For the First time Himachal Pradesh has been included under National Food Security Mission and a Work Plan of Rs. 22 Crore was approved by the Executive Committee in a meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary S.Roy and P. Mitra Additional Chief Secretary, Engineer in Chief IPH, Director Agriculture representatives of Agriculture University and GOI were also present.
Giving the details of this programme, the Mission Director Dr. J.C Rana Director Agriculture said that Himachal Pradesh has been included under this Mission to increase the production and productivity of Wheat and Rice. Under this Mission, 10 Districts in Wheat and three Districts under Rice have been selected in the State.
The Mission provides assistance for laying cluster demonstrations, distribution of Certified Seed, Micro-Nutrients, Plant production material, liming of acidic soils, improved implements and machinery, introduction of IPM, INM and capacity building of the farmers. Besides this assistance would be available for water harvesting, Micro irrigation & pumping sets. A sum of Rs. 4.95 crore have been approved for NFSM Rice and Rs. 17.05 crore for NFSM Wheat for the year 2012-13.The Department has already started implementation of NFSM Rice during current Kharif season. The Mission would be very helpful in increasing the productivity level of Rice and Wheat. For smooth implementation of the Mission in the Districts the District level NFSM Executive Committees have also been constituted in all the districts.
The Mission Director urged the farmers to take full advantage of assistance available under the Mission in order to raise their productivity and farm income.
