August 21, 2012

An action plan to increase the production of oilseeds, pulses, corn and oil palm under the 'Integrated Scheme of Oil Seeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Corn (Isopom) is being drawn by India's department of Agriculture and Cooperation as part of its national agriculture action plan.

Oil Seeds Production Programme, National Pulses Development Programme, Accelerated Corn Development Programme and Oil Palm Development Programme were merged into one scheme, Isopom. The very objective of the scheme is for increasing production and productivity, processing, and post-harvest management technologies for accelerating self-reliance in oilseeds and corn.

The Central and the State governments are sponsoring the project in the ratio of 75:25. The Department of Agriculture, headed by the joint director at the district level, is now engaged in drawing local action plan to facilitate increase in production of Isopom crops and expand their area of cultivation as part of the food security measures being implemented by the Union government. Farmers will be encouraged to diversify into these crops from their cultivation of water intensive crops.

Farmers experiencing low productivity yields with their present crops will be asked to diversify to Isopom crops which consume less water. They can also adopt the crops as inter-crops. Farmers will be accorded training on improved irrigation methods and equipment and agronomic practices and production technologies.

As part of the action plan, steps are being taken to increase seed production and that too quality seed. Seed shortage is one of the major constraints in the spread of new improved varieties or hybrid and realising their yield potential. Production of seed is time consuming and required advance planning. To increase seed production the area under crop production should be expanded and progressive replacement of seed in case of open pollinated varieties and new crop varieties promoted.

The Union government's action plan suggests preparation of five-year plan indicating requirement of breeder seed and production of foundation and certified seed for each year and ensures their proper multiplication and distribution. In order to make certified seed available to farmers during kharif 2012, the seed agencies should be programmed to purchase breeder seed for production of foundation seed under assured irrigation during kharif 2012. The certified seed of groundnut, soy, and corn will be supplied on 50% subsidy.

The major component of Isopom action plan is supply of mini-kits of the latest and pre-released varieties of oil seeds and corn free of cost. The move is aimed at popularising and promoting Isopom crops.