ITF 2024 Millets & Organics International Trade Fair, Bengaluru
Organic, Natural Farming and Millet Promotional Initiatives of Government of Karnataka
The Government of Karnataka, realising the importance of organic agriculture as early as in 2004 brought out a State policy on organic farming and has implemented several schemes and programmes under the policy to promote organic farming in the State. Several programmes were initiated as organic farming addresses sustainable food production, soil health, nature conservation, rural development and mitigation of drought situation.
Organic village programmein cluster approach was initiated at district level initially which was later extended to taluk and later on to hobli level. Regional Institutes of Organic Farming (RIOF) established in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Separate package of practices for organic farming brought out for several crops and also model farms established by the SAUs. The State of Karnataka has brought out its own organic certification agency- Karnataka State Seeds & Organic Certification Agency (KSSOCA).
Savayava Bhagya Yojane, a major programme which was implemented in 566 hoblis of the state in project areas of 100 ha each benefitting 53829 farmers and bringing an area of 63677 hectare under organic cultivation. The farmers in each cluster were brought together to form organic farmers associations and registered under society’s act. The entire area under Savayava Bhagya Yojana brought under group certification programme through KSSOCA.
Market Based Specific Crop Organic Cluster Development Programme was implemented in certified Savayava Bhagya Yojane project areas with a focus on organic market based specific crops or commodity in order to provide bulk & continuous supply to meet the market demand. Further, focus was provided to develop proper linkages between producers and consumers by strengthening the supply chain mechanism on value chain mode by supporting activities related to production, collection, grading, value addition, processing, packing, brand development, whole sale and retail marketing of organic produce.
Presently, Karnataka ranks eighth in the country in terms of certified organic area (82015.56 hectares) and fourth in terms of total certified organic annual production (237091.43 MT). (APEDA Statistics)
Savayava Siri Programme was implemented for the promotion of organic farming. Under the scheme, capacity building in organic farming is provided to the eligible farmers of the state, along with the development of model organic farms and organic seed production farms, desi vegetable seed production and local/forest fruit seeds/seedling production in the state agriculture / horticultural universities.
The Scientific Validation of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) System was implemented as experimental trials through the concerned State Agriculture/ Horticulture Universities in 10 Research Stations on Operational Research Project (ORP) mode.
Chief Ministers Natural Farming scheme was implemented through State’s Agri/horticultural Universities as farmers participatory research in 1000 acres farmer’s fields under each of the five Agri/Horticultural Universities. Trainings were imparted to all the selected farmers of the clusters. Farmers who have adopted natural farming system of the selected project area under the program were benefitted with Rs. 7000/- per acre.
Regional Federation of Organic Farmers Associations
Further, to facilitate systematic market of organic produce, Government of Karnataka has facilitated setting up of 15 regional federations by federating the organic farmers’ associations throughout the state. The village level organic farmers’ associations and clusters were formed into 15 regional federations and registered during 2015-16. These federations were supported for taking up organic market related activities viz., collection, grading, value addition, processing, packing, brand development, marketing of organic produce, consumer awareness programme and other related activities. These federations have federated to form Karnataka State Co-operative Organic Produce marketing Federation Limited at the State Level. Various programmes have been initiated to provide market linkages to the organic produce of the state through these organic federations.
Karnataka Organic Farming Policy 2017
Karnataka State policy on organic farming 2017 was released during the National Trade fair in 2017. The policy is a revision of the 2004 version by incorporating new objectives and strategies to create more opportunities for the farmers of the state to meet the growing demand for organic food in the market. The new policy focuses on providing proper linkages between producers and consumers, strengthening the supply chain mechanism and supporting activities related to collection, grading, value addition, processing, packing, brand development, whole sale and retail marketing of organic produce
Karnataka: Millet capital of India
Karnataka is promoting millets as nutri-cereals that are good to eat and grow and kind on the planet. Millet production and promotional programmes are being taken up by the department of Agriculture. Jowar, Bajra and Ragi crops are referred as “Major Millets” where as Foxtail millet (navane), Little millet (same), Kodo millet (Haraka), Barnyard millet (udalu), Proso millet (baragu), Browntop millet (korale) crops are referred as “Minor Millets” and together these are called as Nutri-Cereals.
Millets are termed as the last standing crop in times of drought and as wonder grain that has capability to enhance nutritional security in the country. The perception of millets of the state as food of the poor is changing mainly among those with lifestyle diseases. Karnataka has started implementing distribution of millets through PDS -where in the grains are sourced and distributed locally. Today, Karnataka is one of the leading producers and consumers of millets in the country. It also stands at the top of the market with a huge demand for millets. The state government is trying to make millets ‘The Food of the Future’ through various initiatives and ensuring farmers get their due remuneration.
The Ultimate objective of the State is to popularize “organic produce and millets” as “Traditional Super Foods to Nourish Future Generations”.
Programmes currently Under Implementation
Raithasiri Yojane
In order to increase the area under millets cultivation in the state, encouragement is being given for the cultivation of organically and traditionally grown minor millets/nutri cereals viz., foxtail millet, little millet, Indian barnyard millet, kodo millet, brown top millet and proso millet based on the crop survey by providing an incentive of Rs. 10,000/- per hectare (maximum of 2 hectares) to the farmers growing minor millets through Direct Benefit Transfer. Scheme is being continued during 2023-24.
In order to encourage Processing, Grading, Value addition, Packing and Branding of Minor millets, an assistance of 50% or maximum of Rs.10.00 lakhs subsidy are being provided to the millet processing machineries.
Organic Farming and Certification Programme
This scheme was launched during 2018-19 to enhance the certified organic area in the state from 1.00 lakh hectares to1.50 lakh hectares. This programme is being implemented by inviting proposals from eligible farmer groups/ individuals who are willing to register their farms for organic certification for which the assistance (90% subsidy) for certification is being provided through Karnataka State Seeds and Organic Certification Agency (KSSOCA).
Organic Carbon Mission
To create awareness among farmers about the usefulness of increasing organic carbon in soil, farmers are being provided with Rs.2500/- per hectare (100%) for demonstration. Green manure seeds are provided to the farmers at 75% subsidy or Rs 3000/- per hectare (maximum 2 hectares) whichever is less.
Green manure seeds mainly Diancha, Sunhemp etc. are being distributed to all categories of farmers at 75% subsidy.