Horticulture

Introduction :                                                                                                      

                      Horticulture is a significant and upcoming sector in Karnataka. Horticulture has proved to be the best diversification option for agricultural land use, because of assured and the remunerative returns to the farmers. The Department of Horticulture is responsible for the overall development of Horticulture in the district. The Department is adopting a definite policy for the development of Horticulture.
Physical features :
       District geographical area is 10597 square kilometer and contains 10 talukas, 50 hoblies, 331 Grama panchayaths and 2715 villages. Tumakuru is surrounded by Bangalore and Kolar in the east, Hassan and Chikmagalur district in the west, Chitradurga and Andhra Pradesh border in the north, Mandya district in the South.
Geographical features :
Tumakuru district is situated in south Karnataka region and has extended from 12.45O to 14.22O of north latitude and 76.2O to 77.31O of east latitude. Southern part of the district is surrounded by hills in south north direction, among which Huliyurdurga and Hutridurga hills of Kunigal taluk are important ones. Parallel to this another hilly region spreads over in which Kamanadurga, Nidgal durga of Pavagada, rocky hills of Madhugiri, Channarayanadurga of Koratagere taluk, Devarayanadurga of Tumakuru taluk are major ones. Tumakuru is situated at the height of 806m from mean sea level.
There are no major rivers in the district only some small river flows in the rainy season and supply water to the ponds. Jayamangali river take birth at Devarayanadurga and flows in Koratagere and Madhugiri taluks and joins pinakini at Ananthapura district of Andhrapradesh.
Swarnamukhi river starts its journey from siddarabetta of Koratagere taluk. Shimsha river takes birth at Devarayanadurga and flows in Gubbi, Kunigal and joins Kaveri at the end for which at Markonahalli dam was constructed which irrigates 4500 hectares of cultivated land.
Soil :
        Tumakuru district has the geographical area of 10597 square kilometers and its share in the total geographical area of the state is 5.589% Tumakuru stands third among the other district in the geographical area, majority of the soil is red soil and in some parts it is sandy loam.

Major Horticulture crops :
        Horticulture crops include plantation crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices and medicinal plants. Major horticulture crops grown in Tumakuru include Coconut, Arecanut, Banana, Mango, Sapota, Pomegranate, Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli, Aster, Jasmine, Chrysanthemum etc. Farmers are keen in growing horticultural crops. Horticulture crops area during 2015-16 is 227352 hectares compared to 705446 hectares of total cultivable area.

Agro – climatic features :
        Tumakuru is having mainly dry climate temperature ranging from 18oc to 38oc district, receives major rainfall from south west monsoon from June to September and North west monsoon in October and November, winter starts from December and continues upto February. Summer starts from March and ends up in May. District average rainfall is 739.6mm. In 2016(January to December 2016) actual rainfall was 412.1mm. overall climate is favorable to grow many no. of Horticulture crops.
According to the climate condition district is divided into 3 ranges :
1) Central dry belt       :       Pavagada, Sira, Madhugiri, Koratagere, C.N.Halli and Tiptur
2) Southern dry belt     :       Kunigal, Turuvekere
3) Eastern dry belt      :       Tumakuru and Gubbi]

Objectives & Visions :
Vision of the department: To increase the production & productivity of the Horticultural crops by which the farming community will get the increased income and lead better livelihood.
The Objectives of the department are :

1. Motivate the farmers to grow more horticultural crops thereby to increase the overall area under Horticulture.
2. Transfer of new technology evolved at Agricultural/Horticultural Universities and Research Stations to the farming community.
3. Provide latest and timely technical guidance to the farmers
4. Implementation of programmes of the department.

Programme and schemes highlights:
 Zilla panchayath schemes
D-01- Assistance for Micro Irrigation: Financial assistance will be given to the farmers who have adopted micro irrigation / Drip irrigation system in the horticulture farms. (90% subsidy upto 2 Ha. & 50% subsidy for another 3 Ha.)

D-02- Horticultural buildings / infrastructure :  Assistance will be given for construction/renovation  of office buildings / infrastructure where ever needed.

D-03- Horticulture farms management:  Assistance will be given to farms under Zilla panchyath for conducting various agronomic practices like tilling, weeding, application of fertilizer and plant protection chemicals and overall maintenance of the farms.

D-04- Procurement of coconut nuts and nursery management:
a) Procurement of coconut nuts and nursery management: Procuring the coconut from the elite / good yielding mother plants and planting them in departmental nursery, to grow good quality coconut seedlings which are then provided to the farmers at the Department specified rates

.b) Production of bio control agents :This scheme involves production of bio control agent like Goniozus species to combat the menace of black headed caterpillar pest in Coconut.

D-05- Publicity and Literature : This scheme involves setting up to Departmental stall showcasing latest technologies and innovations pertaining to Horticulture in Agriculture Exhibitions conducted at Siddagangamutt, kyathasandra of Tumakuru taluk and Pattanayakanahalli, of Sira Taluk and also district level flower show will conducted. It also involves Printing of blowups, charts, pamphlets etc.,relating to different schemes in Horticulture department and regarding latest technologies for distributing to farmers.

D-06- Assistance for cold storage :  Assistance will be given to the cold storage unit at the rate of `Rs. 1.00 per unit of electricity consumed.

D-07- Bee keeping :  In this scheme remuneration to bee keeping assistants will be given and training regarding bee keeping will be provided for the farmers.

TALUK PANCHAYATH SCHEMES

D-08- Assistance to farmers :

 a) Area expansion programme : Farmers will be provided  with high yielding / elite quality fruit plants like mango and sapota.                                                                        

 b) Supply of plant protection chemicals at 50% subsidy: Assistance for purchase of Plant Protection Chemicals at 50%  subsidy will be provided to the farmers.            

c) Production of ornamental plants : This programme includes production of ornamental plants / pots to increase the aesthetic value of offices and Government guest houses.
D-09- Training to farmers / women farmers  :  Farmers / women farmers will be trained for adopting the new techniques in horticulture crop management, processing of perishable and valuable fruits and vegetables.

D-11- Special component plan  :  Assistance will be given to the farmers belonging to SC category for establishment of  fruit / coconut plantation.

D-12- Tribal component plan  :  Assistance will be given to the farmers belonging to ST category for establishment of  fruit / coconut plantation.

STATE SECTOR SCHEMES

S-04- Centrally sponsored Micro Irrigation Scheme :Financial assistance will be given to the farmers who have adopted micro irrigation / Drip irrigation system in the horticulture farms. (90% subsidy upto 2 Ha. & 50% subsidy for another 3 Ha.)

S-05- Integrated coconut farming scheme : In this scheme, financial assistance will be given for adopting improved cultivation practices in coconut gardens as demonstration plots and also for integrated pest and disease management in coconut and training will be given regarding improved cultivation practices in coconut gardens.

S-08- Establishment of coconut products park : 

a) Under this scheme, coconut products park is being established in Sira taluk to encourage various coconut based product industries. This helps in getting better price for the coconut farmers and also creates employment opportunities.                                                               

b) Supportive fund will be given to registered coconut producer company in the district.

S-10 :Comprehensive Horticulture developtment scheme: Emphasis is given for over all horticulture crops development in cluster basis. Assistance will be given for area expansion, construction of community tank, establishment of vermi compost/Bio digester, post harvest technologies and training programmes in selected clusters, During 2016-17 crops like aster,pepper,papaya,vegetables,banana(sucker) are selected in Tumakuru district under this scheme.And RKVY matching grants 40% assistance will be given Horticlinic at Tumakuru provides technical guidance, training and consultation to the farmers.

Incentives for Floriculture: Financial assistance will be given for flower growers under poly house for poly sheet replacement, replanting with improved verties and subsidy for usage of electricity in cold storage units.

Training will be given in kitchen and terrace garden.

Integrated development of horticulture for SCP and TSP farmers assistance will be given for various horticulture area expansion crop like banana,tomato are selected in Tumakuru dist and mechanisation,drip irrigation,plastic creats,biodigester,krushihonda progress will be supported.

S-14 : Devlopment of deparmental lab :  Under this scheme vegetable seeds are procured from local shops and sent to departmental laboratory for analysis.

 
S-15 : Integrated pest and disease management in horticulture crops :  Assistance will be provided to the farmers through 50% subsidy for procurement of plant protection chemicals and for production of bio-control agent like Goniozus in departmental laboratories.

S-20:  Development of Madhuvana and Apiculture :  Under this scheme assistance is given for establishment of Madhuvana, conduct training for farmers regarding bee keeping, subsidy will be given for purchase of honey box and bee colony.

RASHTRIYA KRISHI VIKAS YOJANE (RKVY) :

The schemes under RKVY are

1. Mechanisation in Horticulture : Assistance will be given to the farmers who have adopted mechanization in horticulture.
2. Precision farming banana : Assistance will be given to SC / ST farmers for establishment of Tissue culture banana orchard by adopting latest technologies.
3. Rejuvenation of  Betel vine : Assistance will be given for rejuvenating affetced Betelvine gardens by removing dead/diseased palms,replacing with good planting material, adopting integrated cultivation practices and adopting water conservation techniques.

NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION
1. Model Nurseries: Production and distribution of good quality seeds and planting material is an important component of the Mission. Most of the States have a network of nurseries for producing planting material, which were established through Central or State assistance. To meet requirement of planting material for bringing additional area under improved varieties of horticultural crops and rejuvenation programme for old / senile plantations, assistance will be provided for setting up new nurseries under the public as well as private sector.
a) Public sector : 100% subsidy Rs.25.00 lakh/ha. (Max. Rs.100.00/unit for 4 ha area) will be given.
b) Private Sector :40% subsidy Rs.10.00 lakh/ha. (Max. Rs.40.00/unit for 4 ha area) will be given..

2. Establishment of new gardens : The Mission envisages coverage of large areas under improved varieties of horticultural crops. The assistance for cultivation will be for a maximum area of 4 ha. per beneficiary, spread over a period of three years in ratio of 60:20:20 subject to survival rate of 75% in 2nd year and 90% in 3rd year depending upon nature of crop.

Fruit crops:
        Subsidy given for establishment of  new gardens as follows : For Mango (integrated package with drip irrigation) Rs. 10000/ Ha, For Pomegranate   Rs. 19200/ Ha, For Lime /Lemon Rs. 16000/ Ha, Vegetable (Hybrids) for maximum area of 2 ha. per beneficiary at the rate of Rs. 20000/ha, For Banana Suckers Rs.26000/ ha, For Banana Tissue culture Rs.40800/ ha, For Papaya Rs.30000/ ha, For Black pepper Rs.20000/ha, For coco Rs.20000/ha.

Flower crops : Details of assistance given for flower crops is as below.                           

  Cut flowers : Rs. 40000/ Ha. subsidy will be given for small and marginal farmers and Rs. 25000/ ha. will be given for other farmer.                                                                    

  Loose flowers : Rs. 16000/ Ha.subsidy will be given for small and marginal farmers and Rs.10000/ Ha. subsidy will be given for other farmers.

Bulbous flowers : Rs.60000/Ha subsidy will be given for small and marginal farmers and Rs. 37500/ Ha.subsidy will be given for other farmers.

3. Creation of water resources : Under the mission assistance will be provided for creating water resources through construction of community tanks, farm ponds / reservoirs with plastic RCC lining to ensure life saving irrigation to horticulture crops. For community tank maximum assistance of Rs. 4.00 lakhs for 6000 cubic meter volume and for individual water structures maximum  assistance of Rs. 0.75 lakhs for 1200 cubic meter volume is given.

4. Protected cultivation : For growing  hitech and good quality horticulture crops, control of pests and disease, increased production, various flower, fruits, vegetables and other high valued crops can be grown in protected area. Assistance will be given at the rate of 50% with maximum limit for construction of protected structures as follows.      

a)Tubular naturally ventilated structure : Rs.394/sqm maximum 4000 sqm / beneficiary.

b)Tubular shade net house : Rs. 192/sqm maximum 4000 sqm/ beneficiary.                     

c)Anti bird / insect / anti hail nets : Rs. 10/sqm maximum 5000 sqm/ beneficiary.  

d)Plastic mulching : Rs. 16000/ha. maximum 2ha. / beneficiary.

5.Promotion of  Integrated nutrient management and promotion of integrated pest management : Assistance of Rs. 1200/ha. will be given maximum 4ha/beneficiary.

6. Organic farming : Organic farming in Horticulture is becoming increasingly important. Its environmental and economic benefits have captured attention in many countries. Consumers demand for originally produced food products and society’s demand for more sustainable development provide new opportunities for farming and business around the world.                                                                                                                            

 a) Adoption of organic conversion (1st year): Assistance of  Rs. 4000/ha. limited to 4ha. / beneficiary.                                                                                                                                 

 b) Organic certification in cluster basis (1st year) : Assistance of  Rs. 3000/ha.               

c) Vermi compost / Bio-digester unit / organic input production units : Assistance of Rs. 30000 /unit.

7. Polination support through bee keeping :  As Honey bees improves pollination and yield in horticultural crops, promotion for beekeeping is given.                                      

a)  Honey bee colony : Assistance of Rs. 800/colony limited to 50 colonies / beneficiary.   

b)  Honey bee hives : Assistance of Rs. 800/colony limited to 50 hive / beneficiary.      

 c) Honey extractor equipment set : Rs. 8000/set limited to one set / beneficiary.

8. Horticulture mechanisation : Assistance for Tractor (up to 20 HP) of Rs. 100000/unit for SC/ST, marginal and small, women farmers and Rs.75000/unit for other farmers limited to one set per beneficiary.

9. Human Resource Development (HRD) in Horticulture: Human resource development through trainings and demonstrations is an integral part of the Mission. Under this programme, training of farmers and technical staff / field functionaries will be taken up. Programme for providing appropriate training to farmers for adoption of high yielding varieties of crops and farming system will be taken up at district level, state level and out side the state.

10. Integrated post harvest management :                                                                                   

 a) pack house : Assistance of Rs. 2.0 lakhs / unit for construction of pack house.                   

  b)Cold storage and ripening chamber: Assistance of 35% of total project cost upto maximum subsidy of Rs.175.00 lakhs/unit for storage and Rs.105.00 lakhs/unit for ripenin

Horticulture crops statistics information pertaing to Tumakuru District