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BTS in INDIA

followed up some more on BT seeds usage in different countries. One country where these seeds and their modifications have been carefully and systematically used seems to be Australia. It seems that these seeds have to e carefully used and monitored with a system of refuges. And the seeds have been modified every few years. Long term uses and effects on health of people and soil are still being studied. With these provisos, it seems to be a success in Australia. Of course, there are other problems like the price of seeds in different countries, cost of production, gloalization effects due to subsidies etc. So, my current impression is that it is a tricky technology which on the whole yields higher profits, but has to be continuosly monitored by reliable agencies (Monsanto was fined in Indonesia for bribing).

i had struggled, the way you are now, trying to find the implications of bt technology/gm seeds etc., i found that it’s too early to conclude about their efficacy etc,., but you seem to be ignoring one vital issue here that i had pointed out on the other india tooo.. that bt cotton seems like the only alternative available to indian farmers right now..
let me put it differently - if there was no bt cotton the rate of suicides wouldn’t decrease at all, but might actually increase because there’d have been increased crop failures because the conventional seeds and pest control methods are failing increasingly. farmers see it as an effective answer to the major pest attacking cotton -bollworm. and the yields are also higher than conventional varieties..let me also point out here that suicides of cotton farmers started in andhra pradesh a few years before bt seeds were actually introduced on a commercial basis in india.

secondly, india’s trade in agricultural trade is low, when compared with the total volume of world trade.. we can’t really talk about global trends affecting indian farmers in a significant way as yet..
in my view, globalisation is an easy scapegoat for all those disparate groups ranged against reforms in india - the communists, the rss, the socialists, the environmentalists, the staus-quoists in the congress etc., etc., to blame all ills on..

VIDARBA's Condition

It is the matter of great surprise and rude shock that, the Govt. of India has caused great inequality, discrimination, and injustice upon the Cotton Cultivating farmers of India, specially the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra State as their demand to enhance & re-fix MSP of cotton has not been considered, whereas the Wheat Cultivating Farmers from North & East India have been given substantial increase of 33% in MSP of Wheat.

The Govt. of India while doing justice to the Wheat Cultivating Farmers to give better remunerative prices for their Wheat agro produce, have caused great inequality, discrimination and injustice upon the Cotton Cultivating Farmers by increasing the MSP merely by 2% as compared to last year. Though, Wheat and Cotton both cultivating farmers needs remunerative & affordable support prices to their respective produce, it seems the Govt. has applied different and distinct / separate yardsticks – rules – scales while fixing the MSP of Cotton and Wheat. It is the classic example of inequality before law and thus, the Govt. has violated the Principles of Equality laid down in the Article - 14 of the Constitution of India and thus, caused discrimination & injustice upon the lacs of cotton cultivating farmers especially in the Vidarbha Region, who are all in extreme distress & are witnessing the unpresented economic crisis compelling them to commit suicides due to non remunerative, non affordable and unrealistic prices to the Cotton Produce. By extending the benefit of increased remunerative support prices for Wheat, Gram, Mustard, etc. farmers Govt. of India has denied the same level playing field and thus also caused violation of Principle laid down in Article – 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India.

2) You are aware that, ours is the movement fighting for the cause of farmers and we have been pursuing the issue of remunerative affordable prices to the agriculture produce including cotton which is the only cash crop of the poor farmers in the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra State. Since 1996-97, our organization is consistently demanding the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the agro produced cotton, which are being fixed on the recommendations of your High-Power Commission which is working for the agriculture cost & prices in India for protection of the farmers and agriculture community at large. We enclosed herewith the chart of MSP fixed for cotton during last 10 years, which shows that the price increase is merely 3% per annum in an average, if we consider the MSP for cotton fixed @ Rs.1530/- in 1997-98 and @ Rs. 1990/- for the season 2006-07.

3) Sir, we have been apprising you that Vidarbha being rainfed area which is solely dependant on the natural / monsoon rains always experienced low yield of cotton as compared to other States in India. Now, due to abnormal increase in the high cost of production and consistent low yield due to many reasons, cotton cultivating farmers in the Vidarbha Region are suffering extremely and their economical condition is deteriorating year by year.

4) You are also aware that, due to introduction of high cost BT Cotton Seeds, the cost of production has almost doubled, but due to the rainfed area, per hectare cotton production / yield in Vidarbha is as low as 160KG (1.6 Quintal) per hector(This is as per report submitted to PMO by relief commissioner as on 10th October-2006 on vidarbha agrarian crisis) which is extremely low. As a result of this average yield of 2.3 to 2.5 Quintal per hectare, on the present cotton MSP F414 quality @ Rs.1770/- per Quintal and H4 Quality @ Rs.1990/- per Quintal, it is very difficult for the cotton cultivating farmers to survive.

5) We have also apprised you that, this has ultimately resulted in extremely poor economic condition being deteriorated further and now this situation is such a volatile and unfortunate that, hundreds of cotton cultivating farmers have committed suicides. It’s a matter of National Shame. If we believe the Govt. figures of such unfortunate incidence of suicides, more than 7500 farmers have committed suicides since 2001-02. This unfortunate number of suicides are increasing day by day even after the continued efforts of the State Govt. as well as the Central Govt. The Packages announced have virtually failed to give any immediate relief to the dying cotton cultivating farmers of Vidarbha Region. It is regretted that, the CACP and Govt. is not paying attention towards the increase in the prices of the cotton, which must be remunerative and give support to the farmers in Vidarbha Region. Our organization believes that, the only solution is to increase MSP of cotton so that the cotton farming can become profitable to the farmers of Vidarbha.

6) You are aware that, even after our consistent demand to increase the MSP for cotton, CACP has not considered the same and recommended MSP @ Rs.2030/- per Quintal means bare increase of Rs.40/- per Quintal as compared to last year price of Rs.1990/- per Quintal MSP of H4 Quality Cotton. It is injustice with the depressed farmers of Vidarbha Region.

7) However, while fixing the supportive prices of Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masoor, Rapseed and Sunflower, Govt. of India is kind enough & generous to increase the prices substantially to make it remunerative & affordable to the Farmers of North & East India. In a most welcome decision, Govt. of India now increased the MSP for Wheat to @ Rs.1000/- per quintal as compared to @ Rs.700/- per quintal recommended by CACP means 33% increase when compared to last year. Similarly, the prices of Barley (@ Rs.650/-), Gram (@ Rs.1600/-), Masoor (@ Rs.1700/-), Sunflower (@ Rs.1650/-) have also been increased substantially to benefit the farmers in their interest. We give below the Comparative Chart of the increased in the prices which shows at a glance picture how substantial increased have been given to the farmers of North & East India.

HISTORY OF MAHARASHTRA

Early History

The early history of Maharashtra dates back to the era of Ramayana which was known as “Dandak Aranya”. The language Maharastri, a prakrit corruption of Sanskrit was used during this period. But the recorded history starts from 2nd century BC when it became a part of the Magadha Empire. Due to the decline of the Mauryan Empire the state came under the rule of Satavahanas between 230 BC and 225 AD.Then the emperors of Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Yadavas ruled over the region till 12th century AD. The region came under the Mughal influence in the 13th century when Ala-ud-din Khilji, and later Muhammad bin Tughluq preferred the Deccan plateau. The Islamic reign continued till late 16th century.

Maratha period (1627-1680)

In the late 16th century regional Muslim powers like Nizamshahi, Adilshahi, and Qutubshahi established their prominence in the Deccan region. These empires were parts of Mughal Empire but were autonomous to an extent. Maloji Bhosle, grand father of Shivaji was a Sardar in the Nizamsahi Empire. Bahadur Nizam II offered him the prestige as “Raja” for his courage in the battle with Mughals. He was offered the estates of Pune and the fort of Chakan. This was the initial point of Maratha’s history.

In 1629, Shivaji’s father Shahaji disengaged himself from the service of the Nizamshahi. In 1635 Nizam’s Army attacked the region and Shahaji surrendered before them. In 1643, Shivaji, at the age of 16, took the vow to give freedom to his people. This was the start of his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. By 1647, Shivaji had captured two forts and had the complete charge of Pune. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned as Chhatrapati, the traditional title of a Hindu Monarch at his capital Raigad. He died in 1680, at the age of 53 but left the Maratha state which continued to play an important role in the Indian history for next 100 years.

Peshwa Dynasty (1712-1818)

Bajirao Peshwa was the first ruler of the Peshwa dynasty. His desire was to extend the Maratha Empire to North India. During this period Raigad had regained its status as capital of Maratha Kingdom. The Peshwa dynasty ended to some extent in 1803 when British established their supremacy in the region.

Pre-Independence (British Raj)

Bajirao was against the British, and in November of 1817, he declared war against them. This battle is called “Kirkee Battle” as it was fought at Kirkee, a place in the east of Pune.The Peshwa fled and the power of the country passed from the Peshwas to the British by 1819. The rest of the nineteenth century witnessed a few minor uprisings in and around Pune, but the British dominated the region. In the early 20th century the whole nation was against the British Raj and Pune witnessed violence when the Chaphekar brothers killed a British police officer by the name of Mr. Rand. Mahatma Gandhi had started his Non-Violence movement against the British Force and people of the state participated in this movement to dismiss the British power from the Indian soil. Finally India got her freedom in 1947.

Post-Independence (Modern Maharashtra)

After independence the western Maharashtra and Gujarat were joined to a single state called Bombay. But in 1960 it was separated on the basis of their languages. The present Maharashtra state came into existence on 1st May, 1960 and Bombay was declared its capital.

Cashew cultivation in Maharashtra picking

ENCOURAGED by the incentives offered by the Maharashtra Government more and more people are taking up cashew cultivation in the State. As a result the total area under cashew is expected to go up to around 1.32 lakh hectares by 2001.

At least 11,000 ha. were expected to be added this fiscal to the already existing 1.21 lakh ha. under cashew in 1999-2000 and the State was likely to maintain the production at the last year's level of 1.22 lakh tonnes during the next season, Mr. P.P. Ba lasubramanian, Director, Cashew and Cocoa Development, told Business Line here.

With this rise in area Maharashtra would overtake Kerala both in area and production. Kerala had 1.22 lakh ha. under this commercial crop.

He said farmers were enthused to take up cashew cultivation following the State Government's proposed plans to provide incentives such as soft loans and subsidy on planting materials and labour charges to the farmers and subsidised power to processing un its. Besides, the cashew sector had become the major beneficiary of the State's employment guarantee scheme introduced in 1991.

Mr. Balasubramanian said the total production of raw cashew nuts in the country crossed five lakh tonnes and it was expected to improve during the next season also.

However, the industry sources said the domestic production last year remained below four l.t. with the result around two l.t. of raw nuts had to be imported during 1999-2000 to meet the industry requirement of six l.t.

According to official statistics, the production during last season was 5.2 l.t. from a total area of 6.84 lakh ha. under cashew in the country.

CULTIVATION IN MAHARASHTRA

The state of Maharashtra is highly industrialized; still agriculture continues to be the main occupation of the rural people. The major crops grown in the state include rice, Jowar, Bajra, wheat, pulses, cotton, sugarcane, several oil seeds includingsunflower, groundnut and soybean, turmeric, onions and other vegetables. Maharashtra is also famous for its fruit production. The major fruits produced in the state are: mangoes, bananas, grapes and oranges. Nagpur and Nashik are the major producers of fruits.

Agricultural Crops

Kharif Crops:- Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Millet), Rice, Cotton, Groundnuts

Rabi Crops: - Wheat, Gram, Jowar

Cereals: - Jowar, Rice, Wheat, Bajra, Maize, Bali, Nachni

Oil seeds: - Groundnut, Sesame, Jawas, Karadi, Mustard.

Pulses: – Dal, Tur (Red gram)

Cash Crops: - Sugarcane, Cotton, Chillies, Tobacco, Banana.

Area under agriculture

Net Crop Area 17,619,000 hectares
Total Crop Area 22,381,000 hectares
Total Irrigated Area 3,667,000 hectares
Ratioof total irrigated area with crop area 16.4 per cent
Area under Cereals 9,411,000 hectares
Area under Pulses 33, 88,000 hectares
Total Area under Food-grains 12,798,000 hectares
Area under Horticulture 10.14 lakh hectares

General Greenhouse Management


Greenhouse Construction
Climate Control in GH Structures
Greenhouse Management: Soil Sterilization and preparation, cultural practices in flower and vegetable cultivation
Irrigation and Fertigation Technology
Crop Protection
Post Harvest and Marketing
Ergonomics


Marketing of Horticultural Produce

Importance and Scope
Post-Harvest and Handling
Marketing Channels
Domestic & Export Marketing : Potential Markets & Procedures
Logistics and Planning
Marketing of Allied Products

FUNDING SCHEMES

Bank of Maharashtra
Minor Irrigation for Agriculturists scheme for purchase of various irrigation equipments.
Mahabank Kisan Credit Card scheme for cultivation of crops, meeting the short-term credit needs of farmers.
Farm Mechanisation for Agriculturists scheme for Purchase of Tractors/Power tillers, Harvesters, Threshers & other farm
implements.
Animal Husbandry scheme for Purchase of animals, Poultry- Broiler Farm, Layers Farm, Hatchery Sheep/Goat Rearing Construction
of Byre, and Purchase of Machinery Working Capital Requirements under
Scheme for Cultivation of fruit crops-mango, Pomegranate, Grapes etc.
Scheme for providing finance to set up of Agri-Clinics/Agribusiness Centers.
Scheme for Financing Farmers for Purchase of Agricultural land.
Scheme for Financing Two Wheelers to Farmers
Scheme for Providing Loans to Farmers for Purchase of consumer durables
Scheme for Hi-tech projects in agriculture.
Rural Godown Scheme (Gramin Bhandaran Yojana) for scientific storage of agricultural produce.
Minor Irrigation for Agriculturists


Purpose :
Digging of new wells, revitalization of existing well, purchase of oil engine, electric motor, pump set installation of pipe line, sprinkler, irrigation, drip irrigation, tube well, bore well, etc.
Eligibility : Agriculturist who owns agricultural land.
Amount : For new dug wells as per the NABARD Unit costs for equipments/estimates.
Repayment : Depending upon the repaying capacity 7 to 11 years.
Security : Mortgage of land, Hypothecation of movable assets and guarantors.
Other Terms & Conditions :
Proposed well should be located in white watershed area. It should not be in dark watershed area.