CIRCULAR. Vikas Bhavan Dated : 5 /10 /13

Transcription

1 TD(1) 42860/13 Directorate of Agriculture Vikas Bhavan Dated : 5 /10 /13 CIRCULAR Sub : Scheme for Crop Health Management working instructions for implementation orders issued - Ref : 1) G.O (Rt) No. 1659/13/AD dated 19/9/13 of Agriculture (NCA) Department 2)Endt on TP(2) 21327/13 dated 23/09/13 of Director of Agriculture As per the GO first cited administrative sanction has been accorded for the implementation of the scheme Crop Health Management '' during with a budget provision of Rs. 13 crores ( Rupees Thirteen crores ) under the head of account Plan.the main objective of the scheme is to help the farmers from vagaries of pests and disease problem by implementing effective pest surveillance based crop advisory involving strategic organisations like Department of Agriculture, ATMA,KAU,IIITMK, VFPCK, NIPHM,SAMETI, CTCRI,KVKs and IICT. 1. INTRODUCTION The project is as follows. Farmers and consumers need healthy plants and quality plant derived products for consumption. Efforts to improve plant health have been evolving with increased understanding of plant ecology and pest management. In spite of success in controlling the crop pests, pesticides adversely affect public health and environment. Residues of pesticides in food crops often been reported to exceed their acceptable limits. Many new pests which were controlled by their natural enemies present in the ecosystems have assumed the status of the major pests in some regions due to decline in the population of the natural enemies caused by the indiscriminate and excessive use of pesticides. Many interventions are aimed at supporting pest control often relying solely on the application of pesticides or the use of resistant/tolerant cultivars. In the longer term this has been shown to be unsustainable as a result of pest overcoming host plant resistance and building up resistance to pesticides or the improper and or excessive use of pesticides with undesirable impact on human and ecosystem. A rethinking seems essential on the approach and strategies of pest management in Agriculture focusing on Agro ecosystem and human health evolved out of sound plant health management interventions. The new approach of plant health management will bring together management towards sustainable ecosystems and people s health through Good Plant Protection Practices (GPPP).Pest management strategies need to recognize that plant health is an essential element of sustainable 1

2 agriculture. Improvements in integrated pest management can lead to sound crop health management. A major problem faced by the farmers of Kerala is the attack by various pests and diseases in all cultivated crops. It is a known fact that the incidence of pests and diseases varies with weather, soil and ecology and a clear understanding of this variation is inevitable. One of the main reasons for low productivity of crops is the increased incidence of pests and diseases. There is no mechanism to monitor the incidence of pests and diseases in agroecologcial units of the State. No systematic project on documentation of incidence and severity of pests and diseases are implemented in the state. These details are essential to develop any sound crop health management strategies. In recent years so many minor pests became major pests apparently due to changes in weather parameters. The development of GIS products indicating region wise/crop wise incidence of pest and diseases will be very much useful for developing region specific advisories for various pests and diseases. A systematic advisories to farmers through print and visual media including through mobile phone based advisories are also planned in this project. The present project is an attempt to fill the gaps for evolving sound crop health management strategies and action plan. By continuously monitoring the pest situation and weather parameters, it is possible to forecast the incidence of pest and diseases. This will help the farmers in taking up prophylactic management measures even before pest population/disease intensity crossing the threshold level. Along with this, farmers can be advised to improve the plant health based on soil nutrient status. So that the requirement for chemical based pest management can be further reduced. Prophylactic management is more eco friendly than curative management. Kasaragod is declared as organic district, which necessitates scientific pest management measures with less dependence on pesticides. Scientific pest management is highly knowledge intensive. But sufficient information base to take appropriate pest management decisions has not been generated. Pest management strategies need to recognize that plant health is an essential element of sustainable agriculture. Improvements in integrated pest management can lead to sound crop health management. During the year , it is proposed to initiate a new scheme on crop health management. (During the year it is proposed to establish 30 Plant health clinics in 30 Krishi bhavans to support pest and disease surveillance and advisories. Diagnostic tool kits will also be provided to the clinics attached to the Krishi bhavans. Biocontrol agents are not available in adequate quantities in all the districts. It is proposed to develop all the 9 parasite breeding stations as stocking centres for biocontrol agents as well as to promote parasite breeding. A series of capacity building programme on crop health management will be initiated for the technical officers in association with NIPHM. A PG diploma course in Plant Health Management for the officers of the department of Agriculture will be launched at SAMETI in collaboration with NIPHM, Hyderabad. 2

3 District Diagnostic Team will be constituted as part of pests and disease surveillance project. Pests and disease diagnostic materials will be developed to support the clinics and the model blocks selected for the pilot project. The entire project will be co-ordinated by the Additional Director of Agriculture (C.P.) with the Deputy Director (T) at district level to implement the project. A state level committee will be constituted to oversee the implementation of the project. An expert panel will be constituted to guide and review the project. An ICT based pests and disease advisory services with the support of IIITMK and KVK, Malappuram with the support of all the research institutions in the state will be initiated for service delivery through mobile phones and agro service centres. 11.OBJECTIVES:- Development of pests and disease surveillance system, Implementation of Area wide IPM demonstration Production of pheromone traps, lures and biocontrol agents Development and use of pests and diseases diagnostic tool kit Rodent control measures Establishment of district referral plant health clinics Establishment of plant health clinics at panchayat level Development of 9 parasite breeding stations and Establishment of two more new Biocontrol labs Strengthening KCPM Establishment of Mobile clinics in 14 districts with diagnostic team Capacity building in association with NIPHM including PG diploma in plant health management Creating awareness Quality control measures of organic and bio pesticides Development of new Bio pesticides Support to KVKs for supporting surveillance and clinics 1II. Abstract of the scheme Crop Health Management ( Ref: GO(Rt) No. 1659/13 /AD/NCA dated ) The scheme Crop Health Management envisages to develop an effective pest surveillane based crop advisory system to help the farmers to adopt timely and advance plant protection measures involving strategic organisations like Department of Agriculture, ATMA,KAU,IIITMK, VFPCK,NIPHM, SAMETI,CTCRI, KVKs and IICT, Hyderabad. The major components of the programme are A. Development of Pest Surveillance Based Crop Advisory 3

4 B. Plant Health Clinics at Panchayath Level and District Referral Plant Health Clinics. C. Mobile Exhibition Cum Training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services to Support Plant Health care D. Capacity Building in Plant Health Management and introduction of Post Graduate Diploma (Distance Education) E. Awareness and workshops F. Contingency programme to meet sudden outbreak of pests and diseases G. Support to KVKs for supporting surveillance and clinics H. Rodent control I. Strengthening of Parasite breeding stations J. Development of new bio pesticides K. Strengthening and upgradation of Kerala Center for Pest Management L. Pheromone Application Technology through IICT, Hyderabad. A.Development of Pest Surveillance Based Crop Advisory 1.0 Pest Surveillance Units 1.1 Establishment of pest surveillance units in 13 districts except Kasaragod in 39 blocks and 271 Krishi bhavans selected for the project. 1.2 Two Corporations viz Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam are also selected for implementation of the project 1.3 Five crops rice,banana, pepper,coconut,vegetables(cucurbits and cowpea) will be selected in each panchayat 1.4 Two plots per crop should be selected and thus 12 plots selected will constitute the surveillance unit in each Panchayat. A total of 3252(271 x 12) units will be selected in the state for pest surveillance 1.5 In the case of corporation, 72 plots (3 plots per res.asso.) will be selected in each corporation 1.6 Pests and diseases will be monitored by field visit and observation schedule 1.7 Standard score cards will be used to measure the intensity of diseases 1.8 On going pest surveillance project in Kasaragod and Kuttanad will be integrated with the project 1.9 VFPCK will support the project implementation and separate surveillance units will be established for vegetables and banana. 2.0 Training 2.1 The Field Assistants (Pest scouts) will be given intensive training at district level through ATMA 4

5 2.2 For the technical officers,training will be given at district level,sameti,and at NIPHM 2.3 A detailed training module will be developed under the leadership of NIPHM 3.0 Software Development 3.1 IIITMK will develop softwares for online reporting of the incidence and for generating advisories based on the surveillance reports 3.2 Hand held devices will be provided to the pest scouts and other key technical officers 3.3 It is aimed to develop online plant health clinics towards the end of the project 4.0 Technical materials 4.1 Technical materials will be prepared for the identification of pests and diseases 4.2 A field guide book will be prepared with symptoms, visuals about the pests,etiology,control measures etc. 4.3 Visuals of pests and diseases in colour as calendar form will be developed for display in each Krishi Bhavan for facilitating diagnosis 4.4 A digital library for pests and diseases focussing on plant health management will be developed 5.0 Community empowerment 5.1 Regular reporting mechanism through ATMA groups established in the panchayats will be developed for reporting pests and diseases to the Krishi Bhavan 5.2 One best group per panchayat alone will be supported initially by providing funds from ATMA plus activities 5.3 The dissemination of advisories will also be the responsibility of the groups 6.0 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) 6.1 FFS established as part of ATMA cafeteria activity will be equipped to report the incidence of pests and diseases as well as dissemination of advisories to the farmers 6.2 Completed good FFS will be supported through ATMA plus to provide support for plant health management 5

6 7.0 Weather database recording and compilation 7.1 Weather data from the Department of Agriculture, KAU, Irrigation Department, IMD and other institutions will be used for the preparation of advisories 7.2 Weather database available with various agencies will be compiled at block, district, and state level on a fortnightly basis 8.0 Plant health delivery services 8.1 On Monday and Tuesday, scouts should visit the plots selected for pest surveillance 8.2 On Wednesday, the advisory will be prepared with the support of agricultural Officers and Assistant Director of Agriculture 8.3 On Thursday,advisory will be released to farmers through ATMA group, FFS,print and visual media as well as SMS through mobile B. Plant Health Clinics at Panchayath Level and District Referral Plant Health Clinics 1.0 Plant Health Clinics 1.1 Plant Health Clinics will be established one per block in 28 selected blocks out of the 39 blocks selected for pest surveillance excluding Kuttanad area. 1.2 The 11 clinics already existing in Kuttanad area will be strengthened through ATMA 1.3 One plant health clinic each will be established in the two Corporations viz, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam mainly for vegetables. It will be attached to the identified Krishibhavans or other suitable locations attached to the Krishi bhavan. The services of the field assistants will be used for supporting the clinics initially 2.0 District Referral Plant Health Clinics 2.1 District referral clinics will be established in two districts Palakkad and Malapuram 2.2 One specialist each will be hired on temporary basis for the diagnostic services in the district laboratory 2.3 The support of MDDT could also be utilised for diagnostic services C.Mobile Exhibition Cum Training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services to Support Plant Health care Mobile clinics will be established in 10 districts for achieving the following objectives 6

7 1. Arranging exhibition of symptoms of diseases and pests as well as nutrient deficiencies 2. Monitor the pest and disease incidence, diagnosis and suggestion of remedial measures 3. Finding out deficiency symptoms, micro nutrient status,soil ph etc D.Capacity Building in Plant Health Management and introduction of Post Graduate Diploma (Distance Education) 1 A series of capacity building programmes on Crop Health Management will be initiated for the technical officers in association with NIPHM and SAMETI 2. A Post Graduate Diploma course in Plant Health Management for the officers of the Department of Agriculture will be launched at SAMETI in collaboration with NIPHM,Hyderabad 3. Twenty two days off campus training will be held at NIPHM and the rest of training will be held at SAMETI at intervals so as to complete 6 semesters of PG Diploma course.. E. Awareness and Workshops 1. Awareness campaigns and workshops will be conducted to make aware the farmers andofficers about the importance of crop health management and its applications in the field 2. Awareness campaigns should be arranged at Panchayat level in 1000 panchayats 3. Workshops should be conducted in 152 blocks, 14 districts and one state level workshop should also be conducted. F. Contingency programme to meet sudden outbreak of pests and diseases 1. In case of sudden outbreak of pests and diseases the Rapid Action Wing of the Department of Agriculture will suddenly visit that area and initiate all the possible measures as per the recommendations of MDDT and experts of KAU,ICAR and like organisations 2. Inputs and application charges should be ensured to the farmers to take up corrective measures as per the recommendations of MDDT and experts in this field 3. An amount of lakhs is set apart to meet the contingencies which may arise due to sudden out break of pests and diseases in any part of the State G. Support to KVKs for supporting surveillance and clinics 7

8 KVKs Pathanamthitta, Alapuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malapuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad will be supported for supporting surveillance and clinics. KVKs will help to -develop technical materials for pest surveillance -support MDDT for pest surveillance and advisory including field visit on need based situations -to conduct OFT/FLD on specific pest and diseases -supply inputs like bio control agents,pheromone traps etc. for the pest surveillance fields selected in the district -conduct training on pest surveillance -soil sample analysis on selected plots H.Rodent control 1. Rodent control should be undertaken on a campaign mode covering the whole area (say panchayat or Muncipal wards etc.) 2. Wide publicity should be given for the campaign 3. Campaign should be arranged incorporating all the local self government institutions & agencies,peoples representatives,public organisations,farmer organisations etc. 4. During , a total number of 132 campaigns will be arranged in the state I.Strengthening of Parasite breeding stations It is proposed to develop all the 9 parasite breeding stations as stocking centres for bio control agents as well as to promote parasite breeding. An amount of Rs.150 lakhs is set apart for strengthening parasite breeding stations at Thiruvananthapuram,Kollam, Alapuzha, Kottayam,Ernakulam,Thrissur,Malapuram,Kozhikode and Kasargod. J. Development of new bio pesticides 1. An amount of Rs.25 lakhs will be given to CTCRI for the development,large scale production,and popularisation of bio pesticide developed from tapioca leaves. The amount will be released on getting the detailed project from CTCRI in this regard 2. Out of this, Rs.15 lakhs will be released to KVK,Kasaragod by CTCRI for setting up the production unit of bio pesticides developed by CTCRI for the promotion of the product in the organic farming areas K. Strengthening and upgradation of Kerala Center for Pest Management 1. It is proposed to widen the surveillance activities of KCPM by using scouts exclusively equipped with latest communication tools 8

9 2. Surveillance scouts will be appointed during cropping seasons and they will be trained on survey methodology as well as IT equipments 3. The trained scouts will be entrusted in data collection in concurrence with the Krishi bhavan staff 4. It is also proposed for modernising and digitalisation of surveillance programme so that the prediction on the presence or absence of any invasive or exotic pests/diseases will be more accurate 5. A mobile agri clinic is also proposed with minimum equipments for assisting the farmers first hand in the field 6. It is also proposed to rennovate the existing infrastructure for better utilisation of working space 7. Crop survey will be done on every Monday and Friday in 25 fields for representing ha 8. Based on the observations/data collected, bulletins and SMS are passed on to the prospective farmers 9. Farmers can contact through phone,sms or direct and their queries on pest and disease problems will be recorded. The concerned scout of the area will visit the field and upload the digital image along with his comments. Based on this,input recommendations will be sent to the farmers with a discussion panel of scientists of KAU. 10. The head of the institute should be upgraded to the cadre of Joint Director of Agriculture from Deputy Director of Agriculture and sufficient supporting staff should also be given for efficient running of the institute 11. It is proposed to upgrade KCPM as Kerala Institute of Plant Health Management. The KIPHM is proposed as a separate organisation under the Department of Agriculture similar to NIPHM 12. The entire plant health management programme will be coordinated by KIPHM. L.Pheromone Application Technology through IICT, Hyderabad 1. It is proposed to promote pheromone application technology developed by IICT,Hyderabad for rice and vegetables. 2. An amount of Rs.10 lakhs is set apart to intiate the work and the amount will be utilised by IICT for training of officers and entrepreneurs. 3. The component will be linked to KVKs for further expansion in Kerala. The modalities will be worked out through mutual discussions. 9

10 1V. DETAILED PROGRAMME:- The scheme will be implemented during with the following major components A) Development of Pest Surveillance Based Crop Advisory The pilot project initiated in Kasargod on pest surveillance in collaborating with NIPHM, KAU and CPCRI is proposed to be up scaled to all 14 districts in selected blocks and Agro ecological units with appropriate improvement and sustainability. The project is proposed to be launched under the leadership of NIPHM, Hyderabad (Ministry of Agriculture), in collaboration with State and Central research institutions. The ongoing pest surveillance project in Kasargod and Kuttanad will be integrated with this project. Model blocks from each of the other 13 districts will be selected for pilot testing of pest surveillance. In some of the selected blocks Plant Clinics will also be established. In two districts district plant health clinics will be established along with a mobile clinic with pests and disease diagnostic kits. Area wide IPM will be implemented for vegetables, coconut, pepper and banana in association with research institutions and VFPCK on pilot basis, as demonstration projects through ATMA. The heavy rainfall during South-East monsoon followed by a prolonged period of drought is characteristic of several blocks in the state. During this heavy rainfall period, there used to be out breaks of many fungal diseases like bud root of coconut, Mahali of Arecanut, Foot root of pepper, etc. During prolonged dry season, sucking pests like leaf hoppers, Mealy bugs, Scales, Mites, Aphids, etc flourish. Most of these sucking pests are vectors of plant diseases. During winter, dew formation on crop leaves during night hours is an important determining factor for the occurrence of many plant diseases. Some examples to show the close relationship between weather parameters and the incidence of pests and diseases in crops are given in Table. Relationship between outbreak of pests and diseases and weather parameters 10 Crop Disease / pest Climatic factor Correlation Rice Blast R.H Positive Brown spot Soil temp. Positive for root infection Sheath blight R.H Positive Temp Optimum o C Bacterial leaf Rain fall Positive blight Temp. Negative Cow pea Powdery Dew Positive mildew Temp. Negative Coconut Bud root Rain fall Positive R.H Positive Temp. Negative Pepper Foot rot R.H Positive Temp Negative

11 Vegetables Aphids R.H Negative Temp Negative Hoppers R.H Negative Temp Negative Mites R.H Negative Temp Negative Amaranthus Leaf Webber R.H Positive Cloudiness Positive To establish a field level pest /disease observation mechanism with ICT facilitated systems and tools and build a crop advisory services for the selected block and grama panchayats of Kerala for effective pest management is the main objective of this component. Crops selected and surveillance units:- The crops selected for the surveillance are shown in the Table below. The major pests and diseases identified for the crops in different agro ecological units are also indicated in the Table. Crops selected for surveillance and pest and diseases widely prevalent in different agro ecological units Crop Pest Disease Rice Blue beetle, Rice bug, Leaf roller Case worm Blast Sheath blight Banana Rhizome weevil Pseudostem weevil Sigatoka leaf spot Kokkan (Banana Bract Mosaic), Bunchy top Coconut Rhinoceros beetle Red palm weevil Bud rot, Stem bleeding Tanjavore wilt Pepper Pollu beetle Foot rot Anthracnose, Viral diseases Vegetables- Cucurbits Fruit fly Pumpkin beetle Downy mildew Powdery mildew Vegetables- Cow pea Semi-looper caterpillar Pod borer Aphids Pod bug Viral diseases Anthracnose Collar rot and web blight Fusarium wilt The data collection methodology for these pests and diseases vary widely based on the peculiarities of the crop and the pest/disease selected. For each crop, there will be two fixed plots of uniform size in each Panchayat for sampling and recording 11

12 observations. Moreover, a roving survey will be conducted in a transect manner in the Panchayat and observations will be recorded. The details are given below Fixed Plot Size/ Surveillance Units:- Crop Plot Size/ Observation Unit No of plants/ area to be sampled Rice One acre One meter square area, four units at random No of units per panchayath Two Methodology Fixed plot Roving survey Banana Fifty cents 10 plants at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey Coconut One acre 10 plants at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey Arecanut One acre 10 plants at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey Pepper Fifty cents 10 plants at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey Rubber One acre 25 plants at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey Vegetables- Cucurbits Vegetables- Cow pea 10 cents 5 pits at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey 5 cents 10 plants at random Two Fixed plot Roving survey The field visits and observation schedule for each crop are given in table below. Field Visit and Observation Schedule Crop Frequency of observation Remarks Rice Weekly once Banana Fortnightly Coconut Monthly Arecanut Monthly Fortnightly during rainy season Pepper Monthly Fortnightly during rainy season Rubber Monthly Fortnightly during rainy season Vegetables- Cucurbits Weekly Vegetables- Cow pea Weekly The parameters each plot will be discussed in detail and suggestions will be incorporated. Pheromone traps and such devices also will be utilized for pest monitoring purpose. Standard score cards will be used to measure the intensity of diseases. 12

13 Project area:- The project areas selected for scaling up of the pilot project is shown in table. It is proposed to implement in 39 blocks and in 271 Krishibhavans. Two corporations are also proposed for implementation. The suggested corporations are Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. The name of blocks and Panchayats are shown below. Entire Kuttanad and Kole land are also proposed for implementation. Blocks selected for Pest surveillance Blocks selected for pest surveillance under plant health management Name of District 1. Thiruvananthapuram 2. Kollam 3. Pathanamthitta 4. Alappuzha Name of Block Krishibhavans No. Name (1) Parassala 6 Parassala, Karode, Kulathoor, Chenkal, Thirupuram, Poovar (2) Pulimath 8 Karavaram, Navaikulam, Pallickal, Madavoor, Pazhayakunnumel, Kilimanoor, (1) Chavara 5 Nagaroor, Pulimath Chavara, Panmana, Neendakara, Thevalakkara, Thekkumbhagom (2) Sasthamacotta 7 Sasthamcotta, Sooranadu North, Sooranadu South, West Kallada, Poruvazhy Kunnathur, Mynagapally (1) Thiruvalla 6 Thiruvalla Municipality, Kuttoor, Kadapra, Niranam, Nedumpuram, Peringara. (2) Adoor 8 Adoor, Eradimangalam, Ezhamkulam, Kalanjoor, Kodumon, Enathu, Kadampanadu, Pallickal. (1) Ramankari 6 (2) Champakulam 5 (3) Ambalapuzha 5 Veliyanadu, Ramankary, Pulinkunnu, Kavalam, Muttar, Neelamperoor Edathua, Thalavady, Champakulam, Kainakari, Nedumudy. Purakkadu, Ambalapuzha, Ambalapuzha North, Thakazhy, Karuvatta. (4) Alapuzha 6 Mannamcherry, Mararikulam South, Aryadu, Punnapra, Punnapra North, Alapuzha (M) (5) Harippad 8 Veeyapuram, Cheruthana, Pallippadu, Kumarapuram, Thrikkunnapuzha, Karthikappally, Haripadu, Chingoli. (6) Chenganoor 10 Pandanadu, Thiruvan vandoor, Venmony, Mulakuzha,Ala, Cheriyanadu, Chengannur(M), Mannar, Budhanoor, 13

14 5. Kottayam (6) Idukki (7) Ernakulam Puliyoor. (7) Mavelikkara 5 Mavelikkara (M), Chettikulangara, Thekkekara, Chennithala, Thazhakkara. Nattakom, Vijayapuram, Ayarkunnam, (1) Kottayam 9 Thiruvarpu, Kumarakom, Puthuppally, Panachikkad, Mannarcad, Kottayam(M). Kurichy, Madappally, Thrikodithanam, (2) Madappally 8 Paippadu, Vakathanam, Karukachal, Vazhappally, Changanassery (M). (3) Kaduthuruthy 7 Kaduthuruthy, Thalayolapparambu, Njeezhoor, Mulakkulam, Manjoor, Kallara, Veloor. (4) Ettamanoor 6 Aymanam, Arpookkara, Athirampuzha, Kumaranalloor, Neendoor, Ettumanoor. T.V. Puram, Maravanthuruth, (5) Vaikom 7 Udayanapuram, Vechoor, Thalayazham, Chempu, Vaikom (M) Manacad, Thodupuzha (M), (1) Thodupuzha 7 Kumaramangalam, Edavetty, Muttom, Parapuzha, Karimkunnam (2) Eleamdesam 7 (1) Angamali 10 (2) Kothamanagalam 10 (1) Anthikkad 5 Alakode, Vellianamattom, Kudayathoor, Karimanoor, Udumbanoor, Vannapuram, Kodikulam. Kalady, Ayyampuzha, Manjapra, Malayatoor-Neeleswaram, Kanjoor, Sreemoolanagaram, Thuravoor, Karukutty, Mookkannoor, Angamai Municipality Kothamangalam (M), Nellikuzhy, Kottappady, Pinidimana, Keerampara, Kavalangad, Varappetty, Pothanicad, Paingottoor, Kuttampuzha. Anthikkad, Arimpur, Chazhoor, Manaloor, Thanniyam. (2) Mulassery 4 Elavally, Mullassery, Pavaratty, Venkitangu (8) Thrissur (3) Puzhakkal 7 Adat, Avanue, Ayyanthole, Kaiparambu, Kolazhy, Tholur, Killannur. (4) Irinjalakuda 6 Irinjalakuda (M), Karalam, Kattur, Muriyad, Parappukkara, Porathissery. Arthat, Choondal, Chowannur, Kadangode, (5) Chowannur 10 Kadavallur, Kandanissery, Kattakampal, Kunnamkulam, Porkalam, Velur. (9) Palakkad (1) Alathur 9 Alathur, Erimayar, Kavassery, Tarur, 14

15 (10) Malappuram (11) Wayanad (2) Chittur 7 (3) Kuzhalmannam 7 (4) Kollangode 6 (1) Nilambur 7 (2) Kalikkavu 7 (1) Panamaram 5 (2) Mananthavady 6 Kannarabra, Pudukode, Vandazhi, Kizhakkancherry, Vadakkancherry. Chittur-Thathamanagalam (M), Vadakarapathy, Kozhinjampara, Eruthiampathy, Perumatty, Pattancherry, Nallepilly. Kuzhalmannam, Kannadi, Thenkurissi, Kuthannur, Mathur, Kottayi, Peringottukurissi. Kollangode, Muthalamada, Vadavannur, Pudunagaram, Koduvayur, Kodumbu. Nilambur, Chaliyar, Moothedam, Chungathara, Edakkara, Vazhikkadavu, Pothukal. Amarambalam, Karulai, Kalikkavu, Chokkad, Karuvarakundu, Thuvur, Edappatta. Panamaram, Poothadi, Pulpally, Mullankolly, Kaniyambetta. Vellamunda, Thondernad, Edavaka, Manathavady, Thavinhal, Thirunelly. Kanichar, Kelakam, Kolayad, Kottiyur, (1) Peravoor 7 Malur, Muzhakkunnu, Peravoor Alakode, Andhur, Chapparapadavu, (12) Kannur Chengalayi, Kadannappalli, Kurumathur, (2) Thaliparamb 11 Naduvil, Pariyaram, Pattuvam, Thaliparamba, Udayagiri. Kayanna, Nochad, Chakkittappara, (1) Perambra 7 Changaroth, Koothali, Cheruvanoor, (13) Kozhikode Perambra Ayancherry, Maniyoor, Villiyampally, (2) Thodannur 4 Thiruvannoor. ( slight changes in the Panchayats will be made based on reorganization of blocks and Panchayats with LSGI and department) Components of the programme:- 1. Surveillance units Surveillance units will be established in each Panchayat selected for the project in farmers field. Five crops are selected for the project and two plots each will be selected in the panchayat. In the case of vegetables two plots for solanacious and another two plots for cucurbitaceous vegetables will be selected. Thus total 12 plots will be selected in each panchayat and altogether 3252 plots will be selected from 13 districts. In Kasaragod already surveillance plots were selected in as part of the pilot project. These 12 15

16 plots together will form the surveillance units in each panchayat. Farmers will be provided with surveillance kits for monitoring pest and diseases. Technical officers will visit the units on scheduled days. For paddy and vegetables weekly visit and for banana fortnightly visits are proposed. For coconut and pepper monthly visit are proposed. A hand held device will be provided to the technical officers for reporting the incidence of pests and diseases after the visit. The field assistants ( pest scouts) will be used for the visit and reporting of the incidence. Score chart and field books will also be provided to the officers for the identification of pests and diseases. 2. Training Training will be a crucial component in the project. The Field assistants (pest scouts) will be given intensive training at district level through ATMA. For the technical officers training will be provided at district level, SAMETI and at NIPHM. The National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) will provide all technical support in the implementation of the project. All the training programmes for the technical officers will be coordinated by the NIPHM. A detailed training module will be developed under the leadership of NIPHM. 3. Software development The IIITMK will develop a software for online reporting of the incidence. A portal will also be developed for the project. The pest scouts and supporting human resource will be selected through IIITMK and the hand held devices will also be provided to the pest scouts and other key technical officers. A software will also be developed for generating advisories based on the surveillance reports. Online plant health clinics will be developed towards the end of the project focusing on diagnosis of pests and diseases as well as to equip the farmers to diagnose the common pests and diseases. 4. Technical materials The technical materials are to be prepared for the identification of pests and diseases as well as reference materials are to be provided to the technical officers. Score charts will be developed for various pests and diseases. A field guide book will be prepared with symptoms, visuals about the pests, etiology, control measures etc. On line materials will also be developed as part of the project. Visuals of pests and diseases in colour as calendar form will be developed for display in each Krishi Bhavan for facilitating diagnosis. Towards the end of the project a digital library for pests and diseases focusing on plant health management will be developed. 5. Plant clinics and referral laboratories Out of 271 Krishibhavans, plant clinics will be established one each in 30 blocks, excluding the Kuttanad area where already the existing 11 clinics will be strengthened through support from ATMA. Each plant clinic will have minimum diagnostic facilities, identification tools and with technical materials. Funding for the component will be provided separately. Two district level plant clinics will be established in Palakkad and Malappuram for secondary support of diagnosis of pests and diseases. These clinics will be established in a central location convenient for the farmers as well as technical officers. Reference materials, minimum analytical facilities and supporting facilities will be provided in the reference clinics. 16

17 6. Community empowerment The community empowerment is a crucial component in the project. The ATMA group established in the Panchayats will be used for reporting pests and diseases to the Krishi Bhavans for technical verification and onward transmission to the central server and for integration in the advisory preparation. A lumpsum fund of ` per group will be provided to the groups for the activity. One best group per Panchayat alone will be supported initially. The fund will be provided from the new provision on state support to ATMA plus activities. A regular reporting mechanism will also be developed for the groups. The component is integrated for the sustainability of the project as well as for the capture of field realities. The dissemination of advisories will also be the responsibility of the groups. 7. Farmer Field Schools Farmer Field Schools (FFS) were established as part of ATMA cafeteria activity in various districts. New FFS are proposed as part of ATMA cafeteria as well as ATMA plus. FFS are basically for the farmer to farmer extension activities focusing on plant health management. The support to FFS are provided for one year as part of ATMA cafeteria. After the completion of the FFS the schools are neglected and not used for extension activities. As part of ATMA plus the completed good FFS will be supported to provide support for plant health management. The component will be supported under the ATMA cafeteria and ATMA plus initiative separately. FFS will be equipped to report the incidence of pests and diseases as well as dissemination of advisories to the farmers. 8. Weather database recording and compilation Weather database available with various agencies will be compiled at block level and aggregated at district and state level on a fortnightly basis. The database will be integrated in the software for plant health management. The weather data from the Department of Agriculture, KAU, Irrigation department, IMD and other institutions will be compiled for the purpose. The weather database will be used for the preparation of advisories. 9. Plant health delivery services The visit of the scouts are proposed on Monday and Tuesday and on Wednesday the advisory will be prepared with the support of Agricultural officers and Assistant Director of Agriculture and on Thursday advisory will be released. The ATMA group, Farmer Field Schools, print and visual media as well as mobile based advisories will be provided to the farmers. Cost :- The component wise cost is shown below. Sl. No. Components Units Rate (` lakhs) Amount in Remarks ` lakhs 17

18 1 Surveillance units Surveillance plots- KBs plots/kbfor 271 KB Surveillance plots- Corporation 2 Honorarium for FAs ( 1000 alone is honorarium, balance for travel plots, 3 plots per res.asso.in each cor FA in each corporation and 63 in blocks Honorarium for DPM Attached to DD 3 Hand held devices KB, FA-71 Leads-34, Others-33 4 Purchase of computers and accessories 4 Operational costs 39 blocks, 14 districts lakh/block 1.5 lakh/district 5 Surveillance kits Soil testing plots 7 Inputs to farmers Nets, traps etc as per need 8 Honorarium for Kuttanad clinics FAs Additional honorarium for uniform rate 9 Training training in blocks and 2 in districts 10 Technical materials, field guide 11 Software development, technical experts (IIITMK), portal Data uploading and 21 For ATMA advisories 12 Support to VFPCK Support to Kasaragod 5 pilot project 14 MDDT lakh per district

19 15 Support to Kole land 15 To KAU surveillance project 16 Project management Total 490 Institution wise amount earmarked for implementation:- The institution wise amount earmarked are shown below Department/Institution wise amount earmarked Sl. Dept/ No. institution 1 Department of Agriculture Activities Amount ` lakhs Remarks Assistance to sur. Units Hon. DPM Soil testing 10 Micronutrient analysis Inputs to farmers Computer and accessories 4 District level Project management HQ Sub total ATMA Hon. For FAs For non leads district and plant clinics Operational costs Surveillance kits to Officers/FAs 8.55 Hon. To FAs in clinics under Kuttanad package and op.cost Training MDDT 14 Data uploading and advisories 21 Sub total IIITMK Hand held devices Technical materials, field guides 25 Software development,technical experts, portal and spill over cost of Kasaragod project Sub total VFPCK Score charts, technical materials, 10 surveillance units 5 K AU Kole land surveillance 15 ARS Mannuthy Sub total 15 Total cost

20 B) Plant Health Clinics at Panchayath Level and District Referral Plant Health Clinics Proper diagnosis and advisories are essential for the farmers. At present there is no proper mechanism to address the plant health management at Panchayat or at district level. The heavy rainfall during South-East monsoon followed by a prolonged period of drought is characteristic of several blocks in the state. During this heavy rainfall period, there used to be out breaks of many fungal diseases like bud root of coconut, Mahali of Arecanut, Foot root of pepper, etc. During prolonged dry season, sucking pests like leaf hoppers, Mealy bugs, Scales, Mites, Aphids, etc flourish. Most of these sucking pests are vectors of plant diseases. During winter, dew formation on crop leaves during night hours is an important determining factor for the occurrence of many plant diseases. Continuously monitoring the pest situation and weather parameters, it is possible to forecast the incidence of pest and diseases. This will help the farmers in taking up prophylactic management measures even before pest population/disease intensity crossing the threshold level. Along with this, farmers can be advised to improve the plant health based on soil nutrient status. So that the requirement for chemical based pest management can be further reduced. Prophylactic management is more eco friendly than curative management. In Kerala all the Panchayats are equipped with professional graduates in Agriculture. However over the period the technical content in work in Krishi bhavans declined due to various reasons. There is a need to bring back technical dimension in the work profile of Krishi Bhavans to utilize the expertise available with the technical officers for the improvement of production and productivity of crops leading to improved income of the farmers. This project is an attempt to revitalize the diagnostic services on plant health management at Panchayat and district level. During the current year it is proposed to initiate a major project on pests and disease surveillance in selected blocks. The Plant Health Clinics is proposed to be established in 30 Krishi Bhavans in the identified blocks. The major role of plant clinic lies in diagnostics and advisory, the activities of plant clinic extend beyond plant clinic, with emphasis on extension, keeping a vigil on invasive pathogen, promoting integrated pest management, monitoring pest/diseases distribution, their outbreak, issuing pest alerts, organising plant health camps for creating awareness regarding likely appearance of pests/diseases, strengthening mobile clinic approach during disease/pest outbreak, etc. An ideal clinic is aimed at improving people s lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and saving their crops from ravages of pests and diseases through timely diagnosis and remedial measures, 20

21 consequently improving crop productivity and their well-being. Plant health and agricultural sustainability are our major concern. Such clinics should be located in easily accessible area, signifying a plant hospital, with buzz word Plant Health is Our Concern. To address growing complexity in pest-scenario, more so due to changing climate, creating more well-organized multi specialty clinics with independent physical identity, better infrastructure and resources, redefined role aimed at total plant-health, is imperative to boost food security. Precisely, clinic should be farmer-centric, with distinct identity, electronic-display of scrolling-text showing relevant message on plant-health, exhibition-hall with exhibits and colored signage/blow-ups of diseases/pests, well-equipped library, agro-pharmacy, laboratories with traditional/new-age diagnostic tools (microscope with monitorattachment, digital-camera, etc.). Incidentally ELISA kits are being developed by Ministry of Science and Technology, India. Diagnosticians and advisors include well-experienced pathologist, entomologist, agronomist/edaphologist providing diagnosis and prescription for various pests/disorders. Plant clinic is aimed at providing most accurate diagnosis of plant diseases, insects, weeds and mineral deficiency and toxicity, and offering remedial measures. Plant disease diagnosis is a knowledge-driven process and in many cases trained eyes may diagnose by visual examination. However, if some lab diagnosis is needed, the farmer may be informed, and necessary advice may be passed on at the earliest opportunity. In case, problem appears complex, arrange mobile clinic to the area and inform the grower. Diagnosis is to be taken up on priority;. There is no dearth of plant pathologists but there is acute shortage of trained practitioners and clinicians. Many of them lack insight to Materia Medica of plant diseases, which involves diagnosis and treatment with adequate knowledge on fungicides or for that matter pesticides. Therefore besides having in-depth knowledge of symptoms, a comprehensive knowledge about pesticides is highly desirable. Beyond diagnostics, clinics owe responsibility of strengthening plant-healthcare by educating farmers on pest diagnosis and management, Creating such clinics with difference, modeled on human clinics, providing wide range of plant health services at zero cost, shall symbolize quintessential plant clinic/hospital, commanding same 21

22 status/recognition as human clinic, empowering farmers/stakeholders to improve food security. Impact of such clinic has been phenomenal in ushering productivity. Plant clinic on wheels the Mobile plant clinic:- Mobile plant clinic deserve equal attention as they come to the rescue of the growers by providing needed health care during epiphytotic outbreaks. Mobile plant clinics with modest diagnostic tools and trained professionals may provide on-the-spot diagnosis in field condition during disease outbreak. Mobile van shall carry a public address system, screen for video film, some relevant literature, and some pesticides sample likely to be recommended during the situation. The van should be properly labeled so that it can be recognized by farmers. Such clinics have helped in averting epiphytotics in India. Plant clinics may also organize camps on plant health, judicious use of pesticides, fungicide resistance management and promoting IPM besides issuing pest alerts and plant clinics thus can play an important role of Savior of plants from pests and diseases. To establish 30 plant clinics at Panchayat level and two district clinics in Kerala for diagnosis of pests and diseases for effective pest management is the main objective of the component Krishi bhavans for establishing Plant health Clinics:- For the implementation of the project 28 Krishi Bhavans will be selected from the above 271 Krishi Bhavans selected for the implementation of pests and disease surveillance. One Plant Health Clinic per block will be established in the pilot phase.plant health Clinics will be established one each in 28 blocks excluding the Kuttanad area where the existing 11clinics in Chenganoor,Kayamkulam,Haripad,Ambalapuzha,Ramankary,Champakulam,Alapuzha,T hiruvalla,vaikom,kaduthuruthy,and Kottayam blocks will be strengthened through support from ATMA. One Plant Health Clinic each will be established in the two Corporations identified for the implementation of the pests and disease surveillance viz, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam Corporation. The focus of these two Plant Health Clinics will be in urban agriculture mainly in vegetables. It will be attached to the identified Krishi Bhavans/ other suitable locations attached to the Krishibhavans. The services of the field assistants will be used for supporting the clinics initially. District referral Plant Health Clinics:- District referral clinics will be established in two districts. The proposed districts are Palakkad and Malappuram in this year. More number of clinics will be established in the remaining period of 12 th plan depending on the success of the pilot project. One specialist each will be hired on temporary basis for the diagnostic services in the district laboratory. Samples could be referred from the Panchayat level plant clinics or from the farmers fields directly to the district labs. The support of MDDT proposed as part of pests and disease surveillance could also be utilized for the diagnostic services. The mobile clinics proposed as part of the plant health management programme will be linked with plant clinics. Technical Materials:- 22

23 The technical materials, field guidebooks as well as visuals of symptoms produced as part of pests and diseases surveillance project will be placed in the clinics. The clinics will also act as an information centres on pests and diseases and plant health management. The available materials on pests and diseases including IT materials will be collected for the display in the clinics. Cost The technical materials, equipments and components required for establishing a plant clinic at the Panchayat level are shown in Table 3. Table: 3. Materials and equipments required for plant clinics at Panchayat level Panchayat Level Items Amount (in `) Magnifiers ph Meter, salinity, EC box Insect showcase box, Hand lens Digital camera Tablet PC LCD projector and laptop Display board Exhibits Microscope Furniture Miscellanious Books, periodicals and journals Portable PA system Total The technical materials, equipments and components required for establishing a plant clinic at the District level are shown in Table 4. Materials and equipments required for plant health clinics at District level District Level Items Amount (`) Exhibits including rollup exhibits Miscellanious including renovation, furniture, LED TV, project, laptop Insect boxes Sterio microscope with photography attachment Visualizer UPS cum Inverter Books, periodicals, Cd

24 Digital camera and camcorder Binocular microscope with standard slides Magnifiers ph Meter, salinity, EC box Honorarium for district Plant health specialist Total Plant Health clinic No Amount per clinic Total (` Lakhs) Panchayat level District level Grant Total C) Mobile Exhibition Cum Training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services to Support Plant Health care Mobile plant clinic deserve much attention as they come to the rescue of the growers by providing needed health care during epiphytotic outbreaks. Mobile plant clinics with modest diagnostic tools and trained professionals may provide on-the-spot diagnosis in field condition during disease outbreak. Mobile van shall carry a public address system, screen for video film, some relevant literature, and some pesticides sample likely to be recommended during the situation. The van should be properly labeled so that it can be recognized by farmers. Such clinics have helped in averting epiphytotics in India. Plant clinics may also organize camps on plant health, judicious use of pesticides, fungicide resistance management and promoting IPM besides issuing pest alerts and plant clinics thus can play an important role of Savior of plants from pests and diseases. These mobile vans will serve as mobile exhibition cum training to the farmers. There will be exhibits of symptoms of disease and pests and deficiencies of nutrients. This will give proper guidance to the farmers and officers to identify the problems. Training will also be arranged in these vans. The mobile exhibition cum training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services to support Plant health care are very essential in all the districts for achieving the following objectives. Arranging exhibition of symptoms of diseases and pests as well as nutrient deficiencies Monitor the pest and disease incidence, diagnosis and suggestion of remedial measures Finding out deficiency symptoms, micro nutrient status, soil nutrient status, soil ph etc. 24 The following facilities are envisaged in the mobile exhibition cum training van: A team of experts in the field of Plant Pathology, Agrl. Entomology, Soil Science and Agricultural chemistry, Horticulture, Agronomy etc. Essential plant protection chemicals like copper sulphate, lime, Potassium phosphonate, copper oxy chloride and bio control agents

25 cultures etc to impart immediate relief to the farmers to curtain the disease. Disease and pests diagnostic tools like stereo microscope, Binocular microscope, Documentation system etc. Facilities to impart training to the farmers like Lap top, plasma screen, Laminated photographs, Posters, CDs, Leaflets, Pamphlets, Public address system, Generator, UPS etc. Proper exhibits showing the typical symptoms of pest diseases and deficiencies of nutrients Proper techniques of plant protection activities. Farmers will be given messages on modern technologies and educated on the salient symptoms of different diseases, pests, nutritional disorders etc. Essential plant protection chemicals will be provided to the farmers and demonstrate on its use. Prophylactic management in a biorational manner will be given priority. Feed back of the farmers in the adoption of technologies and problems faced by them will also be collected and solutions will be worked out with the help of research institutions. It is proposed to have at least one Mobile exhibition cum training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services to support Plant health care for each district so that the Technology Team can timely intervene at critical points and communicate with the farmers and officers at the district level for field level application of solutions and farmers and officers can view the exhibits in the van and convince themselves about the symptoms of pests, diseases and deficiencies of nutrients etc. In this context it is necessary to have at least 10 nos of mobile exhibition cum training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services to support Plant health care equipped with basic tools such as : 1. Portable ph/ec meter, 2. Leaf Colour Charts (LCC), 3. Magnifying lenses, 4. Rapid soil testing kits, 5. Sample bottles, Pouches etc 6. Soil augurs, 7. Plant protection equipments, 8. Thermometer, lux meter, thermo hydro meter etc 9. Clinical microscope, 10. Camera 11. Exhibits For the timely updating of data regarding the field problems, a lap top with connectivity and specialized software is also planned. It is proposed to have one mobile exhibition cum training and Agri Clinics & Advisory Services in Thiruvanathapuram, Kollam, Alapuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malapuram, Palghat, Wayanad and Kannur. Cost involved 25

26 The total requirement of amount for the establishment of mobile exhibition cum training and agri clinics & advisory services to support plant health care are given below. Sl. Amount Item proposed No. (` lakhs) 1 Purchase of Mobile clinics van 10 nos Purchase and setting up of equipments for mobile exhibition cum training and agri clinics & advisory services to support plant health care Total D) Capacity Building in Plant Health Management and introduction of Post Graduate Diploma (Distance Education) The Post Graduate Diploma in Plant Health Management (PGDPHM) has been designed to expose the participants to plant health management, the science and practice of understanding and overcoming the biotic and abiotic factors that limit plants from achieving their full genetic potential as crops. The course also prepares the participants to address the emerging challenges in biosecurity. The course will be conducted in SAMETI through NIPHM (National Institute of Plant Health Management) which is an autonomous body to meet the emerging training needs in environmentally sustainable plant health management with focus on biosecurity and incursion management, and to function as a policy support centre. The Aim of the Course is to develop a highly committed and competent cadre of agricultural professionals to promote environmentally sustainable plant health and biosecurity management in India and her neighbourhood. On completion of the course, participants will develop: Skills to organize Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) effectively to empower the farmers to take informed decisions by adopting discovery based learning Competence in Agro-ecosystem based analysis which relies on experiential learning so as to promote environmentally sustainable plant health management Skills in Ecological Engineering and Rhizosphere Engineering for pest management Knowledge to promote safe and judicious use of pesticides through adoption of appropriate application techniques, besides expertise in pesticide formulation/residue analysis Expertise in situation analysis of vertebrate pest problem, with focus on rodents, in agricultural fields and commodity storage, and adoption of ethological based management Understanding of the issues involved in biosecurity and incursion management in the context of globalization, with exposure to Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues Skills in pest surveillance and disease diagnostics 26

27 Course Design & Framework The programme will consist of four major components 1. Participatory learning in classroom and laboratory. 2. Field visits for enhancing observational skills. 3. Agro-ecosystem based analysis through FFS. 4. Specialization in one of the following select areas : (a) Plant Biosecurity; and (b) Production Protocols for Bioagents and Quality Assessment & Quality Management of Microbial Biopesticides (a) Plant Biosecurity: Students specializing in Plant Biosecurity will acquire knowledge in Plant Quarantine procedures, Regulations, SPS measures, International and National Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM & NSPM), and competency in Pest risk analysis, Pest Surveillance, Pest Diagnostics and Pest Incursion Management. The students specializing in this area will be suitable candidates for positions in Plant Quarantine and Biosecurity divisions of Central and State Governments. The students will also find opportunities in Import and Export Houses activities engaged in trade of agriculture commodities. (b) Production Protocols for Bioagents and Quality Assessment & Quality Management of Microbial Biopesticides: The students specializing in this area will develop skills and competency in production of various Biocontrol Agents such as Fungi, Bacteria, Virus, and Insects that can be commercially exploited for pest management and will be able to produce commercial formulations of Microbial Biopesticides and develop analytical skills in quality control of Biopesticides. The students will find suitable opportunities in both Public and Private sectors involved in production of Biocontrol Agents and Biopesticides in addition to learning adequate skills for self employment. Facilities: The institute has well equipped laboratories for all the departments for conducting practical classes and adaptive research. All laboratories are provided with modern equipment such as phase contrast microscopes, inoculation chambers, refrigerators, centrifuges, rotary shakers, autoclaves, B.O.D. incubators, Potter s spray tower etc. The Chemistry Laboratory has sophisticated analytical equipment such as GLC, HPLC, UV visible, FTIR Spectrophotometer. The division is being strengthened with GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS. Library: Rich collection of journals and books of national & international repute. ICT: Internet facility in the library, classrooms and hostel. Programme duration: Two years: July 2013-June 2015 (4 semesters; 30 credits; contact classes). Course fee and payment: Rs. 1,50,000/- per participant; First payment of Rs. 75,000/- at the time of enrollment in 1 st semester and second payment of Rs. 75,000/- at the 27

28 beginning of 3 rd semester (for a batch of 30 or more participants the above fee is applicable, if the participants are less than 30 the fee may be more). Lodging and boarding charges at NIPHM during III semester: Rs. 675/- per person per day on twin sharing basis. Miscellaneous: The lodging and transportation arrangements for visiting NIPHM faculty shall be made by Department of Agriculture, Kerala Government; however, the boarding charges will be paid by NIPHM staff/adjunct faculty members. Honorarium: For the adjunct faculty, if any, will be Rs. 1000/- per lecture or Rs. 500/- per practical which will be paid by NIPHM. No TA/DA will be paid by NIPHM for the participants of PGDPHM programme attending contact classes at SAMETI, however, TA will be paid for participants attending classes at NIPHM. Based on their eligibility class, TA is restricted to 2-tier AC train fare by the shortest distance + a maximum of Rs. 500 as local conveyance. Budgetary Requirement (for 30 number of participants) Sl. No. Description Per participant No. participants Total amount 1 Course fee Rs. 1,50,000/- 30 Rs. 45,00,000/- Travel allowance to Rs. 4,080/- (one way Rs. 1,37,400/- 2 and fro NIPHM + local conveyance Rs. 2,040/-) + 500/- 30 Lodging and Rs. 14,850/- Rs. 4,45,500/- 3 boarding at Rs.675/day for 22 days 30 Total ` 50,82,900/- An amount of ` lakh is set apart to SAMETI for meeting the expenses connected with the conduct of course and training to farmers as well as officers. A series of training programmes will be conducted by the SAMETI to make aware the officers and farmers about the programmes, its importance and applications in the field. The total requirement of funds for NIPHM and SAMETI in connection with the conduct of Post Graduate Diploma Course as well as training programmes proposed to be conducted by SAMETI regarding plant health management aspects are detailed below. 28 Sl. No. Items Amount ( lakhs) 1 Amount required for NIPHM for the conduct of course Amount required for SAMETI for the conduct of course

29 3 Amount required for NIPHM for the conduct of training programmes of plant health management to officers and farmers as part of pest surveillance project at SAMETI Total An amount of Rs lakhs will be released to NIPHM and Rs lakhs to SAMETI. E) Awareness and Workshops To make aware the farmers and officers about the importance of crop health management and its applications in the field, awareness campaigns & workshops are to be conducted. Awareness campaigns should be arranged at panchayath level where as workshops should be arranged at block, district and state level. An amount of ` lakh is proposed for these campaigns and workshops as detailed below. Sl. No. Item Rate Nos Amount (Lakhs) 1 Awareness campaigns Work shops A Block Level B District Level C State Level Total F) Contingency Programme to meet sudden outbreak of pests and diseases. Plant health management programme now proposing through this scheme is a new approach which definitely minimize the pests and diseases and there may not be any chance of occurrences of outbreak of pests and diseases. But at present there is chances of sudden outbreak of pests and diseases that should be controlled by all means so that the huge economic loss may not occur to the farmers. In case of sudden outbreak of pests and diseases the Rapid Action Wing of the Department of Agriculture will suddenly visit that area and initiate all the possible measures as per the recommendations of the Multi Disciplinary Diagnostic Team and experts of Kerala Agricultural University,ICAR and like organizations. To take up corrective measures as per the recommendations of MDDT and experts in this field, inputs and application charges should be ensured to the farmers. In order to meet such costs an amount of ` lakh is proposed. This amount will be utilized to meet the contingencies which may arise due to sudden outbreak of pests and diseases in any part of the state to any crops. G) Support to KVKS for Supporting Surveillance and Clinics Infestation of various insects pests and diseases in an epidemic manner leads to huge economic loss to farmers. Vagaries of climate also profoundly influences the pest and disease incidence in various crops. Pest surveillance is a practice by which the spread of pests is monitored in order to establish patterns of progression. The main role of pest surveillance is to predict, observe, and minimize the harm caused by outbreak, epidemic, 29

30 and pandemic situations, as well as increase our knowledge as to what factors might contribute to such circumstances. To address all the issues connected in this field the support of KVK s are also proposed during The main objectives are To develop technical materials for pest surveillance To support multi disciplinary team for pest surveillance and advisory including field visit on need based situations OFT/FLD on specific pest and diseases Supply of inputs like bio control agents, pheromone traps etc for the pest surveillance fields selected in the district Training on pest surveillance Soil sample analysis on the selected plots The following 7 KVKs (Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad) are to be supported for the implementation of the Crop Health management project as given below. Sl. No. Name of KVKs Amount ( lakhs) 1 KVK Pathanamthitta KVK Alappuzha KVK Idukki KVK Ernakulam KVK Malappuram KVK Kozhikode KVK Wayanad 6.00 Total Implementation of these programme will ensure timely monitoring of pest and diseases in major crops of the districts and help to take control measures timely. Awareness can be given to farmers about the importance of pest surveillance and advisory services and this will help to adopt timely pest management practices. 1. KVK Pathanamthitta The present project is proposed to achieve the following objectives; 1. To support farming community and extension functionaries of the district through the multi disciplinary diagnostic team. 2. To develop technical materials on IPDM in paddy, banana, coconut and vegetable. 3. To conduct FLD on specific pests and diseases in banana, paddy and vegetable that are of economic importance to the district 4. Supporting pest management strategies through the supply of various inputs like biocontrol agents, pheromone traps, etc through farmers trainings. 30

31 5. Supporting vegetable, banana and paddy farmers / clusters of the district for the adoption of IPDM. The KVK experts mainly SMS Plant Protection, SMS Agronomy and SMS Horticulture and other experts will form the part of the multi disciplinary diagnostic team and coordinate the activities of the pest infested areas of the district. In order to support the project implementing staff and the officials of the Department of Agriculture, through which the project is being implemented, KVK intend to develop technical materials like leaflets and booklets on IPDM on major crops of the district like coconut, paddy, vegetables, and banana. In order to popularize the use of bio- control against and bio-pesticides KVK will organize Front Line Demonstrations on IPDM in Paddy, vegetables and banana. It will be organized in clusters where larger areas under the cultivation of respective crop put on FLD. This year, ICAR has allocated a Farmer Field School on ICM in banana to KVK Pathanamthitta at the funding of Rs /-. This will also be integrated with present project. Through this project, KVK also envisages to support three major vegetable clusters of the district for implementing IPDM in vegetables. KVK already has bio-control lab funded under RKVY project and also purchased neem- pongamia based bio-pesticides technology from IIHR. This pesticides is very effective against insect- pest in vegetables and other crops. Besides this KVK lab also produces bio-control agents such as Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, pheromone traps for mango and vegetables. Under the present proposal KVK will demonstrate and supply this inputs to farmers who will also be trained under the project. The project will also create SMS alert system by registering the mobile numbers of farmers and extension functionaries of the district to give necessary advisory services from time to time. Cost Sl. No. 31 Components Amount ( lakhs) 1 Preparation of technical materials on IPDM in Paddy, Coconut, Banana and Vegetables Support to MDT (TA,DA & POL) 3 FLD on IPDM in Rice FLD on IPDM in Vegetable FLD on IPDM in Banana 4 FFS on Paddy FFS on Coconut 5 Manpower 1) Project Assistant(Rs.80000/month x 12 months) 2) Unskilled worker(rs.300 x 100 days)

32 6 Farmers Training( 30 participants x5nos xrs150) Input support to selected farmers Strengthening bio pesticide production facilities at KVK Short message service alert system for officials and farmers) Miscellaneous (Documentation, Computer accessories, Stationeries etc.) 0.60 Total KVK Alappuzha To achieve higher productivity, crop management strategies have to be developed based on analysing the problems to the level of AEU. In order to document incidence of pest and diseases as well as to provide timely advisory services on these a project for Development of Pest Surveillance based Crop Advisory for Plant Health Management is proposed. Activities Major crops of the district Rice, Coconut, Banana, Major vegetables, tuber crops and spices of the five Agro Ecological Units (AEU) will be covered under the project. 1. Survey Pest surveillance will be taken up in all the five AEUs covering major crops of the units and score chart will be prepared for recording the observations. 2. Trainings Trainings on pest and diseases of various crops will be conducted for the farmers and extension functionaries in a need based manner as per requirement. Technical materials on pest and diseases will be prepared and made available for the purpose. 3. Front Line Demonstrations Based on the data collected from the survey, need based Front Line Demonstrations will be carried out on ecofriendly/new pest management strategies. 4. Input support Pheromone traps like cue lure traps, bio-control agents and other inputs will be produced/ procured from reliable agencies and made available to farmers on need basis. 5. Soil-biological analysis Microbial analysis of the soil samples, if necessary, will be done as far as possible with the support of other organisations. Multi Disciplinary Team Technical support/collaborations will be availed from other research/development organisations like CPCRI, ORARS, Kayamkulam, RRS Moncombu, Dept. of Agriculture, 32

33 VFPCK, ATMA etc. for the effective implementation of the activities envisaged under the project. Duration: Two years ( ) Budget Requirement Sl. No. Item Amount ( lakhs) 1 Man power /contract staff Equipments (Diagnostic tools, computer and accessories) Contingences (Hiring of vehicles, Materials for training and FLD, Printing of Literature/Technical materials, support of Multi Disciplinary Team etc.) Institutional Charges 0.50 Total KVK Idukki Creating awareness among farmers across all spices growing tracts of Idukki district is targeted on the pest surveillance based real time advisory through web based monitoring system using tools of information and communication technology. a. Pest surveillance based crop advisory system For monitoring pest and diseases scouts one KVK staff has been deputed. To upload the data and to send SMS advisories to farmer s services of one data entry operator has been made available. Advisories will be issued twice a week through various publicity media. Sl. No. Details Respective Institution Budget (Rs. in lakhs) 1 Pest monitoring-cum-surveillance based advisory system: For Cardamom, Black Pepper, Banana, Rice & Rs.4700/-pm (including traveling and service charges of KVK & Department of agriculture

34 manpower supply agency) for one year for 50 Pest Scouts* and Pest monitor*. 2 Kissan Mobile Advisory Service*: KVK Mass Communication Cost: (Radio, Television, Press report and Notice Board) For creating mass awareness KVK & Department of agriculture Technical Materials cost: KVK 0.10 Total 2.65 Pest Scouts*: Pest scouts are to collects pest/disease wise data from selected fixed and random plots in field. Every month one Pest scout collects the data from villages allotted. Every month first week observations are recorded on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Friday from fixed and random plots. These observations recorded on data sheets are submitted to pest monitor on every month. Pest monitor*: Pest monitor collects the data of scouts on every Wednesday and Saturday. Apart from that they also monitor the activities of pest scouts through surprise checks and conduct a roving 5-8 villages /month. Advisory System*: Department of agriculture and KVK based on surveillance data issue the advisories on every month. The advisories are of two types, i)detail Advisories - to be disseminated in villages through KVK staff and for mass communication through radio bulletins, television, press reports, weekly bazaars, agriculture exhibitions, farmers rallies, Jingles on bus stands, display on village notice board etc. ii) Short Advisories - in the form of short messages to be disseminated through SMS to elite farmers. The advisories sent through SMS to elite farmers are discussed in the village level meetings and these farmers further pass on the advisories to local farmers. The pest monitors and pest scout also create awareness among the farmers during their field visits. 34

35 b. Support of multi disciplinary team Coordinating programme activities through monthly meetings. Assign duties to different stakeholders of the programme and supervise implementation c. FLD on new pest management Title Popularization of EPN for control of Cardamom root grub No. of demos & Area 10 (1 ha) Technological components to be demonstrated 4 cadavers/plant (Twice in a year) Sources of technology component Critical Input Qty. / demo OFT conducted at KVK EPN 800 nos. Cost / demo Total Cost (Rs lakhs) 0.12 Popularization of Ecodon for control of field rats & wild pig in Tapioca and Banana fields Biological control for Banana Pseudostem Weevil 10 (10 ha) 10 (1 ha) Use of Ecodon 2% for control of rats and fencing with Ecodon soaked jute rope for wild boars Pseudostem trap smeared with 100 no./ha NIPHM Ecodon 5 L NRCB Beauveria 2 kg Pheromone traps for management of fruit fly in Bitter gourd Popularization of apiculture for increase in productivity in cardamom 10 (1 ha ) 5 (5 ha) Cuelure traps for fruit fly management Four bee hives with colony KAU KAU Cuelure traps Bee hives with colony 4 nos nos Total

36 d. Development of activities of the project Scientific surveillance of Pest and Diseases as a regular activity on large scale involving of major stakeholders has redefined Lab to Land concept in interactive mode. Regular survey helped in early identification and detection of pest problems and to combat the pest situation. Location specific and timely advisories based on scientific observations are given through mass communication systems like SMS for effective communication. Timely advisories to farmers helped in judicious use of Biological and chemical pesticides. By understanding the ETL concept farmers started adopting appropriate plant protection measures instead of calendar based spraying. This ultimately helped in judicious use of pesticides. Increased awareness among farmers and field functionaries about pest surveillance, monitoring and pest management. It helped to keep the pest population below ETL level. The areas where the pest outbreak is crossing ETL, field functionaries, district pest management units, KVK visit such areas and given their suggestions for taking timely corrective measures. To create employment opportunity for farm women through mass production of bio-fungicides. To promote bio-fungicides through SHG as an alternative to inorganic chemical fungicides. Success of the project has also reflected through increased crop yields. The project is aimed at pest surveillance and monitoring of four major crops. e. Trainings: Need based training will be provided to the farmers. Village Santhanpara, Rajakad, Mangathotty, Rajakumary, Senapathy, Vandanmedu, Crop/ Enterprise Cardamom Training title IPDM in Cardamom No. of Trainings 6 nos. Members of the team Mr. Sudhakar Soundarajan, SMS Plant Protection, Ms. Manju Jincy Varghese (SMS-Soil Science) Budget proposed (Rs. Lakhs)

37 Konnathady, Vattavada, Kanthalloor, Adimaly and Kattappana Black Pepper IPDM in Black Pepper 6 nos. Mr. Sudhakar Soundarajan, (SMS Plant Protection) Mr. Pramod Chacko, SMS (Agronomy) 0.30 Banana Vegetables Apiculture Bio-agents IPDM in Banana IPDM in Vegetables Beekeeping in Cardamom Micro-enterprise Development Program on Bio-Fungicide production Technology 4 nos. Mr. Sudhakar Soundarajan, SMS Plant Protection, Dr. Benjamin Mathew (Programme Coordinator i/c.) 4 nos. Mr. Sudhakar Soundarajan, SMS Plant Protection, Dr. Benjamin Mathew (Programme Coordinator i/c.) 4 nos. Mr. Sudhakar Soundarajan, SMS Plant Protection, Dr. Binu John Sam (SMS-Horticulture) 4 nos. Mr. Sudhakar Soundarajan, SMS Plant Protection Total f. Supply of bio-pesticides and Pheromone traps: To handle the critical situation and to combat pest attack critical inputs will be made available to farmers. KVK will supply and monitor timely supply of critical inputs. Quantity of Rate of Bioagents/Pher Per Targeted Liter / Budget omone trap Pests/Diseases Kg of (Rs.) to be supply Produc to selected ts farmers Name of the Bioagents/Pheromone trap Trichoderma Root rot & wilt disease of various crops Number of beneficiari es 300 L

38 Pseudomonas Entomo Pathogenic Nematode Pheromone trap Castor Based Herbal Extract Wilt, leaf spot, Blast and sheath blight disease of various crops To control Cardamom root grub To control Bitter gourd- Fruit fly To control wild pig and rat in tapioca and banana field 300 L nos. Rs.1/ cadaver s nos L Total Sl. No Details. 1 Pest surveillance based crop advisory system Details of budget with justification Justification To monitor the work of PS and PM and, to assists the field staff for technically proper surveillance, to attain meetings etc. Communicate & popularize the IPDM module through SMS, posters / leaflets, etc. Budget (Rs. in Lakhs) 2 FLD on new pest management Technology transfer to farmers Trainings Increased awareness among farmers and 4. Supply of bio-pesticides and Pheromone traps field functionaries on pest surveillance, monitoring and pest management. It helped to keep the pest population below ETL level. To manage the epidemic situation if arises Total To control and survey of pests and diseases, it is necessary to implement the crop pest surveillance and advisory project during on the basis of Development of Pest surveillance based crop advisory for plant health management in Kerala. The project consists of four parts i.e. Pest monitoring-cum- surveillance based advisory system, FLD on new pest management, awareness creation and pest advisory based action and critical inputs supply. 38

39 Sl No A KVK Ernakulam Pest surveillance based crop advisory To study the extent of damage caused by major disease causing pathogens, major pests on all commercially grown crops which include Plantation crops, fruits, vegetables and spices will be studied and specific recommendations for the farmers will be provided in the form of printed booklets. Often organically grown vegetables have their preference in Kerala and people have become increasingly aware of the ill effects of chemical assisted farming. Farmers often require organic inputs like Neem oil, Neem cake, Panchagavya, Neem soap and different traps against pests. As a part of the project efforts will be done for the year round production of neem soap, Fruit fly traps, Panchagavya etc. Objectives are: To prepare technical material like score charts, charts on particular pests and diseases and a book on common pests and diseases of commercially grown crops in Ernakulam district. To constitute a multidisciplinary team for the survey and documentation on major diseases and pests of Cereals, Plantation crops, vegetables, spices and fruit crops of Kerala. To prepare organic inputs like Neem soap, fruit fly bait trap, pheromone trap, Panchagavya etc. for supplying to the farmers at an affordable price. COST Item Units Budget ( lakhs) Justification Non Recurring Expenditure Equipments and Machineries Computers 2 Nos 0.8 For documentation, manuscript Printers preparation photo editing, storage 2 Nos 0.2 of data. Grinding machine and mixer For the preparation of ingredients 1 No 0.25 for Neem soap and Panchagavya B Recurring Expenditure 0 TA for field visit- hiring of vehicles Ls 0.80 Honorarium for external experts Ls 0.20 Miscellaneous items, chemicals for production of fruit fly bait traps Miscellaneous items, and lures for Production of pheromone traps nos nos 0.35 Field visits for pest disease identification Availing external expertise for the preparation of score charts etc. Production and supply of fruit fly bait traps Production and supply of pheromone traps

40 Raw materials, chemicals and utensils for preparation of neem soap 500 Kg 0.45 Purchase of miscellaneous items and labour charges for renovation of existing organic LS inputs preparation unit for the 1.50 production of Neem soap, panchagavya pheromone traps, fruit fly bait trap etc. Printing charges and display boards LS 0.65 Institutional % of the 0.55 project cost Total 6.00 Production and supply of neem soap Strengthening the existing production unit to increase the capacity Printing of booklet and display boards for distribution to farmers/ display at KVK. 4. KVK Malappuram KVK Malappuram is envisages to monitor the pest populations and to issue advisories based on the surveillance programme. Through the component of this project it is aimed to achieve the following objectives To support the multi disciplinary diagnostic team of the district To develop technical materials like leaflets and booklets for the team OFT/FLD on specific pests and diseases which are of economic importance to the district Supporting pest management strategies through the supply of various inputs like biocontrol agents, pheromone traps, etc and through farmers trainings. Supporting vegetable clusters of the district for the adoption of vegetable IPDM. The KVK personnel will be part of the multi disciplinary diagnostic team and coordinate the activities of the team for their field visits to the pest infested areas of the district. In order to support the project implementing staff and the officials of the Department of Agriculture, through which the project is being implemented, KVK intend to develop technical materials like leaflets and booklets on IPDM on major crops of the district like coconut, paddy, vegetables, and banana. In order to popularize the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) like Metarrhizium, Beauvaria and Verticillium KVK will be organizing Front Line Demonstrations on Use of EPF for the management of insect pests in vegetables. 40

41 This year, ICAR has allocated a Farmer Field School on ICM in vegetables to KVK Malappuram with a funding of Rs /-. This field school is proposed to be organized at Morayur Panchayath, where KVK will be having demonstration plots on IPDM in vegetables. This will serve as a key area for demonstration of IPDM strategies in the district and the FFS of KVK will be linked to this project for the purpose. Through this project, KVK also envisages to support three major vegetable clusters of the district for implementing IPDM in vegetables. Inorder to popularize various biocontrol agents like neem soap, Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, pheromone traps, etc., these inputs will be supplied from the KVK to the participant farmers. The trainings to farmers on IPDM will be provided with funds from KVK itself. Sl. Amount Item No. ( lakhs) 1. Preparation of technical materials on IPDM in paddy, coconut, 1.00 banana and Rs /- per material 2. Support of MDT (including POL, TA, DA) FLD on Use of EPF for the management of insect pests in 0.15 vegetables 4. FFS on ICM in vegetables Input support to farmers Skilled assistant Rs per month Support of 3 vegetable clusters of the district in adopting vegetable 0.39 IPDM 8. Miscellaneous 0.75 Total KVK Kozhikode The bio control agents Trichoderma and Pseudomonas are being mass multiplied at the Kendra and distributed under revolving fund, utilizing the facilities of KVK. The existing lab facilities can be strengthened under the project for the bulk production of the same. It is proposed to distribute inputs like pheromone traps, light traps, farm guard (device for beneficial insects multiplication from NCIPM) and Trichoderma and Pseudomonas to the selected vegetable farmers for effective management of pest and disease and for maximizing the yield. Under the proposed project, trainings can be given to the different categories of farming community like practicing farmers, farm women and rural youth on aspects like cultivation of summer season & cool season vegetables, integrated pest and disease management in vegetables, production of vegetables in organic methods, nursery management of vegetables and seminars. Training materials including publications, banners and posters will be produced for disseminating the knowledge on different aspects of vegetable cultivation including processing. It is also proposed to conduct an FLD/OFT on the management of pumpkin beetle in cucurbits, which has become a major pest, recently. The grubs feed on the roots, while the 41

42 adult beetles eat away the leaves making holes on the leaf lamina, thereby reducing the photosynthetic area and resulting in reduced yield. The management measures for the pumpkin beetle include use of both chemicals and bio control agents like Beauveria bassiana, Metarrhizium anisopliae. Sl. Amount Particulars No. ( lakhs) 1. Training & seminars Stationery & training materials including publications, leaflets, booklets, posters, banners FLD/OFT Strengthening lab facilities TA POL Skilled labour 0.25 Total 6.00 Implementation of this project will create awareness about the plant protection measures to be adopted in vegetable cultivation and thereby resulting in increased yield and income. 6. KVK Wayanad Pest and disease outbreak is a major problem which leads to yield reduction of all crops in Wayanad. Pest surveillance based crop advisory services will help to alleviate these problems and improve productivity of crops. Objective are: Timely monitoring and providing control measures to pests of Rice, Black pepper, Banana and Vegetables To train SHGs in production of Tricho cards, pheromone traps and chitin enriched pseudomonas To train farmers in pest monitoring and management practices To conduct FLDs for the popularization of new pest management practices Work Plan of the Project: The details of major crops to be coming under this project are: 42 Sl. Crop Pest and Diseases No. 1 Rice Leaf folder, Stem borer, Blast and Leaf spot 2 Black pepper Thrips, Scales, Borers, Quick wilt and yellowing 3 Vegetables Fruit fly, Sucking pests, Powdery mildew and Downy mildew

43 4 Banana Pseudo stem weevil, Rhizome weevil, Leaf spot, Wilt diseases and Bunchy top In KVK the biocontrol agents like trichoderma and pseudomonas are being mass multiplied and distributed under revolving fund mode employing trained SHGs under the direct technical supervision of KVK as well as utilizing the facilities of the KVK, Ambalavayal. The members of the SHG are gaining 35 per cent of the total benefit on an MoU basis with the Kendra. Under the proposed project training can be given to the SHG functioning at KVK for the production of tricho cards, pheromone traps and chitin enriched pseudomonas and existing lab facilities at KVK can be strengthened so as to facilitate the production of the same. As a part of this project training can be given to selected farmers and NGOs in pest monitoring and crop advisory services and they will act as master trainees for disseminating the knowledge of pest management to the farmers of Wayanad. It is also proposed to conduct FLDs in the selected farmer s fields to popularize newer techniques of pest management and inputs can be supplied as a part of these FLDs. Financial Statement (component wise) Sl. Item No. Amount ( lakhs) 1 Training to SHG and farmers Training materials including publications Strengthening lab facilities FLDs and input purchase POL and others Travelling allowances 0.25 Total 6.00 Implementation of this project will ensure timely monitoring of pests of Rice, Black pepper, Banana and Vegetables. Awareness can be given to farmers about the importance of pest surveillance and advisory services and this will help to adopt timely pest management practices. H) Rodent Control Eighteen species of rodents are pests in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal and human dwellings and rural and urban storage spaces.. Of these, Bandicota bengalensisis the most predominant and widespread pest of agriculture in wet and irrigated soils and has also established in houses and godowns in cities. Analysis of the information available on the damage and economic losses caused by rodents in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, poultry farms, and rural and urban dwellings and storage facilities clearly shows that chronic damage ranging from 2% to 15% persists and severe damage, sometimes even up to 100% loss of the field crop, is not rare. Several traditional and modern approaches and methods of rodent control are being used. Rodenticides, which provide an immediate solution to the rodent problem, form the major component of rodent control strategies. Poison baiting of rodents with zinc phosphide and burrow fumigation with aluminium phosphide are common in agricultural fields and 43

44 recently Racumin (coumatetralyl) and bromadiolone have been introduced for the control of both agricultural and commercial rodent pests. Food safety is paramount and the focus nowadays starts on the farm and ends on the fork. It is more important than ever to ensure that there is no contamination at any stage of the food chain. Farm assurance schemes specify that approved rodent control programmes are effectively carried out to meet the hygiene and prevent the losses. The control of rodent pests should be approached as a management problem much more so than a simple and single poisoning action. For a control strategy to be effective staff responsible need to be trained and informed, their activities must be co-ordinated, responsibilities confirmed, inputs and equipment readily available and the entire action must be planned. The main objectives of the programme are the following. To eradicate the rat menace in a campaign mode. To create awareness and impart training to people about the rat control measures. To provide necessary materials needed for rat control campaigns. Programme A successful rat control strategy typically includes three elements: sanitation measures; building construction and rodent proofing; and population control. Sanitation is fundamental to rat control and must be continuous. If sanitation measures aren t properly maintained, the benefits of other measures will be lost and rats will quickly return. Good housekeeping in and around buildings will reduce available shelter and food sources for rats. Neat, off-the-ground storage of pipes, lumber, firewood, crates, boxes, gardening equipment, and other household goods will help reduce the suitability of the area for rats and also will make their detection easier. Collect garbage, trash, and garden debris frequently, and ensure all garbage receptacles have tight-fitting covers. Trapping is the safest and most effective method for controlling rats in and around homes, garages, and other structures. Because snap traps can be used over and over, trapping is less costly than poison baits but more labor intensive. Traps can be set and left indefinitely in areas such as attics where rats have been a problem in the past. The simple, wooden rat-size snap trap is the least expensive option, but some people prefer the newer plastic, single-kill rat traps, because they are easier to set and to clean. Snap traps with large plastic treadles are especially effective, but finding the best locations to set traps is often more important than what type of trap is used. Generally, young rats can t be trapped until they are about a month old, which is when they leave the nest to venture out for food. 44

45 While trapping is generally recommended for controlling rats indoors, when the number of rats around a building is high, you might need to use toxic baits to achieve adequate control, especially if there is a continuous re infestation from surrounding areas. If this is the case, consider hiring a licensed pest control applicator who is trained to use rodenticides safely. Baits to control rodents are formulated with an attractant (generally food) and a rodenticide (toxin). Now manufacturers are producing, for sale to the general public, only wax block, gel, or paste rat and mouse baits that are packaged in ready-to-use, disposable bait stations. Anticoagulants are blood-thinning drugs that cause an animal s blood to lose the ability to clot, damaging capillaries and resulting in internal bleeding that is fatal. These active ingredients are used at very low levels and the onset of symptoms is delayed for several days, so the rodent doesn t avoid the bait because of its taste or the onset of illness. When prepared with good-quality cereals and other ingredients, anticoagulant baits provide good to excellent control when baits are fresh and when placed in suitable locations so as to attract rats. Kerala State Warehousing Corporation has formulated very effective Anti- Coagulant Rat Poison Bait in the name of RODOFOE. The certificate of Registration for the same has been obtained from the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India vide Reg. No. CIR-47,436/ Bromodiolone (RB) (241)-89. License to manufacture this product has been granted by the Directorate of Agriculture, Govt. Of Kerala vide License No.P.M49/04-05 dated KSWC acts as a Nodal Agency to supply the rat poison bait ' RODOFOE' for the Govt. level Rat Control Campaigns in the state. Rodent control should be undertaken on a campaign mode covering the whole area (say Panchayats or Municipal wards etc.). Wide publicity should be given and rodent control campaign should be arranged incorporating all the local self government institutions, government and non government institutions & agencies, peoples representatives, public organizations, farmers organizations etc. Financial outlay proposed Rodent control will be arranged on a campaign mode and an amount of ` 25000is proposed for each such campaign. The expenses for each campaign is given below. 45 Sl. No. Item Amount (`) 1 Publicity charges Cost of rodenticides, baiting materials etc Total Cost for 132 campaign lakhs

46 During total number of 132 campaigns will be arranged in the state. The requirement of funds for 132 campaigns is Rs lakhs. Sl.No Name of District Target Phy(no.) Fin in lakhs 1 Thiruvananthapuram Kollam Alapuzha Pathanamthitta Kottayam Idukki Ernakulam Thrissur Plaghat Malapuram Kozhikode Wayanad Kannur Total By conducting the rodent control campaigns the population of rodents can be minimized thereby reducing the losses due to rodents and avoiding the health problems. I) Strengthening Parasite Breeding Stations 1. Thiruvananthapuram In Thiruvananthapuram parasites are being reared and released against leaf eating caterpillar (Opsina arenosella) which is a major pest of coconut palm which destroys the chlorophyll of the leaves and results in yield reduction in Coconut. The population of this pest increases from November and peak period of attack is from February to May in 46

47 Kerala. This pest can be effectively and economically controlled by biological methods of releasing larval and pupal parasites namely Braconids, Bethalids, Elasmids and Eulophids. At present there is only one agricultural assistant to look after the activities of the station. Additional staff strength is to be provided for strengthening the activities. The details of the programme are summerised below. Sl. Amount Programmes No. (` lakhs) 1 Repairing the existing station Purchase of materials required for the day to day activities of the lab Purchase of lab items Strengthening infrastructure facilities of the present lab Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month Construction of new building for strengthening activities of parasite breeding station Total The present proposal is to strengthen the existing programme of rearing and release of parasites of coconut pest and rearing and release of parasites of other important pests of crops like paddy, vegetables etc. All the available bio control agents can be stocked in this station and issued to the needy farmers as per their requirement. Awareness and traings are also to be given to the farmers about the benefits and use of bio control agents. 2. Kollam In Kollam district also parasites of coconut pests are being reared and released against leaf eating caterpillar (Opsina arenosella). This pest can be effectively and economically controlled by biological methods of releasing larval and pupal parasites namely Braconids, Bethalids, Elasmids and Eulophids. The lab can be strengthened so as to produce trichocard which can be used against the paddy pests like stem borer and leaf roller. The estimated cost for strengthening the present station is given below. 47 Sl. Amount Programmes No. (` lakhs) 1 Purchase of materials required for the day to day activities of the lab Purchase of lab items Strengthening infrastructure facilities of the present lab Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98

48 `8000/month Construction of new building for strengthening activities of parasite breeding station Total Alappuzha Parasite Breeding Station is working at new own building which is having two rearing rooms, one washing room, one hall and office room. The production capacity is Bracon Brevicornis 1800/ annum and Gonoziz Nephantidis 3000/Annum against coconut crop pest. Biocontrol agents against the paddy crop pest is also to be developed and used as paddy is an important crop in Alappuzha having coverage area of more than Ha. Use of Biocontrol Agents by farmers should be popularized and made available to them. The available quantity and seasonal distribution of BCAs is very low when compared to our requirement. In this circumstances strengthening of Parasite Breeding station is having much significance. Awareness can also be given to the officers and farmers by organizing training programmes. Staff strength of Parasite Breeding Station is only one Techenical Assistant. Adequate staff members are required for the production and Mass multiplication of BCAs. The requirement of funds for strengthening the existing station is detailed below. Sl. Amount Programmes No. (Rs lakhs) 1 Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like 0.33 plastic tray, Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc 2 Construction of one additional room (3.5 M x 3.5 M Materials and infrastructure required for additional production of bio control agents (tricocard). The materials and infrastructure required are Basins, Rack, Mating cage, U.V Chamber, fridge, card, Vacuum cleaner, Streptomycin etc 4 Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month 0.72 Total The additionally proposed tricocard unit can produce 1600cc trichocard in a season. Trichocard can be produced 4 times in an year. Total capacity for the year is 6400cc.1 cc card can be distributed to the farmers at the rate of Rs 50/. From this item alone get an income of ` 3,20,000/annum and Biocontrol Agent can also be utilized in an area of 1280 Ha of paddy. Kottayam In Kottayam parasites are being reared and released against coconut pests nos of Bracon Brevicornis, nos of Croniozus Nephantidis and nos of Elasmus Nephantidis, 825 nos of Nozatori are being reared and released from April 2012 to March The production of these parasites can be increased 48

49 substantially by providing additional infrastructure facilities and additional manpower. In addition to this bio control agents can be stocked and issued to the needy farmers as per their requirement. For all these activities the following funds are required. Sl. Amount Programmes No. (Rs lakhs) 1 Rent of the present building until a new building is constructed Strengthening infrastructure facilities of the present lab Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like plastic tray, Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass 0.25 trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc 4 Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month Construction of new building for strengthening activities of parasite breeding station Total Ernakulam (Vyttila) Parasite Breeding Station, Vyttila is now situated in the premises of AUWM, Maradu. In this station produces natural enemies namely Goniozus nephantidis ( Bethalid) and Bracon hevator ( Braconids). These are highly suitable parasitoids for the control of leaf eating caterpillars because of their greater searching ability to withstand high temperature, production of more females, occurrence throughout the year. The peak multiplication is during the peak period of the pest attack. Taking all these into consideration, maximum multiplication of these parasitoids will be undertaken in this station from November onwards till next rainy season. Leaf eating caterpillar (Opsina arenosella) is a major pest of Coconut palm which destroys the chlorophyll of the leaves and results in yield reduction in Coconut. The population of this pest increases from November and peak period of attack is from February to May in Kerala. High temperature and relative humidity prevailing in Kerala is highly favourable for its growth. This pest can be effectively and economically controlled by biological methods of releasing larval and pupal parasites namely Braconids, Bethalids, Elasmids and Eulophids. Present staff strength is- AgricultureAssistant1no.and Gardener-cum lab cleaner- 2nos. The lab equipments and infrastructure facilities available are not sufficient to meet the demand. The total production is Braconids and bethelids. The total requirement of fund for the day to day activities of the present station is ` 18000/-. By strengthening the station nos of lasmids and nos of Eulophids can be produced additionally. The requirement of fund for the strengthening of existing parasite breeding station is given below. 49

50 Sl. No. Item Amount (Rs. lakhs) 1 Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like plastic tray, 0.3 Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc 2 Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural Rs22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month 0.72 Total Thrissur In Thrissur the old parasite breeding station was completely damaged and hence shifted to flower collection centre which is also not fit for the lab purpose. Hence a new building is to be constructed until then the station can function in render building. The requirement of funds for the station are given below. Sl. No. Programmes Amount (` lakhs) 1 Rent of the present building until a new building is constructed Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like plastic tray, Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month Construction of new building for strengthening activities of parasite breeding station Total Malappuram In Malappuram there is a lab building with 100 sq.f. At present there is only and agricultural assistant and a lab cleaner. Parasites of coconut pests are being reared and release from this station. The average production is nos of Bracon Brevicornis and nos Gonieozies Nephantidis. The present station is to be strengthen with infrastructure facility like furniture and other lab equipments. The requirement of funds for strengthening the station are given below. Sl. No. 50 Programmes 1 Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like plastic tray, Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc 2 Strengthening infrastrufture facilities in the lab by providing furniture and lab equipments Amount (` lakhs)

51 3 Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month 0.72 Total Kozhikode The parasite building station at Thikkodi is not functioning for the last 4 years due to the collapse of the building. A new building is to be constructed in the Vengeri market. Till the construction of building the parasite breeding station should function in a rented building or in the available space of the any of the offices by utilizing the services of he contract staffs. Natural enemies of crop pests like Croniozus Nephantidis, Elasmus, and Nozatori can be reared and released in the fields. Bio control agents and pheromone traps are also to be prepared, stocked and made available to the needy farmers. The requirement of funds for all these activities are given below. Sl. No. Programmes Amount (` lakhs) 1 Rent of the present building until a new building is constructed Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like plastic tray, Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc Appointment of contract staff Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month Construction of new building for strengthening activities of parasite breeding station Total Kasaragod The parasite breeding station is now functioning in coconut farm, Neleswar. The main function of the lab is to produce parasitoids of different pests of paddy, vegetable, banana and other crops. The activities proposed in Kasaragod are the following. Establishment of a trichocard production units Production and distribution of pheromone traps Production and distribution of parasites of crops pests of coconut, banana and vegetables Purchase, storage and distribution of various bio control agents to the farmers 51

52 The financial requirement for the implementation of the above programme are given below. Sl. Programmes No. 1 Construction of new building for strengthening activities of parasite breeding station 2 Purchase of essential items required for the existing lab like plastic tray, Tissue paper, Rubber band, Fish wash liquid, Mask, Cotton wool, Cotton cloth, Glass trough, Wheat flour, Honey detergents etc Amount (` lakhs) Appointment of contract staff 0 Agricultural `22000/ month 1.98 `8000/month 0.72 Total Out of the total cost of Rs lakhs Rs lakhs can be met from the Organic Farming Scheme and the remaining ` lakhs can be met from this scheme. Abstract of Amount required for strengthening parasite breeding stations of the state are given below. Sl. No. District Amount ( lakhs) 1 Thiruvananthapuram Kollam Alappuzha Kottayam Ernakulam Thrissur Malappuram Kozhikode Kasaragod Total J) Development of new bio pesticides A new bio pesticide have been developed by CTCRI from tapioca leaves. This has to be produced in greater quantities and popularized among farming community as this is hazard free and effective against pests. Possibility of developing similar pesticides are also to be explored for the benefit of farmers. For the development, large scale production,and popularization of bio pesticides a lump sum amount of Rs 25 lakhs can be given to CTCRI. The CTCRI will give detailed programme with financial break up. The Director of Agriculture will release the amount of Rs 25 lakhs to the Director CTCRI on getting the detailed project in this regard. Out of this an amount of Rs.15 lakhs will be released to KVK, Kasaragod by CTCRI for setting up the production unit of biopesticides developed by CTCRI for the promotion of the product in the organic farming areas. 52

53 K) Strengthening and upgradation of Kerala Center for Pest Management Kerala Centre for Pest Management is functioning with the objective of conducting Pest Surveillance, interpretation and reporting on the pest and disease incidence and related information throughout the planting season of paddy in Kuttanadu region of Kerala. Due to the timely intervention of the unit the pest incidence since the year 2000 could be brought under control in Kuttanad without much economic loss. Our intervention has also resulted in reducing the pesticide consumption in paddy especially in Kuttanadu. The activities of this centre has to be upgraded and extended so as to get the benefits for the entire state. Pest Surveillance activity is done mainly at present using the following surveys through this station. 1. Fixed Plot Survey: Conducted in selected areas and observations are taken on the presence or absence of pest diseases and natural enemies, from the beginning of the cropping season, with the help of the Krishi Bhavan staff. During the survey population of major pests and its natural enemies, and percentage of major disease incidence are recorded. The observations are tabulated in prescribed blue colour card. Review of the report is done weekly and necessary recommendations are issued to farmers in consultation with the RRS Mankombu and other university institutions. 2. Rapid roving surveys: Rapid roving surveys are conducted by the staff of the Office. A route map is prepared in advance and maximum area is covered to provide an early warning for pest and diseases. Crop health, incidence of pest and diseases, and economic loss associated with area assessed during the survey. The area is covered from the third week of planting till maturity of the crop. The observations are recorded in the prescribed yellow card. The observations are critically evaluated and discussed with the Scientists of the Kerala Agricultural University and urgent necessary recommendations are issued. Messages based on the survey are released among farmers through news papers radio and through Krishi Bhavan. 3. Light traps: Light traps are installed in various Padasekharam of Kuttanad and observations from these traps on the presence of pests and natural enemies are recorded twice in a week in the prescribed red card. The data handling is carried out by the Krishi Bhavan staff and are handed over to this office every Monday. Early warnings and recommendations are communicated to the farmers at appropriate times regarding the incidence of invasive pests diseases,weather parameters etc. through news papers local cable TV channels and through community radios, in consultation with RRS Mankonbu based on the data produced through the above said surveys. 53

54 Surveillance activities and appropriate forewarnings and recommendations to the farmers in the planting season can contribute in enhancing the productivity reducing the cost of production and also in protecting the fragile ecosystem of Kuttandu without much Hassel. The proposed ICT enabled system will work well with current demographic background of Kuttanadu rather than the conventional one which is inaccurate and time consuming. Hence it is proposed to widen the surveillance activities by using scouts exclusively equipped with latest communication tools. Surveillance Scouts will be appointed during the cropping seasons and they will be trained on survey methodology on pest and diseases in rice as well as IT equipments. The trained scouted will be entrusted in data collection in concurrence with the Krishi Bhavan Staff. It is proposed to train the Agricultural extension officials of Krishi Bhavans also on the aspects of Surveillance as this will help in the uninterrupted data collection during any contingency and it also important to go this programme as an integral part of the departmental intervention. It is also proposed for modernising and digitalisation of the programme by arranging state of art equipments for the continues improvement, Kiezen of the surveillance programme. The equipments will enable the identification of the entire pest, disease and natural enemies and also recording the virtual presence in the field and interpretation in the laboratory by the Scientist of our University. The prediction on the presence or absence of any invasive or exotic pests or diseases that can occur will be more accurate by the automation of the surveillance programme. A mobile Agri clinic is also proposed with minimum equipments for assisting the farmers first hand in the field for which a Extra Utility Vehicle is proposed. The present Office infrastructure is proposed for renovation and ergonomic design office space for better utilisation of working space. It is proposed for conversion of part of the office space as a training hall cum farmers interface centre. Crop survey will be done on every Monday and Friday in 25 fields for representing this 30,000- hectare, on pest and disease incidence in a prescribed format. Light trap installed in 20 different locations. Data collected from these sources has to be sent to the office, from the field immediately. The location of the observation spot are located on GIS cordinates. Based on the observations/data collected bulletins and SMS are passed on to the prospective farmers. Farmers can contact through phone SMS or direct and their queries on pest and disease problems and will be recorded and the concerned scout of the area will visit the field and upload the digital image along with his comments. Based on the input recommendations will be sent to the farmers, with a discussion panel of scientists of Kerala Agricultural University. 54

55 The head of the institute should be upgraded to the cadre of Joint Director of Agriculture from Deputy Director of Agriculture and sufficient supporting staff should also be given for the efficient running of the institute. The Kerala Institute for Plant Health Management (KIPHM) is proposed as a separate organisation under the Department of Agriculture similar to NIPHM of the Ministry of Agriculture for which file will be moved separately. Entire plant health management programme will be coordinated by KIPHM. The following financial allocation are proposed. Cost The financial outlay for upgradation and strengthening of the activities of KCPM are given below. Sl. No. Amount Particulars (Rs. lakhs) Upgradation of the post of head of the institution to the cadre of Joint Director of Agriculture (additional cost) Contract appointment of technical ` 22,000/month 1.76 Operational cost for fixed plot survey:- stationary articles, quadrant 1*1 M2,hand lenses, yellow sticky card, sweep net, pheromone trap & lure, sieve,vial, Wide mouthed jar,zip bag, 3 chloroform etc Emoluments for Scouts(12 persons* Rs.10000/month*8 months) 9.60 Motor vehicle + computer allowance to Rs.2500/month for 8 months to 12 scouts 5 POL Training/capacity building(2training to scouts and 2 training to Agricultural extension officers@30000/training, maximum participants 30) 1.20 Training to farmers/labours on IPM and pesticide 7 usage/management (2 30 participants* 0.50 P A System with power amplifier power speaker with tripod, wireless and color mic and mixer unit for training hall outside 8 training to farmers in field Generator 3KVA Capacity - as training aid Documentation of the surveillance activities of the entire cropping season Global Positioning System for route mapping (2no.@14000) Light trap Incentive to farmers for light trap maintenance and electricity charges@40*2000 yearly 2 season Renovation of the institute building and providing additional facilities in the building to strengthen activities and to setup training hall Digital Projector and screen - above 3000 lumen - for farmers inter phases and field trainings 0.75

56 17 Modified mobile agri clinic vehicle uniform cap Gumboot etc to Scouts Preparation of Charts and display boards on IPM concepts 0.30 Total The holistic approach on pest surveillance will reduce the cost of cultivation of rice in Kuttanad and can be replicated in other rice growing areas of Kerala and India. Timely intervention will reduce the sporadic occurrence of pest and diseases resulting in better productivity and reduced use do inputs. This model can also be successfully adapted for other crops also making modification based on mode of cultivation. L. Pheromone Application Technology through IICT, Hyderabad The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad under the CSIR has developed Pheromone application Technology for rice and vegetables. This could be promoted as safe alternative to pesticides. An amount of Rs.10 lakh is proposed to initiate the work and the amount will be utilised by IICT for training of officers and entrepreneurs. The component will be linked to KVKs for further expansion in Kerala. The amount will be released to IICT. V. DISTRICT WISE PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL TARGETS OF COMPONENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE District wise physical and financial targets of the components to be implemented by Department of Agriculture is as follows. Vi. PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL COMPONENTS FOR PEST SURVEILLANCE UNDER ATMA Sl No Activities Amount in lakhs Remarks 1 Hon. For FAs For non leads district and plant clinics 2 Operational costs lakh/block, 1.5 lakh /district 3 Surveillance kits to Officers/FAs nos(271+71) 56

57 4 Hon. To FAs in clinics under Kuttanad package and op.cost Additional honararium for uniform rate 5 Training training in blocks and 2 in districts 6 MDDT 14 7 Data uploading and advisories 21 Sub total The break up of targets under ATMA for implementation of the project will be issued by ATMA cell of Directorate of Agriculture. VII. ABSTRACT ON INSTITUTION WISE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS Abstract on Institution wise allocation of funds Sl.No Name of institution Amount in lakhs Responsibility Pest Surveillance, Plant Health Clinics, Awareness and workshops, Rodent control campaigns, Strengthening of Parasite breeding stations, Contingency to meet sudden outbreak of pests and diseases and 1 Dept. Of Agriculture Project management 2 ATMA Hon. For FAs, operational costs, Surveillance kits etc. 3 IIITMK Hand held device, Tech.materials, Software devl. Etc. 4 VFPCK 10 Score charts, technical materials,surveillance units 5 KAU 15 Kole land surveillance 6 NIPHM Capacity building in PHM and introduction of PG Diploma in PHM 7 SAMETI Capacity building in PHM and introduction of PG Diploma in PHM Supporting Surveillance and Clinics, Pathanamthitta,Alapuzha,Idukki,Ernakulam,Malapuram,Kozhikode, 8 KVK 6lakhs/KVK 42 and Wayanad KVKs 9 CTCRI 25 Devl. Of new bio pesticide 10 IICT, Hyderabad 10 Devl. Of Pheromone application technology TOTAL

58 V111.IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT:- The project will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture.The Deputy Director in charge of quality control, Extension and Training and Plant health management will take a lead role in establishing the surveillance units. As part of the project plant clinics will be established. The panchayat wise selection of surveillance units as per the norms of selecting the plots will be guided by the DD(E&T). The financial and technical support for the units will be provided by the Krishi Bhavans. The soil testing will be done by the identified labs for testing micro, macro and secondary elements for all the surveillance plots coordinated by the DD(E&T). A soil health card will also be provided to these farmers. The rainfall and other weather parameters will also be collected from all the institutions in the district on a weekly basis, which will be coordinated by DD(E&T). Deputy Director of Agriculture (E&T) will be re-designated as Deputy Director of Agriculture (PHM). At the state level the Additional Director (CP) will be in charge of the project. Two district plant health specialists will be provided through IIITMK for the two district plant clinics. In the absence of specialists in entomology/plant pathology, microbiologists or related disciplines also will be used for the plant health specialists. The outputs will be monitored by the committee proposed for the plant health management at the district and State level. The PD(ATMA) will be in charge of collecting weekly details on pests and diseases through the ATMA groups and FAs(Scouts) and reported on line as well as advisories will be developed for preparing weekly alerts as well as Monthly Technology Advice. The hand held devices will be provided to the technical officers as well as scouts for data collection. The collected and processed data will be uploaded to the central server. The FFS will be equipped to address the collection and reporting of pests and diseases to the Krishi Bhavans for diagnosis, advisory and for onward transmission to the central database. The ATMA groups will be given special training on Plant health management. MDDT will be constituted in each district with specialists in plant health management. BTM will be involved in coordination of block level activities for consolidation of reports and dissemination. PAO will coordinate all the activities at the district level for the effective implementation of the project. A project implementation committee will be constituted with the following members chaired by PAO 1. DD(E&T) (Convenor) 2. PD(ATMA) 3. Head(KVK) 4. Head (Zonal Research Station) 5. Representative of any central Govt. research institution experts on Plant health management 7. District Manager, VFPCK The multi institutional project will be coordinated Chief (Agriculture),State Planning Board with the required support and guidance. 58

59 An Expert Committee headed by Dr.C.K. Peethambaran former Director of Research, KAU will be constituted to guide the whole project on Plant health management. An amount of Rs.2 lakh is set apart for the purpose out of awareness and workshops for providing honorarium and travel support similar to the expert committee constituted for the preparation of soil testing manual by the department of Agriculture. Dr.Nalina Kumari former Professor of Entomology of KAU, Dr. Reghunath, former Professor of Entomology of KAU, Dr.Joseph, former Professor of Plant pathology of KAU and another soil scientist will be included in the expert committee proposed. A Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) on Plant Health Management will be constituted with APC as chairman with the following members. 1. Director of Agriculture 2. Chief (Agriculture), State Planning Board 3. Secretary (Agriculture) 4. Director, SAMETI experts on Plant health management 6. Director, NIPHM, Hyderabad 7. Director of Research (KAU) 8. Director, KCPM/KIPH 9. Director, IISR 10. Director, CPCRI 11. CEO,VFPCK 12. Faculty in charge, IIITMK 13. Director, KSREC 14. Additional Director of Agriculture(Convenor) The project will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. The inter component variation in some of the components for full utlisation of the amount will also be taken by the PMC. IX.INSTITUTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- 1. Department of Agriculture The project will be implemented under the leadership of the department of Agriculture. The additional director in charge will coordinate the project implementation with the leadership of PAOs, DD(E&T) and PD(ATMA). The rainfall data will also be collected and compiled for preparing the advisories. 2. VFPCK VFPCK will support the project implementation and separate surveillance units will be established. The technical materials for pest identification like score charts and other technical materials will be developed for banana and vegetables. The development of advisory materials and dissemination will also be supported by VFPCK. 3. IIITMK The software development will be done by the IIITMK. The hand held devices will be procured by the IIITMK for the pest scouts and technical officers. The selected technical experts for software development as well as support at the district level will be 59

60 hired as well as the pest scouts and other HR support will be provided through IIITMK.A software will also be developed as part of the project for generating automatic advisory generation through a support group. 4. NIPHM The National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) will take a lead role in capacity building for the project. It is also proposed to initiate PG diploma in Plant health management through SAMETI for the technical officers of the Department of Agriculture as an off campus programme of NIPHM. Short courses will also be started on pest surveillance, agro ecosystem analysis, pesticide management, etc. 5. ATMA The entire training programme will be coordinated by PD,ATMA on plant health management. The pest scouts will be engaged through ATMA based on the advise of IIITMK for the pest surveillance work. Part of the technical materials will also be developed by ATMA. A multidisciplinary team specialized in plant health management will be engaged at the district level for all activities supporting plant health management. ATMA will be in charge of development of advisories on plant health management on weekly basis for rice and vegetables, fortnightly basis for banana and on monthly basis for pepper and coconut. The advisories will be integrated with the Monthly technology Advice prepared as part of ATMA plus in all the districts. The weather data collected in the district also will be used for generating the advisories. The ATMA group will be developed for the reporting of pests and diseases to the technical officers as well as dissemination of advisories. The Farmer Field Schools(FFS) established will be used for the dissemination of farmer to farmer extension support on plant health management. The services of good FFS completed will also be used for the collection and dissemination of advisories to other farmers. 6. KAU KAU can also support the MDDT constituted at district level. The diagnostic facilities available in KAU will be used for the diagnosis of pests and diseases. Soil testing including biological fertility part also will be done for the identified surveillance units through some of the identified labs of KAU. The Kole land security project implemented by the ARS, Mannuthy in association with the Department of Agriculture will be integrated with the project. 7. KVK The Malappuram KVK, KVK,Pathanamthitta, and KVK, Kasaragod will be involved in the preparation of technical materials and other need based support. The support of other KVKs will be used for effective implementation of the components including the analytical facilities and biocontrol agents supply. 8. KCPM The Kerala Centre for Pest management (KCPM) will be the nodal centre for plant health management under the Department of Agriculture. In the current years budget it is proposed to upgrade KCPM as Kerala Institute of Plant health Management. 60

61 The activities of KCPM is proposed to be expanded to all districts in a phased manner. The preparation of score charts, advisories etc will be lead by KCPM. 9. SAMETI Advanced capacity building programmes will be taken up by SAMETI. Some of the technical materials required for the project also will be prepared by SAMETI. PG diploma in Plant Health Management programme in collaboration with NIPHM will be conducted at SAMETI, a panel of technical experts will be engaged by SAMETI for the management of capacity building programmes. 10. KSREC The Kerala State Remote Sensing and Environment Centre (KSREC) will generate the GIS maps required for the project and integrate with the natural resource and environmental database already generated as part of previous projects. Monthly GIS maps will be generated by KSR EC. The funding for KSREC is already included in their budget in the current year. 11. IICT, Hyderabad The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, CSIR institute will support promotion of pheromone application Technology for the farmers as an alternative to chemical pesticides. Capacity building programmes will be coordinated by the IICT. 12. State Planning Board The Plant health Management is a multi institutional project and State Planning Board will coordinate the project. X.SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF SOME KEY PERSONNEL Field Assistant (Pest scout) Visit to pest surveillance plots in each panchayat. On weekly basis to vegetables and rice plots, fortnightly basis to banana plots and on monthly basis to coconut and pepper plots. Roving survey will also be done by the FAs. Support for Plant clinics will also be provided by the FAs. Block Technology Managers (BTM) Coordination of plot selection at panchayat level, data collection and advisory generation and distribution. Uploading of database will be done by BTM. District Plant Health Manager (DPHM) The DPHM will be with a technical degree in agriculture and preferably a specialist in plant health management. In the absence of agriculture specialists, other related disciplines will be considered. The activities of DPHM include coordination of selection of selection of surveillance units, purchase of surveillance kits, weather data 61

62 collection, support of preparation of weekly alerts and advisories and coordination of dissemination of the project outputs.dphm will be attached to DDA(E&T) at Principal Agricultural Office concerned. Agricultural Assistant (AA) The Agriculture Assistant designated for the purpose will be visiting the surveillance plots on a regular basis for the identification of pests and diseases and technical support. The AA will collect weather data available in the panchayat from various institutions for the project on a weekly basis and fortnightly basis depending on the season. Agriculture Officer (AO) The Agricultural Officer of the selected Panchayats is responsible for the implementation of the project at the Panchayat level. The Agricultural Officer will visit on a regular basis in all the selected 12 plots as well as conduct roving survey to identify pests and disease incidence. The ATMA groups will be developed to identify some of the pests and diseases for reporting as well as for the dissemination of the advisories. On a regular basis AO will visit the ATMA groups. Surveillance kits will be distributed to the selected units and technical scouts and the reporting through the hand held device will be coordinated by the Agricultural officer. All the training programme will be provided at the Panchayat level by the Agricultural officer. The technical materials on Plant health management will be displayed at the Krishi Bhavans. The Plant Clinics will be used for the technical support in diagnostic services. Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA) The ADA will coordinate the implementation of the project at the block level through the Krishi bhavans and ATMA staff. Assistant Manager (VFPCK) Implementation of the project in the VFPCK areas for banana and vegetables and reporting the database to the central server and support in development of advisories. The advisories will be disseminated through the VFPCK groups. The weather data will also be collected and provided as per the requirement of the project. 62

63 XI.ACTIVITY SCHEDULE The activity schedule proposed for the project is shown below. The project is expected to be launched in July Activity schedule of the project Sl. No. Activity Time period Approval July 2 Launching of the project July 3 Training material preparation July-august 4 Awareness material preparation July 5 Selection of temporary manpower July-august 6 Selection of Surveillance plots July-August 7 Selection of technical experts July- August 8 Purchase of hand held devices September 9 Project monitoring committee meetings July, September, November, January, February 10 Technical material series preparation September- October 11 Orientation- state, district, block and August- September training 12 Purchase of sur. Kits September 13 Software development July- September 14 Hosting of portal August 15 Development and dissemination of October- March advisories (Weekly, Monthly) 16 MDDT visit October- March 17 Half yearly report December 18 Refresher training November 19 GIS outputs November- March 20 Completion Reports April 2014 Appropriate changes will be made in the schedule after the project sanction. XII.PROJECT MONITORING The project monitoring will be done by the Additional director in charge of the project at the Directorate. A separate monitoring format will be developed for monthly reporting of the activities. Towards the third quarter of the year the software based monitoring will be initiated. 63

64 XIII.DELIVERABLES OF THE PROJECT The deliverables of the project are indicated below 1. Weekly plant health alerts 2. Monthly Technology Advice 3. Software for pest surveillance 4. Portal for plant health management 5. Pest surveillance publication series 6. Development of Good Plant Protection Practices 7. Improved awareness on plant health management 8. Improved knowledge base to the technical officers on plant health management 9. Popularisation of safe to eat crop husbandry 10. Development of plant health specialists 11. Development of Farmer Field Schools 12. Development of empowered ATMA groups on Plant health management. 13. Identification of new researchable issues 14. Field guide for crop health surveillance for rice, coconut, banana, vegetables and pepper 15. Pest news bulletin symptoms of pests and diseases and nutrient deficiencies for display in all Krishi bhavans in calendar mode 17. E- learning materials on Plant health management 18. On line clinics 19. Pest and disease image library 20. GIS outputs on pest incidence on crop wise/ pest wise./ region wise/season Wise 21. Popularisation of Pheromone Application Technology 22.Popularisation of biopesticides in all districts. XIV.PROJECT MANAGEMENT The project management will be by the Director of Agriculture. Scheduling of project monitoring committees in time as well as ensuring deliverables as per the project document has to be ensured. All the financial support and need based external technical support will be arranged as per the need under the approved framework. The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Director of Agriculture and the project will be coordinated by the Chief (Agriculture), State Planning Board. The Director of Agriculture will ensure the scheduling of district level project implementation committees in time. The deliverables will be reported to the project monitoring committee as per the schedule. Quarterly monitoring will be done by the Project Management Committee proposed in the project. 64

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66 To 1)All Principal Agricultural Officers for implementation 2)Director, SAMETI 3)Faculty in charge, IIITMK 4)CEO, VFPCK 5)Director of Research, KAU 6)Director, NIPHM 7) KVKsPathanamthitta,Alapuzha,Idukki,Ernakulam,Malapuram,Kozhikode and Wayanad 8)Director, CTCRI 9)Director, IISR 10)Direcor, KSREC 11)Project Director, KCPM 12)ATMA Cell Copy to 1) CA to Director of Agriculture 2) CA to all Additional Directors 3) All JDAs at HQ 4) Planning section for allotment of funds 5) Finance section 6) Stock file 7) IT Cell for publishing in web site 66

67 Targets ANNEXURE I Physical and financial targets of components to be implemented by Dept. Of Agriculture Sl. No Components Tvpm kol Alp Pat Kot Idk Ern Tcr Pal Mal Koz Way Kan Ksgd HQ Total 1 Pest Surveillance 2 a)assistance to surveillance units 1.Panchayat Phy / unit Fin Corporation level Phy Fin b)hon. To DPM Phy Fin c)inputs to farmers Phy Fin d)computer and accessories Fin e)soil Testing Phy Fin Plant Health Clinic a) Block level Phy Fin b) Corporation Phy 1 1 Fin Page 1

68 Targets c) District level Phy 1 1 Fin Mobile exhibition cum training & 3 Agriclinics Phy lakhs/clinic Fin Contingency programme to meet sudden outbreak of pests and 4 diseases(h.q) Awareness & 5 Workshops a) Awareness campaign Phy Fin b)workshops I)Block level Phy Fin )District level Phy Fin ) State level Phy Fin 2 Rodent Control 6 Campaigns Phy n Fin Page 2

69 Targets Strengthening of Parasite breeding 7 stations Fin Strengthening of 8 KCPM Fin Project 9 Management G.Total Page 3