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