Author name: peerinfotech09

Introduction The commonly cultivated six species – Catla (Catla catla) Rohu (Labeo rohita), Marigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) Silver carp (Hypothalmichthys molitrix), Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are considered to be the best culturable species of fishes in the inland water system. These fishes originally belong to riverine environment and when cultured in standing water bodies such as ponds and tanks, they attain maturity but normally do not breed under confined conditions. Special attempts are therefore made to breed them by artificially creating riverine conditions and stimulating there endocrine system. The technique of breeding fish by other than its natural course is known as INDUCED BREEDING. Induced breeding techniques have been developed for production of quality fish seed of culturable varieties. It is one of the most dependable methods of producing pure seed of desired species of fish. Further this technique has helped to produce fish seed in those areas where natural collection of fish seed was not possible.

Chapter I Requirements Of A Model Scheme For Formulation By Banks General This document gives broad guidelines for scheme formulation by banks for financing of dug wells in hard rock areas. The aspects that are necessary in scheme formulation are groundwater availability, well design, cost estimates, cropping pattern, pumpset selection and scheme economics.

Chapter I Requirements of Model Schemes for Formulation by Banks General India is the largest producer of fruits and second largest producer of vegetables in the world. In spite of that per capita availability of fruits and vegetables is quite low because of post harvest losses which account for about 25% to 30% of production. Besides, quality of a sizable quantity of produce also deteriorates by the time it reaches the consumer. This is mainly because of perishable nature of the produce which requires a cold chain arrangement to maintain the quality and extend the shelf-life if consumption is not meant immediately after harvest. In the absence of a cold storage and related cold chain facilities, the farmers are being forced to sell their produce immediately after harvest which results in glut situations and low price realization. Sometime farmers do not even get their harvesting and transportation costs what to talk of the cost of production or profit. As a result, our production is not getting stabilized and the farmers after burning fingers in one crop switch over to another crop in the subsequent year and the vicious cycle continues. Our farmers continue to remain poor even though they take risk of cultivating high value fruits and vegetable crops year after year. A cold storage facility accessible to them will go a long way in removing the risk of distress sale to ensure better returns. This document endeavors to provide information on various broad technical and financial aspects of a cold storage unit to enable the financing banks and entrepreneurs in formulation and implementation such projects.

Introduction Drip irrigation, also known as "trickle" irrigation, is the latest method of water management. Under this system, water is carried to the plant under low pressure, through small diameter plastic pipes and delivered at the root zone, drop by drop through drippers. Drip irrigation is widely practiced and established method of irrigation in developed countries and is slowly gaining popularity in India. It is most suited for horticulture crops, vegetables etc. and finds applicability in hard rock areas where groundwater is scarce and helps in optimization of the limited water resources. The system has its advantages and limitations. Its advantages are in terms of savings of water (50-60%) of that required for flow irrigation, effective use of fertilizers, less labour and energy cost. The limitation for adopting of this method is its high initial cost which is beyond the purchasing capacity of small and marginal farmers and thus mainly adopted by large farmers.

Why do Dairy Farming? Dairying is an important source of subsidiary income to small/marginal farmers and agricultural labourers. The manure from animals provides a good source of organic matter for improving soil fertility and crop yields. The gober gas from the dung is used as fuel for domestic purposes as also for running engines for drawing water from well. The surplus fodder and agricultural by-products are gainfully utilized for feeding the animals. Almost all draught power for farm operations and transportation is supplied by bullocks. Since agriculture is mostly seasonal, there is a possibility of finding employment throughout the year for many persons through dairy farming. Thus, dairy also provides employment throughout the year. The main beneficiaries of dairy programmes are small/marginal farmers and landless  labourers. A farmer can earn a gross surplus of about Rs. 12,000 per year from a unit consisting of 2 milking buffaloes. The capital investment required for purchase of 2 buffaloes is Rs. 18,223/-. Even after paying a sum of Rs. 4294/- per annum towards repayment of the loan and interest the farmer can earn a net surplus of Rs. 6000 – 9000/- approximately per year. (For details see model scheme enclosed). Even more profits can be earned depending upon the breed of animal, managerial skills and marketing potential.

Introduction Fish is the cheapest and most easily digestible animal protein and was obtained from natural sources from time immemorial for consumption by human beings. However, due to over exploitation and pollution, the availability of fish in natural waters have declined considerably forcing scientists to adopt various methods to increase its production. Fish farming in controlled or under artificial conditions has become the easier way of increasing the fish production and its availability for consumption. Farmers can easily take up fish culture in village ponds, tanks or any new water body and can improve their financial position substantially. It also creates gainful employment for skilled and unskilled youths. The technology developed for fish culture in which more than one type of compatible fishes are cultured simultaneous is the most advanced and popular in the country. This technology is known as Composite Fish Culture. This technology enables to get maximum fish production from a pond or a tank through utilization of available fish food organisms in all the natural niches, supplemented by artificial feeding. Any perennial fresh water pond/tank retaining water depth of 2 metres can be used for fish culture purpose. However, the minimum level should not fall below one metre.Even seasonal ponds can also be utilised for short duration fish culture.

Introduction Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), a native of Brazil, was introduced in India during the later half of the 16th Century for the purpose of afforestation and soil conservation. From its humble beginning as a crop intended to check soil erosion, cashew has emerged as a major foreign exchange earner next only to tea and coffee. Cashew Kernel which is highly delicious, has become a much sought after produce. Among various nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, etc., cashew nut enjoys an unenviable position and it is an unavoidable snack in all important social functions specially in the western countries.

Introduction Coconut (Cocos nucifera) plays a significant role in the agrarian economy of India. Apart from the importance of copra and coconut oil which is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, hair oil, cosmetics and other industrial products, the husk is a source of fibre which supports a sizable coir industry. The tender nut supplies coconut water, a popular thirst quencher of health and hygienic value. Distribution Coconut is grown in more than 80 countries of the world with a total production of 49 billion nuts. India occupies a predominant position in respect of production of coconut in the world. The shares of coconut growing countries in production are: Indonesia (25.7%), Philippines (23.2%), India (23%), Sri Lanka (4.4%), others (13.7%) and other APCC countries (10%). The productivity of the crop is the highest in India with 7572 nuts/ha.

Introduction The Indian dairy industry is contributing significantly to the country's economy, besides improving the health standard by increasing the nutritional value of the food. India occupies first position in the world having a total bovine population of 288 million compared to the world's total bovine population of 1420 million. As per 1992 livestock census, the country has about 62.90 million breedable cows and 42.46 million breedable buffaloes. There has been a major improvement in milk production which increased from 17 million tones in 1951 to 74.7 million tonnes during 1998-99 and the growth was maximum between 1980 and 1990. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Bihar contributed to the extent of 85 percent of the total milk production in the country. Today, India is number one producer of milk in the world. The present per capita availability of milk is 212 gms as against the ICMR recommendation of 250 gms.

Introduction Sustainable crop production depends much on good soil health. Soil health maintenance warrants optimum combination of organic and inorganic components of the soil. Repeated use of chemical fertilizers destroys soil biota. In nature, there are a number of useful soil micro organisms which can help plants to absorb nutrients. Their utility can be enhanced with human intervention by selecting efficient organisms, culturing them and adding them to soils directly or through seeds. The cultured micro organisms packed in some carrier material for easy application in the field are called bio-fertilizers.