SDG Goal wise programs of India – Part 09

SDG Goal wise programs of India – Part 09

(இதன் தமிழ் வடிவத்திற்கு இங்கே சொடுக்கவும்)

National Livestock Mission (NLM)

Launched:

• The National Livestock Mission (NLM) was launched in 2014 and was realigned during 2021-22 to focus on the development of the livestock sector in India, including employment generation, entrepreneurship development, and the enhancement of animal productivity.

Ministry or Nodal Agency:

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is the nodal agency for implementing the National Livestock Mission (NLM).

Objectives of the National Livestock Mission:

• The National Livestock Mission aims to address various challenges in the livestock sector and promote sustainable growth.

The primary objectives include:

• Employment Generation and Entrepreneurship Development:
• Promoting entrepreneurship in the small ruminant, poultry, piggery, and fodder sectors to create employment opportunities.
• Increase Productivity:
• Focus on breed improvement to enhance productivity per animal, improving the overall output of meat, milk, eggs, wool, and other livestock products.
• Increase Production:
• Enhancing the production of animal-based products like meat, eggs, goat milk, and wool.

• Availability of Fodder:
• Addressing the fodder shortage by strengthening the fodder seed supply chain and promoting the availability of certified fodder seeds.
• Encourage Establishment of Fodder Processing Units:
• Encouraging the establishment of fodder processing units to help reduce the demand-supply gap for fodder and feed.

• Promote Livestock Risk Management:
• Implementing livestock insurance schemes to protect farmers against risks associated with animal husbandry.
• Applied Research:
• Promoting applied research in key areas like poultry, sheep breeding and fodder production to improve efficiency in the livestock sector.

• Capacity Building and Extension Services:
• Strengthening extension services and providing skill-based training to livestock owners and state functionaries to improve the quality of services provided to farmers.
• Promoting Technology Dissemination:
• Supporting technology dissemination and adopting new best practices in the livestock sector to reduce production costs and improve productivity.

Features and Scope of the National Livestock Mission:

• Camel Inclusion:
• The NLM includes camel under its purview, which was not fully utilized under previous schemes but is now being promoted as a priority sector.
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):
• The AHIDF is a central sector scheme under NLM, focusing on animal husbandry infrastructure development.  
• Applications for AHIDF are processed online through the ahidf.udyamimitra.in portal.
• Promotion of Livestock Health and Disease Control:
• A crucial part of NLM is the Livestock Health and Disease Control component, which focuses on disease prevention, control measures, and vaccination drives for livestock.
• Financial Support:
• The funding for the National Livestock Mission (NLM) is provided by the central government, with financial assistance for various components such as breed improvement, fodder development, and entrepreneurship support.

Beneficiaries of the National Livestock Mission:

• Livestock Farmers:
• Small ruminant farmers, poultry farmers, piggery farmers, and fodder producers stand to benefit from various financial assistance, capacity-building, and skill training initiatives.
• Entrepreneurs:
• Entrepreneurs in the livestock and fodder sectors will receive support for setting up new units, such as fodder processing units, and small-scale livestock ventures.
• State Functionaries and Extension Workers:
• State agricultural and animal husbandry departments, extension workers, and veterinary professionals will benefit from capacity-building programs and improved access to extension services.

• Livestock Insurance Providers:
• Insurance companies and providers involved in livestock insurance schemes will benefit from the promotion of risk management mechanisms under the mission.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Farmers involved in livestock rearing, especially in small ruminants, poultry, piggery, and fodder production.
• Entrepreneurs who are interested in setting up fodder processing units or animal husbandry-related businesses.
• State governments, UTs, and districts that implement livestock development programs and provide extension services to farmers.

Benefits of the National Livestock Mission:

• Increased Livestock Productivity.
• Employment and Entrepreneurship.
• Fodder Security.
• Insurance Coverage.
• Improved Research and Technology.
• Skill Development.

Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme

Launched:

• The Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC) was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, on 19th February 2015 in Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

Ministry or Nodal Agency:

• The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the Soil Health Card Scheme.

Objectives of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

• The Soil Health Card Scheme is aimed at improving soil quality and agricultural productivity by providing farmers with soil health reports and recommendations.

Its main objectives are:

• Soil Health Monitoring:
• The scheme aims to monitor soil health and provide detailed reports to farmers regarding the nutrient status of their soil, with an emphasis on sustainable farming practices.

• Recommendations for Fertilizer Use:
• Based on soil test results, the scheme provides recommendations on the correct dosage of fertilizers and soil amendments required to improve soil fertility and maintain healthy soil.

• Soil Nutrient Management:
• The initiative focuses on improving soil nutrient balance and addressing nutrient deficiencies that limit crop productivity.
• Promoting Sustainable Farming:
• It encourages the use of appropriate soil management practices to enhance soil health, reduce the negative impact of chemical fertilizers, and improve agricultural productivity in the long term.

Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Coverage:
• The scheme covers all farmers across the States and Union Territories of India.
• Every farmer will receive a Soil Health Card every two years, containing detailed information about the soil's nutrient composition and suggested remedial measures.

• Soil Sample Collection:
• Soil samples are collected from farms using GPS tools and revenue maps.
• For irrigated areas, soil samples are taken in 2.5-hectare grids, while for rain-fed areas, the sampling is done in 10-hectare grids.
• Samples are generally collected after the Rabi and Kharif crop harvests, or when there is no standing crop.

Analysis Parameters:

The soil sample is analyzed based on 12 key parameters:

• Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S)
• Micronutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Boron (Bo)
• Physical Parameters: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC)

Soil Health Report:

• Farmers receive a printed report containing the status of their soil, along with specific fertilizer recommendations and any necessary soil amendments.

Need for the Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Nutrient Deficiency:
• Indian soils are experiencing a negative nutrient balance of around 12-14 million tons annually, exacerbating soil degradation and reducing crop productivity.
• Key nutrient deficiencies in India include 95% nitrogen (N), 94% phosphorus (P), and 48% potassium (K), among others.

• Uninformed Farming Practices:
• Farmers often do not know the specific nutrient needs of their soil, leading to inefficient use of fertilizers, reduced crop yields, and soil depletion.
• This lack of information limits the ability to optimize crop yields and maintain soil health over time.

• Improved Resource Use:
• The scheme helps farmers use fertilizers more efficiently, reducing wastage and optimizing crop yields while maintaining soil health.

Challenges with the Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Inadequate Soil Testing Infrastructure:
• There is a shortage of soil testing laboratories and insufficient trained staff for soil testing, which can delay the process or lead to inaccurate results.

• Understanding Soil Reports:
• Some farmers find it difficult to interpret the soil health reports, limiting the effectiveness of the scheme in terms of adoption and implementation of recommended practices.

• Missing Indicators:
• Some critical factors such as microbial activity, moisture retention, soil depth, and texture are not included in the Soil Health Card, which could limit its comprehensiveness.
• Coordination Issues:
• Lack of coordination between agricultural extension workers and farmers sometimes hampers the effective implementation of the scheme.
• Limited Scope of Indicators:
• The Soil Health Card primarily focuses on chemical nutrients, while other factors like biological and physical characteristics of soil are often overlooked.

Benefits of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Enhanced Soil Productivity:
• By knowing the exact nutrient status of their soil, farmers can optimize fertilizer usage, improve crop yields, and reduce input costs.

• Sustainable Farming Practices:
• The scheme promotes sustainable farming practices by encouraging the balanced use of fertilizers and soil amendments, thereby improving long-term soil health.
• Increased Awareness:
• Farmers gain a better understanding of their soil's needs, which helps them in making informed decisions regarding crop selection, fertilizers, and soil management practices.
• Cost Reduction:
• By applying the right type and right amount of fertilizers, farmers can reduce excessive expenditure on chemical fertilizers and improve soil fertility over time.

• Improved Crop Selection:
• Farmers can determine which crops are best suited for their soil's nutrient profile, ensuring higher productivity and reduced risk of crop failure.
• Expert Guidance:
• The government provides expert advice on soil management, helping farmers improve soil quality and productivity.
• Job Creation:
• The scheme has the potential to create employment for agrarian youth, especially in areas like soil testing, analysis, and extension services.

Eligibility Criteria:

• All farmers in India, regardless of the size of their farm, are eligible for the Soil Health Card.
• Soil sample collection and analysis are done by the state government or outsourced agencies.

Additional Information:

• Associated Schemes:
• The Soil Health Card Scheme works in conjunction with other agricultural schemes like the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme, which aims to ensure the balanced use of fertilizers.
• Technology Integration:
• The scheme uses GPS tools for precise soil sampling and digital records to track soil health across regions.

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