Enactments made by Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian society

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Enactments made by Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian Society

agriculture contributes over 45% to the net state domestic product. It is the main Source Of Income and EMPLOYMENT in Himachal. Over 93% of the Population in Himachal depend directly upon agriculture which provides direct employment to 71% of its people.  However agriculture in the state suffers from certain limitations, specially in the production of food grains. One of the reason is that the area under cultivation cannot be extended to any appreciable extent. Reclamation of land on slopes of hills for cultivation of food grains is neither economical nor beneficial. The farmers can profit more by raising Cash Crops suited to the agro-climatic conditions. Another reason is that reclamation of land from the hills increases the menace of Soil erosion.

State sponsored schemes

Quality Seed Multiplication and Distribution

Department owns 36 Seed Farms where foundation seeds of Kharif and Rabi Crops are produced. Annually about 3500 to 4000 quintals seed of Cereals, pulses and vegetables are produced in these farms. Further about 90,000 quintals of certified seeds of various crops are distributed to the farmers in the state. At present 5 grading centres are in operation for various crops. Under this scheme, expenditure on seed multiplication farms, seed testing and certification, subsidy on cost of seeds and cost on demonstrations etc is incurred.

Manure and Fertilizers

  • Distribution of Fertilizers: The State Govt. has allowed cost subsidy on complex fertilizers NPK 12:32:16, NPK 10:26:26 and NPK 15:15:15 @ Rs.1000/-per MT. Apart from this cost subsidy @25% is also being provided on 100% water soluble complex fertilizers to the farmers ( limited to Rs. 2500 per farmer). In order to ensure adequate supply of fertilizers, the Govt. has entrusted this responsibility to HIMFED/Cooperative Societies. The farmers are educated about balanced use of fertilizers and as per soil testing nutrient basis.
  • Soil Testing Centres: Soil testing has great importance for raising agriculture production. The department is providing free soil testing facilities to the farmers. Department has 11 Soil Testing Laboratories besides four mobile soil testing labs to provide free soil testing facilities to the farmers. About 1,25,000 samples are analysed annually. Besides this Soil Health Cards are being provided to the farmers. About one lac farmers are being covered every year. Outlay proposed is to meet expenditure on these labs for testing of soil samples. Soil testing service has also being included under H.P. Govt. Public Service Act, 2011 in which the soil health cards are being made available to the farmers through online service within prescribed time limit.

Plant Protection

The Department exercise vigil on pest situation. To overcome this, about 150 MT of pesticides through 991 sale centres are supplied to the farmers. Besides this, Pesticide Testing Laboratory at Shimla has been set up with a capacity of 150 to 250 samples per year. One Bio Control Laboratory has been set up at Palampur where conservation pest situation augmentation, rearing and multiplication of bio-agents and training to extension staff and farmers are being done. Another Bio Control Laboratory has been set up at Mandi and will be made functional very soon. This is a continued scheme and the provision is made for meeting the expenditure on transportation and subsidy on the cost of plant protection material. The plant protection material including equipments are supplied to the SCs / STs /IRDP families at 50% cost. The outlay proposed is to meet expenditure on subsidies.

Agricultural Marketing

This is controlled in the State through H.P. Agricultural and Horticultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2005. Under this Act, H.P. State Agricultural Marketing Board has been set-up. At present, 10 market committees are functioning. 53 markets have been made functional. Market information is being disseminated through different media i.e AIR Doordershan print media and through Net to farmers. The work of development of marketing Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE is done out of the funds of APMCs. Information on daily market rates is also disseminated through AIR/ DD. Market rates of 39 Enactments made by Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian societycommodities are also disseminated through agmarknet.nic.in. The APMC act has been repeated as per the model act and provision has been made for private markets, single point market fee, Contract Farming etc.

Quality control

Under this scheme, implementation of various acts on seeds, fertilizers and pesticides is ensured.Quality control functionaries have been notified.The Department has three fertilizer testing labs ( Hamirpur, Sundernagar, Shimla), one state pesticides testing lab at Shimla, Biofertilizer and Biopesticide lab at Palampur and three seed testing labs ( Solan, palampur and Mandi ). 2000 fertilizer samples, 300 pesticide and 1200 seed samples are being analysed annually.

Special Project on Diversification of Agriculture through Micro Irrigation and Other Related Infrastructure in H.P.

Although water is a renewable resource, its availability in appropriate quality and quantity in under severe Stress due to increasing demand from various sectors. Agriculture is the largest user of water, which consumes more than 80% of the country’s exploitable water Resources. The over all development of agriculture sector and indented Growth rate of GDP is largely dependent on the judicious use of available Water Resources, while the irrigation projects have contributed to the development of water resources, the conventional methods of water conveyance and irrigation, being highly inefficient, has led not only to wastage of water but also to several ecological problems like Water Logging, salinisation and soil degradation making productive agricultural lands unproductive. It has been recognised that use of modern irrigation methods like drip and Sprinkler Irrigation is the only alternative for efficient use of surface as well as ground water resources. Hence, this project on diversification through Micro Irrigation and other related infrastructure in HP aims at increasing the area under efficient methods of irrigation viz., drip and sprinkler irrigation. NABARD has sanctioned this project under RIDF- XIV amounting to Rs.198.09 crores starting from 2009-10.

The project components include sprinkler system, drip system, farm tank, shallow well, shallow tube well, deep tube well, small and medium lifts and pumping machinery. For sprinkler and drip systems, the farmers shall be provided 80% subsidy and 20% would be beneficiary’s contribution. Besides this the farmers shall also be provided 50% assistance for creation of farm tank, shallow well, shallow tube well, deep tube well, small and medium lifts and pumping machinery. A farmer can install sprinkler system up to 4 hectares of land whereas for drip up to one hectare. Up to date, 31,224 sprinkler sets have been installed covering an area of 21648.13 ha. and sum of Rs. 9447.32 lakhs has been spent.

 

Dr. Y. S. Parmar Kisan Sawrozgar Yojna

In order to achieve faster and more Inclusive Growth in Agriculture sector Government of Himachal Pradesh has started. “Dr. Y. S. Parmar Kisan Swarozgar Yojna” (Poly House and Micro Irrigation). Project components include creation of need based infrastructure and are expected to fulfill objectives of high productivity, quality, safeguard against adverse weather, efficient input use etc. Project components include construction of location specific models of poly houses with micro irrigation facility. For this, 85% project assistance shall be provided to the farmers. Also for creation for water sources individually and collectively by a group of farmers (Low/medium lift, pumping machinery), 50% subsidy shall be provided. The total cost of the project is Rs.111.19 crore which shall be implemented in four years starting from 2014-2015 to 2017-2018. The project envisages construction of 4,700 No’s Poly Houses, 2150 No’s Micro Irrigation Systems of different designs suitable to different agro-ecological situation in the State. Beside this 60 No’s of small lift, 60 No’s of medium lift and 750 No’s of pumping units shall also be established under this project.,

The Himachal Pradesh Government has enacted a number of laws to protect and promote the interests of the agrarian society. These laws provide for the regulation of agricultural produce marketing, grading and marking, licensing of dealers, regulation of supply and sale, control of prices, development and regulation of agricultural produce.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1968, provides for the establishment of regulated markets for the sale of agricultural produce. The Act also regulates the activities of commission agents, arhatiyas and other intermediaries in the marketing of agricultural produce.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1972, provides for the grading and marking of agricultural produce. The Act also provides for the establishment of grading and marking centers and the appointment of graders and markers.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Licensing of Dealers) Act, 1973, provides for the licensing of dealers in agricultural produce. The Act also regulates the activities of licensed dealers.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Regulation of Supply and Sale) Act, 1974, provides for the regulation of the supply and sale of agricultural produce. The Act also provides for the establishment of market committees and the appointment of market inspectors.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Control of Prices) Act, 1975, provides for the control of prices of agricultural produce. The Act also provides for the establishment of price control committees and the appointment of price control officers.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Development and Regulation) Act, 1981, provides for the development and regulation of agricultural produce. The Act also provides for the establishment of agricultural produce development boards and the appointment of agricultural produce development officers.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Rules, 1973, provide for the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1972. The Rules provide for the establishment of grading and marking centers, the appointment of graders and markers, and the grading and marking of agricultural produce.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Licensing of Dealers) Rules, 1973, provide for the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Licensing of Dealers) Act, 1973. The Rules provide for the licensing of dealers in agricultural produce, the regulation of the activities of licensed dealers, and the establishment of a licensing authority.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Regulation of Supply and Sale) Rules, 1974, provide for the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Regulation of Supply and Sale) Act, 1974. The Rules provide for the establishment of market committees, the appointment of market inspectors, and the regulation of the supply and sale of agricultural produce.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Control of Prices) Rules, 1975, provide for the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Control of Prices) Act, 1975. The Rules provide for the establishment of price control committees, the appointment of price control officers, and the control of prices of agricultural produce.

The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Development and Regulation) Rules, 1981, provide for the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Produce (Development and Regulation) Act, 1981. The Rules provide for the establishment of agricultural produce development boards, the appointment of agricultural produce development officers, and the development and regulation of agricultural produce.

These enactments have been enacted to protect the interests of the agrarian society in Himachal Pradesh. The enactments provide for the regulation of agricultural produce marketing, grading and marking, licensing of dealers, regulation of supply and sale, control of prices, development and regulation of agricultural produce. The enactments have helped to improve the marketing of agricultural produce, ensure quality standards, regulate the activities of intermediaries, and control prices. The enactments have also helped to promote the development of Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the enactments made by the Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian society:

  1. What are the main objectives of the enactments made by the Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian society?

The main objectives of the enactments are to:

  • Protect the interests of farmers and agricultural laborers.
  • Promote agricultural production and productivity.
  • Ensure fair prices for agricultural produce.
  • Provide access to credit and other inputs for farmers.
  • Improve the infrastructure for agriculture.

  • Promote research and development in agriculture.

  • What are some of the specific provisions of the enactments?

Some of the specific provisions of the enactments include:

  • The establishment of a State Agricultural Marketing Board to regulate the marketing of agricultural produce.
  • The provision of subsidies for agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
  • The provision of loans at concessional rates to farmers.
  • The establishment of agricultural extension Services to provide farmers with technical advice and training.

  • The provision of crop insurance to protect farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities.

  • What has been the impact of the enactments?

The enactments have had a positive impact on the agrarian society in Himachal Pradesh. They have helped to protect the interests of farmers and agricultural laborers, promote agricultural production and productivity, ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, provide access to credit and other inputs for farmers, improve the infrastructure for agriculture, and promote research and development in agriculture.

  1. What are some of the challenges faced by the agrarian society in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the challenges faced by the agrarian society in Himachal Pradesh include:

  • Low productivity of land.
  • Lack of access to irrigation facilities.
  • Low prices for agricultural produce.
  • Indebtedness of farmers.
  • Lack of awareness about new agricultural technologies.

  • Migration of youth from rural areas.

  • What are some of the initiatives taken by the Himachal Pradesh Government to address the challenges faced by the agrarian society?

Some of the initiatives taken by the Himachal Pradesh Government to address the challenges faced by the agrarian society include:

  • The promotion of high-value crops.
  • The provision of irrigation facilities.
  • The establishment of agricultural markets.
  • The provision of crop insurance.
  • The provision of subsidies for agricultural inputs.
  • The establishment of agricultural extension services.

  • The promotion of research and development in agriculture.

  • What is the future of the agrarian society in Himachal Pradesh?

The future of the agrarian society in Himachal Pradesh is bright. The State Government is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of farmers and agricultural laborers. The enactments have had a positive impact on the agrarian society and the government is taking further initiatives to address the challenges faced by the agrarian society.

  1. The Himachal Pradesh government has enacted a law to protect the interests of agrarian society. The law is called the Himachal Pradesh Agrarian Reforms and Development Act, 2013.
  2. The law aims to protect the interests of farmers by providing them with a fair price for their produce, ensuring access to credit and inputs, and providing them with social security benefits.
  3. The law also aims to promote agricultural development by providing farmers with access to modern technology and by improving the Infrastructure in Rural Areas.
  4. The law has been welcomed by farmers and agricultural experts. They believe that the law will help to improve the lives of farmers and promote agricultural development in the state.

Here are some MCQs based on the above information:

  1. What is the name of the law enacted by the Himachal Pradesh government to protect the interests of agrarian society?
    (a) The Himachal Pradesh Agrarian Reforms and Development Act, 2013
    (b) The Himachal Pradesh Farmers’ Welfare Act, 2013
    (c) The Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Development Act, 2013
    (d) The Himachal Pradesh Rural Development Act, 2013

  2. What are the objectives of the law?
    (a) To protect the interests of farmers by providing them with a fair price for their produce, ensuring access to credit and inputs, and providing them with social security benefits.
    (b) To promote agricultural development by providing farmers with access to modern technology and by improving the infrastructure in rural areas.
    (c) Both (a) and (b)
    (d) None of the above

  3. How has the law been received by farmers and agricultural experts?
    (a) It has been welcomed by farmers and agricultural experts.
    (b) It has been criticized by farmers and agricultural experts.
    (c) It has been met with mixed reactions from farmers and agricultural experts.
    (d) None of the above

  4. What are the possible impacts of the law?
    (a) It could help to improve the lives of farmers and promote agricultural development in the state.
    (b) It could have a negative impact on the state’s economy.
    (c) It could have both positive and negative impacts.
    (d) None of the above