375 ha in 2011-12. All the four treatments of Contour

cultivation, dead furrows, ridges and furrows and others will be implemented for in

situ moisture conservation.

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5.7 Irrigation Development5.7.1 Status of minor irrigation in Nalgonda district

The I.B.Division, Nalgonda is looking after the maintenance of the minor and medium

Irrigation sources in the district. There are 541 number of minor irrigation tanks

(more than 100 acres ayacut) with a notified aycut of 58841 ha and 4076 numbers of

minor irrigation tanks (less than 100 acres ayacut) 32308 ha and 4 numbers of

medium irrigation projects namely, Musi project, Dindi project, Asifnahar and Utkoor

Marepally projects with a total ayacut of 20991 ha, thus in all the total aycut under

minor and medium irrigation sectors is 112,140 ha.

5.7.2 Existing irrigation sources

I. Medium irrigation:1) Musi Project : 30183 acres

2) Dindi Project : 12790 acres

3) Asifnagar Project : 7540 acres

4) Utkoor Marepally Project : 1336 acres

Ii. Minor irrigation 541 nos : 145338 acresIii. P.R.tanks 4076 nos : 79800 acres

5.7.3 Ongoing schemes

The ongoing schemes in the irrigation sector are presented in table 108.

5.7.4 Schemes proposed – under approval

The proposed and under approval schemes are presented in table 109.

5.8 Rural development5.8.1 National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

The NREG Act 2005 provides enhancement of livelihood security, giving at least 100

days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household,

whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Panchayats at district,

intermediate and village levels will be the principal authorities for planning and

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implementation of the scheme. This Act of Parliament received the assent of the'

President on 5th September, 2005.

5.9 Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP)5.9.1 Community managed organic farming systems in rain fed areas

In this district, out of a total of 1423, 423 ha of land area in the district, more than

50% is cultivable land. The terrain of the district is very suitable for irrigation

development. The main crops grown in the district are paddy, jowar, bajra,

groundnut, red gram, green gram, castor and sugarcane. They are being grown in

command areas to the extent of about 60000 ha.

5.9.2 Krishi Vigyan Kendra

Sri Aurobindo Krishi Vigyan Kendra is located at Gaddipalli village, Garedepalli

mandal of Nalgonda district. It was sponsored and funded by Indian Council of

Agricultural Research in the year 1985. It is a grass-root level vocational training

institution designed for bridging the gap between the available technologies at one

end and their application for increased production at the other.

Concept of KVK

KVK institution is an excellent example of participatory management where members

of farming community, contemporary officers of state development departments and

research organization meet at least twice in a year to plan and review the activities of

KVK through Local Management Committee (LMC). This also serves as a built-in-

mechanism for strong Research-Extension-Development linkages to keep the

programs in line with the needs and aspirations of farmers, farm-women and rural

youths.

Important Activities

1. Crop production2. Horticulture3. Sericulture4. Plant protection5. Agril. Engineering 6. Fisheries7. Animal husbandry9. Extension education

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10. Bio-pesticides – APNL program15. Improved nursery practices16. Seed production program etc.

5.9.3 Construction of godowns and for required physical infrastructure for STAR Procurement centers under IKP.

Marketing strategy of the project is to minimize the cost of inputs to the farmers and

enable them to get remunerative prices for their produce. Starting with procurement

of small quantities of neem fruit and red gram in 2001, today the village

organizations are dealing with over 84 agriculture and non-timber forest products. In

the past six years, important commodities like paddy, maize, red gram, soya bean,

lac, groundnut, castor, tamarind have been procured in bulk. The statement showing

the details of volume of marketing transactions made by VOs during the past 6 years

is furnished in table 110.

5.9.4 Construction of godowns at Star centers

It is planned to acquire 1 to 1.5 acres of land for housing the VO building, a godown

with 1000MTs storage capacity, a drying platform with 100MTs capacity, a mini

processing unit, a laboratory for quality testing of various commodities, a training

centre by providing all required machinery and physical infrastructure to each centre.

The estimated cost for developing these centers during the period 2007-08 to 2009-

10 is around Rs.200 crore.

For all the activities under SERP in Nalgonda district, the state level sanction

committee of RKVY has allotted Rs.907.21 lakh for the entire plan period.

5.9.4.1 Benefits to the farmersIt is estimated that over 12.12 lakh farmers will be benefited directly by an amount of

Rs.30 crore through the 500 star procurement centers in the state with in a period of

three years. It is also estimated that over 36.56 lakh farmers will be benefited

indirectly by an amount of Rs.54.84 crore in the coming three years by the 500 star

procurement centers.

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5.10 Credit and Insurance

5.10.1 Introduction

Credit is the most important input in agriculture. Without this input, farmers have

difficulty in procuring other inputs. The financial institutions were providing both crop

and term loans to the extent of Rs.788.03 crore to a total of 3.90 lakh farmers during

2006-07 in Nalgonda district. Due to the initiative taken by the state government and

district administration, banks have almost doubled the credit flow to the agriculture

sector in the last four years.

5.10.2 Status of credit

The details of the credit extended to crop sector during the past four years are given

in table 111. During the four years period, the crop loans provided in the district have

gone up by 79.4%. The term loans have increased even faster by 95%. The overall

credit flow has increased by 83% over the four years period.

5.10.3 Projections for credit in XI plan

The estimated credit requirements for the next five years in Nalgonda district are

given in table 112. The targets for crop loans in 2012-13 are set at twice the amount

of the credit disbursed in 2007-08. The target for term loan is set to increase even

faster by 180%. The over all growth in agricultural credit is set to go up by 114% over

the five years period.

5.10.4 Insurance status and projections

The present status of crop insurance and the projections for XI plan period are given

in table 113. During 2006-07, 57814 farmers purchased agricultural insurance to

cover their crops in 1.05 lakh ha. The targets for 2007-08 are to cover 0.99 lakh ha

and to collect a premium of 438 lakh. These targets are progressively enhanced to

reach 1.41 lakh ha in 2011-12 with a premium collection of Rs.712 lakh. No data

were reported for Halia and Deverkonda ADA circles on insurance.

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5.11 investments and outcomes5.11.1 InvestmentsThe investments required by different sub-sectors of agriculture during XI plan period

are summarized in given below:

Table: Requirements of agriculture sector during XI plan

S.No. Sub sector Investments (Rs.in lakh)

1 Agriculture 20999.032 Horticulture 3256.83 3 Sericulture 145.514 Animal husbandry 2353.445 Fisheries 530.506. SERP 907.21

Total 28192.52

The total investment for the development of agriculture and allied sectors during XI

plan adds up to Rs.28192.52 lakh. The major part of Rs.20999.03 lakh was needed

for field crops sector. Horticulture and animal husbandry required Rs.3256.83 lakh

and Rs.2353.44 lakh respectively. The requirements for sericulture were at

Rs.145.51 lakh. The requirements of fisheries and SERP sectors were estimated at

Rs.530.50 and Rs.907.21 lakh respectively.

5.12.2 Outcomes

The sector wise growth rates anticipated to result from investments proposed are given below:

Table: Proposed sector wise growth rates (in per cent)

S.No. Sector 1st year

2nd

year3rd

year4th

year5th

YearAverage

1 Agriculture 4.4 6.2 6.9 7.5 8.6 6.72 Horticulture 5.1 5.3 5.5 5.6 5.5 5.43 Animal

Husbandry6.0 6.2 6.3 6.5 6.4 6.3

4 Sericulture 6.5 6.7 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.75 Fisheries 7.2 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.5 7.4

Total sector 5.2 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.6 5.5

Of all the sectors, fisheries are expected to increase at a high rate of 7.4 per year.

Animal husbandry is the next fastest growing sector with a growth rate of 6.3% per

year. Horticulture is expected to grow at 5.4 per cent per year. Agriculture is targeted

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to grow @ 6.7% per year. Sericulture sector is projected to grow at the rate of 6.7%

per year. The entire agriculture sector is expected to grow at a fast rate of 5.5% per

year. These high growth rates are expected to result from the heavy investments

suggested in the plan. In all the sectors, the growth rates in the initial two years are

projected to be slower and they are projected to accelerate in the next three years.

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Chapter VI District Plan

6.1 Introduction Nalgonda district is one of the drought prone districts with low and uncertain rainfall.

But one part of the district benefited from the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal and lift

irrigation. Rice and sugarcane are the dominant crops in the irrigated areas while

rainfed crops like castor, jowar, red gram, ground nut occupy large areas in the

rainfed tracts of the district. With the promise of more irrigation facilities, the

agriculture in the district can look for higher investments and better profitability.

Although, Nalgonda district has the major area under agricultural crops, other

sectors are also developing gradually. Both the red and black soils with irrigation

facilities are being put under sweet orange, acid lime and mango gardens. The area

under horticultural crops has already reached 105, 413 ha. Social forestry has just

started gaining area with 1360 ha, similarly, sericulture and aquaculture are also

occupying only small areas. 3074 ha is under fodder crops and their area is also

expanding to support animal husbandry enterprises. All these allied sectors have

good scope for expansion due to increasing demand for the products of horticulture,

sericulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and social forestry.

6.2 Growth drivers in the district With reasonably good resource endowments and resilient farmers, all the sub-

sectors of agriculture can be good growth drivers in the district. Among the field

crops, rice, sugarcane, pulses and oilseeds are all poised for growth because of the

favorable price and demand situation. Besides new varieties, new cultivation

methods make it possible to achieve yield growth in these crops. The scope for

receiving irrigation facilities to new areas makes it possible to increase areas under

these crops. It should not be difficult to achieve the production growth exceeding 5

per cent per year in case of the field crops. Horticulture is definitely a growth driver

with a possibility to grow at 7 to 8 per cent per year. Fruit crops like acid lime, sweet

orange, mango, sapota, guava, papaya and pomegranate have good scope for

expansion. Similarly, coconut plantations can become more productive due to

intensive management. There is a good response to efforts made for rejuvenation of

acid lime, sweet orange and mango gardens in the district. Farmers are likely to take

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it up if there are incentives from the government. The demand for vegetables is

increasing and higher prices can attract more farmers to make investments in

vegetable cultivation. With the government willing to subsidize the supply of hybrid

seeds, farmers can easily increase the yields of vegetable crops by 30 to 40 per

cent. The growing demand for flowers may attract more farmers towards it to realize

higher profits. Besides horticulture, aquaculture can continue to be a good growth

sector. With virtually no demand constraint for fish and prawns, there is good scope

for both increasing the area under the ponds as well as to increase the productivity

of ponds. This sector can also easily achieve a growth rate of 5 per cent. Animal

husbandry sector which always received a high emphasis in the past has still got

potential to remain a good growth sector because of constantly increasing demand

for milk, meat and eggs. It can also achieve a target growth rate exceeding 7 per

cent. Sericulture has not spread much but the farmers who have taken it up are

realizing good returns. The expansion of area under high yielding varieties of

mulberry and use of advance equipment for rearing can accelerate the growth rate in

this sector. Due to low base, this sector can grow at more than 8 per cent per year, if

the infrastructure is strengthened to supply DFLs in adequate number. The upland

areas are also buzzing with the activity of farm forestry. Eucalyptus clones and

subabul are becoming quite popular through the efforts of nurseries and more areas

are coming under farm forestry. Each one of these sub-sectors of agriculture can

grow at growth rates ranging between 5 to 10 per cent per year if the necessary

interventions are supported to reduce the yield gaps in all the farming situations.

Rural industries are also an important growth sector with the scope for processing

and cold chains being brighter. Many small scale industries can come up in the

district because of the existence of a pool of entrepreneurs with sufficient resources.

In a booming economy like India, a growing district like Nalgonda is all set to grow

fast to meet the aspirations of the people.

6.3 Innovative schemes The schemes to improve the organic matter content in the soil and productivity of

crops are quite innovative. Although they involve substantial investments, the

schemes of green manuring and gypsum application in the irrigated areas of the

district are helpful both in the reclamation of the soils as well as in improving the

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organic matter content in the soils along with the availability of both the macro as

well as the micro nutrients.

Similarly, the schemes to produce seeds of different crops through seed village

production program are also quite innovative. For the first time, a logical link and

sequence is established between the production and supply of nucleus, breeder,

foundation and certified types of seed in the district. Dependence on seed produced

in other districts was causing serious bottlenecks in the supply of seed to the farmers

on time. The massive program of seed production will remove this bottleneck and will

contribute significantly to the productivity of crop.

Farm mechanization is another innovative scheme. Many farmers migrate seasonally

to the urban centers in Karnataka and Andhra. It has created acute labor scarcity in

the rural areas. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has been

instrumental in improving the purchasing power of the working class, but has also

exerted an upward pressure on the wages. Under these circumstances,

mechanization has become inevitable. Helping the farmers through subsidies in

accessing the farm machinery and equipment is quite an innovative scheme.

Farmers can improve precision and minimize losses due to farm mechanization.

The proposal to take up diversification in marginal lands in favor of plantation crops

is another innovative scheme. These trees can yield fruits from which bio-fuels can

be produced. The trials on the research stations have vindicated their economic

viability on less fertile lands. Some of these marginal lands are unable to yield viable

crop yields and, in that sense, does not involve much sacrifice and opportunity cost.

With the oil prices soaring in the international market, this tree crop holds enormous

opportunities for earning profits.

The scheme of model farmers is the most innovative scheme to bridge the extension

gap effectively. Even with some increase in the extension manpower, it is literally not

possible to reach all the farmers and transfer the technologies to them. Farmers also

need someone locally to whom they can look at as a friend and guide. These model

farmers will have opportunities to imbibe the latest technologies from the scientists

and extension workers. They can effectively transmit the information to other

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farmers. Since they are provided with some honorarium to cover their expenses,

they can serve as an effective link between extension officers and farmers.

Drip irrigation is another innovative scheme to improve water use efficiency in a

water scarce environment. Its potential was not capitalized in the district. The

present scheme of using drip sets in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits are quite

an innovative and profitable investment. In rabi groundnut, there is a good scope for

sprinkler irrigation to obtain maximum returns per unit of water.

Scheme to expand area under sweet orange and mango is another innovative

method of developing horticulture in the district. Both these fruit crops have a good

potential to perform well in Nalgonda district.

Supply of hybrid seeds of vegetables is another innovative scheme. The productivity

of vegetables can be increased easily by 20 to 50% by adopting hybrid varities of

vegetables. The yields of vegetables are quite low in the district and with the new

initiative; they are likely to go up. It will improve the economic viability of vegetable

cultivation in the district.

Induction of milch animals and heifer calves is quite an innovative scheme. It is being

tried on a substantive scale. The productivity of local milch animals is quite low and

their response to good feed and fodder management is not economical. By inducting

milch animals with higher potential, there is a scope to achieve a break through in

milk production in the district. While the induction of milch animals will contribute to

increase in milk production immediately, the induction of heifer calves will ensure the

increase in milk production in the future. Better health care and insurance coverage

will complete the package to increase profits and to cover risks. Since the animals

are being supplied on 50% subsidy by tying them up with bank loans for the

remaining amount, insurance coverage is automatically there.

Provision of bulk milk cooling centers at five locations in the district is another

innovative scheme. The induction of milch animals is likely to create surpluses in

milk production, which need to be procured and stored under hygienic conditions.

Availability of milk cooling centers will reduce the chances of spoilage of milk and

helps in processing it locally.

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Establishing fish markets at important locations in the district and opening retail

outlets will help the fishermen and farmers to get better prices for their produce.

Certainly, creation of markets will increase the demand for fish and will reduce the

losses and transaction costs. Both the producers and consumers will benefit from

this initiative.

Although, the support to sericulture is quite limited under RKVY, the catalytic

development scheme being implemented by the department is quite an innovative

scheme. It is contributing to the development of the sericulture both on the farm and

non-farm sectors.

The program of Jalayagnam has raised the hopes of the farmers about agriculture.

Expansion of surface irrigation will contribute to the increase in ground water. It will

help in the conjunctive use of both surface and ground water. This program will make

a substantial difference to farming in the district.

Marketing is the essence of agriculture. Realization of a remunerative prices and

cutting down the marketing costs are important to keep the interests of both the

producers and consumers safe from the exploitation by middlemen. Creation of more

marketing infrastructure will cut down the costs of transportation and the time

needed for marketing. The massive program for expansion of marketing

infrastructure will help in farmers realizing better prices for their produce.

Strengthening of rural credit will facilitate the adoption of new technologies. The

recent loan waiver has reduced the debt burden of the farmers. They can start from

a clean slate and obtain fresh loans both for crop production and development. This

substantial expansion of credit targets for the next five years will reduce the

dependence of farmers on non-institutional sources of credit at high and usurious

rates of interest.

6.4 Vision of the XI Plan Obviously the vision of XI plan is to accelerate rate of growth in agricultural sector. It

was noted that the growth rates in agriculture have always lagged behind those in

non-agricultural sectors. But the gap between them has certainly widened after the

introduction of new economic policies in the early 90’s of twentieth century. The

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investment in agriculture has declined. The public investment declined because of

the imperative need to keep down the fiscal deficit and the need to increase the input

subsidies. The output prices have lagged behind the growth in input prices and

wages. It has caused a reduction in the rate of return on the investments in

agriculture. Due to this reason, the private investment also stagnated. There were

signs of growing indebtedness among the farmers, which has erupted in to suicides

by some farmers in the predominantly rain fed districts like Nalgonda. Suddenly, it

was discovered that agriculture is in crisis.

With fast rate of growth in the economy, other sectors of economy were blooming

and agriculture was diagnosed as the only sector lagging behind and needing

immediate attention. While the economy is growing at nine per cent, the growth in

agriculture sector oscillated between –3 to +5 percent, with the medium term growth

recording less than two per cent. The national commission on farmers headed by

Dr.M.S Swaminathan has dissected the sickness of agriculture and called for an

immediate increase in the investments on agriculture to stimulate growth in it. The

RKVY is a response and reflection to the report prepared by the commission led by

Dr.M.S Swaminathan.

It was found that the share of agriculture in the national GDP is rapidly declining in

the last decade. For a long time, the government of India was targeting a 4% growth

in the agricultural sector. But it consistently faltered by ending up around two per

cent. The Vision 2020 document prepared by government of Andhra Pradesh nearly

a decade ago has aimed even at 6% growth in the agricultural sector of the state.

But these wishful dreams and schemes were not backed by necessary investments

and policies. The farmers in the state have lost hope in farming due to rising costs,

stagnant output prices and widening gaps between agricultural and non-agricultural

sectors. Many young farmers find it difficult to get a bride and farming has become a

loosing and dis-respectful profession.

In this backdrop, the RKVY has come as a beacon of light. The state government

has advised the agricultural and allied departments to think it big and plan for

substantial investments in these sectors. There is also a determination on the part of

young farmers in the villages to voice their aspirations for growth and equity. The

project teams, which studied the constraints faced by agriculture quite in-depth, have

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highlighted the problems of diminishing organic matter content and declining water

table. It is no more an easy solution to raise productivity by applying more fertilizer.

In fact, the response to fertilizer has come down from about 20 kg per kg of N-P-K to

about 8 kg. The long neglect of agriculture has made it necessary to invest more for

solving both the long term and short-term problems of agriculture.

The combined vision of the farmers and planners has resulted in the preparation of

ambitious and innovative schemes for the development of agriculture. It is significant

that the district plan for Nalgonda district has come out with such investment needs,

which cannot be met by the existing budgets of the department and what RKVY can

offer through project funding. More resources are needed through other schemes to

make that one big investment effort needed to accelerate the growth in agricultural

sector. The vision of XI plan cannot be fully understood by looking at the numbers of

physical targets and financial investments projected, but it should be seen as a

document that reflects the aspirations and hope of the farmers. Besides growth, it

also seeks to re-assert the honor and pride of farming profession.

6.5 District Plan The total investments proposed under different sectors are given below:

Table: Requirements of agriculture sector during XI plan

S.No. Sub sector Investments (Rs.in lakh)1 Agriculture 20999.032 Horticulture 3256.83 3 Sericulture 145.514 Animal husbandry 2353.445 Fisheries 530.506. SERP 907.21

Total 28192.52

The total investment for the development of agriculture and allied sectors during XI

plan adds up to Rs.28192.52 lakh. The major part of Rs.20999.03 lakh was needed

for field crops sector. Horticulture and animal husbandry required Rs.3256.83 lakh

and Rs.2353.44 lakh respectively. The requirements for sericulture were at

Rs.145.51 lakh. The requirements of fisheries and SERP sectors were estimated at

Rs.530.50 and Rs.907.21 lakh respectively.

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Outcomes

The sector wise growth rates anticipated to result from investments proposed are given below:

Table: Proposed sector wise growth rates (in per cent)S.No. Sector 1st

year2nd

year3rd

year4th

year5th

YearAverage

1 Agriculture 4.4 6.2 6.9 7.5 8.6 6.7

2 Horticulture 5.1 5.3 5.5 5.6 5.5 5.43 Animal

Husbandry6.0 6.2 6.3 6.5 6.4 6.3

4 Sericulture 6.5 6.7 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.75 Fisheries 7.2 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.5 7.4

Total sector 5.2 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.6 5.5

Of all the sectors, fisheries are expected to increase at a high rate of 7.4 per year.

Animal husbandry is the next fastest growing sector with a growth rate of 6.3% per

year. Horticulture is expected to grow at 5.4 per cent per year. Agriculture is targeted

to grow @ 6.7% per year. Sericulture sector is projected to grow at the rate of 6.7%

per year. The entire agriculture sector is expected to grow at a fast rate of 5.5% per

year. These high growth rates are expected to result from the heavy investments

suggested in the plan. In all the sectors, the growth rates in the initial two years are

projected to be slower and they are projected to accelerate in the next three years.

Monitoring mechanism proposedA sound Monitoring Information System has to be developed based on sectoral

interventions and expected outputs to review and track the progress. A baseline data

like income of the different categories of the farmers, yield of different crops, sectoral

growth rates etc. may be generated to measure the quantitative and qualitative

changes resulting of the proposed interventions. Quarterly review meetings

becomes a part of monitoring system over and above the reports received, registers

maintained, field visits by concerned personnel. Based on the mid-term evaluation by

the external agency, the change of the targets and inter-sectoral adjustments will be

made. Social audit about the funds available and utilized under major schemes,

periodical physical progress and highlighting deviations and deficiencies is proposed

to carried out at gram Panchayat level. The proposed social audit facilitates publicity

on status of the implementation and maintains transparency.

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List of tables in Annexure

1. Reclamation of Problematic soils – Gypsum application

2. Gypsum application for Ground nut crop

3. Supply of green manure seed to rice growers

4. Application of Zinc sulphate to rice, pulses and oilseeds

5. Conjunctive use of ground water in tail-end project areas

6. Diversification of rain fed areas through Sima rouba plantations

7. Establishment of new fruit gardens

8. Rejuvenation of old gardens

9. Integrated garden management in Sweet orange

10.Drip irrigation for horticultural crops

11.Sericulture project with all components

12.Fisheries project with all components

13.Foot and mouth vaccination program

14.Calf induction program

15.Perennial fodder production including Chaff cutter supply

16. Induction of high yielding milch animals

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