STATE AGRICULTURE PLAN

FOR WEST BENGAL

N A B A R D C O N S U L T A N C Y S E R V I C E S P V T L TD
( NA B C O NS ) , W E S T B E N G A L
NNAABBARDD W
WEESSTT BEENNGGAALL RREEGGIIOONNAALL OOFFFFIICCEE
66, ROYDD SSTTRREEETT KKOLKKAATTAA
TTeell NNOO:: 003333--2225555--2222288,, FFAAX: 00333--2222499--445507

DISCLAIMER
This document has been prepared by NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) on
behalf of Agriculture Department, Govt of West Bengal based on the information
furnished in C-DAPs and also several rounds of discussion held with the various
agencies during preparation of the report. The views expressed in this report are
advisory in nature. It does not represent or reflect the policy or views of NABARD.
NABARD/NABCONS does not accept any financial liability to any one using this
report for any purpose.

Overall Guidance
Shri P. Mohanaiah, Chief General Manager, NABARD

Team
Shri B. Suri Babu, Assistant General Manager, NABARD
Shri S. K. Nanda, Assistant General Manager, NABARD
Ms. Arpita Bhattacharjee, Manager, NABARD
Social Organisation for Integrated Living (SOIL), the outsourced
Consultant

Review
Shri P. V. S Surya Kumar, General Manager, NABARD
Shri D. D. Behera, Deputy General Manager, NABARD

Acknowledgements
At the outset, we express our sincere thanks to Shri Sanjeev
Chopra, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Govt of
West Bengal for giving us an opportunity to prepare the
prestigious State Agriculture Plan. We also gratefully
acknowledge the excellent cooperation received, especially from
Shri Subir Choudhury, Consultant, State RKVY Cell and his team in
providing all basic information, and meaningful discussion during
execution of the assignment. We are also thankful to various line
Departments who co operated with us in providing deep insight
into the developmental agenda, data, information etc,.
We have refered all CDAPs, while preparing the report and
gratefully acknowledge the agencies like AFC and PRADAN, who
have prepared some CDAPs. We also extend our heartfelt thanks
to functionaries in districts for the valuable inputs & suggestions
given for preparation of CDAPs which led to preparation of State
Agriculture Plan.
We also offer special thanks to Social

Organisation for
Integrated Living (SOIL), the outsourced consultant for
painstakingly preparing the preliminary report.

Index
Chapters

Pages
From
i
1
7
22
35
78
146

Executive Summary
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI

To
xii
6
21
34
77
145
172

Appendix
Appendix
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI

Plan Projections
Agriculture
Soil Conservation
Horticulture
Animal Resource
Development
Fisheries
Agriculture Marketing
Agri Irrigation & Water
Resources
Social Forestry
Sericulture
Co operation
Others-KVK
Others- Khadi, Cottage
industries
Panchayat
Others- Miscellaneous
Others- NFS & Service
Sector
Consolidation of CDAPs

Page No.
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186-187
188
189-190

Annexure

Items

Population in West Bengal &

India
Age/Group-wise % of population
in West Bengal
Growth of population, density,
literacy in West Bengal & India
Total main workers and its %
distribution in West Bengal
Important Demographic features
of West Bengal
Basic Economic Indicators in West
Bengal & India
Annual growth in NSDP of West
Bengal
% of share of Sectors in total
NSDP
Estimates of NSDP of West Bengal
Agro-climatic Regions in West
Bengal
Soil & climate of Agro-climatic
Regions in West Bengal
Utilisation of land in West Bengal
Estimate Number & area of
operational holdings in West
Bengal
Distribution of operational
holdings in West Bengal & India
Index No.of Agril. Area,
population & productivity in West
Bengal
Index No. of Agril. Area,
production, productivity,
cropping pattern, cropping
intensity in West Bengal.

192

Area under principal crops in

West Bengal
Yield Rates of some selected
crops in West Bengal and India

210-211

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10A
10B
11
12

13
14

15

16
17

Page

192
193
194
195
196-197
198
199
200-201
202-203
204
205
206

207
208

209

212

18

18(a)

19
20

21
22
23
24
25
26

27
28
29
30
31

32
33

Net cropped Area, Gross Cropped

Area, cropping intensity in West
Bengal
Contribution of West Bengal to
All-India production of select
crops
Area under HYV in West Bengal
Growth in area coverage,
production of fruits, vegetables,
flowers etc.
Area & production of fruits and
vegetables in West Bengal
Area & production of flowers in
West Bengal
Area & production of spices in
West Bengal
Area & production of plantation
crops in West Bengal
Consumption of fertilisers &
pesticides in West Bengal
Creation and utilization of
irrigation potential in West
Bengal
Production of milk, eggs in West
Bengal
Production of meat in West
Bengal
Production of fish in West Bengal
Production of fish in West Bengal
& India
Output of timber, firewood &
revenue from forest in West
Bengal
Other forest produce harvested
Agency-wise/Sector-wise flow of
ground level credit in West
Bengal

213

214

215
216

217
218
219
220
221
222

223
224
225
226
227

228
229-230

State Agriculture Plan West Bengal

Executive Summary
The State of West Bengal
Lying between 21 25' 24 and 2713' 15 north latitudes and 8548' 20 and 8953' 04
east longitudes, the State shares its borders with three different nations Bangladesh,
Bhutan and Nepal and four other Indian States, viz. Orissa, Jharkhand, Assam and
Sikkim.
The climate of the State is tropical and humid except in the northern hilly region which is
close to the Himalayans. The average rainfall in the State is about 1750 mm with
considerable variation among the districts ranging between 1234 mm in Birbhum to
4136 mm in Jalpaiguri. The temperature in the mainland normally varies between 24C
to 40C during summer and 7C to 26C during the winter.
Spread over an area of 88752 sq km, the State accounts for 2.7% of the total
geographical area of the country while its population of 801.76 lakh accounts for nearly
8 per cent of the entire population of the country thus making West Bengal the most
densely populated State as per 2001 census (903 persons per sq km as against the
national average of 325 persons per sq km).
The total scheduled caste population in the State at 184.53 lakh and the total scheduled
tribe population at 44.07 lakh constitute 23.01 per cent (all India: 16.20 per cent) and
5.50 per cent (all India: 8.20 per cent) of the entire population of the State respectively.
The average literacy rate in the State is 68.64 per cent (female literacy: 59.60 per cent)
which is higher than the national average of 65.38 per cent (female literacy: 53.70 per
cent).
Of the total rural workers, 19.53% and 19.30% are cultivators and agricultural labourers,
respectively, while 4.72 percent are engaged in household industries According to the
Planning Commission, 31.85 percent of the total population lived below poverty line in
1999-2000.
The estimated Gross State Domestic Product in the State at constant prices (Base Year:
1999-00) was Rs.2,20,197.70 crore, which grew by 7.74 per cent over 2006-07. The per
capita income in the State at constant prices (Base Year: 1999-00) stood at Rs.23,228.71
(growth by 6.78% over 2006-07) while the national per capita income stood marginally
higher at Rs.24,295 ( 7.6 % growth).
The primary sector contributed 24.16 per cent to the State's GDP at constant prices
(Base Year: 1999-00) during 2007-08 while it was 24.82 per cent during 2006-07 and
which has declined over the years from 31.45 per cent during 1999-2000. In the
i

agricultural sector, the State recorded a growth of 5.14 per cent while the national
growth rate was 4.90 per cent.

Scenario of Agriculture and Allied Sectors in West Bengal

With nearly 72 per cent of the population living in the rural areas, agriculture is the
predominant occupation in the State. The index number of agricultural area, production
and productivity during 2007-08 with 1981-82 as the base year was 116, 252 and 218
respectively.
The total reporting area of the State is 86.84 lakh ha, of which 52.96 lakh ha is the Net
Sown Area (61 per cent of the total reporting area). The Gross Cropped Area is 97.52
lakh ha with a cropping intensity of 184 per cent.
Agriculture in the State is small farmer centric with 90 per cent of the cultivators being
small and marginal farmers. Small and marginal farming communities hold 84% of the
States agricultural lands.
Marginal operational holding (less than 1 ha) accounts for 88.8 percent of the total
operational holdings as against 69.8 percent at all India level.
Cropping pattern in the State is dominated by food crops which account for about 78 per
cent of the area under principal crops.
Rice is cultivated in 58.48 lakh hectares (production of 161.48 lakh MT) followed by
cereals (all combined) in 63.49 lakh hectares and oilseeds in 7.14 lakh hectares, jute in
6.09 lakh hectares and potato in 3.67 lakh hectares. The state is second largest producer
of potato after Uttar Pradesh and one of the highest producers of vegetable in the
country. Traditionally, West Bengal has been the highest producer of jute. The State also
accounts for 25 per cent of tea production in the country, next only to Assam.
Against the ultimate irrigation potential of 67.43 lakh hectares, the gross irrigation
potential created through major, medium and minor irrigation in the State till the end of
March 2009 was 55.01 lakh hectares. The percentage utilisation of potential created is
81.73 percent in major and medium irrigation structures and 81.64 percent in minor
irrigation.
The share of livestock sector in total State Domestic Product (SDP) is 4.41% and that in
Agricultural SDP is 18.6%.
Despite significant increase in production of various livestock products during the past
three decades, the State still faces a number of challenges in augmenting productivity of
livestock and poultry birds for bridging the ever increasing demand supply gap.
The State is one of the leading producers of fresh water fish and the largest producer of
fish seeds in the country. In the inland fishery sector, West Bengal accounts for 30% of
the total fish production of the country
The export earnings from the fisheries sector grew from Rs. 50 crore in 1987-88 to
Rs.725 crore in 2008-09 with shrimps being the major commodity. The State is the
fourth largest exporter in the country despite having a small coastline of 150 km.

ii

SWOT Analysis of Agriculture & Allied Sectors

Strengths
The State is endowed with favourable agro climate and abundance of natural
resources for diversified agriculture production
Highly productive soils with predominance of fertile alluviums which are responsive
to different inputs and management practices.
Well developed irrigation infrastructure facilitating higher cropping intensity with
potential for further development especially of ground water resources.
Strong production base for horticulture crops especially fruits and vegetables with
scope for further development, processing and value addition.
Excellent potential for production of high value cut flowers like dendrobium /
cymbidium orchids, liliums, gladiolus, anthurium in the Darjeeling hills, gerbera rose
in the plains under green houses
Strong consumption base with huge localized demand for dairy, poultry, meat and
fish and proximity to major consuming centers widening market opportunities
Excellent scope for commercial ventures under poultry and dairy sectors including
processing and value addition
Specialized line departments with good network of animal health care facilities
addressing sub specific extension needs including door-step delivery of AI services
through Pranibandhus.
Per capita consumption of fish is highest in world and hence high demand for
production of fish
Functional Fishermans cooperative societies, Fish Production Groups and a large
number of Self Help Groups (SHG) all over the State contributing well for the growth
of the fishery sector
Major producer & supplier of fish seed in the country ( 65% of countrys seed is
sourced from West Bengal) due to availability of good quality of spawn/seed from
natural as well as commercial hatcheries
Existence of several water bodies including riverine areas, beel, boar, canal and tanks
with a total water spread area 2.76 lakh ha.

Weakness
88 percent of the total land holdings belong to marginal and small farmers with
average holding size is 0.82 ha, limiting the scope for introduction of technology
innovations and interventions.
Predominance of rice based mono-cropping and or with potato /jute in sequence
and less preference for crop rotation and diversification.
Several parts of the states are flood prone with persisting drainage problem.

iii

Adverse impact on soil health and productivity due to imbalances in fertilizer

application coupled with intensive agriculture. Application of organic fertilizers is
very low with less than 10% area coverage
Low level of awareness among farmers on the significance of soil testing
Inadequacies in availability of quality seed/plant material for all the major crops
grown in the State resulting in low levels of seed replacement.
Total dependence on other states like Punjab for meeting the seed potato
requirements. Absence of exclusive cold storage facilities for seed potato affecting
seed quality and viability
Though the State is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, inadequate post
harvest handling and cold storage facilities for perishable horticulture produce
including potato is resulting in seasonal gluts and distress sales besides huge losses.
Indigenous non-descriptive cattle population with low milk productivity account for
70% of the cattle population due to non availability of Quality animals with better
productivity. This is also necessitating dependence on other states like Haryana,
Bihar contributing to increased cost of animals.
Predominance of middle-men in procurement of milk and milk products and absence
of well organized and functional milk cooperatives limiting the scope for promotion
of small dairy units
Potential for commercial ventures in poultry farming is not fully exploited
Under fisheries sector, predominance of extensive farming system marked with
relatively low productivity levels.
Large water bodies especially are under derelict and semi-derelict conditions.
Lack of organized fish culture at village level resulting in wide gap in potential and
actual productivity.
Shortcomings in marketing, absence of adequate ice plant and cold storage facilities
at the production point.
Inadequate bank financing in the fishery sector.
Low productivity under beels (100 to 300 kg/ha) and ponds (3000 kg/ha) due to
underutilization and poor management

Opportunities
Good scope for improving cropping intensity with better exploitation and
management of surface and ground water resources; crop diversification with less
water intensive and remunerative crops like pulses and oil seeds and vegetables.
Soil health management through comprehensive survey and introduction of Soil
Health Cards
Better organic input supply through development of Organic Inputs Production
Hubs, promotion of FYM and vermicomposting at farmers fields
iv

Rational utilization of ground water resources through adoption of micro irrigation

system. Promotion of rain water harvesting structures especially in red laterite zones
for ground water recharging and supplemental irrigation.
Augmenting seed production through promotion of seed villages for production of
certified seed with centralized processing/quality control facilities at block /district
level.
Development of location specific technologies for potato seed multiplication and
establishment of exclusive cold storage facilities for potato seed
Strengthening extension mechanism with focus on active involvement of informal
channels for technology dissemination through Farmers Clubs promoted by
NABARD, farmers SHGs and pro-active NGOs.
Policy interventions favouring contract farming would facilitate exclusive production
of varieties suitable for processing with user industry tie-up for buyback
Wide opportunities for export of horticulture produce especially tropical and exotic
vegetables, mango pineapple, litchi, potato in fresh and processed forms
Keeping in view the small holding nature where individual ownership of farm
equipment is not a feasible and viable proposition, the concept of Farm Machinery
Hub has wide opportunities in the state.
Promotion of Rain water harvesting especially in high/intense rainfall regions and
utilizing the same for supplemental/life saving irrigation. This technology option is
more applicable to areas like the Sunderbans, red laterite zones covering Purulia,
Bankura, parts of West Medinipur, Birbhum, etc.
Scope for promoting commercial dairy ventures with institutional credit support.
Breed improvement through strong net work of Prani Bandhus and calf rearing
scheme
Strengthening the cooperative milk societies and development of milk routes
Good scope for introduction of low input technology poultry farming with breeds like
Rhode Island Red, piggery and goat farming as supplementary livelihood activity
among marginal/landless rural poor/ tribal habitations and also to meet the
increasing local demand.
The State has 2.10 lakh ha of impounded brackish water resources (highest in
country) of which only 0.48 lakh ha have been developed signifying the opportunity
for further development.
Wide opportunities for increasing the seed production base through setting up of
more number of hatcheries to meet the increasing demand.
Under fisheries sector, good scope to improve yield potential to 1000kg/ha under
beels and up to 7500 kg/ha under ponds
Introduction of new concepts like cage & pen culture in earthen canals, beels,
reservoirs and diversification into fresh water prawn farming

Peoples participation in planning and implementation of wasteland development

program ,through definitive institutional arrangement involving sharing of benefits
can bring about significant improvement in the status of land and forest cover.
Identifying potential zones for establishing multipurpose cold storage facilities and
food processing units either through private sector investment or PPP mode with
government providing basic infrastructure.
Awareness creation among farmers and processors on quality aspects and
requirements with respect to Sanitary & Phyto- sanitary measures (SPS), CODEX,
HACCP and modernization of existing processing units.

Threats
Occurrence of natural calamities like floods and consequent production, transport
and storage losses.
Indiscriminate exploitation of ground water may lead to several blocks falling under
overexploited category limiting the scope for further development of irrigation
facilities
Lesser share of certified seed and use of poor quality seed may affect crop
productivity and overall production
Smaller land holdings limiting the scope for adoption of intensive crop production
technologies, which are capital intensive
Increasing production costs especially labour due to proximity to metro city coupled
with un remunerative/ fluctuating prices for produce severely affecting the
profitability of agriculture
Excessive use of chemical fertilisers & pesticides limiting the scope for adherence to
quality standards with special reference to exports
Dominance of middlemen in milk and milk products procurement operations
Recurrence of disease epidemics like bird flu adversely affecting investments in
poultry sector

Drying of natural water bodies due to extensive use of water for irrigation coupled
with high siltation restricting fish production.

Over exploitation of fisheries resources in sea, especially through juvenile fishing

Floods, natural calamities and water pollution from indiscriminate use of pesticides
in the agricultural field are big threats to pisciculture.
Other major producing states have competitive advantage and continue to
dominate the markets especially for milk and poultry products
Changes in socio-economic conditions, with younger generation from farming
community preferring urban employment in place of agriculture

vi

RKVY State Agriculture Plan

The National Agricultural Development Program or Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) aims
at holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors through all the eligible States of
India. As per the scheme, the Government of West Bengal has to prepare Comprehensive
District Agriculture Plans (CDAPs) covering agriculture and allied sectors based on guide
lines issued by the Planning Commission. The State Agriculture Plan (SAP) is the aggregation
of physical and financial projections under respective CDAPs covering all the districts and
with prioritization of strategies to be adopted and the policy interventions that are
necessary. The basic objective of the RKVY is to provide incentives to the State for increasing
public investment in agriculture and allied sectors, convergence of related development
programmes, facilitating private investment in agriculture infrastructure and sustainable
exploitation of available natural resources. The ultimate Goal is to achieve 4% growth rate
under the sector.

Vision of State Agriculture Plan

Vision
To achieve sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people through eco
friendly, clean and value added Agriculture and related activities

The vision would primarily be articulated to address five important aspects of development
namely production, infrastructure, marketing, environment and human for better
productivity, environmental sustainability and employability.
The broad objectives behind the development of vision are:

To generate a common development perspective of the state that reflects the thinking
of diverse stakeholders

To work out inspiring goal for overall development of the broad agriculture sector

To ensure a defined role for women and other disadvantaged groups in the main stream
development process

To foresee human and infrastructural development needs as it emerges from collective

wisdom for achieving the goal

To facilitate evolving of more realistic, objective oriented and executable Five Year and
Annual Plans

To provide specific directions for enhancement of Agriculture and allied sector

productivity in sustainable manner and restoration of ecological balance.

Creation of sustained employment opportunity for the rural people, including the
landless

vii

To encourage the concept of development with peoples participation which will help in
generating the feeling of ownership

State Plan at a glance

Sectors

2009 - 10 (S)

2010 - 11 (P)

Project
Outlay

Share
(%)

Project
Outlay

Agriculture

5266.90

36.10

48569.86

Animal Resource
Development

3617.47

24.79

Fisheries

1134.31

FPI & Horticulture

Project
Outlay

Share
(%)

18.65

53185.02

21.50

11014.64

4.23

11374.23

4.60

7.77

21599.73

8.29

22596.54

9.13

1112.94

7.63

17889.26

6.87

21711.17

8.78

Agril. Marketing

1121.00

7.68

4893.85

1.88

5241.61

Co-operation

1328.00

9.10

7273.06

2.79

8335.26

3.37

Panchayat & Rural

Development
Forest

533.00

3.65

105956.00

40.66

79513.00

32.14

477.00

3.27

2234.87

0.85

2598.29

1.05

Water Res. Invg. &

Development

21903.75

8.40

23331.83

9.42

Others

19226.94

7.38

19538.63

7.89

SAU / ARS

0.00

0.00

Admin. Cost

0.00

0.00

14590.62

100.00

260561.96

247425.58

100.00

Grand Total

Share
(%)

2011 - 12 (P)

100.00

The projections made under SAP for the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 stood at Rs. 260561.96 lakh and
Rs. 247425.58 lakh respectively. The district-wise/activity-wise projections are indicated in
Appendices 1-18.

Plan Outcome
The expected outcome through various interventions contemplated under SAP has been
analyzed and presented under respective sectors in chapters 4 & 5. The overall outcome at
viii

macro level and also at the ultimate beneficiary i.e., the farmer level is summarized here
under:
a.

At macro level

The annual growth rate at the end of XI Plan period for major crops/ activities is estimated
as under:

19% in respect of paddy production due to productivity improvement and marginal

increase in area coverage. The expected rice production shall be to the tune of
184.39 lakh Ha. The productivity (Kg/ Ha) is expected to rise by 17% over the base
year of 2007-08.

29% increase in production of pulses from 1.86 lakh MT in 2007-08 to 2.40 lakh MT
by the end of 11th FYP. This will be made possible through improving the yield from
791 kg/ ha to 961 kg/ ha during the corresponding period.

48% increase in production under potato from 80.18 lakh MT in 2007-08 to 118.47
lakh MT by the end of 11th FYP. The productivity during the corresponding period is
expected to increase by 22% (from 22,900 kg/ ha to 27,860 kg/ ha).

The production of oilseeds also needs to be pushed up. With better farming practice
and more area under it, the production is expected to be increased from 6.65 lakh
MT to 8.42 lakh MT.

36% increase in production of vegetables from the base level of 128.80 lakh MT to
174.60 lakh MT by the end of 11th FYP.

19% increase in milk production

15% increase in poultry broiler meat production

16% increase in fish production

b. At micro level (farmer level)

The total annual income under different cropping seasons from a unit area of 2 acres or
0.66 ha (average land holding) has been quantified at the prevailing stage and also
through various interventions contemplated under RKVY. The comparative analysis is
presented in the following table which is self explanatory.
Comparative Analysis of Pre & Post SAP income at farmer level

Cropping sequence

Present Net
income
(pre-SAP)

Income after
SAP interventions

Incre-mental
income after
SAP implementation

%
increase
in net
income

Rice+Potato
Rice+Potato+Sesamum
Rice+Ptato+groundnut
Rice+Ptato+Jute
Rice+vegetables

12450
13972
13372
14898
14760

15576
21021
18092
21055
17655

3126
7049
4720
6157
2895

25%
50%
35%
41%
20%

ix

Rice+Rice+vegetables
Rice+Wheat+Jute
Rice+Potato+vegetables

20418
11659
20700

29783
17121
26301

9365
5462
5601

46%
47%
27%

Strategies and Prioritization of Government interventions

Agriculture
Strengthening Soil testing infrastructure facilities at district and block level for
comprehensive soil analysis and introduction of soil health card based Integrated
Nutrient Management
Promotion of organic input production
Research priorities on standardization of location specific seed production
technologies for rice and potato and alternate cropping patterns and crop
diversification
Certified seed production infrastructure through public-private partnership and
development of seed villages involving progressive farmers societies
Crop diversification with emphasis on oil seeds, pulses and vegetables especially in
areas where upland rice cultivation is predominant.
Farm Mechanisation

Promotion of the concept of Farm Machinery Hub keeping in view the presence of
large % of small agricultural holdings.

Horticulture

Attaining self sufficiency in production of quality planting materials through the

programmes of National Horticulture Mission

Development of at least one progeny orchard in each district

Promotion of private nurseries through incentive scheme and ensuring quality

control through Nursery Registration

Standardization of location specific potato seed production technologies in the state

to ensure timely availability of quality seed on long term basis.

Animal Husbandry
Breed Improvement through AI, introduction/supply of quality animals
Calf rearing as part of animal quality upgradation
Promotion of green fodder cultivation on common lands, preservation of grazing
land, through crop diversification. Simultaneous strengthening of fodder seed
production facilities.
Milk processing and marketing through dairy cooperatives and supply chain
management through milk societies and milk routes
x

Promotion of low input technology poultry / duckery for the benefit of marginal
farmers /landless rural poor/ tribal habitations and also to meet the increasing local
demand.
Pranibandhus have done pioneering work in providing doorstep AI services in rural
areas. Promotion of more number of Pranibandhus ( at least one in every gram
panchayat)
Awareness among farmers, especially in North Bengal to grow maize to meet ever
increasing demand for feed.
Fisheries
Development of derelict tanks, beels through interventions like de-silting, biological
and manual control measures for weed infested ponds/ tanks, possibly through
NREGS program
Priority for increasing the productivity of fish ponds in state from the present level
of 3500 Kg/ Ha / year to 7500 Kg/ Ha / year through training and capacity building of
fish farmers on scientific farming.
Diversification of fish farming to fresh water prawn, ornamental fish, crab, air
breathing fishes
Setting up hatcheries for fresh water prawn, mud crab, ornamental fishes under
both public/ or private sector
Adequate awareness creation among hatchery operators to follow breeding
protocol
Establishment of diagnostic centres for detection of fish & shrimp diseases
Availability of adequate & timely credit through formal models. Alternate credit
delivery mechanisms like SHGs, JLGs for facilitating small fish farmers to avail credit,
to be promoted
Coordinated development of crop, animal husbandry and fisheries through
integrated farming for sustainable farming leading to higher production, particularly
in the drought prone areas.
Promotion of attractive insurance scheme
Agri Extension
Extension infrastructure with atleast one Agriculture /Horticulture Development
Officer at block level and one Krishi Prajukta Sahayak (KPS) at GP level with
simultaneous focus on training and capacity building of all the stake holders
Promote Informal extension channel like Farmers Clubs, Farmers Interest Groups
and educated/ progressive youth and training them as technology transfer agents.
Innovations like Prani Bandhu scheme, which is a proven success, to be replicated in
other sectors as well like Krishi Bandhu, Matsya Bandhu.

xi

Watershed Development

Promotion of Rain water harvesting especially in high/intense rainfall regions,

especially in areas like the Sunderbans, red laterite zones covering Purulia, Bankura,
parts of West Medinipur, Birbhum, etc.
Forestry

Protection of forest by empowering local community through Joint forest

management

Encourage farmers to grow forestry species in waste lands/ farm lands.

Agri Marketing

Strengthening of storage infrastructure for perishable and non-perishable

agricultural commodities through private or PPP mode to prevent distress sales

More and more organized marketing infrastructure facilities to mitigate the

influence of market intermediaries. Replication of Producer Consumer Markets
like Raithu Bazars in AP which were a proven success in serving the interests of
farmers (producers) and consumers through minimizing the role of market
intermediaries.

Policy interventions (Amendments to APMC Act) to facilitate private sector

participation in strengthening market infrastructure and also facilitate producer-user
industry tie-up for contract farming.

xii

Abbreviation

AES
AH
AI
APMC
ATMA
BAPU
BPL
BRGF
CB
CCA
C-DAP
CIG
CPR
DAC
DDP
DIC
DPC
DAPU
DRDA
FM
FOs
FYP
FFDA
FFS
FLD
GOI
GP
GW
Ha
HDTW
HRD
HY
Hyb
ICAR
ICT
INM

Agri Ecological Situation

Animal Husbandry
Artificial Insemination
Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee
Agriculture Technology Management Agency
Block agricultural Planning Unit
Below Poverty Line
Backward Region Grant Fund
Cross Bred
Culturable Command Area
Comprehensive District Agricultural Plan
Commodity Interest Group
Common Property Resource
Department Of Agriculture and Cooperation
District Development Planning
District Industry Centre
District Planning Committee
District Agricultural Planning Unit
District Rural Development Agency
Farm Mechanizations
Farmers Organizations
Five Year Plan
Fish Farmers Development Agency
Farmer Field School
Front Line Demonstration
Government of India
Gram Panchayat
Ground Water
Hectare
Heavy Duty Capacity Deep Tubewell
Human Resource Development
High Yielding
Hybrid
Indian Council of Agriculture Research
Information and Communication Technology
Integrated Nutrient Management

IP
IPM
IPNS
ITDA
ISOPOM
IWDP
JFM
KVK
LBO
LD
LDTW
LI
LN
MDTW
M&E
MOU
MFP
MI
MIP
MMA
MSL
MSP
MT
NABARD
NADP
NDC
NFSM
NFDB
NGO
NHM
NREGS
NRHM
NRM
NTFP
NWDPRA
NYK
PACS
PC
PFM
PHM
PIM

Intermediate (block/talika/mandol) Panchayat

Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply System
Integrated Tribal Development Agency
Integrated Scheme for Oilseeds, Pulses, Maize and Oilpalm
Integrated Wasteland Development Project
Joint Forest Management
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Lead Bank Officer
Land Development
Light Duty Tube Well
Lift Irrigation
Liquid Nitrogen
Middle Duty Capacity Deep Tube Well
Monitoring and Evaluation
Memorandum of Understanding
Minor Forest Product
Minor Irrigation
Minor Irrigation Project
Macro Mode Management of Agriculture
Mean Sea Level
Minimum Support Price
Metric Tonne
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
National Agricultural Development Plan
National Development Council
National Food Security Mission
National Food Security Mission
Non Government Organisation
National Horticulture Mission
National rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
National Rural Health Mission
National Resource Management
Non Timber Forest Product
National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Areas
Nehru Yuvak Kendra
Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society
Planning Committee
Participatory Forest Management
Post Harvest Management
Participatory Irrigation Management

PLP
PMGSY
PMRY
PPP
PRIs
RBI
RGGVY
RH
RIDF
RKVY
RLI
RMC
RRTTS
SAHC
SAP
SC
SGSY
SHG
SIRD
SREP
SRR
ST
STW
SWOT
TAC
TSF
TSG
TFP
TSI
ULB
UT
WUA
ZP

Potential Linked Credit Plan

Pradhan Mantra Gram Sadak Yojana
Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana
Public Private Partnership
Panchayat Raj Institutions
Rural Bank of India
Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutkaran Yojana
Relative Humidity
Rural Infrastructure Development Fund
Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
River Lift Irrigation
Regulated Market Committee
Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station
State Animal Health Centre
State Agricultural Plan
Scheduled Caste
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
Self Help Group
State Institute of Rural Development
Strategic Research and Extension Plan
Seed Replacement Rate
Scheduled Tribe
Shallow Tube Well
Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat
Technical Appraisal Committee
Taluka Seed Farm
Technical Support Group
Total Factor Productivity
Technical Support Institute
Urban and Local Body
Union Territory
Water User Association
Zilla Parishad

Chapter-I
Introduction

INTRODUCTION
The National Agricultural Development Program or Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) aims
at achieving 4% annual growth in the agricultural sector during the XI Plan period, by
ensuring a holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors through all the eligible
States of India. As per the scheme, the Government of West Bengal has to prepare the State
and district level plans in the field of agriculture and allied sectors based on guide lines
issued by the Planning Commission, for availing of financial assistance from the Government
of India. The objectives of the scheme are to provide incentives to the State for increasing
public investment in agriculture and allied sectors, and in particular,
1. to ensure that agriculture for the State and districts are prepared based on agroclimatic conditions, availability of technology and natural resources;
2. to make sure that local needs in the field of agriculture & allied sectors are better
reflected in the agricultural plan of the State;
3. to reduce yield gaps in major activities under agriculture & allied sectors through
focused interventions;
4. maximization of returns to farmers in agriculture and allied sectors;
5. to bring about quantifiable changes in production and productivity of various
components of agriculture and allied sectors by addressing them in a holistic
manner both in the short and long term period for a perspective plan.
RKVY is being carried out as State Plan with 100% grant from the Government of India.
Areas of focus under the RKVY are: integrated development of major food crops such as
wheat, paddy, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, millets, etc.; agriculture mechanization, activities
related to soil health, development of rain fed farming systems as also integrated
development of watershed areas, wastelands and river valleys; support to State Seed Farms;
Integrated Pest Management Schemes; encouraging nonfarm activities; strengthening of
market infrastructure and marketing development; strengthening of infrastructure to
promote extension services; activities relating to enhancement of horticultural production
and popularization of micro irrigation schemes; animal husbandry and fishery development
activities; special schemes for beneficiaries of land reforms; grant support to the State
Government Institutions that promote agriculture/ horticulture; study tour for farmers;
organic and biofertiliser and other innovative schemes.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF STATE AGRICULTURE PLAN

The major objective of State Agriculture Plan (SAP) is to consolidate and integrate all
ComprehensiveDistrict Agriculture Plans (C-DAP). It has also taken into consideration the
recommendations of State Agriculture Commission. C-DAPs have been prepared based on
participatory action plan for the development of local area in general and agricultural and
allied sector in particulars. The planning process, while preparing C-DAPs has been initiated
at grass root level i.e. at village / GP level. As State Agriculture Plan (SAP) is the consolidated
form of all C-DAPs, an integrated and participatory mode of approach is the key success
factor (KSF) of the State Agriculture Plan (SAP). As the planning process has been started at
grassroots level i.e. at village / Gram Panchayat level obviously the participation of
2

grassroots level people is confirmed out here. The main objectives of State Agriculture Plan
are

To prepare a State Agriculture Plan (SAP), considering the views of different

Comprehensive District Agriculture Plan (C-DAP), State Agriculture Commission and
State Planning Board and different line departments of Govt. of West Bengal.

To prepare a State Agriculture Plan (SAP) for achieving 4% growth sustainable

agriculture growth to maintain food security.

To judiciously and sustainably utilize the natural, financial, physical and human
resources to get maximum output.

To partly convert our food production system from high energy consuming (fossil fuel
dependence) to low natural / bio energy consuming system.

To create entrepreneurship and employment opportunities among the rural masses

especially within the small and marginal farmers and land less families.

To transform our food production system as par the international standards fully abiding
the CODEX Alimentarius rules by 2015.

1.3 VISION OF STATE AGRICULTURE PLAN

The vision would primarily be articulated to address four important aspects of development
namely environment, human, infrastructure and production leading to better productivity,
environmental sustainability and employability. Considering the high population growth,
degradation of natural resources and climate change that would lead to food and nutritional
insecurity jeopardizing in particular the livelihood of future generations, urgent mitigatory
steps should be formulated and duly implemented. It is not possible to achieve that
overnight; as such. Step-by-step approach would be required to reach our goal where Food
security and environmental sustainability is the Prime Focus Factor (PFF).
The broad objectives behind the development of vision are:

To generate a common development perspective of the state that reflects the thinking
of diverse stakeholders

To work out inspiring goal for overall development of the area

To envisage and incorporate role of women and disadvantaged groups in the main
stream development

To foresee needs and level of human and infrastructural development as it emerges

from collective wisdom for achieving the goal

To motivate the people of the state and gear up all segments of population for facing
challenges, difficulties and bottlenecks to realize their cherished common goals

To act as a goalpost towards which the entire planning process should be oriented

To help people of the state in developing more realistic, objective oriented and
executable Five Year and Annual Plans

Enhancement of Agriculture and allied sector productivity in sustainable manner

3

Restoration of ecological balance of degraded and fragile rain fed ecosystem

Reduction of disparity between irrigated and rain fed areas

Creation of sustained employment opportunity for the rural people, including the
landless

Development and sustainable management of natural resources including land reforms

To encourage peoples participation which will help in generating the feeling of

ownership in the participatory development of the district / Block/ Gram Panchayat

To draw specific guideline offering flexibility for the choice of technology to enable the
farmers for adoption of location specific and low cost technology

Accordingly, following is the vision statement of State Agriculture Plan;

Vision: To achieve sustainable livelihood opportunities for the

people through eco friendly, clean and value added Agriculture
and related activities

1.4 METHODOLOGY
The methodology of SAP has focused on understanding the latent potential of the state for
development and identifying initiatives required. These potentials are treated as goals to be
achieved with the available and additional resources. In order to prepare the plan, attempt
has been made to prepare a statistical profile of the state which led to the understanding of
the development perspective of the state. Due consultation process has been done with all
line departments, State Agriculture Commission, Agricultural Technology Management
Agency (ATMA) and above all going through all C-DAPs.

1.5 ISSUES IN DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Increase in the production of cereals and non-cereal agricultural commodities will have to
be essentially achieved through increased productivity, by increasing cropping intensity /
increase productivity, introduction of high yielding variety to highbred varieties in different
crops, as the possibilities of expansion of area is rather limited.
The issues are as follows
1.

Increase in population

2.

High pressure on Agricultural lands

3.

Environment degradation

4.

Degradation of Soil Health

5.

Resource based degradation and water scarcity

6.

Loss of bio-diversity

7.

Inadequate investment in agricultural sector

4

8.

Lack of adequate infrastructure

9.

Lack of co-coordinated approach

10.

Rapid urbanization, migration of village folks

11.

Gender related issues

12.

Rural employment generation

With increase in population and inadequate employment generation, the pressure on land
has increased considerably leading to fragmentation of holding. The number of small and
marginal farmers increased considerably over the years.
As the pressure on land increased, the farmers are forced to exploit their land for livelihood
support which again leads to environmental degradation and degradation of soil health and
such related issues. These clearly indicate that all these issues are inter-related and solving
one of these will be of no use. An integrated approach involving policy decision, adoption of
new emerging technologies, infrastructural support and development of human resource
base is the key to address these issues in an effective manner. A more focused, coordinated
and determined approach is needed to get an ever green revolution.
1.6 STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS ISSUES

Conservation of natural resources and protection of environment

Vast untapped potential of our soil and water resources, and farming system

Technology revolution especially in the areas of molecular biology, Biotechnology, space

technology, ecology and management

Revolution in informatics and communication and the opportunity of linking farmers,

extension workers and scientists with the national and international database

Keeping these in mind, the strengthening of the following strategies may be addressed for
all round development of this sector.
1. Public investment in infrastructure
2. Human resource development
3. Introduction of modern technology in agriculture
4. Introduction of environment friendly technology
5. Participatory action in developing mutually agreed upon solution
6. Empowerment of farm woman
7. Use of information technology
8. Coordinated approach in extension
9. Conservation of natural resources and indigenous farmers practice
10. Revamping existing extension system.

1.7 RKVY AS A SOLUTION PROVIDER

5

RKVY is being carried out as State Plan with 100% grant from the Government of India.
Areas of focus under the RKVY are: integrated development of major food crops such as
wheat, paddy, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, millets, etc.; agriculture mechanization, activities
related to soil health, development of rain fed farming systems as also integrated
development of watershed areas, wastelands and river valleys; support to State Seed Farms;
Integrated Pest Management Schemes; encouraging non farm activities; strengthening of
market infrastructure and marketing development; strengthening of infrastructure to
promote extension services; activities relating to enhancement of horticultural production
and popularization of micro irrigation schemes; animal husbandry and fishery development
activities; special schemes for beneficiaries of land reforms; grant support to the State
Government Institutions that promote agriculture/ horticulture; study tour for farmers;
organic and biofertiliser and other innovative schemes.

Chapter-II
General Description of the State

West Bengal - State Map

2.1 GENERAL ASPECTS

The State borders with Bangladesh in the east, Nepal in the West, Bhutan in the north-east
and Sikkim on North. On the West are the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, while in the south lies
Orissa and Bay of Bengal.
According to the 2001 census, the total population of the State is 8.18 core which accounts
for 7.95 percent of the countrys total population, while it accounts for only 2.7 per cent of
the countrys total geographical area. The rural urban ratio of the total population is under
the age of 39 (Table 1 & 2).
As regards the population density, the state tops the list with 903 people per square
kilometer against only 325 people per square kilometer at all Indian level. Literacy
percentage is higher in West Bengal around 69 percent as against 65 percent at all Indian
level. The number of females per 1000 population is 934 (table 3).
Of the total rural workers, 19.53 and 19.30 per cents are cultivators and agricultural
labourers, respectively, while 4.72 percent are engaged in household industries and the rest
are grouped as other workers (table 4). According to the Planning Commission, 31.85
percent of the total population lived below poverty line in 1999-2000.
The scheduled castes and scheduled tribe constitute 28.6 and 5.8 percent respectively of
the total rural population while the same are 19.9 and 1.5 percent of urban population. Of
the minorities, Muslims account for 28.6 percent of the total population. This rate is 33.3
percent in the urban and 11.8 percent in the rural areas. Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes
and minorities account for half of the total population in the State and in rural Bengal these
three groups of people are most poor.
The state registered a 7.62 percent rise in Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) during 200809 (at 1999-00 prices) over previous year; the same however, was 8.80 percent during 200607. The per capita income during 2008-09(at 1990-00 prices) showed a 6.58 percent
increase over previous year against 7.62 percent rise during 2006-07. The index numbers of
agricultural production over previous year registered a decrease by 6.32 and 2.53 percent
during 2002-03 and 2006-07 which, however increased by 0.76 percent during 2008-09.
There has been a 7.43 percent increase in the consumer price index number for industrial
workers during 2008-09 over previous year. Similarly, there has been an increase by 10.05
percent in the consumer price index for agricultural laborers during 2008-09 over previous
year (table 6).
As revealed in Table-7, annual average growth of primary sector during 10th Plan period was
1.54 percent, while the secondary and tertiary sectors showed more robust growth rate of
9.47 percent and 7.53 percent respectively. Hence, in the primary sector the growth was
poor. The per capita income increased at a significant rate of 7.62 percent in 2006-07.
During 2007-08, the increase in per capita income of West Bengal at constant 1990-00
prices was 6.78 percent (Table 7).
There is no significant reduction in demand for goods and services covering fall in
production (table 8). It may be observed that primary sector in the total NSDP at constant
1990-2000 prices declined from 32.77 percent in base year to 25.69 percent in 2006-07.
9

During the 10th plan period the average contribution of primary sector was 28.15 percent
which dropped down to 24.98 in 2007-08. However, with a boost in investment in the
industrial sector, the share of secondary sector increased from 14.64 and during 10th plan
period it was 16.36 percent. In the year 2007-08, share of secondary sector in total NSDP
was 17.26 percent. With an improvement in the service sector, the share of the tertiary
sector in the NSDP increased from 52.59 percent in1990-2000 to 57.76 percent in 2007-08,
the 10th Plan average being 55.49 percent (table 8)
The performance of different sectors of the state economy can be envisaged by the
estimates of NSDP at disaggregated level. The estimated NSDP of West Bengal at constant
1990-00 is shown in table-9. The SDP of agriculture, forestry and fishing increased to Rs.
40904, Rs. 1835.34 and Rs.5681.83, respectively during 2007-08 from the corresponding
figures of Rs.30905, Rs.1653 and Rs.5316 during 2006-07 (table 9).

2.2 AGRICULTURE & ALLIED SECTORS

Agriculture in the State of West Bengal is the major occupation of the rural population. It is
small farmer centric with 90 per cent of the cultivators being small and marginal farmers.
Small and marginal farming communities hold 84% of the States agricultural lands. In
addition to this about 30 lakh landless families have earned the right to cultivate and grow
crops on their own land after enactment of Operation Barga system. State has the highest
population density (976 per sq km) in the country. As a result, the per capita cultivable land
holding is under a steady process of fragmentation. This has resulted in uneconomic holding
size to sustain a farmers family. Increase in the price of agricultural inputs, fragmentation of
land holding, uncertain prices of perishable agricultural produces, inadequate market
infrastructure, distress sale of produce by small and marginal farmers etc, are some of the
problems being confronted by the farmers of the state. Similarly, due to lack of proper
marketing and processing facilities and for high price of feeds and fodder for farm animal,
management of the traditional family mixed farming system in the rural areas has become
more difficult than ever before. By and large, the socio-economic conditions of the farming
community is gradually declining calling for time bound adoption of appropriate technical,
social, financial and market interventions for ensuring sustainability.
The state is also faced with decline in soil fertility, annual degradation of natural resources
due to floods, siltation of river & reservoir beds and erosion of river banks. The State has
21.91 lakh ha degraded lands of different kinds. In fact, about 29% of the geographical area
of the State is under soil degradation. In addition to this, the State has 44.39 lakh ha of land
with drainage problems to varying extents, limiting adoption of modern agro-techniques for
higher productivity of field crops, horticultural crops and household animal productivity.

2.3 AGRO-CLIMATIC REGIONS

To attain scientific management of regional resources and sustainable agricultural
development, the country has been divided into 15 broad agro climatic zones and the
physiographic setting of the State come under three Agro climatic Regions. Agriculturally,
the three broad regions are Eastern Himalayan Region (Zone II), Lower Gangetic Plain
Region (Zone III) and Eastern Plateau & Hilly Region (Zone VIII). The map depicting the agro
climatic regions is presented below;

10

11

Three broad regions are further stratified into six agro-climatic sub regions. Salient features
of these sub regions are as follows:
Zone II: Eastern Himalayan Region
a.)
Hills sub region: Covering Darjeeling district. Mainly brown forest soil, acidic in
nature (pH 3.5-5.0), annual rainfall varies from 2500-3500mm., high humidity, less sunshine
hours, poor soil depth and quality limits crop productivity. Pre-monsoon showers
commences from March.
b.)
Teri sub region: Covering Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar district. Soils are mostly sandy
to sandy loams, porous, low in base content, poor in available nutrients; acidic(pH 4.2 to
6.2); rainfall varies from 2000-3200mm; high water table, low water holding capacity, high
humidity, less sunshine hours during the monsoon months and marginality of lands in some
parts limit crop productivity. Chronically deficient in micronutrients, like Boron,
Molybdenum and Zinc, in particular.
Zone III: Lower Gangetic Region
a.)
Old alluvium: Comprising North and South Dinajpur and Malda districts. Soils are
lighter in higher situations and heavier in lower situations, mildly acidic to neutral in
reaction (pH 5.2 to 7.0); fairly fertile over most of the sub region; rainfall 1500-2000mm in
upper and 1300-1500m in lower parts, considerable area is flood prone.
b.)
New alluvium: Covering Murshidabad, Nadia, Hoogly, Burdwan and North 24
Parganas. Soils are deep, mostly neutral in reaction (pH 5.5 to 7.0) and fertile; rainfall 13501450 mm; most productive area of the State.
c.)
Coastal saline: Covering South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Midnapore (E). Soils are
mostly heavy clay containing higher salts of sodium, magnesium, potassium with organic
matter at different stages of decomposition. Mostly neutral soils (pH 6.5 to 7.5). Electrical
conductivity varies from3.0 to 18.0 mm, rainfall 1600-1800 mm; salinity and water
congestion limit good crop productivity.
d.)
Red laterite: Covering Birbhum, Bankura and Midnapore (W) districts. Soils are
coarse in texture, highly drained with honeycomb type of ferruginous concentration at a
depth of 15 to 30cm.; erosion prone; acidic in nature (pH 5.5 to 6.2); poor available
nutrients; average rainfall 1100-1400mm., low moisture holding capacity and poor nutrient
status limit crop productivity.
Zone VII: Eastern Plateau & Hill Region
The region covers Purulia district. Soils shallow modulated gravely, coarse textured, well
drained with low water holding capacity. Upload soils are highly susceptible to erosion;
acidic in reaction (pH 5.5 to 6.2). Rainfall varies from 1100 to 1400mm. which is spread over
only three months, mid June to mid September.
Due to high slopes of the hill region of the northern part of the State with high rainfall and
cooler temperature round the year, this area is almost covered with forests, plantation and
orchard crops. Only one third area of this region is being cultivated with crops. The crop
productivity is poor due to high slopes, high rainfall and erosion, shallow and acidic nature
of the soils. The region offers good scope for extension of cultivation of ginger, summer
vegetables, peach, plum etc., adopting a sustainable approach.
12

The soils of Terai and Teesta region are light textured, strongly acidic due to high rainfall.
Rice, jute and tobacco are the major kharif crops of this region, while in winter a number of
winter vegetable crops, potato and a few pulses and oilseed crops are being grown with
poor productivity. This agro-climatic region is also suitable for extension of cultivation of
wheat, potato, groundnut, superfine & scented rice, high value spices like black pepper,
cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic etc. Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and
allied sectors like animal husbandry and fisheries are other potential areas for further
development. The development of agriculture rests in the timely supply of good quality
seeds and propagation materials of good varieties with a developed marketing channel.
Small & marginal farmers of North Bengal also have tradition for large scale cultivation of
winter vegetables. However, they do not get adequate remunerative price for want of easy
and cheap transport system, strong marketing system, cold storages and agro-processing
units. This region is located at the centre of the eastern region of India and strategically
positioned with three international frontiers- Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and also
borders the States of Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Sikim and Assam. As a matter of fact, there
are good prospects for agro-processing units for primary processing of vegetables, fruits and
spices and at the same time bringing them in a semi-processed condition or secondary
processed material with backward linkages to small rural centers.
West Bengal has by far the largest alluvial land, being 35 lakh ha in the country of which 22
lakh ha comes under Vindhya and Gangetic alluvial soil regions. These are endowed with
neutral to near neutral, deep and fertile soils with high water holding capacity. The areas
have advantage of river valley irrigation as also ground water potentials. A wide range of
wet and dry season field crops, vegetables, fruits and spices are being grown with around
200% cropping intensity. Yet the productivity levels of a majority of the crops are below the
potential levels mainly on account of low input and technology application influenced by
poor economic status of the farmers and their limited access to institutional credit. These
two regions have great promise for large scale cultivation of a variety of winter and rainy
season vegetables as well as flowers. Notwithstanding the fact that mango, litchi, guava and
banana are the prosperous fruit crops of these regions, the old mango orchards in Malda
and Murshidabad districts have outlived their economic life and need replacement and/or
rejuvenation. Common facilities like uninterrupted power supply, good quality water supply,
cold-chain facilities, warehousing facilities, forward integration with processing industry are
the interventions required for further development of the sectors in the region.
In the western belt of West Bengal there exists a vast tract relatively arid where the lands
are lateritic and undulating. Such lands represent about one third of the cultivated area in
the districts of Purulia, Bankura, parts of Paschim Medinipur, Bardhaman and Birbhum.
Uplands of varying sizes, from a few hectares to a few square kilometers, are interspersed
with terraced rice fields in the depressions and on the slopes. The bottom terraces where
moderate yields of rice are obtained, generally belong to a few comparatively better-off
farmers. The majority of the inhabitants of this region are predominantly tribals and other
backward communities. They have largely depended on these marginal uplands where they
attempt to grow some hardy varieties of poor yielding rice, certain small millets, a minor
pulse-horse gram and a minor oilseed-niger; to eke out a living. Except in the year of good
rainfall, the yields are very poor, hardly compensating for the labour and other inputs. In
spite of this, however, more and more such uplands are being brought under plough due to
13

pressure of rising population. The nutritional status is poor partly due to leaching losses on
account of high soil porosity. The productivity of the soils in the region could be improved
substantially through adoption of interventions like selection of suitable crop varieties,
management of soil, adoption of water harvesting and soil conservation techniques,
manuring, adjustment of sowing time, etc.
The southern most areas of West Bengal in the districts of South 24-Parganas, Purba
Medinipur and southern Howrah are low lying and level part of the deltas of the river
system of the Ganga on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal. The rice fields are classified
as medium low and low lands which are inundated by floods and rain water with poor
drainage. Water stagnates throughout the monsoon period to a level of 30 to 60 cm. The
vast tracts of coastal saline soils occur on the fringes of Bay of Bengal. Underground water
table is present at a shallow depth with high salt content. Salts are raised to the surface
during the dry periods of the year rendering it unfit for cultivation of many crops needed by
the local people. These areas extend to 8.4 lakh ha. Only 4% of the cultivated area is
irrigated with sweet water. The region is, therefore, a mono-cropped area with 4.2 lakh ha
being cultivated area in the wet season and the rest six to seven months during winter and
summer remain generally fallow. Of course, a few enthusiastic farmers in the less saline
areas have adopted commercial cultivation of chilli and watermelon adjacent to their
homestead. Possibilities of extension of sunflower, groundnut and cotton cultivation
providing saline water (Ec 5.2 dS/m) irrigation, have been reported. During the Kharif
season, this tract receives about 1600 mm rains between June to October. This amount of
water is far in excess of that required for Kharif crops. The proven technique of storing the
excess rain water in 1/5th excavated land of the total cultivated land of a farmer and raising
the adjacent embankment and crop field (Bhattacharya,1990 and RKMLSP) is strongly
suggested for large scale adoption. This technique would surely bring in prosperity with the
cultivation of fruits and vegetables on pond embankment and diverse field crops both in
Kharif and Rabi seasons on the raised fields and pisci-culture amongst the small and
marginal farming communities of this agro climatic region.

2.4 LAND UTILISATION

Net sown area covered 60.63 percent of the total reporting area during the period 1985-86
and 2006-07, while the current fallows varied between 0.7 to nearly 4 percent during the
same period. Area under forests covered 13 to 14 percent of the total reporting area while
19-20 per cent of the area was not available for cultivation (table 11)

2.5 OPERATIONAL HOLDING

In West Bengal marginal operational holding (less than 1 ha) accounts for 88.8 percent of
the total operational holdings as against 69.8 percent at all India level. Incidentally, this is
the second highest in the country after Kerala. The trend of distribution in respect of small
and other classes are much behind that of All India level. Large holdings (above 10 ha) are
absent. Over the years number of holdings increased to a large extent owing to
fragmentation and the average holding size stood at 0.82 ha in the state during 2000-01 as
against 0.94 ha during 1980-81 (table 12 &13)

2.6 AGRICULTURAL CROPS

14

The cropping pattern in the State is dominated by food crops which account for about 78
per cent of the area under principal crops. Among single crops, paddy is cultivated in 57.19
lakh hectares followed by cereals (all combined) in 61.69 lakh hectares and oilseeds in 7.07
lakh hectares, jute in 6.09 lakh hectares and potato in 4.00 lakh hectares. West Bengal was
the largest producers of paddy in the country with a production of 14719.50 MT in the year
2007-08 while the second largest producer of potato after Uttar Pradesh with 9900.80 MT in
the same year. With a vegetable production of 12555960 MT, the State is also one of the
highest producers of vegetable in the country. Traditionally, West Bengal has been the
highest producer of jute. The State also accounts for 25 per cent of tea production in the
country, next only to Assam. There are 309 tea estates in the State in the organized sector
covering 103431 hectares. Besides, 8078 small growers are growing tea in 11094 hectares.
Over the years, detailed data for selected crops on area coverage, production and
productivity, etc. when recalculated using the index numbers for the assessment of different
parameters would show that overall agricultural growth rates have plateaued with marginal
ups and downs, quantitative loss in one being compensated by gains in another and viceversa (table 14 &15)
Production of rice and wheat has increased during 2006-07 over that in the year 1990-91.
However production of pulses declined during the same period. Of the oilseeds, production
of rapeseed and mustard remained almost static, while the production of sesame and other
oilseeds improved during 2006-07 over that of 1990-91. Production of raw jute also
improved over the years. Production of potato and sugarcane improved during the period
under reference (table 16)
A look into the comparative yield rates in west Bengal and India would reveal that per
hectare yield in rice, gram and potato is higher in the state than at all India level while the
yield rates in wheat and mustard are lower than the all India level. It may also be observed
that has been a substantial improvement in the yield rates of different crops both at the
state and All India level during the period 1980-81 and 2007-08 (table 17)
Cropping intensity in West Bengal improved steadily during the period 1990-91 to 2006-07
as the same was recorded as high as 182 percent during 2006-07 as against 159 recorded
during 1990-91 (table 18)
Contribution of West Bengal to all India production of jute, potato, sesame, tea and rice
were quite substantial, as these crops contributed 70.75, 30.35, 22.80, 20.28 and 14.16 per
cent, respectively, to the total all India production (table 18)
The coverage under high yielding varieties of rice improved significantly during the recent
years where more than 90 percent of areas under rice have been covered with high yielding
varieties. The entire wheat area has been under high yielding since the eighties (table 19)

2.7 FERTILISER & PESTICIDE CONSUMPTION

The consumption of fertilizers in the state has been rising over the years both in quantity
and per ha application. The consumption of fertilizer NPK per hectare in 2007-08 has been
150 kg/hectare in the ratio of nutrients N, P, K being 2.22 : 1.26 : 1. Pesticide consumption,
however, remained either static or improved marginally (table 23)
15

2.8 IRRIGATION POTENTIAL

Total ultimate irrigation potential of the State is 67.43 lakh hectares. The State Water
Investigation Directorate (SWID) has assessed the ultimate gross irrigation potential that can
be created through minor irrigation development in the State at 44.33 lakh hectares. Of this,
13 lakh hectares are from surface water sources and 31.33 lakh hectares are from ground
water sources.
The gross irrigation potential created through major, medium and minor irrigation in the
State till the end of March 2009 was 55.01 lakh hectares. The percentage of utilisation of
potential created is 81.73 percent in major and medium irrigation structures, while it is
81.64 percent in minor irrigation. Out of the ultimate gross minor irrigation potential of
44.33 lakh hectare, 39.30 lakh hectares has been created up to 2008-09.

2.9 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

The Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act in West Bengal was implemented by the
State government in 1971. There are 43 Principal Market Yards and 641 Sub-Market Yards in
the State as on 31 October 2007. There are still 795 markets outside the purview of notified
area of regulated market committees in West Bengal. The State is, however, yet to amend
the APMC Act on the lines of the guidelines issued by Government of India. Of late, the State
government is considering amending the act so as to allow private corporate houses to
procure agricultural produce directly from Self Help Groups (SHGs) instead of individuals.

2.10 LAND DEVELOPMENT

Out of the total reported area of 86.84 lakh ha in the state, around 22.14 lakh ha
constituting nearly 25% is affected by different problems associated with land degradation.
The problems associated with land degradation are rill, gullies and ravines, water logging,
saline / saline alkali, mining, sea coastal, landslide, stream bank erosion and sand ladening.
Development of the degraded areas adopting watershed approach needs to be given
priority. Other investments such as land leveling, shaping, bench terracing, on-farm
development, vermi-compost making, etc, should also be popularized amongst the farmers.

2.11 FARM MECHANISATION

The scope for mechanization exists in cultivation of almost all the major crops grown in the
State viz. paddy, wheat, mustard, groundnut, potato, jute etc. There is also the scope of
mechanization of horticultural crops mainly for crop protection and harvesting operations.
The existing level of available farm power is about 1.2 kW/ ha which is inadequate to
enhance the cropping intensity and output of the farm sector. This level needs to be raised
to 3.0 KW/ha by 2020.

2.12 PLANTATION & HORTICULTURE CROPS

The State has immense potential for development in horticulture sector both through
horizontal (area expansion) and vertical integration (productivity improvement). With the
implementation of National Horticulture Mission, the State Government contemplates
doubling the production under horticulture crops by the year 2011. It may be mentioned
that McKinsey, in its vision document for West Bengal, has stated that the State should
16

aspire to be the food bowl of India by 2010. The potential for cultivation of horticulture
crops such as banana, mango, pineapple, etc, tea plantations and floriculture amongst other
crops is estimated at Rs.385.89 crore.
The area coverage under fruits increased marginally by 3.80 percent during 2007-08 over
the preceding year and production increased by 4.78 percent. The area under vegetables
increased marginally to 9.12 lakh hectares in 2007-08 from 9.04 lakh hectares in 2006-07.
Area under flowers increased by 5.55% in 2007-08 over 2006-07 and production of loose
flowers increased by about 11 percent during 2007-08 over 2006-07. Production of cut
flowers however, increased by 52 percent during the same period. The production of major
fruits in the State like, mango, banana, papaya has been increasing steadily over the last few
years, however pineapple production has declined. Among the vegetables production,
tomato, cabbage, brinjal, cucurbits, Ladys finger are increasing (table 20-22)

2.13 FORESTRY & WASTELAND DEVELOPMENT

The total recorded forest area in the State is 11,879 sq.km. of which 7054 sq.km. is Reserved
Forest, 3772 sq.km. is protected forest and 1053 sq.km. , being Unclassified State Forest
thus constituting 13.38% of the geographical area of the State. By legal status, Reserved
Forests constitute 59.38%, Protected Forests 31.75%, Unclassified Forest 8.87%. The forest
cover including the forests created outside the recorded forest area is 15.52% of the
geographical area as assessed in the year 2005. There is potential for jatropha and bamboo
cultivation and for development of farm forestry and nurseries.
During the year 2007-08, 231570 cum of timber; 262023 cum of firewood; 251.28 quintal of
honey; 13.96 quintal of wax; 1296.30 MT of Sal seed; 2065.34 MT of Kendu leaves and
3227.14 quintal of citronella grass were harvested from different forest areas and total
revenue of Rs.4856.14 lakh was earned (table 29, 30).

2.14 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

The State has immense potential in Animal Husbandry sector. As per the Livestock Census
2007, there are an estimated 191.88 lakh cattle and 642.44 lakh bird (including fowl and
duck) populations in the state. Production milk increased to 40.47 lakh tones during 2007-08
as against 34.70 lakh tones during 2000-01 registering a 17.5 percent increase (table 25)
As regards the production of eggs, 306 crores of eggs have been produced during 2007-08
as against 228 crores during 1990-91, an increase by 34 percent (table 26)
The production of all varieties of meat increased during the recent years in the state. The
production of mutton, poultry meat and goat meat increased by 343, 328 and 76 percent
respectively during 2007-08 over the year 1990-91 (table 26). Both credit & non credit
agencies can play significant role in making available the required inputs and investments
for various activities in animal husbandry sector.

2.15 FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT

17

West Bengal is one of the leading producers of fresh water fish and the largest producer of
fish seeds in the country. In the inland fishery sector, West Bengal accounts for 30% of the
total fish production of the country. Its share of the all India fish seed production is 62%.
Total fish production in the State has increased from 14.71 lakh tonne in 2007-08 to 14.84
lakh tonnes in the year 2008-2009. The significant aspect is that the State is no longer a fish
deficit State. The production level has surpassed the consumption by 40,000 MT.
Fish seed production has increased from 13,475 million in 2007-08 to 14,000 million in the
year 2008-09.
There is significant increase in the export earning from the sector as it grew from Rs. 50
crore in 1987-88 to Rs.725 crore in 2008-09. The major commodity in export is shrimp. The
State has already emerged as the fourth largest State in the countrys total exports despite
having a small coastline of 150 km.
The micro-finance programme under fisheries in the State has also made rapid strides in
recent years. Since the year 2003-04, a total of 8125 SHGs have been formed with a total
members of 85,240. As against 8125 groups, 4250 groups have been credit linked and 3885
groups have taken up economic activities through project lending in fisheries sector.
The significant growth of the fishery sector in the State over the last two and a half decades
has been possible primarily because of the development strategy followed by the State
Government. The basic strategy has been to bring in scientific pisciculture practices in
existing waterbodies and also new water bodies. The financial returns from pisciculture
have increased. This has encouraged farmers in increasing numbers to take up pisciculture.
However, there is still considerable scope for further utlisation and exploitation of fisheries
resources in the State as there are still large areas of water bodies in the State which are not
being utilized to their full potential for pisciculture.
Infrastructure development is another key growth driver. This needs to be done under
support from Government as well as through private initiatives. Certain infrastructure which
are require to be developed urgently are ; hatcheries for crabs, ornamental fishes & prawns,
soil & water testing laboratories, modern fish markets, training cum information centres,
European standard fish processing plants, ice plants, cold storages etc,.

2.16 COLD STORAGES, STORAGE GODOWNS

Lack of adequate scientific post-harvest storage facilities both for perishable and nonperishable agriculture produce is one of the problems associated with the agriculture
production in our country which results in 10-30% post harvest losses estimated at over
Rs.20,000 crore every year. In this context, Govt of India has launched credit linked Capital
Investment Subsidy Schemes (CISS) for construction/ renovation of Rural Godown in 2001
and CISS for construction/ modernization of Cold Storage for Horticultural produce in 1999.
In order to develop and strengthen agricultural marketing linkages, GoI has also announced
a similar credit linked CISS in 2005 for infrastructure creation including market user common
facilities and functional infrastructure. However, the scheme being reform linked, is yet to
be made applicable in the State of West Bengal, pending amendments to the APMC Act.
West Bengal is a major producer food grains - especially rice with a total food grain
production of around 159 lakh MT and oilseed production of 7.05 lakh MT. The State is the
18

largest producer of vegetables in the country and a major producer of fruits and flowers.
The production under major crops in the State is given below:Being a surplus production State for both perishable and non perishable agricultural
commodities, adequate storage infrastructure is of paramount importance. The total
storage capacity provided by the State Warehousing Corporation is about 217350 MT for
food grains. The storage capacity of corporation which was 2.59 lakh tonnes in 2002 has
declined to 2.17 lakh tonnes in the year 2008. This apart, 371 warehouses with a combined
capacity of 7.72 lakh MT is available for storage of agricultural produce. However, the
storage capacity is considered to be grossly inadequate. Similar situation prevails in respect
of cold storage facilities for perishable horticulture produce. As on December 2007, the
State had 459 cold storage units with a combined capacity of 76 lakh MT, of which 54.45
lakh MT storage capacity is exclusively for storage of potato (400 potato cold storage units)
and the remaining capacity is from multipurpose cold storage (59 units). The wide gap in
the available storage infrastructure vis-a-vis the requirement, offers an opportunity for both
public & private sector investment in creating post harvest infrastructure for agricultural
produce.
The State had 684 regulated markets comprising 43 principal market yards and 641 sub
market yards. Pending amendments to APMC Act, private sector investment in creation of
market infrastructure is absent.

2.17 INCOME ANALYSIS

Per Capita Income in Districts of West Bengal
District

Per capita income in Rs.

District

Per capita income in Rs.

Rural

Urban

Rural

Coochbehar

11026

35409

Murshidabad

15361

33872

Jalpaiguri

14440

35230

Nadia

20768

47662

Darjeeling

16115

46756

North 24-Pagranas

18301

41992

Uttar Dinajpur

10340

30942

South 24-Parganas

15832

34643

Dakshin Dinajpur

11669

38690

Howrah

19592

38662

Malda

13940

54342

Burdwan

18369

55791

Birbhum

14830

40604

Hoogly

25635

46198

Purulia

10677

32782

Purba Medinipur

13612

27109

Paschim Medinipur

10250

27854

Bankura

14182

32342

19

Urban

Chapter III
SWOT Analysis of Agriculture & Allied
Sectors

22

Chapter III
3. SWOT ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE & ALLIED SECTORS
The analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) is considered to be
a pre-requisite for the formulation of a full proof strategy for development of each sector.
An attempt has been made to analyse the sector-wise strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats towards 4% achievement of agricultural growth in the state at the end of 11th
plan period. This analysis has been made after taking into consideration the status of
various social, economical, developmental and environmental parameters. This analysis will
provide necessary inputs towards formulation of the elements of district vision.
3.1 AGRICULTURE
Strengths

Opportunities

Major areas of the State are blessed with

natural resources like ample rainfall,
suitable soil, topography surface and
ground water resources and good
climate for production of variety of
crops, both agricultural and horticultural.
Responsive soils to different inputs and
management practices.
High cropping intensity, particularly in
old and new Alluvium sub regions where
the soil is fairly fertile.
Huge availability of untapped ground and
surface water for irrigation in the Terai
sub region.
The Teesta Barrage Project envisages to
provide water for irrigation to about one
lakh hectares of agricultural land within
the next five years in Jalpaiguri district.
More than 60 per cent area in old and
new Alluvium sub regions is benefitted
from major and minor irrigation projects.
Huge possibilities of growing rain fed
crops like legumes, kharif maize, short
duration mustard (terai), pulses like black
gram, moong, lentil, etc, particularly, in
the Terai and old Alluvium sub regions.
Fairly good purvey of agricultural credit
from the banking and cooperative
sectors in the Lower Gangetic Plain
Region.
Strong Panchayati Raj System for
effective Planning and implementation of
23

Scope for increasing cropping intensity

with water harvesting measures and
crop diversification.

Organic matter rich fertile old and new

alluvium soil offer good prospect for
increasing productivity and cultivation of
all types of crops.

Soil amelioration measures through

adoption of organic farming, vermicomposting offer a good scope for
shaping of agricultural scenario of the
State.

Scope for increasing pulses and oilseeds

production with sub soil moisture under
maximum tillage and increasing jute seed
production in the western part of the
State.

Scope for engagement of progressive

farmers into contract farming and
establishment of agro-based industries.

Wide production base with availability of

raw material during a major part of the
year offering good scope for multi
product based fruit and vegetable
processing units.

development schemes at grass root level

The two State Agricultural Universities,
namely, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa
Vidyalaya (BCKV) and Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswa Vidyalaya (UBKV) are there for
providing knowledge support to the
agricultural development programme
A network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras
(KVKs) provides extension support to
agriculture and allied enterprises.
Weakness

Small and fragmented land holdings.

Around 88 percent of the total land
holdings belong to marginal and small
farmers.
Average holding size is 0.82 ha. Thus it
becomes difficult to introduce advanced
technology in farmers fields.
Mono cropping and growing paddy as
subsistence farming.
Financial weakness of farmers.
Lack of scientific attitudes and
laggardness of farmers.
Inherent soil and climatic problems in
general, in the Terai areas in particular.
Fast deteriorating soil health and
productivity due to excess application of
chemical fertilizers and low application
of organic inputs.
Inadequacies and untimely credit flow
from financial institutions.
Inadequate market infrastructure and
predominance of intermediaries.
Poor post harvest management and
value addition
Improper drainage system in low-lying
pockets resulting in prolonged water
logging affecting crop productivity
Inadequate irrigation facilities,
agricultural extension services and input
delivery system.
Unavailability of quality Seeds in remote
parts of the state

Threats

24

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers

and Plant protection chemicals.
Lack of interest among young farmers in
the agricultural and allied activities due
to increasing avenues in other
occupations.
Reluctance of poor income group
farmers to adopt modern agricultural
technologies.
Diversion of agricultural land to other
economic activities.
Decreasing trend of agricultural labour
force due to migration.
Degraded environment and ecosystem,
erratic behaviour of monsoon and
deterioration of quality of surface water
& depletion of ground water.
Increasing salinity in soil in the coastal
areas.

Low seed replacement rate

Lack of awareness regarding
treatment facilities

Seed

3.2 HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Strengths

Conducive and suitable agro-climatic

conditions, topography and soil types for
horticultural and plantation crops
Prospects in production of various types
of vegetables including hybrids, flowers
and spices.
Support extended under National
Horticulture Mission
Existence of Agri-Export Zones in various
districts, offers good scope for focussed
growth of specific horticultural crops.
A growing tendency to diversify from
traditional agricultural crops to
horticultural crops.
New alluvium zone offers good scope for
increasing production of potato and
various tropical and sub-tropical
vegetables.
Second largest producer of flowers
both traditional and high value cut
flowers.
Excellent potential for production of high
value cut flowers like dendrobium /
cymbidium orchids, liliums, gladiolus,
anthurium in the Darjeeling hills,
gerbera rose in the plains under green
houses

Opportunities

Weakness
Lack of awareness on scientific farming
of horticulture crops, supports given by
government through various schemes.
Inadequacies in availability of quality
plant material in time especially for
perennial horticulture crops
Dependence on other States to meet
quality seed requirements for vegetables

25

Area available for expansion of

horticultural and plantation crops.
Opportunities to improve existing
orchards/plantations through better
management practices.
Scope for nursery raising of a number of
horticultural crops.
Growing trend of organic fruit and
vegetable production.
Establishment of post harvest technology
centres in fruits & vegetable processing
in different districts.
Wide opportunities for exports with
special reference to mango, pineapple,
vegetables, potato in fresh and
processed products; flowers
Development of Food Parks, Flower
Auction Centres, creation of exclusive
AEZs are widening the scope for exports

Threats
Limited market information system and
other infrastructure for market
promotion.
Overuse of chemical fertilisers &
pesticides.
Receding ground water level and
environmental degradation.
Occurrence of un-seasonal rains and

more specifically for potato

Lack of interest, investment & innovation
for renovation of old orchards.
Weak infrastructure for horticultural
extension, farmers training and capacity
building
Limited marketing information on
Horticultural crops and products.
Lack of knowledge of organic farming
resulting in loss of opportunities for
production and export of organic
produce.
Inadequate cold storage facilities for
preservation of fruits, vegetables,
flowers etc. and limited refrigerated
vans, grading and packaging facilities and
transportation
Inadequate credit flow to the sector.

floods adversely affecting production,

transport and marketing of perishable
horticulture produce

3.3 FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT

Strengths

Opportunities

Existence of substantial
community/barren/waste/fallow land
provides good scope for expansion of
social forestry.
Initiative of the Forest Department to
increase tree coverage through different
mixed plantation efforts generated
interest among the rural community to
adopt different forestry schemes.
Successful implementation of JFM
scheme with peoples participation
Comprehensive approach to develop
forestry including social and agro forestry
will not only increase greenery, restore
biodiversity and ecosystem in general,
but also would go a long way to income
generation of the rural masses.
Eagerness of farmers to plant different
timber and fuel wood species on the
embankment of water bodies, ponds and
fallow lands.
Availability of plenty NTFP for
strengthening rural livelihood options.
26

Agro-climatic conditions are congenial

for forest plantations
Abundant scope for development of
farm forestry/agro forestry/commercial
forestry etc.
Existing natural resources are quite
favourable for eco-tourism.
Increased demand for raw materials
from paper mills particularly for supply
of bamboo/wood.
Huge scope for mixed plantation and
fodder plantations under farm forestry.
Protection & development of forest
through Joint Forest Management
committee ( JFM)
Environmental degradation related
awareness among vast population.

Weakness
Inadequate fund flow to Forest
Department for social forestry
Growing industrial and mining activities
deplete forest and grazing lands.
Due importance not given for
commercial planting and management of
social forestry schemes

Threats
Increasing population pressure and
consequent thrust for food crops is a
growing threat to the existing forest
coverage.
Dearth of grazing land prompts cattles
encroach upon forest areas.
Human intervention on forest for
collection of fuel wood and other forest
resources for livelihood is a growing
threat to forest.

3.4 SERICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Strengths
Traditionally, Malda, Murshidabad and
Nadia districts are famous for production
of high quality silk.
Extent of adoption of upgraded
technology by silk growers in these
districts is quite encouraging.
Increasing interest among farmers for
sericulture activity (farming, rearing,
weaving, etc.)
Good extension support from sericulture
department.
Suitable agro-climatic conditions for
sericulture in the Terai and Old Alluvium
regions where large number of SC/ST
population can undertake sericulture
activities.
Good infrastructure facilities, such as,
seed Farm, Technical Service Centre,
Growth/Extension Centres and
Government Cocoon market etc.

27

Opportunities
Possibilities of production of high value
silk with the supply of quality inputs and
vast scope for adoption of modern
techniques in sericulture.
Promotion of bivoltine variety of silk
worm
Promotion of Muga and Tassar
cultivation.
High potential for commercial cocoon
production.
Good scope for forward integration of
reeling and weaving activities with focus
on quality fabrics

Weakness
Limited infrastructure and market
facilities
Inadequate credit flow to the sericulture
sector.
Lack of awareness of modern sericulture
and value addition in general.

Threats
The Silk Growers often face economic set
back due to market fluctuations and
competition

3.5 ANIMAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Strength
Animal husbandry has natural
linkages to agricultural activities and
provides good option for income
enhancement of farmers through
livestock crop productive system.
Animal resources are diverse and
plenty in number in the State. Good
population of Black Bengal variety of
goat.
Dairy and poultry farmers under both
co-operatives and private sectors are
commercially successful.
A good number of institutions like
Paschim Banga Go-sampad Vikash
Sanstha (PBGSBS) for breeding, WB
Cooperative Milk Producers'
Federation Ltd.(WBCMPF) for milk
marketing, WB Dairy & Poultry
Development Corpn Ltd.(DAIRPOUL)
for feed, WB Livestock Development
Corpn Ltd.(WBLDC) for meat
marketing and above all Directorate
of Animal Resources & Animal
Health(AR&AH) for health &
extension, working in tandem for the
overall development of the sector
Bright scope for involving SHGs for
poultry, goatery, piggery, duckery,
etc.
Huge scope for increased production
of fodder crops including maize

28

Opportunities
Increasing demand for milk, dairy and
poultry products offer good scope for
Animal resource development.
Potential for increasing livestock
population and promoting allied sectors,
such as, dairy, poultry, duckery, goatery,
sheep rearing etc., providing
supplementary income options for small
and marginal farmers as well as landless
labourers.
Fish cum-duckery with khaki Campbell
duck has become very popular among
the Self Help Groups (SHG).
Small scale piggery and backyard poultry
can be a successful venture in tribal
areas.
Heifers rearing as a result of cross
breeding of indigenous cattle has good
potential.
A newer strain of poultry birds
developed by the State Poultry Farm can
be easily adopted by the BPL families as
these breeds can be fed on kitchen
waste only.
Promotion of the concept of mixed
fodder cultivation (Lucern, Berseem,
Napier grass etc.)
Large scale implementation of artificial
insemination programme, breed up
gradation and enhancing milk
production.

through crop diversification programs

to meet the increasing demand for
cattle and poultry feeds.
Congenial environmental conditions
for poultry farming (both for layers
and broilers), duckery, piggery, etc.
A good network of Health
Centres/Artificial insemination
centres and other related
infrastructure to support
development of Animal Husbandry.
Pranibandhus are promoting door
step insemination services in the
villages.

Weakness
Low level of awareness about
diversification and modern technology.
Insufficient veterinary institutions and
extension activities.
Indigenous non-descriptive cattle
population with low milk productivity
account for 70% of the cattle population
Animal husbandry is a secondary
livelihood option for agricultural
farmers.
Inadequate bank finance for backyard
poultry and quail farming.
Poor maintenance of parent stocks and
inadequate supply of improved variety
of livestock.
Absence of proper animal insurance
settlement/ claim system.
Imperfect market mechanism,
predominance of intermediaries in
procurement of milk, milk products,
poultry products, etc.
Limited grazing land and inadequate
fodder production.
Recurrence of Bird-flu adversely
affecting investment in the sector
3.6 FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT

29

Scope for organizing more number of

awareness camps-cum-training
programs and huge scopes for large
investment in the sector.
Support from government for backyard
poultry.
Excellent opportunities for private sector
investment in poultry and dairy sectors
including processing

Threats
Growing industrial and mining activities
deplete grazing land.
Migration of farmers to other
area/regions for better income
alternatives/opportunities.
Youths not evincing keen interest in
animal husbandry activities.
Recurrence of disease problems in
poultry and dairy sectors.
Absence of cold chain facility

Strength
The State has large impounded resource
of large number of water bodies besides
a riverine system for fish production.
All varieties of major and minor carps are
cultivated besides various types of local
fish species naturally available in the
water bodies.
Per capita consumption of fish is highest
in world and hence high demand for
production of fish
Major producer & supplier of fish seed in
the country ( 65% of countrys seed is
sourced from West Bengal)
Availability of good quality of
spawn/seed from natural as well as
commercial hatcheries.
Existence of active and functional
Fishermans cooperative societies, Fish
Production Groups and a large number
of Self Help Groups (SHG) all over the
State contributing well for the growth of
the fishery sector.
Pro-active Fisheries Department
Various governmental schemes and
demonstration farms provide able
support for development of fisheries.

Weakness
Large water bodies are under derelict
and semi-derelict conditions.
Lack of organized fish culture at village
level.
Shortcomings in marketing, absence of
adequate ice plant and cold storage
facilities at the production point.
Inadequate bank financing in the fishery
sector.
Highly season specific activity.
Inadequate demonstration and extension
campaign at field level.

30

Opportunities
The state has 2.10 lakh Ha of impounded
brackish water resources in India, which
is the highest in country, but only 0.48
lakh Ha have been developed.
Increasing fish productivity through
development of beels & baors
Setting up of more number of hatcheries
for seed production in different
districts/blocks.
Integrated fish farming with agriculture,
horticulture, dairy, poultry, offers
immense scope for development.
Organizing demonstration, training and
awareness camps in the fish farmers
villages for dissemination of advanced
technology.
Expansion of fishery activities through
excavation of additional tanks,
renovation of derelict tanks, desilting
river beds etc.
Promoting fish farming in canals
Thrust on poly culture with prawns for
maximum utilization of resources.
Promotion of paddy cum fish farming, air
breathing fish farming, crab fattening,
ornamental fish culture.
Huge scope for inland fishery activities
and production of value added products
from low cost fish.
Threats
Drying of natural water bodies due to
extensive use of water for irrigation and
or during summer.
High siltation restricts fish production.
Over exploitation of fisheries resources
in sea, especially the juvenile fishing
Flood, natural calamities and water
pollution from indiscriminate use of
pesticides in the agricultural field are big
threats to pisci culture.

3.7 WATER RESOURCES & IRRIGATION

Strength
By and large, a good annual rainfall and
presence of perennial rivers and other
surface water resources
Good ground water potential with scope
for further exploitation
Major irrigation projects apart, irrigation
potential already created through
shallow and deep tube wells, river lift
and through utilization of water bodies
etc.
Predominantly sandy loam to loam soil
type offers good prospect for ground
water recharge.

Weakness
Total irrigation potential not utilized
optimally.
Little efforts towards surface water
irrigation through harvesting of rain
water.
Little knowledge about surface water
conservation and management.
High wastage of irrigation water due to
faulty irrigation system.
Over exploitation of ground water.
Micro nutrient deficiency in soils,
specifically that of boron, molybdenum
and zinc.

31

Opportunities
Promoting use of surface water for
irrigation through proper rain water
harvesting.
Good prospect for increasing gross
cropped area through effective water
management practices.
Promoting river lift irrigation.
Popularisation of drip and sprinkler
irrigation for horticultural crops.

Threats
High arsenic levels in ground water in
some parts of the State.

ANALYSING SWOT
Strength over Opportunities
Agriculture

Irrigation

Animal
Husbandry

Fisheries

Forestry

Strategies

Diversification and intensification of agriculture.

Improvement of productivity and profitability of thrust crops by

adopting a newer and sustainable technologies and use of inputs.

Expansion of area under oilseeds, food crops and vegetables

Promotion of organic farming.

Increasing credit flow to farmers through banking sector

Increased advocacy to harvest and use rainwater

Encouraging Agro processing and value addition to agriculture

produce.

Effective participatory irrigation management for better utilization of

water resources

Identification of location specific cropping sequences with emphasis

on crop diversification to less water intensive and more profitable
crops like pulses, oil seeds, vegetables

Breed up gradation through artificial insemination.

Introduction of new breeds, suitable to the local climate

Preservation of indigenous breeds.

Promoting backyard poultry as well as poultry farms.

Establishment of private hatcheries to supply quality fingerlings.

Promotion of integrated fish farming

Diversification from major carp based farming to others like air

breathing fishes, crab, prawn, paddy cum fish farming etc,.

Demonstration and training for capacity building of farmers.

Encouraging Joint Forest Management

Encouraging local tribal community to raise saplings for the use of

forest department.

32

Weakness over Opportunities

Agriculture

Animal
Husbandry

Fishery

Strategies

Soil & Water conservation through Watershed approach

Infrastructure development for marketing and agro processing.

Emphasis on promotion of System of Rice intensification (SRI), better

seed replacement, INM, IPM and farm mechanization.

Participatory irrigation management through water users groups.

Conjunctive use of surface and ground water.

Coverage of all farmers under Crop insurance.

Capacity building of farmers.

Adoption of dry land farming technology.

Organic cycling of nutrients and farm waste.

Infrastructure support for processing and value addition of animal

products.

Capacity building of farmers.

Transportation facilities for key inputs like Liquid Nitrogen and

Frozen semen.

Animal livestock insurance coverage.

Development of infrastructure for animal health

Village level demonstration for AI and breed up gradation.

Pond preparation for composite fish culture.

Supply of fingerling and fish seed through fisherman co-operatives.

Renovation of derelict village tanks

Long term leasing of public fish ponds to fishermen groups

Decentralised production of fish seeds and fingerlings.

Scientific management of fisheries in reservoirs.

33

Strength over Threat

Policy interventions and awareness creation for reducing adverse

impact of chemical fertilizers & pesticides on agricultural crops.

Strengthening soil testing infrastructure and introduction of Soil

Health Cards at farmers level

Soil test based nutrient management

Restriction on conversion of agricultural lands to non agricultural

purposes.

Massive plantation in wasteland & fallow lands

Animal
Husbandry

Promotion of commodity interest group for organised marketing

Fisheries

Conservation of native fish fauna

Encouraging farmers to take up fish seed bank

Weakness over Threat

Animal
Husbandry
Fishery

Promotion of organic input production, application and organic

farming through group mobilization, extension support

Bio-diversity conservation

Management of problematic soil

Maintenance of soil health through INM and IPM

Soil & water conservation.

Bringing extension services through Farmers Clubs

Strengthening production and distribution of different inputs.

Technology up gradation of livestock farmers.

Biological control of weeds.

Awareness creation among the fish farmers community for

effective management of water bodies

34

Chapter IV
Development of
Agriculture Sector

35

4.1 INTRODUCTION
West Bengal with more than 65% of the population engaged in agriculture & allied sectors is
primarily an agrarian state. Among the farmers more than 90% are poor, small and
marginal. It is also an accepted fact that in the state, the performance of the agriculture
sector influences the growth of the economy. Apart from meeting the food and fodder
requirements, its importance also stems from the raw materials that it provides to industry.
The prosperity of the rural economy is also closely linked to agriculture and allied activities.
Deceleration in the growth of agricultural output has been witnessed after 1994-95. Though
the share of the sector in GDP has been declining over the years, its role remains critical as
65% of states population still depend on agriculture sector for subsistence and
employment. Hence the per capita income in agriculture is declining. Moreover productive
capacity of land is declining due to nutrient mining, imbalance in the application of soil
nutrients, neglect of micro nutrients and inadequate application of organic manures. Slow
growth in agriculture with no significant decline in labour force has created a serious
disparity between agriculture and non-agriculture.
In West Bengal, improving the viability of smaller farm holdings by providing access to
technology, inputs and credit remain a big challenge. Efficiency in resource use
encompasses production, marketing, processing, transport etc. Farmers are at a
considerable disadvantage in this respect. Moreover efficient use of resources, including
water and chemical inputs is essential for sustainability.
Furthermore, agriculture is fraught with a number of risks like production risk in the face of
natural calamities and other man-made disasters, marketing risk due to price fluctuation
and thereby increasing the vulnerability of farmers. Farm harvest prices of various
commodities often fall below minimum support price (MSP) in the market due to several
deficiencies in the prevailing marketing system. As the institutional arrangements for
meeting income losses are either nonexistence or very weak, farm households often turn to
private sources which lead to indebtedness and loss of productive assets.
4.2 LAND USE PATTERN
West Bengal largely have alluvial lands whether Vindhya or Ganga alluvium. To add to its
diversity it has in its west an extended plateau and in the north a hilly terrain of Himalayas.
Coastal lands are alluvium with salinity dispersed in different degrees. Being mainly in the
delta of the river Ganga, the land is bisected by large number of rivers and their tributaries
that flow north south or northwest to south taking the pool of water to the Bay of Bengal
in the south. Since ancient times the land on the riverbanks is under cultivation by humans.
Much earlier natural forest started growing because of fertility of the land and plenty of
rainfall in the area for its geographical location. With an increase in habitation development
and population growth, commercial agriculture with staple food crops like rice expanded in
these forest areas. The scope for further expansion has reached its minimum level since a
major part of arable land is already brought under cultivation. This is amply reflected from
the fact that the net sown area which was 59.5% of geographical area in 1985-86 remained
stagnant or marginally increased to 61% in 2007-08 with Forest area remains stagnant as
well at 13.5%. Rest of land is mainly put to non agricultural use i.e. urban areas, industries,
mining and infrastructures and barren totaling to 20.5%. Cultivable waste land and fallow
land is very low at 4.2%. Details of land use

36

classification is as follows
Land Use Classification West Bengal
2007- 08
Particulars

000 ha

Geographical Area
Net Sown Area
Forest Area
Area under Non Agril.Use
Barren and Uncultivable Land
Permanent Pasture & other Grazing Land
Land under Misc. Use
Cultivable Waste Land
Fallow Other Than Current Fallow
Current Fallow
Total Reporting Area*

8875.2
5295.8
1173.7
1761.9
21.5
6.1
61.3
32.9
20.2
310.8
8684.1

Percentage
(% )
61.0
13.5
20.3
0.2
0.1
0.7
0.4
0.2
3.6
100.0

Attention needs to be paid to the cultivable waste land of 32.9 thousand ha in the State
mainly in the districts of Burdwan, Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia and Paschim Medinipur. South
24-Parganas, Nadia and Murshidabad has drainage problems and therefore demanding
distinctly different approaches for their reclamation. Improvement and scientific
management of 6.1 thousand ha of pasture and grazing land also deserve attention for the
development of animal resources of West Bengal. High population pressure coupled with
increasing demand for land due to rapid urbanization and industrialization are the emerging
issues to be addressed to on priority. The compensating answer is to increase grossed
cropped area from the current level of 184% by adopting an integrated approach involving
better management of existing irrigation infrastructure; optimum exploitation of surface
and ground water resources and rain water harvesting. Another problem is land
degradation, which has increased very fast due to several reasons.
Status of Degraded Land in West Bengal
SL.
No
1

Types of Degraded Land

Area ('000
ha)
820.45

Water logged

576

Sheet -rill-gullied area

666

Sea coastal

Stream Bank erosion and sand laden area

Land slip & Land slide

Mining

Saline and saline-alkali

12
67.35
35
14.5
2191.3

Total
37

% degraded land to total geographical area

24.69%

% of degraded land to non-forest area

28.51%

At present, 24.69 % of total geographical area and 28.51% of nonforest area of West
Bengal is falling under degraded land category which is a serious threat to our food
production system. The district-wise break-up details of the degraded lands is as under;
District- wise Degraded lands
Approx. Area
in ha.
(Non-forest area)

Districts

Problems

Darjeeling

In Darjeeling Hills:
Landslips & landslide, Gully, Torrential velocity
of streams, Mining, Acidity, outer slope of
cultivated terraces, surface flows over the
slopes of runoff.
In Siliguri Sub-Division:
Splash, Sheet & rill erosion, gully formation,
sand laden, stream bank erosion, acidity,
mining.

Jalpaiguri,
Cooch Behar
and
North
Dinajpur
South
Dinajpur

67, 100

84, 000
Splash, sheet & rill erosion, stream bank
erosion, sand laden, gully formation, soil
acidity, water logging, flash flood.
Stream bank erosion and sand laden

Sand laden, stream bank erosion and river

cutting, water logging.
Sand laden, stream bank erosion, river cutting,
Murshidabad
and moisture stress.
Sheet & rill erosion, undulating tract, moisture
Birbhum
stress, gully and sand laden
Sheet erosion, undulating tract, gully, moisture
Burdwan
stress, mining and sand laden
Nadia
Water logging, stream bank erosion
Scarcity of sweet water, ingress of saline water,
North 24
water logging, sea coastal erosion and soil
Parganas
salinity.
Scarcity of sweet water, ingress of saline water,
South 24
water logging, sea coastal erosion and soil
Parganas
salinity.
Howrah
Soil salinity, water logging
Hooghly
Sand laden, water logging
East
Soil salinity, scarcity of sweet water, sea coastal
Malda

38

62, 000
13, 800
9, 500
28, 000
85, 000
1, 04, 000
1, 33, 000
54, 200
1, 82,610

5, 00, 830
92, 650
50, 200
3, 42, 310

Midnapore
West
Midnapore
Bankura
Purulia

erosion.
Sheet, rill, gully erosion, undulating / rolling
type topography, moisture stress etc.
Sheet, rill, gully erosion, undulating / rolling
type topography, moisture stress etc.
Sheet, rill, gully erosion, undulating rolling type
topography, moisture stress etc.
TOTAL

1, 46, 700
89,200
1, 46, 200
21,91,300

4.3 SOIL HEALTH

Soil health depends on the physical
and biological properties of soil. The
content of soil organic matter (SOM)
/ organic carbon is the crucial
indicator. The soil health can be
deteriorated because of poor
organic carbon content, land
degradation, soil erosion, increase
or decrease of soil Ph etc,.
India is the third largest producer &
consumer of fertilizer in the world
after China & USA. The impressive
growth of consumption of fertilizer
in India as well as West Bengal in
the post-green revolution period
ensured increase in food grain
production from 74.0 million tonnes
in 1966-67 to 228 million tonnes
during 2008-09. But because of
imbalances in use of chemical
fertilizers and non-use of organic
manure and bio-fertilizers, the
adverse effect on soil fertility has
been noticed. Soil organic manure
(SOM) not only determines the biological characteristics of the soil but also its physical and
chemical properties. The top soil micro-environment teeming with millions of microorganisms is intimately associated with the operation of nutrient cycles (e.g. nitrogen cycle,
phosphorous cycle, etc.); these organisms need organic food for their own nourishment as
well as appropriate conditions for their asymbiotic and beneficial symbiotic association in
the rhizosphere. An improved fertile soil response of chemical fertilizer will be better.
The following steps a farmer should take to improve soil health:

Based upon soil test results (pH of lands) chemical fertilizers have to be used and
necessary liming programme should be taken.

39


Monitoring organic carbon content of soil application of organic matter to soil should be
made a regular practice.

Using of animal residues (special cow dung) as fuel purpose should be restricted with the
awareness campaign and an alternative to meet the fuel requirement should be worked
out. Renewable & non-renewable energy resources and cultivation of fuel wood through
social forestry have to be encouraged.

Farmers should be convinced for growing green manure crop & planting organic matter
supplying trees on his land

Soil Health Card has to be introduced to take stock of the health status at a regular
interval.
4.4 MAJOR CROPS & VARIETIES IN WEST BENGAL
Major agricultural crops and varieties in West Bengal are as under;
SL. No.

Crop

Varieties
HYV, Heera, Aditya, Prasanna, Kalyani-2, Khanika

Rice (Aus)
HYV, Rasi, Tulsi, IET-2233, Annanda, IET-579
Upland
(15-30
cm.)
Rupsail, Raghusail, Bhasamanik, Patnai-23, SR-226B, Nagar
Tilakkachari
Shallow
water
HYV, IR-64, Ratna, Khitish, Vikash, IET-4786, Lalat

Rice (Kharif)
1

(30-50cm.)

Semi-deep
water
(50-100cm.)
HYV, Jaya, Ajaya, Kunti, Shsyasree, Vikramacharya, Prakash,
Pratap,
IR-20
Deep
water
(above
100
cm.)
HYV, IR-42, Shalibahan, Pankaj, Sharna, Bipasha, Sabitri, Gayitri,
Suresh, Biraj, Jogen, Tulashi, Rajashree, Sabita, Nalini, Amulya,
Matangini, Purnendu, Dinesh, Urnendu, Jitendra, PNR-381,
Manassarovar, Swarnadhan, Sashi, Madhukar, Neeraja, Jalapriya,
CSR 10, CSR 13,
CSR 27

Boro

HYV, Tulsi, Aditya, IR-64, Khitish, Vikas, IR-36, Shasyasree, LET4786, IET-2233, Annada, Satabdi, Rasi

Rice (Hybrid)

CNRH 3, DRRH 2, JKRH 401

Wheat

HYV, K-9107, HP-1731, HD-2643, HP-1633, Sonalika, HUW-468,

UP-262, PBW-543, PBW-443, PBW-343, PBW-533, HD-273, HD2733, HD-2285, NW-1014

Potato

K. Jyoti, K. Chandramukhi, K. Badsha, K. Ashoka

Processing variety : Atlantic, Chipsona- I, Chipsona - III
40

Sugarcane

Jute

Co J-64, Co -7218, Co- 87263, CoS-687, Bo-91, Co 62033, CoS-76

JRO-632, JRO-524, JRO-7835, JRO-878
JRC-7447, JRC-212

Oilseeds

Mustard and Toria

Benoy, Subinoy

Till

Tilottama, Rama

Linseed

Grima, Neela, Mukta

Groundnut

AK 12-24, JL-24, ICGS-44, Somnath, ICGS-II, Girnar-I, Rabi Summer

Sunflower, Morden

Pulses
Pea
Arhar

Dhusar, GF-68, Garden pea, Bonavillia, Arkel, GF-68

TAT-10

Pigeon Pea

Sweta, Chuni

Gram

Mahamaya-1, Mahamaya-2, Anuradha

Kalai

Kalindi, Goutam, Sarada

Mung

Sonali, Panna, Pusa Baisakhi, K-850

Lentil

Asha, Subrata, Ranjan

Khesari

Nirmal, BIOL, Sarada, Ratan

Soyabean

JS-2, Pusa-16, Soyamax

Chickpea

Mahamaya-1/2

Blackgram

Kalindi, Pusa, Baisakhi

Cowpea

Co-1
Hybrid, Composite Kishan, Composite Azad Uttam, Composite
Megha

Maize

10

Jute

Navin

11

Mesta

Sada, Lal

12

Rice bean

Kalyani-1

13

Mustard

Sej-2, JD6, Pusa Bold, Toria-PT 507, Panchali Yellow sarsoon Ragini, Jhumka, Subinoy

Diara, Arun, Tarun, Probha, Agoti-76, Vijay, Ganga, Safed-2, Kishan

Composite Vikram, Deccan-101

Vegetables
14

Summer Bhindi

Parvani Kranti, Pusa Sawani

41

Summer Brinjal

Rajpur Selection, Pusa Kranti, Pusa Cluster, Pusapurp long, Makra

Hybrid Brinjal

Long-13, Sourav, Supriya, Sonata

Winter Brinjal

Muktakeshi, Pusa Bhairab, Bhangar

Bottle gourd

Pusa Meghdut, Pusa Summer Prolific Long, Jorabota, Borsathi

Ridge gourd

Suryasakha, Borsathi, 12 Pata, Sathputia, Surekha

Bitter gourd

Pusa Do Mausumi, Longgreen, Arka Harit, Co. Long, Co-1, M.Green

Long, Panchali, Hybrid-49, Royal Bengal

Pumpkin

Pusa Alankar, Baisakhi, Madhukhara, Baidyabati, Largered,

Arkachandan

Cucumber

Poinset-76, Balmakhira, White Wonders, Pusa Sangyog

Summer
gourd

Pointed

Guli, Damodar, Kajri, Bombaylata, Ghugut, Dudhiya

Cabbage

Golden Acre, Pride Of India, Syavoy, Drumhead, English Ball

Hybrid Cabbage

Rare Ball, Green Express, K.K.Cruss, Manisha, Kalyani, Ganga

Cauliflower

Jaldi Patnai, Early Snowball, Pusa Katki, Snowball-16, Pusa Dipali,

White Queen, Dania, Pusa Snowball-1,2

Hybrid Cauliflower

Snowpack, Gurdian

Winter Onion

Sukh Sagar, Pusa Ratna,Pusa Red, Red Globe, Patnai White

Beet

Crimson Globe, Detroiat, Darkred, Rubiqueen

Hybrid Beet

M.Lal

Carrot

Pusa Kesar, Nantish, Korlesh, Halflong

Hybrid Carrot

Hally
Pusa Rubi, Pusa Gaurav, Punjab Chuhara, S.L.-120, Roma, Early
Duarf, Best Of All

Tomato

Hybrid
Tomato
Rajani, Baisakhi, Abinash-2, Sadabahar, Gaurav, Nath-88, Rocky,
Rashika, Hira, Moti, Shital, Meghna, Navin

Radish

Red Bombay, Kontai Lal, Pusa Himani, Japanese White

Pusa Jala, Suryamukhi, Bulet, Patnai, Guntur, Dhani

Chilli

Hybrid
Chilli
Tejashwini, Surya, Sujata, Nath Diyva, Jwalan, Atm, Kranti, Kiran

Capsicum

California Oandara, Yellow Oandara, Sweet Bannana, Hambars

Hybrid Capsicum

Bharat, P-2, Beauty Bel, Nathhira, Greengold, Atlas

Green Pea

Bonnveli, Telephone, Alderman, Pioneer

42

Watermelon

Sugar Baby, Adhary, Ashahi Yamato

Potato

Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Alankar, Kufri Chamatkar,

Kufri Shakti, Kufri Shinduri

Sweet Potato

Pusa Lal, Kalmegh, Pusa Safed, Goldrush

Ladies Finger

Pusa Savani, Parbani Kranti, Sathshira, Longreen, Jhati

Hybrid Ladies Finger Vijay, Improved Vijay, Makiho No.-10,12, Amar, Ajay-2
Chinese Cabbage

Chinese Cabbage, Pakchoi, Odeti

Red Cabbage

Primoro, Red Queen

Kohlrabi

White Viena, Purple Viena, Pusa Kanchan, Largegreen, Rapid Star

Broccoli

White Viena, Purple Viena, Pusa Kanchan, Largegreen, Rapid Star

Lettuce

Great Lakes, Bolt, French Breakfast, Darkgreen

Teasle
(Kakrol)

Gourd

Smooth
(Dhudhul)

Gourd

Tall, Round
Pusa Chikni, Pusa Supriya

Broad Beens (Seem)

Altapati, Noldog, Ghritakanchan, Gobornada, Pusa Early

French been

French White, Contender, Pusa Parbati, Pusa Mausumi

4.5 INPUT MANAGEMENT

The basic inputs of agriculture are seed, fertilizer, manures and pesticides. The production
of chemical fertilizers in West Bengal is only 30% of the total requirement. Most of the
requirement is fulfilled by the fertilizers from different states and abroad. Production of
manures and bio-fertilizer are not adequate at present and cater only 30% of local demand.
To improve and maintain soil fertility status production capacity of manure and biofertilizers
needs to be increased many fold. A study finding recently published by researchers in the
department of Agriculture has identified wide spread deficiency of micro-nutrients in 9
districts of West Bengal that includes Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, Hoogly, North 24
Parganas, Burdwan, Jalpaiguri, Paschim Midnapur and Malda. Further samples from major
growing regions showed deficiency of zinc, boron and manganese and copper respectively.
Application of organic manures is a simple and effective means to address micronutrient
deficiencies.
Chemical Fertilisers
The consumption of fertilizers in the state has been rising over the years. This state has
consumed 1519.3 thousand tonnes of NPK in 2008-09. There is a sharp 37.5 % increase in
consumption of NPK over the last 5 years. The consumption of Phosphate has increased
maximum i.e. 52.5 % over the last 5 years where as consumption of N & K has increased by
25.2 % and 47 % respectively. The ratio of NPK was 2.22: 1.26: 1 in 2007-08 and is estimated
to be 1.7: 1.02: 1 in 2009-10. The year-wise consumption of NPK fertilisers in West Bengal
are as under;
43

YEAR

GOLY

GOLY

GOLY

TOTAL

GOLY

2004-05

630.9

339.6

290.9

1261.5

2005-06

611.4

-3.1

357.8

5.3

270.5

-7.0

1239.7

-1.7

2006-07

678.4

11.0

386.3

8.0

300.5

11.1

1365.2

10.1

2007-08

684.5

0.9

385.8

-0.1

304.4

1.3

1374.7

0.7

2008-09

698.2

2.0

415.4

7.7

405.6

33.2

1519.3

10.5

2009-10 (estd.)

789.7

13.1

517.8

24.6

427.6

5.4

1735.0

14.2

(*GOLY = Growth Over Last Year ** All figures in '000 MT)

The per hector consumption of fertilizers was 155. 8 kg/ha ( estd) in 2008-09, which was 141
kg/ha in 2007-08. There is 17.6% increase in consumption of fertilizers in a unit over the last
5 years.

2004-05

Consumption of fertilizer (
Kg/ Ha)
132.46

2005-06

130.00

2006-07

143.20

2007-08
2008-09

141.00
155.80

Year

Consumption of Urea is increasing than phosphatic fertilizers because of stiff increase of

prices of phosphatic fertilizers and thereby farmers are unable to use it for their crop
44

production practices. The price that is obtained for the produce also cannot support
increased investments. The trends in year-wise, product-wise consumption of various
fertilisers in the state are as under;

('000 tonnes)
Year

Urea

SSP

Potash

DAP

10-26-26

14-35-14

20-20-0

12-32-16

15-15-15

28-28-0

2004-05

1099.0

395.2

315.6

335.2

334.9

44.7

15.7

0.3

54.6

28.8

2005-06

1038.7

391.9

257.6

344.2

383.1

43.7

20.3

2.3

65.8

25.6

2006-07

1165.8

373.9

283.6

374.9

438.1

58.8

22.7

2.5

51.9

22.8

2007-08

1167.4

300.7

275.7

378.3

475.7

44.4

42.5

8.6

51.5

19.4

2008-09
2009-10
(Estd.)

1165.5

370.9

459.1

380.2

422.9

11.9

152.0

70.3

48.7

3.5

1290.7

455.9

431.2

506.6

541.5

40.4

77.7

69.6

75.6

20.4

The production scenario of fertilizer in West Bengal is presented in the following table;
Production of Fertilisers ,2008-09 ('000 tonnes)
Name of the Company
Urea

SSP

DAP

10-26-26

14-35-14

12-32-16

AS

Total

Tata Chemicals Ltd.

129.2

144.8

310.3

109.5

693.8

SAIL (Durgapur)

13.1

13.1

ISSCO, Burnpur-Kulti

8.1

8.1

Jayshree Chemicals

64.8

64.8

SAI Fertiliser

53

53

Teesta Agro.

86.7

86.7

Total

333.7

144.8

310.3

109.5

21.2

919.5

The extensive use of Urea and DAP is also slowly but steadily building up soil acidity.
Therefore, change of the form of nitrogen nutrition is under serious consideration. Fertilizer
promotion activities are required to be revived to educate farmers about the usage of
fertilizer at right time at right quantity and obviously based on the soil fertility status which
they will come to know after testing their soil at a regular intervals.
Organic Manures & Bio Fertilizers
Restoration of soil fertility is the need of the hour all over the world, especially in the
context of food security. The importance of organic manure and bio-fertilizers has increased
to enhance organic carbon content and microbial activities in the soil so that it becomes
more responsive to crop production practices. Due to geographical advantages, West Bengal
has different naturally occurring organic forms of nutrients available. There are green
manures, crop residue, bio-gas slurry, animal excreta, compost, vermin-compost, biofertilizers, etc; Following Table depicts the requirement and availability of Bio-Fertilisers and
Organic Manure in the state;

45

Year

Bio Fertiliser (in MT)

Projected
Availability
requirement

Organic Manure (in lakh MT)

Projected
Availability
requirement

2006-07

750

465

485

87

2007-08

790

525

495

100

2008-09

850

690

505

125

2009-10
(target)

900

800

525

225

Organic inputs on one hand reduce cost of production and helps healthy food production
being environment friendly. It is envisaged that the practice of regular use of bio-fertilizers
of different kinds by the farmers is capable of saving about 30% of nitrogenous and 25% of
phosphatic fertilizers reducing the cost of production to a great extent in addition to
benefiting the soil and environment.
Plant Protection Chemicals
Different types of plant protection chemicals are being used by the farming community in
West Bengal. The chemical pesticide consumption in West Bengal has been declined from
0.55 kg/ha (1992-93) to 0.42 kg/ha (2004-05). Use of bio-pesticide and botanical pesticide is
being emphasized. Pesticide residues are being found increasingly in our farm produces
posing a threat to human health. In view of this, emphasis would be given to establish more
facilities for pesticides-residue testing of agriculture commodities marketed within the state
or outside. Most of the plant protections chemicals are sold here are manufactured by
private commercial establishments. Recently bio & Botanical Pesticides based plant
protection materials are becoming popular in West Bengal.
Consumption of Pesticides (active ingredients in MT)
Particulars

2006 - 07

2007 - 08

2008 - 09

Pesticides

3830

3945

3710

Bio & Botanical Pesticides

390

Total consumption of Pesticides

3830

3945

4100

At present different types of insecticides in granular - W.P-liquid-dust form, Fungicide in

W.P-liquid form, Accaricides in W.P liquid form, Weedicides in liquid dust form, Bio &
Botanical pesticides in W.P liquid form are available in the markets of West Bengal.
Substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic manures and pesticides with bio and
botanical pesticides are pro-environment measures, which has been noticed amongst the
farmers of West Bengal.

46

4.6 SEED
Being an agrarian state with relatively high level of cropping intensity and diversified crop
production, the production and productivity has a direct correlation to the availability of
quality seed which forms the critical production input. It is well documented that improved
seed quality alone can increase 20% crop yield. The seed production scenario in West
Bengal is as under;
SL.
No.

Crop

Paddy ( HYV)

Mustard

Area
(000 ha)

Seed
Rate
(kg/ha)

Seed
Requirement
in MT

Seed
Replacement
Ratio
(%)

Seed
Replacement
Quantity in MT

5719.8

50

285990

29.5

84367.05

407.5

2445

38

929.1

a.) Lentil

58.7

35

2054.5

27

554.72

b.) Gram

25.1

50

1255

25

313.75

c.) Khesari

33.5

50

1675

19

318.25

20

32

16.5

20

330

32

105.6

1.1

20

22

44

9.68

Pulses

d.) Kalai
e.) Mung
f.) Tur (Arhar)
4

Potato

400.8

2000

801600

25

200400

Jute

609.8

3658.8

76

2780.688

Wheat

352.6

100

35260

39

13751.4

Maize

77.2

20

1544

26

401.44

Sesame

203.1

1218.6

33

402.138

Seed Production & Seed Replacement Rate (%)

During the 10th plan period, the total quantity of seeds produced in the State was 173.42
thousand tonnes. The plan target, as well as the year-wise achievement target of the Seed
Replacement Rate ( SRR) is presented below;
Sl.
No.
1
2
3
4

Name of Crop
Wheat
Paddy
Other Cereals (Maize)
Pulses

Plan Target
for SRR
(XIth Plan)
(%)
41
33
30

47

2007-08
Achievement
(%)

2008-09
Achievement
(%)

2009-10
Target
(%)

38
27
23

38.5
28
24

39
29.5
26

a) Gram
b) Lentil
c) Khesari
d) Urd
e) Moong
f) Arahar
Oilseeds
a) Rape & Mustard
b) Sesame
c) Ground nut
Other Crops
a) Jute
b) Potato

27
29
21
35
34
46

23
25
17
29
30
41

24
26
18
30
31
42

25
27
19
32
32
44

40
35
40

36
31
36

37
32
37

38
33
38

80
27

72
23

73
24

76
25

The analysis of the data presented in the foregoing tables clearly suggests the gap in
desirable rate of seed replacement and actual status. The main reasons for the low rate
include:
 Un-availability of quality seed from reliable source in time
 High cost of seed which a majority of small and marginal farmers cannot afford.
 Low level of awareness on the importance of quality seed
Seed Testing- Infrastructure in the State
Healthy viable and genetically pure seed forms the basis of sustainable crop production in
agriculture. The concept of quality seed is complex one. Evaluation of physical and genetic
purity, germination capability, moisture, seed health etc. as per prescribed standard of
I.S.T.A (International Seed Testing Association is considered as hallmark of judging the
quality of seed. Keeping the above in consideration three Seed Testing Laboratories have
been set up in West Bengal (Tollygunge, Kolkata in 1958 and Burdwan & Malda in 1965). All
the three Seed Testing Laboratories are working at present in the State as Notified Seed
Testing Laboratories vide Indian Seed Act, 1966 and Seed Rules, 1968.
The mission of seed testing is as under;
 Evaluation of the seeds marketed and produced in the state.
 Advisory service for proper implementation of the Seed Act 66 in the state.
 Imparting training to generate awareness among the farmers about the benefit in the
use of quality seed.
 Functioning as referee laboratory in the state for ascertaining Genetic Purity of seed
through DNA finger printing technology.
 Formulation of Technology for maintaining proper vigour and viability of seed
during storage at farmers end.
In tune with the mandate, the infrastructure facilities have been functioning as testing
facilities for ensuring the quality of seed. The details of seed samples anlysed in the

48

Facilities and projected during the remaining period of XI plan are as under:
Actually Analyzed

Target for Analysis

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

12335

14203

20000

30000

40000

50000

Initiatives for strengthening seed infrastructure

At present approximately 50% of seed requirement in the State is being sourced from other
parts of the country. The diverse agro climatic conditions in the state offers good scope for
seed production of different crops. With a targeted production of 2.23 lakh MT of quality
seed set for the XI plan period, the state government has taken necessary initiatives
involving all the stakeholders. The contemplated share of different seed producing agencies
during the 11th plan is WBSSC: 20%; Government Farms: 10%; Agricultural University: 10%;
other Government agencies 20%; Seed village SHGs 10%; and private 30%. Considering the
six agro climatic zones and the soil fertility status, West Bengal is far behind in exploring the
potential of seed production.
 Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, has made the provision for infrastructure
development and quality control of seed (for DNA Finger Printing Lab.)
 Establishment of 4 new SSTLs towards infrastructure development of 4 new seed testing
laboratories throughout the state.
 Establishment of at least one well equipped Seed health unit at Tollygunge for the state
as no such seed health unit is existing at present in the state .The seed health unit will be
attached to SSTL, Tollygunge as this centre will act as Nodal Centre for quality seed
testing lab for the state and it is mandatory to have one seed health section attached to
seed testing laboratory to achieve quality seed.
 State is having 196 Govt. Seed Farms with gross area as 9383.35 acres and cultivable
area of 6288.85 acre. The average production of Govt. seed farm during XI th plan period
is estimated 6250 MT.
 Seeds and planting material certification arrangements of the state is running through
state seed certification agency. The state is emphasizing for self sufficiency in quality
seed production. Different private organizations are coming up with quality seed
production in the state. More over PPP Model is being initiated in the state for quality
seed production in different Govt. Agricultural farms.
 For adequate storage of seeds to meet the demands in the event of erratic condition of
the climate, two seed banks one at North Bengal & another at South Bengal under the
supervision of West Bengal State Seed Corporation Ltd. are in operation.
Further Interventions required:
The demand supply gap for quality seed in respect of both food and non-food crops is
ever increasing. Being a critical factor for productivity enhancement greater emphasis
should be on seed production adopting the following strategies:

49

 Identification of crop specific seed production zones based on agro climate, soil and
water resources availability.
 Emphasizing on decentralized production through seed village concept with active
involvement of progressive farmers, farmers clubs, PACs/societies.
 Active involvement of KVKs both in production as well as extending technical support to
farmers/other agencies involved in seed production
 Establishment of centralized processing infrastructure at potential blocks/district level
 Encouraging PPP mode in existing government seed farms for better utilization of
resources.
4.7 FARM MECHANISATION
Farm Mechanization plays a vital role for timely completion of various agricultural
operations like land preparation, sowing, transplanting, irrigation, weeding & inter-culture
operation, spraying, dusting, harvesting, storing & processing etc. Use of improved farm
implements in agriculture reduces the cost of cultivation which leads to more income per
unit area. Mechanization helps in early release of land which facilitates for adopting
diversified & multiple cropping systems. Judicious use of farm machinery/equipments
generates additional man-days.
Productivity in agriculture depends greatly on availability and proper use of farm power by
farmers. During last 5 decades farm power availability in India was on an average 0.25
KW/ha (1951) and 1.35 KW/ ha (2001). In 1951 97.4% of this was from animals and in 2001
power from mechanical sources is 82%. Mechanization in agriculture progressed faster in
northern states. As index tractor numbers have increased fast in states like Punjab (82.5 / th
ha), Haryana (62.9 / th ha), West Bengal remains at 2.9 /th ha but power tiller no is higher
(2.8/th ha) in West Bengal compared to that in Punjab and Haryana. West Bengal has farm
power availability of only 1.25 KW/ha which is only 36 % of that of Punjab. Target is to
double the farm power ( use farm mechanization) to 2.5 kw/ha from 1.25 KW/ha by the end
of 11TH 5 Year Plan.
Following table depicts the co-relation between the farm Power availability and average
productivity of the food grains;
Farm Power availability
(KW/ha)

Food Grain
Productivity (Kg/ha)

Punjab

3.5

4032

Haryana

2.25

3088

West Bengal

1,25

2217

All India

1.35

1723

State

50

An added advantage with farm mechanization is significant reduction in labor cost as

depicted in the following table. :
Indigenous
farming
1800
1700
1000
750
5250

Particulars
Land Preparation
Transplanting of seedling
Harvesting
Threshing
Total

Mechanized
farming
675
569
665
600
2509

% of Cost Saving
62.5
66.5
33.5
20
47.8

With late start and having mostly small and marginal holdings, farm mechanization is
gradually picking up in West Bengal and mostly for smaller machinery The uses of different
implements in West Bengal are as under ;
Implements
Manually Operated/
Bullock Drawn
Power Drawn
Tractor & Power
Tiller
Total

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10
(Target)

2010-11
(Target)

2011-12
(Target)

14941

29852

35071

49310

61520

85830

2409

5716

27332

38330

54325

73075

3540

3860

5625

6175

7150

9400

20890

39428

68028

93815

122995

168305

At present mechanization in agriculture in the state is mostly confined to the use of power
tillers, small implements, plant protection equipment and power threshers. With the
growing seasonal demand and high cost of labour, the need for mechanization is being
increasing felt. Keeping in view the small holding nature where individual ownership of farm
equipment is not a feasible and viable proposition, the concept of Farm Machinery Hub is
being promoted in the state. This enables small farmers to hire the equipment needed on
rental basis. This also will open up employment opportunities in the service sector.
During the year 2008-09, 49 agri.-implement hubs were established @ one hub per subdivision. Before operation of the hub a MoU is to be signed between the owner of the
implements hubs and the district authorities. Considering the success, during the year 200910 another 29 nos. of implement hubs are likely to be operational. The district wise details
of the hubs to be implemented with co-operative societies/ SHG during 2009-10 are as
follows:

Physical
(No. / Unit)
1
1
1
1
1
2
3

District
Jalpaiguri
Coochbehar
Uttar Dinajpur
Dakshin Dinajpur
Malda
Murshidabad
Nadia
51

Financial
(Rs. In Lakh)
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
16.00
24.00

North 24 Parganas
South 24 Parganas
Howrah
Hooghly
Burdwan
Birbhum
Bankura
Purulia
Paschim Medinipur
Purba Medinipur
Total

3
2
1
2
4
1
2
1
2
1
29

24.00
16.00
8.00
16.00
32.00
8.00
16.00
8.00
16.00
8.00
232.00

Farmers cooperative and big farmers may be encouraged for using medium range
machinery like self-propelled rice transplanter, reaper etc. Modern equipments include laser
land leveller, rotavator, sub-soiler, zero-till drill, happy-seeder raised bed former ,ridgeseeder, inclined plate planter, automatic potato planter, straw baler, multi crop thresher,
sprinkler and drip irrigation system, automated milking machine and pasteurization
machines, cattle feed machines and feed plant, portable fish carp hatchery, egg incubators,
other livestock and poultry equipments etc. The hard pan formation below the surface soil
through use of tractor and power tillers though economical may be counterproductive in
the long run.
Promotion of farm mechanization simultaneously calls for strengthening the network of
maintenance/repair service providers, which at present is inadequate. This demand supply
gap can be met by providing training and linking with the bank to unemployed youth, which
will create employment opportunities.
Future Water Security
National Water Commission reported that the
present state of 83% of irrigation water being
fresh water may decline to 76% in 2025 and 65%
in 2050 creating the real water crisis.
Consequently food production may also decline
around 14 million tones during 2021 2025. Crop
production will continue to require large
quantities of water with a good distribution round
the year. In West Bengal also irrigation practices
with unplanned frequency and higher depth of
irrigation present low water use efficiency. Overuse of water leads to qualitative deterioration of
water, irrigation or potable. Moreover breaks of
monsoon and heavy rainfall in a very short time
span often cause surface run off. Hence attempts
to make region (blockwise) budgeting are
urgently needed. These will minimize the
imbalances between over and scarcely irrigated
plots. World Bank Site selection for rainwater
harvest and also selection of crops, varieties and
crop sequence are important issues that need to
be sorted out by experts.

geological and infrastructural constraints.

52

4.8
WATER
MANAGEMENT

RESOURCES

&

West Bengal is endowed with a large

water resources in the form of rivers,
ponds, beels, baors, jhils, khals, canals
etc; West Bengal has 22 water basins
and 4 numbers of large drainage
systems. The gross basin area is 76.24
lakh ha. Total water available is 14.75 m
ha m (million ha meter), out of which
90% of water is available as surface
water which is around 13.29 m ha m
and 9.9% is available as a ground water
which is around 1.46 m ha m. It has been
estimated that 40% of the available
water resource may be utilized keeping
in view the present technological,

Surface water
13.29 m ha m

Ground water
1.46 m ha m

Total Water
resource
14.75 m ha m

Irrigation
Irrigation is essential for food security as it helps increase productivity of crops and also
cropping intensity. Overexploitation and overuse of irrigation water in a mismanaged mode
is destructive for the economy and ecology of an area. Day by day water is becoming more
and more precious commodity. Conservation of every drop of it with scientific planning of
water resource use and scientific water and irrigation management is very important. In
India 6/10th of crop output comes from irrigated fields that are only 1/3rd of total crop
acreage.
The ultimate irrigation potential that can be created for West Bengal is 69.18 lakh ha.
Against this, an irrigation potential (2005-06) of 53.75 lakh ha has been created of which
42.95 lakh ha is utilized. Out of the total irrigation potential utilized, 11.61 lakh ha are from
major and medium irrigation sources and rest 31.34 lakh ha is from minor sources.
Irrigation Potential in West Bengal
Particulars
Sources of Irrigation (Lakh ha)
Total
Major & Medium
Ultimate irrigation potential
69.18
23
Irrigation Potential Created (2005-06)
53.75
15.61
Irrigation Potential Utilized ( 2005-06)
42.95
11.61

Minor
46.18
38.14
31.34

Following table provides the details of the sources of irrigation and the extent of cultivable
command area of each of the irrigation structures.
Type of structure

39,,373
6,03,667

Cultivable Command
Area (Ha)
27961
11,69,106

5,139

1,83,152

53,781

3,29,399

Surface lift

1,07,595

3,85,431

Total

8,09,555

20,95,049

Dug Well
Shallow tube well

No of Structure

Deep tube well

Surface flow

As revealed, shallow tube well covers the maximum command area, followed up by surface
lift irrigation and surface flow of rivers, tanks, ponds etc,

TRENDS OF GROUND WATER DEVELOPMENT

The distribution of ground water resources varies across the State with the majority
resources available in the unconsolidated, alluvial sediments of the Ganga-Brahmaputra
53

systems. The western hard rock formations, area under coal fields, the fringe zone and the
Northern Hilly Himalayan Zone have limited potentials. Problem of salinity in shallow zones
is observed in the coastal and deltaic tracts of Purba Medinipur, Howrah and 24-Parganas
districts.
The working group constituted for the estimation of Ground Water Resources for the State
has completed the assessment in respect of 269 blocks leaving aside 72 blocks, (59 blocks
falling under the coastal saline tract and 13 blocks falling under hilly terrain). As per the
assessment, the State has 27.45 lakh ha m of net groundwater availability and 11.64 lakh ha
m of gross annual groundwater draft for these 269 blocks. The overall stage of groundwater
development is at 42% of net groundwater availability. While none of the blocks is falling
under over-exploited category one block is categorised as critical and 37 blocks as semicritical. District-wise position of blocks as per exploitation of groundwater is given in the
following table:
District wise Critical and Semi Critical blocks in West Bengal
Sl. No.
1

District
Bardhaman

Birbhum

3
4
5
6
7

Hooghly
Malda
E. Medinipur
W. Medinipur
Murshidabad

Nadia

TOTAL

Critical block

Semi-critical block
1) Mangalkote
4) Ketugram I
2) Memari II
5) Bhatar
3) Purbasthali II
6) Monteswar
1) Rampurhat II
3) Nalhati II
2) Muraria II
4) Nanoor
1) Pandua
2) Goghat I
1) Harishchandrapur II
2) Kaliachak I
1) Moyna
1) Daspur II
1) Sagardighi
9) Lalgola
2) Suti II
10) Mur-Jiaganj
3) Berhampur
11) Nabagram
4) Bhagabangola I
12) Nowda
5) Bhagabangola II
13) Naninagar 14)
6) Domkal
Bharatpur I
7) Hariharpara
15) Barwan
8) Jalangi
1) Chapra
4) Karimpur II
2) Hansakali
5) Tehatta I
3) Karimpur I
6) Tehatta II
37

1) Bharatpur II

(Source: Central Ground Water Board, Government of India)

Based on the stage of groundwater development (SoD), the State could be classified into 3
zones of growth trends, i.e., high, medium and low trends. Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24
Parganas and Malda districts could be grouped under high growth trend areas (being SoD
>50%). The district of Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, Bardhaman, Hooghly, Purba and Paschim
Medinipur can be termed as medium growth trends areas (being SoD >35% <50%). Low
growth trends can be seen in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Purulia and Howrah districts.
Murshidabad, Nadia and North 24-Parganas districts have reached a stage of optimisation of
ground water development and some blocks in districts like Malda, Bardhaman and Dakshin
Dinajpur are fast approaching optimization level.
54

The groundwater development in the three North Bengal districts, viz., Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri
and Coochbehar are quite low being only 5%, 4% and 17% respectively which are much
below the State average. These three districts are, however, bestowed with about 18% of
the States available groundwater resources.
The trend in irrigation development indicates that there is predominance of area
underground water irrigation in the districts of Nadia, Murshidabad and 24 Parganas (North)
whereas districts of Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Bankura show predominance of surface
water irrigated areas.
Cropping pattern of the State is predominated by cultivation of rice as it is highest producer
of rice in the country. The expansion in area under Boro Paddy has placed increasing
demands on irrigation, giving a fillip to ground water extraction on a large scale.
Water harvesting structure assumes importance in the districts of Purulia, Bankura; parts of
West Medinipur, Bardhman and Birbhum districts and such structures may have to be
dovetailed in watershed management programme to boost irrigated agriculture in these
districts. Steps may also be required to promote artificial recharge structures, viz., check
dams, underground dykes, recharge wells, etc, in districts underlain by the hard rock
formations.
Steps may have to be taken to promote and propagate drip irrigation system as an effective
measure for conservation of water in the dry and water scarce tracts of Purulia, parts of
Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur and Bankura districts, particularly in those tracts where
cultivation of vegetables and horticultural crops are common. Voluntary agencies may also
be involved wherever feasible. Coordinated efforts are required to popularise micro
irrigation system.

ENERGISATION OF AGRICULTURAL PUMPSETS

Out of 37910 inhabited mouzas in the State, only 12346 mouzas have been electrically
intensified and 5201 inhabited mouzas are yet to be electrified. The average level of
energisation is 450 to 500 pumpsets/year. Projects sanctioned under RIDF worth Rs.571
crore towards Power System Improvement in different districts would result in considerable
savings in the electricity which could be used for energising additional pumpsets.
Strategies for development
From the foregoing paragraphs it may be inferred that 77% of the gross irrigation potential
is already created of which, 80% is utilized. For optimum exploitation of the potential the
following interventions would be necessary:
 Identification of low water intensive location specific crops and cropping sequences
under command areas. Emphasis should be more on vegetables, pulses, oilseeds where
productivity and returns per unit of water are higher compared to water guzzlers like
rice.
 Introduction of water saving technologies under irrigated rice (boro / aus crops) like
System of Rice Intensification where feasible. The technology has the potential to
reduce the irrigation requirements by 30%,
 Sustainable exploitation of ground water resources

 Effective participatory irrigation management for better utilization of water resources

55

 Awareness, training and capacity building of water user groups on irrigation water
management

 Promote and propagate drip irrigation system as an effective measure for conservation
of water in the dry and water scarce tracts of Purulia, parts of Birbhum, Medinipur and
Bankura districts, particularly in those tracts where cultivation of vegetables and
horticultural crops are common.

 Promotion of Rain water harvesting especially in high/intense rainfall regions and

utilizing the same for supplemental/life saving irrigation. This technology option is more
applicable to areas like the Sunderbans, red laterite zones covering Purulia, Bankura,
parts of West Medinipur, Birbhum, etc.

4.9 YIELD & PRODUCTION GAP ANALYSIS

Yield Gap Analysis
The state of West Bengal has certain specific advantages with respect to agriculture sector
especially favorable agro climate with good rainfall, fertile alluvial belts, very good surface
and ground water resources and higher cropping intensity of 182% facilitated by creation
good irrigation infrastructure. This has enabled the State to assume a critical role in meeting
the food security needs of the country as a whole. The State contributes to 7% of the total
food grain production in the country with rice alone accounting for 15% of all India
production. Other significant agriculture produce from the state include potato and tea
accounting for 30% and 24% of all India production. A comparative analysis of the
productivity levels of major crops grown in the State (Ref.: Table /Annexure: 19) suggests
that the productivity more or less at par or marginally higher than the All India average,
except in a few crops like potato where the productivity in the State is significantly high at
25 MT/ha compared to All India level of 17 MT/ha. The basic inference that can be drawn is
that the higher share in production is more on account of gross cropped area rather than
higher productivity levels. Despite the fact that almost 100% of the area under rice is under
HYV, the potential yield gap is rather high for several reasons. The same is the situation in
respect of other major crops grown the State.
The yield gap analysis of different crops is mentioned below;
SL.
No.
1
2

3
4
5
6
7
8

Crops

Aus Paddy
Amman Paddy
a) Local
b) HYV
Boor paddy
Total Rice
Wheat
Total Cereals
Total Pulses
Total Food grain

2007 - 08
Actual
(Kg /ha)

2007 - 08
Target
(Kg / ha)

Yield
Gap in
Qty

% of
Yield
Gap

2011 - 12
Target
(Kg /ha)

Yield
Gap in
Qty

% of
Yield
Gap

2009

2346

-337

-16.8

2745

-736

-36.6

1956
2350
3259
2573
2602
2578
786
2521

2100
2476
3250
2655
2289
2628
791
2562

-144
-126
9
-82
313
-50
-5
-41

-7.4
-5.4
0.3
-3.2
12.0
-1.9
-0.6
-1.6

2200
2897
3802
3106
2678
3075
961
2996

-244
-547
-543
-533
-76
-497
-175
-475

-12.5
-23.3
-16.7
-20.7
-2.9
-19.3
-22.3
-18.8

56

9
10
11
12

Total Oilseed
Potato
Jute*
Total Vegetable

998
24704
13.47
12555.96

950
22922
14.21
14107

48
1782
-0.7
-1551.0

4.8
7.2
-5.5
-12.4

1112
27861
16.00
18000

-114
-3157
-2.53
-5444.0

-11.4
-12.8
-18.8
-43.4

Y = Yield rate in kg / ha
* = Yield rate in bales /ha, 1 bale = 180 Kg

Production Gap Analysis

The actual production gap over estimated production / productivity targets for the year
2007-08 and projected production quantities and likely gap are analyzed covering the major
crops and the details are furnished below
in '000 MT
SL
No

2007 - 08
Crops

3
4
5
6
7
8

Aus Paddy
Aman Paddy
a. Local
b. HYV
Boro paddy
Total Rice
Wheat
Total Cereals
Total Pulses
Total Food grain

565.8
9227.6
922.76
8304.84
4926.1
14719.5
917.3
15902.6
158
16060.6

762.8
10143.1
1014.31
9128.8
4544.3
15450.3
896.5
16604.8
186.5
16791.3

Gap in
Qty
-197.0
-915.5
-91.6
-824.0
381.8
-730.8
20.8
-702.2
-28.5
-730.7

9
10
11
12

Total Oilseed
Potato
Jute*
Total Vegetable

705.7
9900.8
8216.0
12555.6

665.0
8018.9
8512.3
12880.0

40.7
1881.9
-296.3
-324.4

1
2

Production

Target

2011 - 12
Gap %

Target

-34.8
-9.9
-9.9
-9.9
7.7
-5.0
2.3
-4.4
-18.1
-4.5

910.4
12105.1
1210.51
10894.6
5423.4
18438.9
1070.0
19816.8
240.7
20057.5

Likely
Prodn
-344.6
-2877.5
-287.8
-2589.8
-497.3
-3719.4
-152.7
-3914.2
-82.7
-3996.9

5.8
19.0
-3.6
-2.6

842.6
11847.6
9773.8
17460.0

-136.9
-1946.8
-1557.8
-4904.4

Gap %

* = Yield rate in bales /ha, 1 bale = 180 Kg

An analysis of the likely production gap as at the end of XI Five Year Plan clearly sets the
goals to achieve a growth rate of as low as 10% under Boro rice to as high as 60% in Aus rice
and 52% under pulses. The yield gap analysis also indicates varying levels of productivity
gaps for various crops and seasons. While crop productivity is influenced by several factors
relating to climate, soil, technology, some of the major reasons in the state are listed below:
 Continuous adoption of traditional cropping sequences without emphasis on crop
diversification
 Imbalances in fertilizer application including non-adoption of crop specific
requirements and split application
 Non-application of organic inputs resulting in fast erosion of soil fertility and
resulting major /micro nutrient deficiencies
57

-60.9
-31.2
-31.2
-31.2
-10.1
-25.3
-16.6
-24.6
-52.3
-24.9
-19.4
-19.7
-19.0
-39.1

 Poor management of irrigation resources especially under command areas resulting

in declining productivity
 Though almost 92% of area under rice (100% in case of boro rice) is under HYV, the
productivity gap is marginally high partly on account of low seed replacement rate.
 Poor extension including training and capacity building of farmers on innovative
technologies
With the scope for further area expansion being limited, the thrust therefore has to be on
bridging the yield gap by adopting a comprehensive strategy involving, timely and better
quality input supply, technology transfer especially innovations like SRI for rice belts,
strengthening of extension and forward linkages like marketing and storage infrastructure.
4.10 EXTENSION SERVICES
It is important to disseminate information about new technologies so that the farmer is able
to make use of the latest agricultural developments. There also exists a gap between
research findings and the needs of farmers. For technology to be successful, it is important
that it should serve a useful purpose to the end user. The Agricultural Extension Service
works through an Agricultural Research System in the States. The main objective of
Agriculture Extension Services or AES's is to transmit latest technical know-how to farmers.
Besides this, the AESs also focuses on enhancing farmers' knowledge about crop techniques
and helping them to increase productivity. This is done through training courses, farm visits,
on farm trials, kisan melas, kisan clubs, advisory bulletins etc,.
The arrangements for agricultural extension in India have grown, over the last five decades,
in terms of activities, organisational types and available manpower. Public sector extension,
represented mainly by the State Department of Agriculture (DOA), continues to be the most
important source of information for the majority of farmers. Activities of other extension
agencies, be it Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), input agencies, mass media,
research institutions or farmers associations, though increasing, are still restricted to certain
regions, crops and enterprises. The performance of public sector extension is under scrutiny
for quite some time and questions are being raised on its capability to deliver goods in the
rapidly changing environment. The shifting emphasis of Indian agriculture towards
diversification, commercialisation, sustainability and efficiency has made it necessary for the
state extension organisations to critically examine their extension approaches.

In the State of West Bengal, which is mainly agrarian with predominance of small and
marginal farmers, extension support through institutions is more crucial, especially in the
context of commercialization of agriculture. The agricultural extension arrangements in the
State can be broadly classified under four different heads on the basis of service provider
viz.

Government of West Bengal

Education / Research Institutes

Developmental initiatives of NABARD and

NGOs as facilitators of transfer of technology

58

Government of West Bengal: The Department of Agriculture, headed by the Director of

Agriculture is responsible for implementation of Government policies related to agriculture
extension in the State. Additional Directors of Agriculture (ADAs) and Joint Directors of
Agriculture (JDAs) are heading the agricultural extension work at State level and Range (the
State has been divided into seven ranges) level respectively. The Deputy Director of
Agriculture, Administration formerly known as Principal Agriculture Officer (PAO) is the
nodal authority at district level extension works. Each subdivision has a Sub-divisional
Agricultural Officer (SAO) assisted by subject matter specialists to channelise the agricultural
extension services in the subdivision. The block level extension works are carried out by
Agricultural Development Officer (ADO). At the Panchayat level, the Krishi Proyukti Sahayaks
(KPSs) are attached to help the ADO to maintain close contact with the farming community
at their respective operational areas.
Commodity Research Centres (rice, oilseeds and pulses, sugarcane, potato, wheat) and Dry
Land Crop Research Centers (maize, ragi) were set up to carry out research on these
essential food items with Zonal and Sub-divisional level sub centres for multi locational
testing of the research findings before recommending for adoption by the farming
community.
Seventeen (ten static and seven mobile) Soil Testing Laboratories, three Fertilizer Quality
Control Laboratories, one Pesticide Quality Control Laboratory, one Seed Testing Laboratory
and one Bio Pesticide Quality Control Laboratory are operating in the State to provide
agricultural extension services to the farmers. The other extension services provided by the
department include: Dissemination of information on modern agricultural practices through publications and
handouts for the benefit of literate farmers as well as through mass media;
Organizing exhibitions, field demonstrations, seminars, group meetings etc.
Training and capacity building of farmers through nine Agricultural Training Centres (ATC)
functioning in the State;
Production and supply of quality agricultural inputs especially seeds, fertilizers and
pesticides;
Pest and disease surveillance and on-site advisory work.

Recent initiatives of Government of West Bengal

Task Force of Secretaries on West Bengal Agriculture Commission
Secondary freight subsidy for fertilizer mobility and SWAN connectivity for ADOs
Extension Services through Jeebika Sahayaks (Livelihood Associates)
Agriculture related services through NeGP and Agrinet
Training programme for fertilizer dealers and retailers in association with FAI
Focus on Agriculture and Allied sectors through ATMA

59

Education / Research Institutions

Two State Agricultural Universities and four National Level Institutions are operating in the
field of agricultural extension services in the State which are working in close association
with State Agricultural Department in the State for dissemination of knowledge and transfer
of technology.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) or Farm Science Centres are specialised institutions providing
vocational training to farmers based on learning through work experience. There are 16
KVKs in the State functioning under different Agricultural Universities including Viswa
Bharati, Veterinary University, NGOs and ICAR. The KVKs are strategically located covering
different agro climatic regions catering to location specific training, demonstration and
extension needs.
There are six centers of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) for facilitating
a participatory mode of extension delivery, which are farmer driven and farmer
accountable.
Kisan Call Center is in operation in the State (in line with the all India system) to facilitate the
farmers in providing advice and latest information in agriculture.

NABARD: NABARD has been instrumental in facilitating the adoption of new/upgraded

technology by farmers/entrepreneurs to promote increased productivity and production.
NABARD has devised a scheme known as Capacity building for Adoption of Technology
(CAT) through exposure visits and training the farmers. The objective of the scheme is to
sensitise farmers - preferably marginal, small and tribals - to enable them to adopt proven
technologies in agricultural developments made by research institutes, corporate houses,
NGOs, progressive farmers/entreprenuers. The entire cost towards such visits / programmes
is supported by NABARD.

Farmers Clubs (FCs) in West Bengal are engaged in supplementing extension services of
State Government Line Departments in the field of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, etc., FCs
are actively involved in developing awareness/imparting training to farmers regarding use of
bio-fertilisers, production of vermicompost, crop diversification and adopting more scientific
cropping practices.
NABARD has also been implementing several developmental programmes like watershed
development, wadi projects which among other things, involve adoption of soil and water
conservation measures and resource based crop development that involve transfer of
tested and replicable technologies. These projects are being implemented with NGOs as
project implementing agencies. The experience suggests that the NGO officials, with training
and capacity building in such technologies, can serve as effective extension workers and the
field impact of such extension interventions are clearly visible. In fact, a few NGOs of repute
like the Ramakrishna Mission have been playing a very effective role in extending training
and extension support to several entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture and allied activities.

Agril. Extension Present limitations

60


Involvement of multiple agencies with overlapping objectives

Need for technology transfer is felt more in agriculturally and socio-economically backward
districts.

A well co-ordinated approach is apparently lacking with different players adopting
independent, target oriented approach.

Limited attempts to understand the farmers/location specific needs

Emphasis on technology transfer without fully understanding social/psychological barriers of
target groups (farmers)

Importance is not attached to participatory approach with involvement of
farmers/entrepreneurs

Available Options
KVK NGO Farmers Clubs Linkage
KVKs are the grass root level extension institutions of ICAR/SAUs with mandate for transfer of
technology. The KVKs in general have necessary technical manpower and access to the
technologies developed by the SAUs, State Agriculture Departments and other Research
Institutions and necessary physical infrastructure for imparting training and capacity building to
the farmers.

NGOs can play a very effective role in knowledge disseminations through social mobilization,
peoples involvement and technological interventions. This is clearly demonstrated in adivasi
and watershed projects. The major gap (with NGOs) is the technical input/manpower, which
can effectively be filled in by the KVKs which have the mandate for technology transfer but
have a few limitations including financial support. An effective linkage of these three grass
root level institutions can be one feasible option in TT process. Such linkage could be either
need based or on long term basis. The broad role of different agencies would be:
NGOs







Identification of problems and needs in consultation with the farmers/farmers' clubs

and groups
Consultation with KVKs for identification of appropriate location specific
technological interventions to the problems
Work out the process for technology dissemination including training/capacity
building of farmers, in consultation with the KVK concerned.
Assessment of the financial implications in transfer of identified technology and
approach funding agencies like NABARD (under FTTF)
Facilitate implementation of the process in association with farmers' clubs and
farmers
Need based hand holding.

Farmers Clubs


Progressive Farmers' groups with local experience and knowledge of banking

61









As key facilitationrs /channels both in problem identification and implementation

process
KTKs
Identification of appropriate technologies in consultation with SAUs, Agriculture
Departments or other institutions
Recommend adoption of new technologies for the benefit of farming community
Guide the NGOs in working out implementation process and assessing the financial
implications
Design appropriate training module for the farmers including field demonstrations
Training, field demonstrations and hand-holding

What needs to be done

1. A co-ordinated approach among all Research & Extension organizations at
regional/district level in assessing the extension needs.
2. Using the village/field level groups like Farmers' Clubs /NGOs/other agencies for
facilitating effective transfer of various technologies already developed at the above
institutes
3. Utilization of various promotional funds created by NABARD like FTTF, FIPF, RIF, CAT,
etc., by the research and extension organizations/bodies like KVKs
4. Collaboration with ATMA at State/District Level

NGOs as facilitators of transfer of technology: In West Bengal, efforts have been

made to supplement the public extension system through private extension machinery like
NGOs, Farmers Clubs, SHGs, Farmers Interest Groups, Women Groups, Farmer Association
and Farmer Cooperatives. They are actively involved in extension services including
technology transfer through capacity building, skill development and support services.
Following is the numbers of private extension machineries created in the state;

No. of Farmers Interest Group Formed

: 560 nos.

No. of Commodity Organization formed

: 60 nos.

No. of NGO attached with the extension system

: 130 nos.

No. of Farmer Organizations developed

: 65 nos.

No. of Agri-preneures and Agribusiness established: 35 nos.

No. of Agro Service Centers formed

: 25 nos.

No. of Farmers Clubs established

: 3550 nos.

Agri-portal, an website created by Department of Agriculture, Govt of West Bengal is playing a major
role in providing extension services to the farmers.

4.11 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

Background: There are 40,782 villages in the state with a very high population density of
903 per sq ft. The state has 6 different Agro-climatic zones with different kinds of soil. It is a
leading producer of paddy, wheat and potato, jute, tea and oil-seeds. It is a major producer
of fruits such as mango, guava, pineapple, papaya, and bananas. It is the leading producer of
fresh water table fish and fish seed in India.

62

While the potential of marketing a wide variety of Agricultural produce is high, there are
major impediments in realizing the potential. The major problems are:
 The majority of those making a living out of agriculture are small / marginal farmers/
share croppers/ oral lessees. Together they account for 78.69% of all farming
households. They receive inadequate financial support from formal sources such as the
Government, Cooperatives or Banks. Timely availability of credit to farmers is an
important first step in the Marketing cycle.
 In this situation where the majority is small/marginal farmers / oral lessees any
marketing in order to succeed has to be tailored as a societal marketing strategy. It has
to include all segments in the farming community, and not be confined to only those
who are large farmers. Especially in the perspective of declining land holding the task
becomes more critical as the majority are small farmers who look at a shrinking size of
holding and the share croppers or oral lessees have even less control on the quantum of
produce or a mix of crops that can earn them higher returns. It isnt surprising that most
farmers give priority to a rice based cropping system. This gives them food security, easy
market access and is low on risk. But this does not support high income generation.
 Agriculturists earn not more than 15-20% of the price ultimately paid by the endconsumer. 70-80% of the price is shared by the intermediaries. This can only be
improved if the marketing channel is controlled more by growers than by middlemen.
Therefore the growers or people who are appointed by them should control more of the
service chain in the marketing structure.
 The inadequacy of basic infrastructure for collection, sorting, packaging movement and
storage of a variety of goods is an impediment to marketing. To upgrade the current
marketing system two major aspects have to be dealt with: (1) Building the physical
infrastructure for which substantial capital outlay is required and (2) Setting up an
efficient service platform which will make the infrastructure developed viable and
profitable. For the physical infrastructure Cooperatives / Banks can play a part along
with large or medium sized companies who are looking at investment opportunities.
 The key element in an effective market delivery mechanism is to motivate the majority
of small / marginal farmers to form / join their own cooperative of which they will be the
owners. The cooperative (the most successful Indian examples are the Milk Federation
in Gujarat or the famous Dabba Wallas in Mumbai will enable the cooperative to:
(1) Overcome fragmentation of land when planning for the most remunerative crop
portfolio
(2) Negotiate the best terms for credit and instead of personal risk convert the risk to a
collective risk
(3) Access Government and Cooperative Loans more easily
(4) Have a stake in the Marketing Process
(5) Evolve areas of collaboration with the private sector for establishing modern
weighing scales- cold chain-modern storage facility-packaging at the Haat/ Bazaar level
at the primary stage in distribution
(6) Evolve branding for the cooperative for long-term gain
63

(7) Build up reserves for the future

(8) Get access to the latest developments in agriculture through association with
prestigious Government bodies both at the state level and at the Centre
(9) Initiate all-round development at the village level including roads, housing, health,
education, availability of water and electricity, rain water harvesting etc, depending on
the priorities set by the cooperative and a supportive relationship with the local
panchayats. The cooperative will engage a team of experts to deal with various groups
and to ensure that the exchanges of ideas give the best return to the cooperative. An
independent team of auditors would look into the finances and they will have fixed
tenures as stipulated by the Government/ authorities. The role of the existing
Cooperation Department will be crucial in initiating the process of forming cooperatives
where any individual whether he is a small farmer / a share cropper/ or oral lessee
would be welcome to participate. Each individual can increase his stake in the
cooperative through gradual investment. There should be pre-planned approach to the
workings of the Cooperation Department based on targets set, close monitoring and
effective networking at the panchayat level.
Existing Marketing Infrastructure
West Bengal State Marketing Board runs 28 principal market yards and about 200 submarket yards which are managed through 46 regulated market committees. Besides, there
are 2918 rural haats / bazaars managed by private operators. There are also 350 daily
markets in municipal /semi-urban areas managed privately or by local authorities.
There is scope to upgrade these bazaars / haats. Efforts should be made to remove the
middle tier as it will bring the producer closer to the end consumer thereby removing the
presence of middlemen and benefiting both the producer and the end consumer. Without
various layers of intermediaries the producer stands to get a better price for his produce
while the consumer gains by paying less for what she buys since intermediaries do not add
to the end price.
The Agricultural Marketing Report suggests setting up of Three-tier Marketing Network with
the Primary Tier as rural haats. These will function as collection centres. Farmers
Cooperatives will be responsible for (a) Collection (b) Grading (c) Packaging (d) Weighing
and stamping (e) Transportation of primary produce. Farmers Cooperatives that utilize the
centre may undertake these jobs or assign their Self Help Groups to execute.
It is at the Primary Tier that modern cold storage/ godowns including provision of
refrigeration for perishable commodities and all facilities for washing, weighing and
stamping for grade and weight should be made available. For areas earmarked for piggery
or goat/sheep farming modern abattoirs must also be constructed to ensure healthy
processing and maximum recycling of all other ingredients that are not sold / packaged for
consumption.
If semi-processed or packaged products are moved to the Zonal Markets / Urban Markets
consumers will derive price benefit and the large modern day store format will welcome
value addition done at the Primary Tier itself as their work gets reduced. Even at this stage it
would be possible to generate a long-term relationship with cooperatives operating at the
Primary Tier. These Cooperatives might even open up revenue channels through trading in
futures which would be demand based. At the Co-operative, services of a team of experts in
64

marketing, trading, distribution logistics including efficient physical movement of goods may
be hired to ensure efficient management control. (A pattern replicating what successful Cooperatives have been following in the country).
There are existing facilities with the Government which may be effectively utilised for
marketing purposes. For example, there are 196 State Farms which are stated to be in a
moribund state. These should be revamped and become centres of excellence. Modern
technology that has to benefit the farming community should be tried and tested in these
farms. These should also be central to imparting training to farmers through Co-operatives.
They may in turn be paid by the Co-operatives for the training they impart. Marketing would
benefit from these centres by virtue of having better products- a wider portfolio of
products- and research pertaining to packaging/ preservation of different kinds of food, and
experiments in horticulture. There are currently only 3 seed testing laboratories in West
Bengal. These farms should be equipped not only with seed testing laboratories but should
also be equipped with labs for soil testing, tackling of pests and so forth. Likewise advanced
centres for ARD should be set up in every district. Each of these 196 farms should be
specially geared up to supplement all planned developmental activity as envisaged in the
State Agricultural Plan for the 11th Plan Period. For instance in a fruit growing area the
experimental farm would concentrate on the fruit grown as well as any other local produce.
For Market Intelligence the Agricultural Marketing Directorate that has 100 Data collection
centres and 22 Food Processing and Training-cum Market Production Centres provides
information on price/s of different products. This is highly laudable provided there exists a
mechanism of quick and continuous collection of information, and more importantly,
efficient dissemination of the information collected and collated. In Marketing there is often
an information over-load which stunts decision making at critical times. Since we dont have
sufficient information on the current systems being followed by AMD we presume the
systems are efficient and relevant to the overwhelmingly large marginal farmers in West
Bengal.
Likewise Food Processing & Horticulture Department has their agro processing centres and
outlets and manages 5 Export Processing Zones. These would add fillip to marketing efforts
if they are efficient and proactive in their task.
Summing up

Agri-marketing necessitates a bottom up strategy. It has to encompass an all-inclusive
plan, wherein it is possible to make everyone an owner of the Marketing Process. It is in
this context that Co-operatives seem to be very important if the marketing plan is to
succeed.

To build a sustainable infrastructure it would be essential to hire experts in marketing,
packaging, logistics and technical experts in various disciplines in agriculture. Past
experience (NDDB) shows that the producers farmers-should own the marketing
structure. The experts would at all times be responsible to the Farmers whom they
serve.

Finally Marketing is an on-going process. It demands constant vigil of customer needs,
and adequate outlays in advertising, promotion and below-the-line activities to keep the
attention of the customer on to products sold. The importance of brand-building can
never be over emphasised.
65


At the Urban centres it would be essential to have long-term contracts with the large
chain stores. The other alternative is to build own stores of the Co-operatives like SAFAL
or Mother Dairy. The latter course is more expensive, but in the long-term more
successful as consumers trust a Government supported delivery system rather than a
private delivery system.

4.12 RESEARCHABLE ISSUES

Green revolution transformed India from a food deficit country to food secure country.
Combination of High yielding varieties water fertilizer agrochemicals has given primary
boost to our crop production system. However, in post Green revolution period starting late
eighties agricultural growths slowed down. West Bengal, although could maintain higher
productivity than, national average, its growth also slowed down. Decelerated / stagnated
growth rate was accompanied by a new set of problems such as soil degradation,
salinization, pest incidence, ground water shortage, rising cost of inputs, etc. There are also
some serious issues confronting Indian agriculture on account of perceived global warming.
All these issues are possibly driving us towards a bleak future which can seriously jeopardize
agriculture. Hence vigorous efforts are called for in making changed policies and
strengthening of research followed by participatory extension to introduce eco-friendly,
low-input sustainable technologies to increase production in a sustainable manner with
equity in distribution.
Before setting research goal and objectives for West Bengal, we may think global but act
local, as the agriculture is small farmer centric. The 11th five year plan has set up a steep
target, especially with regards to wheat, pulses and oil seed. A need-based, well coordinated and action based research & extension plan is required. While prioritizing need
based research in our state, we should keep in mind:
1. Agro-climatologically & natural resource deficient area.
2. Very little availability of surplus land for horizontal growth.
3. Less developed backward villages which is almost 10% of the total village.
4. Financial resource constraint.
5. Low cost & low energy consuming technology
6. Conservation of natural resource.
Our agriculturists have to take the challenge and deliver result with a time bound manner to
the needy stake holders for their survival in these difficult phases.
The researchable issues (Zone wise) as prioritized by the line departments covering
agriculture and allied sectors in ATMA programs are presented below:

1.
SL
No
1.

Proposed Researchable Issues Vindhya Alluvium Soil

Strategies proposed for
research
Improvement
of
cropping system by crop
diversification

RESEARCH
Thrust area
Activity proposed
Introduction
of
location F.L.D salt tolerant
specific varieties particularly paddy, Cotton, Sunflower.
for AES III.
66

2.

3.

Increasing
the Introduction of hybrid seeds
productivity of cereals,
pulses and oilseed
IPM/ INM
to find out standard module
of IPM/INM of cereals, pulses,
oilseed crops except rice

F.L.D.- on Hybrid paddy,

Cotton,
Pulses
and
oilseeds
F.L.D. on IPM/ INM

4.

Cotton - development Release of variety for short F.L.D. on short duration

of short duration variety duration cotton crop
cotton variety

5.

Popularisation of rain Research on standard water Field Trial

water harvesting
harvesting structure of surface
( rain) water
Effective
weed Standardization of effective Farm trial
management
under seed management under semi
semi deep and deep deep
and
deep
water
water rice.
conditions.

6.

2.
No.
1

Strategies for Integrated Nutrient Management

Strategies proposed for Extension
extension
Thrust Area
Activity proposed
Popularization
of Awareness building on INM in Mass awareness campaign
concept of INM in Kharif Paddy
Demonstration
kharif
Paddy
for
formation of farmers
group
increasing production
Credit linkage with
financial Institutions
Popularization of green Awareness building on Green Mass media campaigning
manuring in kharif manuring
Demonstration
paddy to reduce cost of
formation of farmers
cultivation
and
to
group
increase production
development of electronic
package
Popularization of bio
Awareness generation on use Mass media campaign
fertilizer in kharif paddy of bio fertilizer
Training
to reduce cost of
Demonstration
cultivation and to
Development of electronic
increase production
package
Emphasis on crop
Awareness building on crop Mass awareness campaign
rotation with
rotation with leguminous crop Training
leguminous crop for
increasing production
of kharif paddy
Popularization
of Awareness building on INM in Mass media campaign
concept of INM
in Mustard
Demonstration
mustard for increasing
Credit linkage with
67

production
Emphasising use of
straight fertilizer to
meet
up
Sulphur
deficiency to increase
production
Emphasizing use of bio
fertilizer for increasing
production of mustard

financial institution
Awareness building to reduce Mass awareness campaign
sulphur deficiency through Demonstration
application
of
straight Training
fertilizer.
Awareness building on use of Mass media campaign
bio fertilizer
Demonstration
Training
Development of electronic
package
Awareness building on use of Mass media campaign
Gypsum
to
enhance Demonstration
productivity
Training
Development of electronic
package
Awareness building on INM in Mass media campaign
Pulse crop
Demonstration
Training

Emphasizing use of
gypsum for enhancing
productivity
of
groundnut

Popularization
of
concept of INM in
pulses
to increase
production
Emphasising use of bio Awareness building on use of Mass media campaign
fertilizer in Pulse crop bio fertilizer
Demonstration
for
increasing
Training
production

10

3.
Sl.
No.
1

Strategies for Integrated Pest Management

Strategies proposed for Extension
extension
Thrust Area
Activity proposed
Popularization
of Capacity building on IPM in Training
concept of IPM for kharif paddy
Demonstration
reducing
cost
of
cultivation of kharif
paddy
Emphasizing adoption Capacity building on IPM in Training
of IPM practices in Oilseed
Demonstration
Oilseed
crop
for
Electronic
package
increasing production
development

4.

Proposed Research Strategies Red & Lateritic Zone

Sector

1. Agriculture

Strategies
proposed for
Extension
Promotion of
Dry
land
Farming

Extension
Thrust area
Adoptability of Dry
crops and its varieties
68

Activity proposed
land Varietals screening

Integrated
Nutrient
Management
Promotion of
SRI

Standardization of dose
of
fertilizer
for
Aus/Aman/Boro
Standardization
of
package of practices of
SRI
Intensification of Hybrid Rice Varietals screening
cultivation
Standardization
of
Fertilizer Dose
Soil Moisture Horti plantation (Cashew Varietals screening of
Conservation
nut)
cashew nut

5.
SL.
No.
1.
2.

3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

6.
Sector

Use of leaf colour chart (LCC)

(Time
specific
Nutrient
management)
Use of Drum Seeder, zero
tillage-transplanting of paddy

Proposed Research Strategies Gangetic Alluvium Zone

Strategy proposed for Research

Thrust Area

Activity Proposed

Testing of various hybrid short

duration varieties of Paddy

Increase production On farm trials

in shorter time span
farmers field

in

Improvement of acid soils using

locally available liming materials
including Dolomite
INM & IPM in rice based cropping
system
Water harvest technology and rain
water management and its proper
utilization and residual effects on
crops

Reduce soil acidity

in

On farm trials
farmers field

Promote eco friendly

technology
Natural
Resource
Management

Selection of drought and disease

resistant varieties of Paddy, Maize
Developing remunerative cropping
pattern for rain fed farming
Evolving suitable technology for
preparation of high quality compost
and vermin compost

On farm trials in
farmers field
Replication of research
result under adaptive
trials,
Refinement,
validation
and
Assessment
Combating extreme On farm trials in
weather
farmers field
Enhance
farmers On farm trials in
household income
farmers field
Promote indigenous Releasing
proven
technology
technology for general
recommendation for
the concerned AES

Proposed Research Strategies Tarai Region

Strategies
research

proposed

for

Thrust area

69

Activity proposed

Agriculture
Paddy

 Development of
drought tolerant short
duration cultivar
 Development of disease
resistant rice variety
with yield capacity
comparable to MTU
7029
 Development of hybrid
rice with good cooking
quality
 Development of
vitamin - A enriched rice
cultivar (Golden rice)
 Formulation of
acceptable IPM & INM
packages for paddy

 Development
of
acceptable
retting
technology,
involving
minimum use of water
& keeping the jute sticks
Jute
intact.
 Replacement of popular
variety Nabin (JRO 524)
with a better cultivar
 Development
of
cultivation practices in
sandy loam soil, with
special reference to
Nematode infestation
 Development of short
duration high yielding
4. Rapeseed &
cultivar, replacing Binoy
Mustard
(B 9)
 Development of Club
root resistant variety for
acid soil (For AES II).
 Development of input
responsive high yielding
variety
 Development of variety,
5. Pulses
which can withstand
adverse
weather
conditions
 Varietal development

 Varietal
improvement
 Adaptive trial
 Development of
acceptable
package of
practices

 Research
 Exposure visit
and seminar /
symposium
participation

Innovation of jute
fibre extractor and
retting technology.
Adaptive research &
trial

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

1.
Varietal
improvement
2.
Adaptive
research & trial

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

 Varietal
improvement
 Adaptive
research & trial

70

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

for lentil, which can

tolerate Botrytis disease
infestation.
 Development of
 Development
of
IPM strategy
strategy for termite
 Varietal
control, especially in
improvement
sandy loam soil.
 Adaptive
 Varietal improvement
research and trial
for yield maximization

6. Maize

7.

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Research Strategies for Short Term Crops

Sector

Strategies proposed
for research

Thrust area

Activity proposed

Agriculture
Aus paddy

Multi locations & multi

Location
specific
Frontline demonstration;
varieties trial for varietals
scented rice varieties
On-station demonstration
suitability
Location
specific
varieties of fine quality Varietals suitability
rice

Frontline demonstration

Kharif paddy
Multi locations & multi
Varieties suitability in
varieties trial for varietals
deep water
suitability
Effectiveness of bio- use & application trials for
fertilizers in kharif rice Azospirilum, azotobactor &
productivity
phosphobactrin
Effectiveness of micro
Zn & other micro nutrients
nutrients in kharif rice
application
productivity
Bio & botanical pesticides
for productivity
Effectiveness of bio &
enhancement & pestbotanical pesticides
disease management
Management
practices of
weed

algal

Algal weed management

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration
On-farm trial

Boro paddy
Standardization
of Time of sowing, weed
Frontline demonstration;
package of practices management & nutrient
On-station trial
of direct wet seeding management
71

by
plastic
seeder

drum

Ground nut
Fertilizers
recommendation
incorporating the biofertilizers & organic Nutrient management
manure
without
hampering
the
existing yield

Frontline demonstration

Management
practices of Heliothis
sps. & spodoptera
with the help of bioagent

Frontline demonstration

Mustard
Effectiveness
of
sulphur application in
increasing the oil
content
Standardization of the
package of practices
of mustard under zero
tillage
cultivation
practices

Variation of the amount of

Frontline demonstration
sulphur for multi locations
Time of sowing, weed
management,
nutrient Frontline demonstration;
management & pest- On-station trial
disease management

Potato
Standardization of the
package of practices
of potato under zero
tillage

Time of sowing, weed

management,
nutrient Frontline demonstration;
management & pest- On-station trial
disease management

Lathyrus
Standardization
of
location specific DAP
Stage of crop growth &
spraying
for
dose of application for Frontline demonstration
enhancing
the
enhancing the productivity
productivity

6. Proposed Research Strategies Coastal Region

Sector
Agriculture
Aus paddy

Strategies proposed
for research
Suitability

Thrust area

of Multi locations & multi

72

Activity proposed

Frontline

location
specific varieties trial for varietals
scented
rice suitability
varieties
Location
specific
varieties of fine Varietals suitability
quality rice

demonstration;
On-station
demonstration
Frontline demonstration

Kharif paddy
Varietals suitability
in deep water
regime
Effectiveness of biofertilizers in kharif
rice productivity

Multi locations & multi

varieties trial for varietals
suitability
Azospirilum, azotobactor
& phosphobactrin use &
its proper method of
application

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Effectiveness of
micro nutrients in
kharif rice
productivity

Zn & other micro

nutrients application

Frontline demonstration

Effectiveness of bio
& botanical
pesticides

Bio & botanical pesticides

for productivity
enhancement & pest/
disease management

Frontline demonstration

Management
practices of algal
weed

Algal weed management

Frontline demonstration
On-farm trial

Standardization of
package of practices
of direct wet
seeding by plastic
drum seeder

Time of sowing, weed

management & nutrient
management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Boro paddy

Ground nut
Fertilizers
recommendation
incorporating the
bio-fertilizers &
Nutrient management
organic manure
without hampering
the existing yield
Management
practices of heliothis
sps. & spodoptera Bio agent
with the help of bioagent

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Mustard
Effectiveness

of Variation of the amount

73

Frontline demonstration

sulphur application
in increasing the oil
content
Standardization of
the package of
practices of mustard
under zero tillage
cultivation practices

of sulphur for multi

locations
Time of sowing, weed
management, nutrient
management & pestdisease management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Standardization of
the package of
practices of potato
under zero tillage
cultivation practices

Time of sowing, weed

management, nutrient
management & pestdisease management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Standardization of
location specific DAP
spraying
for
enhancing
the
productivity

Stage of crop growth &

dose of application for
enhancing the
productivity

Frontline demonstration

Potato

Lathyrus

4.13 EMERGING ISSUES - CLIMATE CHANGE

The threat from climate change is serious, it is urgent, and it is growing... If
we fail to meet it - boldly, swiftly and together - we risk consigning future
generations to an irreversible catastrophe.
-- Barack Obama

74

Climate Change and Agriculture: The issues of global warming and climate change have
been debated for quite some time now and do not need to be emphasized. Climate change
and agriculture are interrelated and climate change over the next century may have
significant effects on crop production and food availability. The croplands, pastures and
forests that occupy 60 percent of the Earths surface are progressively being exposed to
threats from increased climatic variability and, in the longer run, to climate change. It is
speculated that by 2050, there would not be any glacier left in the world. The melting of ice

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UNIPCC) report indicated that

an overall increase of 2C in temperature and 7% in rainfall would lead to an almost
8% loss in farm level net revenue. As climatic patterns change, so also do the
spatial distribution of agro ecological zones, habitats, distribution patterns of plant
diseases and pests and ocean circulation patterns with significant impact on
agriculture and food production. Abnormal changes in the climate and resulting
increase in frequency and intensity of drought and flood events have long-term
implications for the viability of these ecosystems. The UNIPCC estimated that GDP
in the developing countries would decline by 1.43.0% due to climatic change.

would result in frequent floods and significant rise in sea level. Changes in rainfall pattern
shift in setting in / withdrawal of summers- winters and temperature shifts in the agro-eco
systems will affect cropping patterns.

Changes in climate will affect India's entire environment, especially the nation's water
resources, sea levels and biodiversity, impacting a wide range of sectors, particularly
agriculture. The Nations economy is closely tied with natural resource with over 65% of
workers engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, and many others earning their living in
coastal areas through tourism or fishing. There are many climate-related problems that
people in India are already facing, such as diminishing water resources and frequent natural
disasters, which are likely to be further aggravated by the impending changes in the climate.
The poorest in the country, most of who live in rural areas, are almost totally reliant on
natural resources for their food, shelter and living exposing their vulnerability to the impact
of climate change. The impact of such changes in the country are estimated and quantified
by various institutions and scientists of repute, a few of which are quoted here under:
 A World Bank report on climate change impact based on case studies in India has
focused on drought-prone regions of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and flood-prone
districts in Orissa on the edge of climate tolerance limits. It highlights the possibility of
the yields of major dry land crops declining in Andhra Pradesh. Sugarcane farmers of
Maharashtra may see yields go down by as much as 30 per cent. Rice production in
Orissa will face a similar fate with yields in the flood-prone coastal regions dropping
by12 percent.
 According to estimation by Sinha S K and Swaminathan M S (1991), a 2C increase in
mean air temperature could decrease rice yield by about 0.75 ton/hectare in the high
yield areas and by about 0.06 ton/hectare in the low yield coastal regions. Further, a
0.5C increase in winter temperature would reduce wheat crop duration by seven days
75

and reduce yield by 0.45 ton/hectare. An increase in winter temperature of 0.5 C would
thereby translate into a 10% reduction in wheat production in the high yield states of
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
 As against the UNIPCC estimate that GDP in the developing countries would decline by
1.4 3.0% due to climatic change, in India, the effects of global warming are likely to be
more severe. For every 2C rise in temperature, the reduction in GDP is expected to be
about 5% and for the next 6C it would be anywhere near 1516%.
 Likewise, FAO has estimated that India would lose up to 125 MT of cereals as the direct
impact of climate change on agriculture - such as changes in agricultural inputs, shift in
planting dates, preference of crop genotypes due to adaptation to changing climate, soil
erosion, soil drainage and lower fertility level, increased incidence of pests, weeds and
diseases in food crops. The shortage in grain production will result in less availability of
food items, especially to the economically poor people.
 According to the National Climate Centre in Pune, rainfall has decreased in July and
greater rainfall has been recorded in August in key crop growing areas of the country.
Another major change in the monsoon pattern is that there has been a shift westwards,
with the rainfall getting confined to certain pockets, which may result in floods, resulting
in the lack of food for people.
The devastating impact of natural calamities that we experienced in the recent past
Cyclone Aila in West Bengal, unseasonal rains in Krishna Tungabhadra catchment resulting
in flash floods, and the delayed on-set of monsoon in the country are fresh in our mind,
and perhaps, are the warning signals of what is imminent in the future on account of climate
change.
With over 70% of Indian agriculture being rain fed and totally dependent on vagaries of
monsoon and an equal percent of population depending agriculture for subsistence, the
consequences of climate change could be to say the least, disastrous.
The impact of such climate changes is multi dimensional and can be summarized as under:
 Threat to agriculture and food security.
 Threat to biodiversity with adverse implications for forest-dependent communities.
 Adverse impact on natural ecosystems such as wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs,
grasslands and mountain ecosystem.
 Adverse impact of sea-level rise on coastal agriculture and settlements.
 Impact on human health due to the increase in vector and water-borne diseases such as
malaria.
The Task ahead
Addressing the impacts and combating climate change assumes top priority in our country
in the context of its influence on the poorest of the society. It is a major challenge because
the changes are not so visible and the strategies are seen as anti-developmental. The
immediate priority is to undertake location specific research to study the climate change
impact on major crops and cropping sequences. The need for such research is more critical
in the Eastern Region of the country where the agrarian economy with small and marginal
holdings predominates.
76

Chapter V
Development of Allied Sector

78

5.1 INTRODUCTION
Allied Agricultural Sector is equally important for the development of state especially the
rural economy. These sectors can provide supplementary income, alternative livelihood
especially to the land less, employment opportunities during non-agricultural season;
mitigate the natural calamities like drought. Allied agriculture sector like horticulture, dairy,
poultry, goatery, sericulture, fisheries etc, can contribute immensely in value added services
and food processing industry. The ability to create man hours and entrepreneurship among
the youth is also very high in these sectors. Consumer demand of milk, meat, egg, fruits, and
fish is increasing day by day as the quality of life has increased in urban and peri-urban area.
The rise of per capita income and more exposure to the mass media has helped to increase
the value added product created from the allied agriculture sector. The state has the
potentiality to encash these market demands by producing the raw material to meet the
demand on account of its diverse climatic conditions

5.2 HORTICULTURE
Status of Plantation and Horticulture Crops in West Bengal
The State of West Bengal with six diverse agro-climatic zones is conducive for growing a
wide variety of horticultural crops. The state is a major producer of fruits, vegetables,
flowers, tea and spices. The state has immense potential for development of horticulture
sector both through horizontal (area expansion) and vertical integration (productivity
improvement). With the implementation of National Horticulture Mission, the State
Government contemplates doubling the production under horticulture crops by the year
2011. The state has achieved self-sufficiency in critical food crops and has assumed
leadership across a wide range of agricultural produce.
Fruits and Vegetables

Among fruits, while mango occupies the largest area about 42% of the total under fruit
crops, the state contributes 22.88% and 10% of national pineapple and litchi production
respectively and thus ranks 1st and 2nd in production at the national level for these two
crops respectively. The other important fruit crops grown guava banana, sapota, mandarin,
jackfruit etc. The total area under fruit crops in the state is 1.942 lakh ha with a production
of 27.67 lakh MT (2007-08). Malda, Murshidabad, 24 Parganas North, Nadia and Darjeeling
are some of the major fruit growing districts in the state.
West Bengal is the largest producer of and vegetables in the country producing traditional
vegetables like brinjal, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, Cucurbits and ladys finger and
nontraditional vegetables like broccoli, gherkin, baby corn, brussel sprout, celery etc.
Cauliflower, cabbage and brinjal contribute to 36, 34 and 31% of the national production
respectively. The total area under vegetables (excluding potato) is 9.124 lakh ha with annual
production of 125.56 lakh MT (2007-08). Major vegetable growing districts include
Murshidabad, Nadia, North & South 24 Parganas, Burdwan, Hooghly and Bankura. The state
79

is the second largest producer of potato with highest productivity (26 MT/ha as against
national average of 18 MT/ha)

Flowers

The state enjoys favourable agro-climatic conditions to grow a variety of both traditional
and high value/exotic flowers. Historically, development of floriculture in India began in the
Darjeeling hills of North Bengal. In fact, nurseries at Kalimpong, in Darjeeling district, were
among the first to export floriculture products from India to USA, UK and other European
countries. Tuberose, Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus, Marigold, Jasmine, Sunflower,
Gerbera, Gypsophila, Balsam, China rose, Cosmos, Orchid and Lily are some of the major
ornamentals grown in the state. The state also grows substantial quantity of bulb, corm, and
foliage plants. This advantage gives West Bengal the scope for commercial floriculture,
especially in North Bengal and also in some parts of South Bengal. The gross area under
different floriculture crops in the State is 19,590 ha with a production of 48,500 MT of loose
flowers and 196.80 crore spikes. Important flower growing districts include East & West
Midnapur, Nadia, Darjeeling, North & South 24 Parganas and Howrah are the major producers
of flowers.
Spices

The total area under different spice crops in the state is 1.12 lakh ha with an annual
production of 2.999 lakh MT. The major spice crops include chillies, ginger, turmeric,
coriander and large cardamom. The important districts include Coochbehar, Nadia, North &
South 24 Parganas, West Midnapore, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.
Plantation Crops

Among plantation crops, excluding tea, coconut, areca nut, betel vine and cashew are the
major crops together accounting for 69848 ha. Betel vine, which is cultivated in 18597 ha
provides sustainable livelihood to a large number of small and marginal farmers.
Tea
Tea is the main plantation crop covering about 1.13 lakh ha with a production of about 200
million kg and is mainly concentrated in the three districts i.e. Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and
Uttar Dinajpur. Some of the critical issues relating to the tea industry include:

Low levels of productivity, consequently high cost of production,

Decline in quality of production.

Declining price trend in international markets, adversely influencing domestic prices.

Tough competition from other tea exporting countries like Kenya, Sri Lanka, China and
Vietnam which have competitive advantage due to high productivity and low production
cost.

80


Stagnant / marginal increase in domestic consumption from 714 million kg in 2003 to

757 million kg. in 2005 ( < 3% annual increase).
Out of the above, productivity enhancement and reduction in production cost are the only
factors which can be moderated at producer level. Hence the emphasis now should be on
addressing these factors, which have a bearing on gaining competitive advantage in the
export market.
Against a suggested re plantation rate of 2%, the actual rate of re plantation is less than 0.3%.
High investments in replanting and crop loss (from existing gardens) are attributed to low rate
of replanting. Rejuvenation and infilling in mid age group gardens is another area for
productivity enhancement where again not much emphasis is being given by the tea industry.
With a view to encouraging systemic re plantation, the Tea Board has launched a new subsidy
cum loan assistance programme under the Special Purpose Tea Fund (SPTF) constituted for the
purpose.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
In West Bengal, the diverse agro-climatic and physiographic conditions in the plains and hilly
zone offer scope for cultivation of a variety of high value medicinal and aromatic plants. The
total area under medicinal plants is estimated to be around 550 ha. However, the crop wise
area coverage details are not available. Keeping in view the agro climate and the demand
from herbal-based industry in the state, the State Medicinal Plants Board, West Bengal has
identified 37 medicinal and aromatic plant species for commercial promotion in the state.
Some of the constraints associated with promotion of commercial cultivation of medicinal
plants in the State are:
 Unorganized production. The concept of Commercial production yet to be introduced.
 Absence of reliable information/database on production, procurement, processing and
marketing channels in the State limiting the scope for identifying mapping the potential
for development, addressing the infrastructure needs and market linkages.
 Lack of awareness among farmers
 Absence of a mechanism to create awareness among the farmers
 Inadequacies in input supply including plant material, technical / extension support
 Totally unorganized marketing with middlemen and intermediaries deciding the prices
for the produce often to their advantage.
Of late a few user pharmaceutical industries (Ayurveda / allopathic) are entering into contract
farming with farmers for sourcing their raw material requirements. Contract farming offers very
good scope for promotion of herbal industry in the districts as it provides assured market for the
produce. It would also facilitate the banks to extend finance to the farmers for cultivation through
appropriate tie up.

Area & Production of Horticultural Crops

81

The area and production details under the broad categories of plantation and horticulture
sector in West Bengal are furnished in the following table ;
West Bengal
Fruit
Vegetables ( Excl. Potato)
Potato
Spices (05-06)
Plantation crop ( 05-06)
Flower- Loose
Cut
Total

Area
( 000 ha)
194.25
912.41
400.8
108.5
69.65
19.59
1705.2

Production
( 000 MT)
2766.67
12555.96
9900.8
216.7
4175.56
48.46
196.80 ( spikes)
29664.15

The crop wise area and production details are furnished in Annexure 20 to 24. The data in
Annexure 20 and 21 suggest that the area under all the major horticulture crops in the state
has increased over the period (2004 to 2007) at varying levels mainly on account of bringing
cultivable waste lands under perennial horticulture crops and also adoption of crop
diversification to more remunerative vegetables and flower crops.
Demand analysis for horticulture produce
The per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables in the country including in the State of
West Bengal, is less than 200 gms/day against the recommended norm of 350 gm.
Inadequate production, transport and distribution bottlenecks associated with perishable
produce are major contributing reasons for low level of consumption. This apart,
predominantly cereal based food consumption habit in the country is also considered a
major reason. This is amply explained from the fact that in West Bengal with a population of
8.74 crore (census 2001), the total production of vegetables including potato in 2007-08 was
224.56 lakh tonne. Considering 20 per cent wastage, another 20 per cent for outside state
trading and seeds and 10 per cent for processing and exports around 50 per cent of
production i.e. 112.28 lakh tonnes were available for consumption. This works out 303 g per
head per day. But consumption of West Bengal is only 125 g (50th National Sample Survey
Bulletin No. 402). One consequence of this trend is the high pressure on food grains. It is
difficult to cope up with the rising demand of the food grains but the pressure can be
offloaded by supplementing with vegetables. This approach is also crucial for ensuring
nutritional security and addressing the endemic problem of mal-nutrition. Since the
pressure on land is high and scope for area expansion is limited as in the case of food crops,
the emphasis should be more on vertical integration through productivity enhancement
measures.

Projected requirement of fruits and vegetables in West Bengal

With rapid urbanization, the demand for fruits and vegetables especially in sorted graded
and value added form is reflecting an increasing trend. Similar trend is also observed for
exotic and specialty fruits and vegetables like organic and RTS products. Keeping in view the
82

expected population growth, the requirements of fruits and vegetables in the state are
projected in the following table:

Per capita
Req.
Av.
gm/
gm/
day
day

Particulars

Requirement and Production in thousand tonnes

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

894.59
904.71
P
P
R
R
P (Tar.)
R
(Tar.)
( Tar)
Fruits
60
51
5307
2800
5367
3000
5428
3250
Potato
125
125
4440
8840
4490
9747
4541 10746
Vegetables
250
125
8879
13758
8979 14834
9081 16036
(R Requirement ; P (Act.) Production (Actual) ; P( Tar.) Production (Target)
Population (Projection)
(in lakhs)

2011-12

884.62

914.63
R
5487
4590
9181

P
(Tar)
3500
11847
17460

The above data suggests a widening gap between consumption needs and likely production
highlighting the opportunities available for increased production, which inter alia calls for an
integrated approach including convergence of various development programmes under
implementation in the State.
Development & Promotional Programmes under Implementation
National Horticulture Mission:
Consequent upon announcement of National Horticulture Mission (NHM), the GoWB has
prepared a comprehensive State Horticulture Mission Document (SHMD) which serve as the
basis for an integrated development of horticulture in the State. NHM is a centrally
sponsored scheme with 100% GoI assistance during Tenth Plan and at 85% and 15%
assistance from GoI and State Govt. during Eleventh Plan. The West Bengal State
Horticulture Development Society has been constituted as State level project implementing
agency with District Horticulture Development Societies. Taking into account the potentials
available, 14 districts have been identified as Focus districts for development. Four districts
namely, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, Burdhman and Howrah are categorized as non NHM
districts.
Agri Export Zones
In the context of favourable agro climate, predominance of fruit and vegetable production in
the state and also the logistical advantages especially an easy access to bordering countries
like Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, South East Asian countries and Asia-Pacific region for
exports, five Agri Export Zones (AEZ) have been set up in the state jointly by APEDA and the
State Government exclusively under fruit and vegetable sectors. The crops and districts
covered are as under:
Sr.
No.
1

AEZ Project
Pineapple

Litchi

Potato

Districts
Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch-Behar and
Jalpaiguri
Murshidabad Malda, 24 Pargana (N) and 24
Pargana(s)
Hoogly, Burdwan, Midnapore (W) Uday Narayanpur
and Howrah
83

4
5

Mango
Vegetables

Malda and Murshidabad

Nadia, Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas

Programmes of National Horticulture Board.

National Horticulture Board is implementing the several schemes with primary objective of
encouraging adoption of improved production technologies by horticulture growers. Under
the programme subsidy assistance is provided to the farmers availing bank credit for taking
up scientific horticulture production. The broad areas of covered under the scheme include:
 High density planting of fruit tree crops
 Intensive vegetable farming under controlled conditions (greenhouses)
 Adoption of precision farming technologies including drip/fertigation systems
 Commercial floriculture units for cut flower production
 Strengthening of pos harvest handling infrastructure including sorting, grading,
packing and integrated cold chain components.
Development Initiatives of NABARD
NABRD has been taking a proactive role in the promotion of horticulture sector in the State
especially with institutional credit support. The key initiatives include:

 Formulation and circulation of location specific model bankable projects for the benefit of
the banks and entrepreneurs.

 Assessment and quantification of investment needs covering various horticulture based

activities in the State

 Co financing of innovative projects aimed at wasteland development through horticulture in

Bankura district

 Financial assistance to farmers/producers cooperatives for setting up of and post harvest

cold storage infrastructure for perishable horticulture products in Coochbehar district

 Promotion of horticulture as a sustainable activity for the small and marginal farmers in
wastelands in the Watershed Development Programmes implemented with assistance from
Watershed Development Fund

 Strengthening post harvest infrastructure with sanction of six Food Parks at Malda, Nadia,
Darjeeling, East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas under Rural Infrastructure Development
Fund involving a loan assistance of Rs. 3737.99 lakh.
Horticulture based sustainable livelihood for tribals through WADI approach.

 Consequent upon success of WADI (meaning horticulture garden in Gujarati) approach in

Gujarat in providing horticulture based sustainable livelihood for the tribal families, NABARD
took initiatives to replicate the model in the State of West Bengal and sanctioned two
Adivasi Development Projects in Ranibandh and Bundwan blocks in Bankura and Purulia
districts respectively covering 1000 families in each block. The projects were sanctioned
during February 2006 with a total financial outlay of Rs. 392.24 lakh and Rs. 386.68 lakh for
Ranibandh and Bundwan respectively. The projects are implemented with grant
assistance equally shared by Backward Classes Welfare Dept., Government of West
Bengal and NABARD. The livelihood component involves development of horticulture
84

garden (wadi) with location specific perennial horticultural crops in the cultivable
wastelands owned by the tribal families. As on 31 March 2010, NABARD sanctioned 14
tribal development projects in West Bengal covering 7 districts involving a total grant
assistance of Rs. 33.73 crore. The Government of West Bengal (Backward Classes
Welfare Department) is partnering with NABARD in six of the projects contributing a
grant assistance of Rs. 8.87 crore.
Emerging areas
Organic Farming under Horticulture
The concept of organic farming is relatively new in commercial agriculture sector in the
state as is elsewhere. However there are specific pockets especially in the hill district of
Darjeeling where cultivation of fruits and vegetables is being done with natural resources.
Tea is an exception where an over 23 tea estates in the organized sector have switched over
to organic tea production with required accreditation and catering exclusively to client
specific export markets. The crops that are having a good scope to be grown under organic
farming for the State includes tea, selected fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants and
spices (ginger and large cardamom). A few NGOs like Ramkrishna Mission are promoting the
concept of organic farming through farmers' awareness programmes. One of the major
constraints associated with promotion of Organic Farming in the State is absence of any
Accreditation / Certification Agency based in West Bengal. This is an issue to be addressed
to especially by institutions like BCKV/IIT Kharagpur.
Contract Farming
The concept of contract farming is relatively new for the State. Considering the production
of fruits and vegetables in the State more particularly in the AEZs, private investors including
global corporate houses have been evincing keen interest for investment in fruit and
vegetable processing in the State to tap the potential. This is widening scope for captive
production of raw material (fruits & vegetables) catering to the specific needs of user
industry through contract farming. A beginning has been made in this regard under potato
where several farmers are taking up cultivation of potato varieties exclusively for processing
purpose. Despite certain initiatives taken by the user industry, the concept and its
advantage are yet to penetrate in the minds of the farmer. Promotion of contract farming
simultaneously calls for appropriate provisions through amendments to APMC Act by the
State Government.
Constraint Analysis & Reasons for Productivity Gap in Horticulture
Based on the information provided in the C-DAPs and interactions with line department
officials, an analysis of the area and production data for the past five years has been made
and presented below. A comparative analysis of the potential yield under recommended
cultivation practices and actual yield realized by the fruit & vegetable growers under
different agro ecological systems is presented below :

Table : Yield Gap Analysis of Major Horticulture crops

85

Yield MT/ha
Crop

Average
Highest yield
Yield gap
yield in 5
in 5 years
years
1
2
3
4 (3-2)
Banana
18.60
19.96
1.36
Papaya
28.78
34.54
5.76
Tomato
14.67
15.47
0.80
Cabbage
18.27
29.02
10.75
Cauliflower
22.26
28.45
6.19
Peas
13.82
18.12
4.29
Brinjal
16.52
17.44
0.93
Onion
15.42
19.37
3.95
Cucurbits
11.90
12.77
0.87
Ladies Finger
11.19
11.20
0.01
* As per SREP document and partly from Department feedback

Potential
yield SREP $

Actual yield
SREP *

5
30
45
40
45
45
25
30
35
15
15

6
12
30
30
30
30
15
15
28
10
12

$ With adoption of scientific production practices.

Gaps in technology adoption:

i.

Seed treatment before sowing not practiced

ii.

Imbalances in fertilizer application and non adoption of recommended doses in split

application at appropriate stages. INM seldom adopted

iii.

Non application of organic manure (1 to 3 MT/ha applied against the requirement of

15 MT/ha)

iv.

Application of micronutrients like Boron and zinc (chaelated compound) not been
practiced in areas where the problem is endemic

v.

Indiscriminate use of pesticides and fungicides affecting proper pest and disease
management. IPM and IDM are not practiced

With respect to perennial horticulture crops, high initial investment and long gestation are
key factors for reluctance by the farmers. Lack of awareness and inadequacies in extension
are considered to be the main reasons for gaps in adoption of technologies. The key Issues
and suggested interventions are as under :

Issue: Inadequacies in Extension infrastructure support.

 With a view to strengthening the extension network, it is desirable to have at least
one HO with supporting staff at block/sub Division level especially in potential
districts. The initial emphasis could be in the focus districts identified under NHM.
 Though alternative modes of extension support through Agri Clinics and Agri
Business Centre Scheme (ACABC) are contemplated, the response from Agri
Graduates is not quite encouraging.
 Promote Informal extension channel like Farmers Clubs, Farmers Interest Groups
and educated/ progressive youth and training them as technology transfer agents
with active involvement both formal (department) and informal (NGOs, Farmers
Clubs) extension agencies
86

 Innovations like Prani Bandhu scheme, which is a proven success in the development
of AH/Dairy sector to be replicated in Horticulture/Agriculture sectors as well like
Krishi Bandhu to think of.
 Well equipped Soil testing facilities at district and block level for comprehensive soil
analysis and introduction of soil health card based Integrated Nutrient Management
Issue: Inadequacy and timely supply of quality planting material especially for
perennial horticulture crops.
 The State is a major producer and supplier of ornamental plants to other States in
North India. The traditional ornamental nursery belts in North and South 24
Parganas, East Medinipur districts where necessary expertise and skilled manpower
are available.
 Nursery being a highly viable activity, there exist very good scope for promotion of
private nurseries for production of perennial horticultural crops especially in districts
like Malda, Murshidabad. The programme can be dovetailed with the LoI scheme of
NHB or NHM in consultation with the Department concerned for the benefit of
prospective entrepreneurs.
Issue: Promotion of Medicinal Plants
 Some of the constraints/infrastructure gaps are unorganized production, Lack of
awareness among farmers and appropriate guidance on the scope for medicinal and
aromatic plants, inadequacies in input supply including plant material,
technical/extension support and totally unorganized marketing with middlemen and
intermediaries deciding the prices for the produce often to their advantage.
 Contract farming offers very good scope for promotion of herbal industry in the
districts as it provides assured market for the produce.
 Arrange sensitization and awareness programmes (seminars/workshops) and
publication of books leaflets, audio-visual aids for the benefit of bankers and
prospective entrepreneurs.
 Survey and documentation of database on medicinal plants cultivation,
procurement, processing infrastructure, marketing channels.
 For supporting the activity with bank credit, LDMs and DDMs of NABARD could play
a role in liaising and tie up with the banks and user industry for contract farming
arrangements are contemplated in addition to organizing workshops.
Issue: Development of Tea Sector
 Systemic replantation programme to replace old and uneconomic gardens against a
suggested replantation rate of 2%, the actual rate of replantation is less than 0.3% at
present.
 Rejuvenation and infilling programme
 Better management to improve productivity
 Factory modernization to improve quality
Issue: Convergence of AEZs / NHM / NHB LoI Schemes
87

 Though there exists scope for investment in infrastructure especially relating to both
crop area expansion and post harvest handling facilities, institutional credit flow
under AEZs remain insignificant. Absence of an effective coordination mechanism
among the stakeholders including banks is considered to be the main lacuna.
 There is a need to link the developmental components under NHM with credit
components and dovetailing the same with ACP.
 A good number of schemes in respect of which LoI stands issued needs a quick
grounding.
 Identification of areas and activities which are capital intensive and need
institutional credit support under NHM and AEZs
 Assessment of credit needs (activity specific and crop specific) and preparation of
credit plans and dovetailing the same with the District Credit Plans followed by a
Coordinated approach to operationalize the credit plans
 Organizing district level sensitization programmes for the benefit of field level
functionaries of the banks covering thrust districts under NHM and AEZ
 Policy interventions favouring contract farming would facilitate exclusive production
of varieties suitable for processing with user industry tie-up for buyback
Issue: Gaps in Infrastructure for Horticulture development
The horticulture sector in the state of West Bengal is highly diversified and the gaps in
infrastructure are more activity / location specific. Some of the general gaps in
infrastructure pertaining to the sector in the State that needs to be assessed and
strengthened are discussed here under:
 Despite being a major producer of potato, the farmers in West Bengal continues to
depend on other states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, UP for meeting seed potato
requirements. Consequently the high cost of seed material and timely availability are
the persisting problems for the potato seed growers. Identifying potential pockets
for commercial potato seed production including True Potato Seed (TPS) and
strengthening seed production infrastructure are necessary. The location specific
seed production technologies need to be developed and standardized. Such
initiatives will open avenues for private sector investment in potato seed production.
 In respect of medicinal plants, one of the infrastructure constraints relates to
absence of any agency / center for quality analysis and validation. In the absence of
such facility, the entrepreneurs are not in position to realize the right price for the
right quality.
 While there exist good scope for promotion of organic farming especially for high
value fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops, there is no certifying /
accreditation agency functioning in the state.
 The Producer (farmer) Consumer markets (Farmers markets) introduced in
some states like AP, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were found to be successful and
beneficial to both farmers and consumers. The State Government may consider
introducing the concept in West Bengal especially in major vegetable producing and
consuming centers.
88

 Being a major producer of vegetables, the State Government could consider

establishing exclusive auction centers for fruits and vegetables on the lines of NDDB
Model (Bangalore).
 Market intelligence to be made available at district / block level through IT on the
lines of e choupals promoted by ITC.
 Good connectivity between production and marketing centers is crucial for
perishable horticulture products. Critical road links in potential horticulture belts
could be identified and prioritized for development through government
infrastructure development programmes like PMGSY
 The gaps in marketing /post harvest handling and strategies as identified are:
5.3 SERICULTURE
Sericulture is a labour intensive agro-based cottage industry contributing significantly to
employment in the rural areas in some of the states where it is predominant. Four varieties
of silkworms are reared in the country viz, mulberry, muga, tassar and eri While mulberry
sericulture is taken up in several parts of the country, muga silk production is mainly
confined to Assam. Tassar silk production is mainly taken up in Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya
Pradesh and Orissa and is identified as an activity mostly associated with tribal habitations.
Eri silk production is confined to Assam and Orissa states.
Of the four types, Mulberry silk is the main product produced extensively in the states of
Karnataka, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir. About 85% of the countrys production is
contributed by Karnataka with introduction of bivoltine and multivoltine hybrids, enabled by
rearing four to five crops in a year. Other states namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Tamil
Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Contributes roughly 1.8% of the total
production of mulberry silk in India.
In West Bengal, mulberry sericulture is a traditional activity predominant in select pockets in
some of the districts viz., Malda, Murshidabad, Bankura, Purulia, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur,
Coochbehar, 24-Parganas(N), Jalpaiguri, 24-Parganas(S), Midnapur, Dakshin Dinajpur,
Burdwan, Birbhum, and Nadia. With regard to tassar silk, the activity is predominant in tribal
habitations in Purulia, Bankura, Midnapur and Birbhum. The major crop under expansion
programme in the State is mulberry. The status of the sector in the state (as on March 2008) is
as under:
SL.
No.

Item

1.

Plantation (acre)

2.

DFL consumption (lakh)

3.

Cocoon production

4.

Silk production

5.

Silk waste production

Mulberry

Tasar

Eri

Muga

37871

13784

871

1106

483

5.79

1.55

0.51

17415 MT

23654 Kahans

12.88

10 Lakh

1660.36 MT

28.97 MT

9.90 MT

218 Kg

528.10

15.23 MT

110 Kg

(Source: Annual Report, 2007-08, Department of Micro and Small Scale Enterprises, Government of
West Bengal)

89

The focus area of development as contemplated by the State Government aims at improving
the productivity and product quality in the pre-cocoon as well as post-cocoon stages by
transferring new technologies developed by the Central Silk Board to the sericulturists in the
State. Some of the key interventions of the department of Sericulture in this direction are:
 Introduction of HYV of mulberry including supply planting materials at subsidized
rates.
 Supply of rearing inputs/appliances to the beneficiaries
 Maintenance and multiplication of basic silkworm seeds.
 Promotion of post cocoon sector through development of reeling/twisting
infrastructure
 Encourage cultivation of eri and muga in the district of Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar,
respectively, by providing necessary infrastructure and assistance to the tribes
engaged in these activities.
 Training and capacity building of all the stake holders viz., officials, farmers, reelers
and private seed producers.
 Marketing support to the producers
Progress in development interventions under sericulture in West Bengal
2007 - 2008
Item
Target

Achievement

2008 2009
(April to November, 08)
Target

Achievement

Extension of Area (acre)

2450
2428
2295
DFL produced (000 M.T)
Seed
1285
1023
1085
Commercial
50889
49034
51440
DFL reared (000 M.T)
Seed
1300
999
1085
Commercial
50995
49098
51570
Cocoon Produced
Seed (000 M.T)
340000
226035
279365
Reeling (M.T)
15712.2
17427
16514
Raw Silk Produced (MT)
1689.8
1670
2379
Silk Waste Produced (MT)
535.7
543
611
Additional Employment
13300
13508
13590
Generation (No.)
(Source: Department of Micro and Small Scale Enterprises, Government of West Bengal)

1548
721
33203
79
34808
116065
12325
1662
438
9486

5.4 ANIMAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The State of West Bengal is richly endowed with various livestock and poultry. The share of
livestock sector in total State Domestic Product (SDP) is 4.41% and that in Agricultural SDP is 18.6%.

The State has made significant progress in the development of animal resources over a
period of time. During 1976-77, production of milk was 10.64 lakh M.T, whereas it shot up
to 40.77 lakh M.T during 2007-08. During the same period, the production of meat was 1.29
lakh M.T and 5.14 lakh M.T respectively. Similarly, production of eggs was to the tune of 676
million and 3121 million during the corresponding period. But despite such progress, the
90

State is still facing a number of challenges in augmenting productivity of livestock and

poultry birds for bridging the wide gap that exists between requirement and availability of
livestock products. West Bengal ranks 1st in cattle population in the country and 12th in the
production of milk. The State ranks third in the production of meat but it is way behind in
mitigating the availability of meat for the people of the state. It ranks 3rd in the poultry
population but ranks 9th in the production of eggs.
Livestock population in last two Census Reports (2003 and 2007), West Bengal (in lakh)
Mammalian livestock

Avian livestock

Year
Cattle

Buffalo

Sheep

Goat

Pig

Horse
and
Pony

Total
Fowl

Total

Total
Duck

Other
Poultry

Total
Poultry

2003

179.84

8.76

14.11

117.57

8.99

0.11

329.38

376.86

130.24

3.83

511.15

(54.6)

(2.66)

(4.28)

(35.7)

(2.7)

(0.03)

(100)

(73.7)

(25.5)

(0.75)

(100)

2007

191.88

7.64

15.77

150.69

8.15

0.06

374.19

519.43

120.47

2.53

642.43

(51.3)

(2.04)

(4.21)

(40.3)

(2.19)

(0.02)

(100)

(80.9)

(18.8)

(0.39)

(100)

18.87

0.75

1.55

14.82

0.80

0.01

51.09

11.85

0.25

Total
(%)

5.4.1 DAIRY SECTOR

The State ranks 12th in national level milk production. The annual milk production in West
Bengal is estimated at 4.10 Million Metric Tonnes as against the actual requirement of 5.5
Million Metric Tonnes. The per capita daily availability of milk in the State is 180 gms against
the requirement of 220 gms recommended by ICMR (WHO recommendations 210 gm). The
State Government on its part has been taking suitable steps to create an environment for
investment in dairy sector so that the livestock resources are utilised optimally.
Available infrastructure: The major items of available infrastructure in the State for Animal
Husbandry development are as under:Particulars
Veterinary Hospitals / Dispensaries
Animal Health Centres (State+District+Block)
Artificial insemination centres
Animal Development Aid centres
Dairy Cooperative Societies

Units (nos.)
3248
722
5634
3248
2607

Quality Animals: The main plank of livestock development would be on availability of

quality animals. The breedable female bovine population of the State is as under:Cattle

Type of animal
No. (lakh)
% share

Indigenous
37.93
80.87

Cross bred

Buffalo

Total Bovines

1.42
-

48.32
-

Sub Total

8.97
19.13

91

46.90
100.00

Grand
Total
840.53

1016.62

100

% share

78.50

18.56

97.07

2.94

100.00

The number of breedable female cattle in each Gram Panchayat varies from 1300 to 2000.
Assuming 2.5 AI per conception, the coverage of breedable population (2007-08) under AI is
projected at 16.32%. The State Implementing Agency Paschim Banga Go Sampad Bikash
Sanstha (PBGSBS) has planned to have one AI service unit for every 800 breedable females.
Development Initiatives
(a) The Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) is responsible for livestock &
poultry development in the State. For this purpose the Government has set up various
units. The major units and their main responsibilities in order of importance are given
below:Name of the unit of ARDD
Responsibility
Paschim Banga Go Sampad Bikash Sanstha (PBGSBS)
Breeding
Directorate of Animal Resouces & Animal Health(AR&AH)
Health & Extn.
WB Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd.(WBCMPF)
Milk Marketing
WB Dairy & Poultry Development Corpn Ltd.(DAIRPOUL)
Feed prodn.
WB Livestock Devleopment Corpn Ltd.(WBLDC)
Meat Marketing
(b) The Paschim Banga Go Sampad Bikash Sanstha (PBGSBS) was established on 26 January
2002 under the National Programme for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB). The basic aim
of the Sanstha is to restructure and re-orient cattle and buffalo breeding operations in the
State. With a view to upgrading the breeds, the Sanstha is involved in production of high
quality milch cows as well as bulls with high genetic potential. The Sanstha has brought
sizeable breedable female bovine population under organized breeding network as per the
State Breeding Policy. For this purpose, the Sanstha is maintaining and supplying quality
breeding inputs and services.
The breeding infrastructure of PBGSBS is as under:(i)

Training Centres - Training Units - 9

(ii)

Bull Mother Production - Bull Mother Farms - Two

(iii)

Embryo Transfer (ET) Laboratory One

(iv)

Quality control and Molecular Biological Laboratories Three

(v)

Semen Production

(vi)

Frozen Semen Banks 19 [ 1 Central Bank & 18 Dist. Level ]

- Frozen Semen Bull Stations (FSBS) Three

LN2 Production - Four LN2 Plants and 28 storage units

(vii)

Government AI Units Total 2088 of which 39% [809] Mobile.

92

(d) The breed-wise total bulls vis--vis bulls in collection at the 3 FSBS is as under:Sl.
No.
(a)
(b)
(c)

Particulars
Total bulls
Bull in collection
Production [Lakh]

Pure
Jersey
30
25
7.15

CB
Jersey
20
14
2.37

CB
Holstein
4
3
1.15

Sahiwal
49
25
6.03

Red
Sindhi
13
4
1.26

Gir

Total

48
14
1.67

164
85
19.63

(e) The agency-wise comparative performance of AI units is as under:Sl.

No.
1
2

Particulars

(A) AI Units [No.]

(B) % share
(A) AI done [Lakh]
(B) % share

Govt.

Prani Bandhus
(PBs)

2088
37.77
5.59
28.94

Coop. & NGO

2816
50.93
11.04
57.14

625
11.30
2.69
13.92

Total

5529
100.00
19.32
100

The 19.32 lakh AIs cover around 17% of the breedable population @2.5 AIs. The average AI
performed per Pranibandhu per year is around 400. The average estimated monthly income
earned by PB is Rs.4000/-. The number of calves born as a result of AI done by PBs is around
3.5 lakh.
(f) Development initiatives of PBGSBS, the State Implementing Agency (SIA)
(g)
(h)

All Bull stations accredited with the prestigious IS/ISO: 9001-2000 Certificate
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP-IS-15000:1998) Certificate from
AQSR India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Production increased from 8.08 lakh (01-02) to 19.66 lakh doses (07-08).
AI increased from 10.05 lakh (01-02) to 19.32 lakh (07-08)
Self employment to 2816 Educated Unemployed Youths as Prani Bandhuss
Calf births increased from 3.09 lakh (01-02) to 6.71 lakh (07-08)
Expansion of AI centres from 3699 (01-02) to 5529 (07-08)
Assured Cold Chain Management for supply and storage of Liquid Nitrozen (LN2)
Development initiatives of W B Co-op. Milk Producers' Federation Ltd
Formation of Primary Milk Producers' Co-op Societies (MPCS) 3262
Formation of Women MPCS 593(women membership 556723
Average Milk Procurement per day 3.23 kg
Development initiatives of WB Livestock Development Corpn. Ltd.

Supply of chicks to women self-help groups

Marketing of poultry meat (turkey, quail, cockrel, ducks), rabbit meat

Marketing of govt.milk products through various outlets

(i)

Development initiatives of WB Dairy & Poultry Dev Corpn. (DAIRPOUL)

93

Manufacture and distribution of livestock, poultry and fish feed

Annual Sale of feed around 34000 MT

Milk Production in West Bengal: West Bengal has made significant progress in the
development of animal resources, particularly in the production of milk. But despite such
progress, the State is a milk deficit State. Milk Production in West Bengal during 2007-08
was as under;
Unit

Requirement

Production

Achievement

Lakh MT

57.47

40.77

71%

The following data reflects the estimated milk requirement in 2015 vis a vis the present level
of production;
Production of milk
Required in 2007
(Lakh MT)

Actual production of
milk in 2007
(Lakh
MT)

Production of milk
required in 2015
(Lakh MT)

Additional milk production

required (Lakh MT)

57.47

40.77

64.55

23.78

As the above data shows, the milk yield should go up by another 23.78 lakh MT to meet the
demand in the year 2015-16. It has been seen over the years that in spite of increase in the
production of milk every year, the demand is increasing at a faster pace. In other words,
production from the poor milk yielders has not been sufficient to keep pace with the annual
growth of population. Increase in milk production at this rate will take a number of years to
eliminate the gap that exists between requirement and availability of milk. Hence it is
necessary to adopt special measures and bring in huge investments for a period of five years
to eliminate the shortfall and to maintain steady production thereafter.
Keeping in view the zero-deficit target set forth, the major activities that need to be taken
up for increasing required milk production in this state can be grouped as follows:A.
Maintaining the present trend of increase in Artificial Insemination (A.I.) of Cattle
and Buffalo throughout the State.
B.
Massive induction of good quality, better productive cows and buffaloes through
different schemes.
C.
Establishment and strengthening of infrastructure required to maintain the A.I. and
Calves Born targets.
D.

Introduction of newer up-to-date technologies for production of only female calves.

E.

Establishment of large-scale Dairy Processing Units

F.

Mass Automatic Milk Collection Units at Gram Panchayat level.

94

G.
Introduction of technologies in Fodder Development including fodder development
under Social Forestry Scheme, By-Pass Fodder Development, Preservation of fodders, Social
Pasture, Land Development programme etc.
H.

Development of genetically potent productive milch cows.

I.
Review and introduction of Acts and Rules for legalization of Cattle Slaughter, Beef
production including export thereof.
The state has poor infrastructure on milk collection and milk processing. The state govt.
aims to strengthen the milk collection infrastructure by establishing bulk coolers and milk
collection centres. The bulk coolers and milk collection centres will be managed by the milk
societies and milk union will manage the milk processing centres. The three major dairies
Mother Dairy, Metro Dairy and Central Dairy procure skimmed milk powder (SMP) valuing
about Rs. 200 crore per annum from other states. In order to resolve this problem and to
increase milk processing in the state, Govt. should encourage private investment for
establishment of skimmed milk powder units under PPP model.
The Govt. has established a network for procurement of surplus milk through a three tier
cooperative system and processing and sale of processed milk in the diaries. The total
amount of processed milk sold is about 10 lakh litre per day. Most part of it is marketed by
Mother Dairy, Metro Dairy, Amul, and Central Dairy and then there are large no of small
dairies. Amul is getting them processed in some local captive diaries. The diaries under milk
directorate are old and are making huge losses mainly due to financial constraint, poor work
culture and inflexibility in the management of Govt. diaries.

Feed & Fodder Production Scenario in West Bengal

Fodder: West Bengal is a state where Livestock forms an integral part of the farm. Livestock
population is a part and parcel of the rural community and therefore livestock improvement
through nutritional development is of utmost importance. West Bengal is a fodder deficient
State. There exists a considerable gap between feed & fodder requirement and its
availability in West Bengal. The demand has further increased due to introduction of cross
breeding programme in a large scale in the State.
There are certain limitations are responsible for the above situation in the State, which are:
a.)
Non availability of fodder land (Only 1.18% cultivable lands are used for fodder
cultivation against 4.6% of national average).
b.)

Availability of very limited pasture and grazing land (0.77% of the total land)

c.)

Acute shortage in availability of quality fodder seeds in the State.

d.)

Lack of awareness among the cattle owner/farmers about fodder cultivation.

Feed: Feed is the most important single item that accounts for more than 70% to 75% of the
recurring cost of a farm. Production of main ingredients for feed, particularly maize, is
insignificant in West Bengal resulting in fewer numbers of feed manufacturing units.
Another important ingredient is soya bean which is not grown in the State. Farmers,
especially in North Bengal, may be encouraged to grow maize in more land to meet the
demand.
The following table depicts the production vis a vis the requirement of feed ingredients;
95

Feed ingredients (Requirement, Availability, Deficiency) in West Bengal

Items

Requirement
( '000 tonnes )

Production
( '000 tonnes )

Deficiency
('000 tonnes)

% of Deficiency
( '000 tonnes)

Green fodder (%)

37890

154

37736

-99.6

Concentrate (%)

11310

1541

11236

-87.93

Dry fodder (%)

15385

23547

8161

53.04

Cereal grain (%)

2555.61

224.74

2330.87

-91.21

Oil cakes (%)

2555.61

382.20

2173.41

-85.04

Pulse by products (%)

1277.80

22.70

1255.10

-98.22

Bran (%)

6005.67

1083.15

4922.52

-81.96

As revealed in the above table, there is deficiency in all the feed ingredients.

Areas of Concern
(a)

Increasing AI coverage of breedable animals

The State doesnt have recognised breed of cattle or buffalo, however, the
indigenous cattle produce 61% of the milk

The indigenous cattle are poor milk yielders (1.9 kg/day)

The share of crossbreds in the total cattle population is only 12%. However, the
share of CB breedable females is around 19%

The present coverage of breedable females is around 17%

It is a mammoth task to increase the coverage of breedable females

Even at 30 lakh AI per annum the coverage will be around 25%

(b)

Shortage of feed and fodder

There is a rise in demand for feed and fodder, especially due to increasing crossbred
population

The State is a fodder deficit State

The fodder requirement is around 615 MT/year

As against these, availability is only 248 MT (40%)

96

The area under permanent pastures and other grazing land is less than 0.1 per cent of the
total reporting area

The fodder land is only 1.08% in West Bengal

There is acute shortage of good quality fodder seeds in the State

The two main feed ingredients viz., maize and soybean are required to be imported from
other States as the State does not produce them

(c) Animal diseases - some of the contributing factors of animal diseases are:

Low hygienic standard

Improper Housing

Malnutrition

Inadequate veterinary facilities vis--vis livestock population

Dairy sector in the state is in the hands of small & marginal households. As per Livestock
Census, 1971, 20% of the total milch cattle were in the hands of the small and marginal
farmers but as per Livestock Census, 2003, the figure has shot up to 52%. Presently, 85% of
the total milk production in the state comes from these small and marginal farmers.
Certain developments have taken place that has placed the agricultural activities in a
disadvantaged position like rising cost of inputs, low share of farmers income in the
consumers rupee, price volatility, natural calamities, absence of adequate risk mitigation
measures etc,.
Against this backdrop, animal husbandry activities can play a crucial and important role as
providing a means for alternative livelihood, especially for small and marginal households.
Rate of employment in the agricultural households being low, the significance of
development of animal resources have increased. During the period from the 70s to 2005,
average rate of employment in the development of animal resources has been 4% annually;
during the same period, the agriculture has registered 1% employment growth annually. In
the State, through rearing of animals and birds, total direct employment of about 18.97 lakh
of people has been ensured while another 52.84 lakh of people are in indirect employment
in the secondary and tertiary sectors. As a result, animal resources development has proved
to be effective means of alternative livelihood to the rural agricultural community.
5.4.2 POULTRY DEVELOPMENT
The 1st Government poultry farm under British rule was established at Ranaghat in the year
1940. In the year 1949 a poultry breeding station was established at Haringhata Farm and
there after a number of State Poultry farm and Poultry / Duck Multiplication and extension
Centre were established in West Bengal to supply quality pure bred chicks/ ducklings in
West Bengal. After mid 80s there was boom in unorganized entrepreneurship. However,
after 90s organized corporate sector steps in to the poultry business.
In India egg production was 1832 million nos and per capita availability of egg was only 5
nos per year during 1950-51. While egg production of West Bengal during 1951 was 141.3
million nos and the per capita availability was 5 nos, with enhanced production of 46,166

97

million eggs during 2005-06 per capita per year availability of egg was increased to 42 nos in
our country and currently per capita per year availability of egg are 35 nos in West Bengal.
Currently in the country, per capita availability of poultry meat is 1.76 kg per year while the
recommendation of the Nutritional Advisory Committee, Govt of India is 11 kg and the
world average consumption of poultry meat was 10.9 kg and 147 eggs respectively.
West Bengal holds 3rd position in respect of total poultry population, while standing 6th in
the production of eggs (2006-07) in the country. About 25% of the total egg production in
India comes from desi poultry while 56% of total eggs are produced from desi fowl, 12%
from improved fowl and 32% by duck in West Bengal as estimated during 2006-07. In West
Bengal desi fowl population is around 55.47%, duck 25.48%, improved fowl 18.26% and
other poultry birds 0.79% respectively. But eggs are produced from the nondescript Deshi
poultry, productivity of which is very low as compared to the high yielding commercial
variety, which are around 300. The growth of intensive poultry production in respect of
layer in the state is limited due to high investment and non-availability of the major feed
ingredients such as Maize, Soya, and Ground nut cake etc. At present, about 12 Millions of
eggs are brought regularly from the States of Southern India to meet up the internal
requirement of the State. To minimize the dependency over other States and to increase
the availability of eggs in the State of West Bengal, schemes are required to be undertaken
to encourage commercial layer production in this State.
A large no of eggs consumed in the state are obtained from Andhra Pradesh. Two pronged
approach is required to increase egg production- first, to increase egg production through
promotion of layer farms and second approach is to promote back yard poultry.
Poultry Population in West Bengal (2003 Livestock Census)
Year
2003

Fowl

Duck

Deshi

Improved

Total

Deshi

Improved

Total

283.54

93.32

376.86

125.91

4.33

130.24

Others

Total

3.83

511.15

Poultry Population in West Bengal (Projected)

Deshi

Fowl
Improved

2005-06

292.58

2006-07

297.21

Year

Total

Duck
Deshi
Improved

Total

103.84

396.43

128.07

4.28

132.35

528.78+others

113.51

410.72

129.46

4.33

133.79

544.51+others

Total

Egg Production in West Bengal

Egg production in West Bengal (in millions)
Fowl
Year

Duck

Total
egg
Requirement
production

Deficit

Shortfall
(%)

Desi

Improved

Total

2000 - 01

1312

449

1761

921

2682

7982

5300

66.4

2001 - 02

1356

432

1788

922

2710

8070

5360

66.4

98

2002 - 03

1357

437

1794

956

2750

8182

5435

66.4

2003 - 04

1412

453

1865

955

2820

8290

5470

66.0

2004 - 05

1462

520

1982

906

2888

8402

5514

65.6

2005 - 06

1529

451

1980

984

2964

7442

4478

60.2

2006 - 07

3039

8633

5594

64.8

2007 - 08

3057

8747

5690

65.1

Areas of Concern & Strategies

During the last 08 years, there is consistent decrease in profit margin for the poultry farmers
(except for the year 2003-04). The production costs and Ex-farm broiler prices (Rs. per kg.)
are as under:-

Year
Cost
Price
% Profit

00-01
28.00
34.25
22.32

01-02
28.50
32.92
15.51

02-03
29.00
33.10
8.76

03-04
30.00
33.17
10.57

04-05
32.00
34.70
8.44

05-06
34.00
35.15
3.38

06-07
34.50
35.33
2.41

07-08
38.00
36.47
(-)4.03

The profit margin in poultry is largely influenced by prices of feed ingredients. In the feed
composition, 60-65% of the ingredients are for supplying energy and, among these; the most
important ingredient is maize. Bringing more areas under cultivation of maize, shall
definitely help reduce the cost of production of poultry birds. Farmers, especially belonging
to North Bengal, may be encouraged to take up maize farming in a greater way. The price of
maize during harvesting season is less by more than 33% and, as such, adequate
arrangement for procurement, storage and proper distribution thereof will go a long way in
increasing profit margin. For this purpose, adequate credit support to poultry farmers is
essential.

As far as production of eggs is concerned, organised layer poultry contributes only

16% and the productivity of these layer chickens stands at only 227 per annum.
Most of the eggs (about 50%) are produced by indigenous chicken. Backyard ducks
contribute about 34% of the total eggs produced in the state. Backyard farmers in
this State produce 84% of the eggs. Productivity of indigenous chickens and ducks is
only 99 and 100 respectively. Due to a series of outbreak of Avian Influenza in West
Bengal in the recent past in backyard poultry where the main focus area was the free
range system of rearing, a sudden resultant drop in egg production was observed. It
is to be mentioned here that the contribution of organized sector was only 16% to
the total egg production. At present the commercial layer can produce nearly 300
eggs in a laying cycle, while the productivity of Deshi fowl varies from 50-100. It is
not possible to make the state self-sufficient in respect of egg production unless
special attention is paid for the establishment of big organized commercial layer
farms.

Due to constant threat of Avian Influenza, the rearing system of poultry should be
changed. It is considered extremely essential that a transition from traditional to
semi-intensive system of rearing be effected as early as possible for ensuring bio99

security. To make these backyard farmers acquainted with the proposed system of
rearing and to reduce the health hazards in future, it is proposed that assistance in
the form of development of infrastructure, supply of concentrate feed, cost of
vaccines and medicines may be extended to them in order to enable them to get
over from the age old practice of free range system of rearing.

Creating good network of diagnosis, treatment and control of diseases is also

required

Capacity Building of farmers through extension, publicity, training, exposure visits

5.4.3 MEAT PRODUCTION IN WEST BENGAL

The State of West Bengal ranks first in the production of meat but there still exists a wide
gap between demand and production of meat as the majority of the people in this State are
non-vegetarian. The total meat production in the State was 5.14 Lakh M.T. during the year
2007-2008 while the internal requirement had been estimated at 9.00 Lakh M.T. Goat meat
and broilers are mainly in demand in the State.
Status Report of Production
Sl. No.

Type of Animal

Production Per cent

Goat

31%

Sheep

4%

Broilers

31%

Cattle & Buffalo

27%

Pig

7%

TOTAL

100%

100

Status report of meat production

Pig, 7%
Cattle & Buffalo,
27%

Goat, 31%

Sheep, 4%

Broilers, 31%

Goat

Sheep

Broilers

Cattle & Buffalo

Pig

Available infrastructure
The common infrastructure available in the state for the development of the sector is as
follows:(i) Sheep
Sheep Breeding Farms - One at Kalyani (Nadia)
Sheep farms - Two at Seayeedpur (Midnapur) and Lokpur (Bankura)
Ram Production Unit - One at Seayeedpur (Midnapur)
Sheep Extension Centre - One at Ranjitpur (Bankura)
(ii) Goat
Goat Multiplication Farms - One at Seayeedpur (Midnapur)
Goat Farms - Five at Baramahulla, Suri (Birbhum), Kalyani (Nadia) - SBF & SLF, Bishnupur
(Bankura), Bardhaman
Buck Production Unit - One at Adina (Malda)
(iii) Rabbits Rabbit Breeding Farms - Fourteen at Contai (Midnapore), Midnapore, Kalyani (Nadia),
Gobardanga (North-24-Parganas), Baramahulla, Suri (Birbhum), Bankura, Baliguri
(Hooghly), Mohitnagar (Jalpaiguri), Purulia, Beldanga (Murshidabad), Naxalbari
(Darjeeling), Bardhaman, Durgapur (Bardhaman), Cooch Behar.
(iv) Processing Facilities for sheep/goat/rabbit products

101

 There are two modern abattoirs at Durgapur (Bardhaman) and Mourigram (Howrah). The
management and supervision of these abattoirs is with West Bengal Livestock
Development Corporation.
Besides this, there are 11 registered slaughter houses at Darjeeling (4) Uttar Dinajpur (1),
Murshidabad (1), Kolkata (3); Purulia (1), Bardhaman (1) & 21,063 unregistered
slaughter houses (meat shops for animals/birds).

Development initiatives: Under the National Ram/Buck Production Programme and

programme for Rabbit Development, GoI had sanctioned grant for development of these
species. Various schemes on the lines of this programme are being implemented in the
State. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Conservation of Threatened Breeds of
Livestock, conservation project for four breeds have been sanctioned in favour of Govt.of
West Bengal. These include; two projects covering Bonpala and Garole Sheep, one for Black
Bengal Goat and one for Ghoongroo Pig. The projects for Bonpala Sheep and Ghoongroo Pig
are implemented by West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences while the Black
Bengal Goat and Garole Sheep Projects are under implementation by Animal Resources
Development Department. The total GoI assistance available for these projects was to the
tune of Rs.1.76 crore. The components under the scheme covered establishment of
breeding farm with 500 breedable females of sheep/goat and 40 breedable sows under pig.
The project for Black Bengal Goat is being implemented at Kotalpur (Bankura) and for
Garole Sheep in Sundarbans area. The taget of meat production from 2010-11 to 2014-15 is
detailed below;

TARGET OF MEAT PRODUCTION FROM 2010-11 TO 2014-15

No. of additional animals to be generated
for meat purpose
Year

Goat
Sheep

&

Broiler

Pig

Additional
meat to be
produced
(000 MT)

Production as
per
present
growth
rate
(000 M.T.)

Total meat to
be produced
(000 M.T.)

%
of
growth
rate

2010-11

133500

1000000

381

2.59

575.77

578.36

0.45%

2011-12

140175

1050000

400

2.72

604.56

607.28

0.45%

2012-13

147184

1102500

420

2.86

634.79

637.64

0.45%

2013-14

154543

1157625

441

666.53

669.52

0.45%

2014-15

162270

1215506

463

3.15

699.85

703

0.45%

575.77

703

(at the start of

the 1st year)

(at the end

of the 5th
year)

22.10%

GROWTH AFTER FIVE YEARS

GROWTH PER YEAR

4.42%

102

Strategies for Development

The State is naturally gifted with a good stock of Black Bengal Goat, Garole Sheep and
Ghungru Pig. Bengal Goat produces meat with excellent taste and precious leather from its
skin. The presence of high fecundity factor makes the breeds like Bengal Goat, Garole Sheep
and Ghungru Pig for evolution in any adverse environment. There is tremendous scope for
future improvement of these breeds in respect of meat production. Genetic up-gradation
programme of Garole Sheep, Bengal Goat and Ghungru Pig involving SHGs in the State of
West Bengal has to be given utmost importance.
In view of the aforesaid facts, the following programmes may be taken up for enhancement
of meat production, as well as of generation of employment:

Goat Farming (Bengal Goat)

Sheep Farming (Garole Sheep)

Pig Farming (Ghungru Pig/ Improved breed)

Broiler Farming

Meat processing plants

Male exchange programme of Black Bengal goat to arrest inbreeding depression

Up gradation of Veterinary Services in West Bengal

Livestock cannot perform well unless they are maintained in a good state of health. The
State Government has been extending Veterinary care services both at institutional level
(i.e. Polyclinic, SAHC, BAHC, ABAHC and ADAC) and by organizing Health Camps, Vaccination
Programmes, and Fertility Camps etc.
At present in the State of West Bengal, the organizational set up in connection with
Veterinary care services includes 19 District Veterinary Hospitals, 91 State Animal Health
Centres, 341 Block Animal Health Centres, 271 Additional Block Animal Health Centres, 3247
Animal Development Aid Centres, 36 Veterinary Pathological Laboratories and 4 Veterinary
Polyclinics. The State Government has also taken an important decision to establish 1 (one)
Polyclinic in each district by way of conversion of District Veterinary Hospitals to Veterinary
Polyclinics.
Veterinary Services ( 2007-08)
Sl. No.

Item

Unit

Achievement (P)

Animal & Birds Treated

Lakh

98.65

Animals & Birds vaccinated

Lakh

83.84

Health Camp Organised

No.

7698

Cased treated in health camp

Lakh

16.18

Vaccination done in Health camp

Lakh

21.63

103

For upgrading the existing Animal Health coverage set-up, the following facilities may be
created in the state by 2012-13;
1.
Establishment of additional 506 numbers Animal health Centres by up-gradation of
Animal Development Aid Centres so that 1 (one) Animal Health Centre on every 3 Gram
Panchayat area may be available to render treatment and preventive measures of livestock
and birds.
2.
Establishment of 13 (thirteen) Polyclinics (considering 1 in each district) by way of
conversion of District Veterinary Hospitals to Veterinary Polyclinics. This institute will act as
Referral Hospital and Diagnostic Centre at district level. It may be stated here that 4 (four)
Veterinary Polyclinics have already been established and another 2 (two) will be established
taking fund from RIDF.
3.
Establishment of additional 19 Pathological Laboratories at existing State Animal
Health Centre campus where such laboratories do not exist. These laboratories are very
much needed at Sub-Divisional level in connection with Pathological works and disease
diagnosis.
4.

Up-gradation of existing 91 SAHCs to develop updated treatment facilities.

5.5 FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT IN WEST BENGAL

West Bengal is one of the leading fish producing states in the country and the largest
producer of fish seeds in the country. In the inland fishery sector, West Bengal accounts for
30% of the all India fish production. Its share of the all India fish seed production is 62%.
Total fish production in the State has increased from 14.71 lakh tonne in 2007-08 to 14.84
lakh tonnes in the year 2008-2009. Fish seed production has increased from 13,475 million
in 2007-08 to 14,000 million in the year 2008-09.
There is significant increase in the export earnings from the sector as it grew from Rs. 50
crore in 1987-88 to Rs.725 crore in 2008-09. The major commodity in export is shrimp. The
State has already emerged as the fourth largest State in the countrys total exports despite
having a small coastline of 150 km.
The micro-finance programme under fisheries in the State has also made rapid strides in
recent years. Since the year 2003-04, a total of 8125 SHGs have been formed with total
members of 85,240. As against 8125 groups, 4250 groups have been credit linked and 3885
groups have taken up economic activities through project lending in fisheries sector.
The significant growth of the fishery sector in the State over the last two and a half decades
has been possible primarily because of the development strategy followed by the State
Government. The basic strategy has been to bring under scientific pisciculture existing
fisheries and also new water bodies. The financial returns from pisciculture have increased.
This has encouraged farmers in increasing numbers to take up pisciculture.

104

Fisheries Resource Potential in West Bengal

Fishery sector

Total Potential Resources

(lakh ha)

Under Culture (in lakh

ha)

% of Resources
(Area under culture)

Ponds/Tanks

2.76

2.2

79.71

Beel and Baor

0.41

0.21

51.21

Reservoir

0.16

0.03

18.75

River

1.72

Canal

0.8

Sewage Fed Fishery

0.04

0.04

100

(b) Brackish Water Fishery

2.1

0.48

22.85

Total

7.99

2.96

37.04

(a) Inland Sector

As evident from the above table, there is still considerable scope for further utilization and
exploitation of fisheries resources in the State. There are still large areas of water bodies in
the State which are not being utilized to their full potential for pisciculture. West Bengal has
the largest impounded brackish water resources in India. The State Government has set up
Brackish Water Fish Farmers' Agencies (BFDAs) in the three coastal districts of Purba
Medinipur, both North and South 24-Parganas in order to promote scientific pisciculture in
the brackish water area, the potential area being 2.10 lakh ha. So far only 0.54 lakh ha has
been developed, of which 0.32 lakh ha is under traditional system of Bhery farming. Most
of the Bhery farms are located in both North and South 24-Parganas districts whereas
improved farming practices are prevalent in Purba Medinipur district. In order to increase
productivity in beels, the State Government proposes to develop the beels by desilting and
undertake pen culture. Pen culture would allow two crops a year as each culture period vary
between 4 to 6 months. Cage culture is also proposed to be introduced for air breathing
fishes in reservoirs. These measures are expected to increase productivity significantly in
these large water bodies in the coming years. The State Government has formed Fish
Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs) in each district to promote scientific pisciculture in
fresh water bodies like ponds and tanks. FFDAs have promoted and popularized advanced
pisciculture methods among fish farmers. FFDAs have also encouraged fish farmers to adopt
these methods through arranging of short term credit, providing insurance coverage and
imparting training to existing and potential fish farmers. The coverage of water area by
FFDA as on 31 March, 2009 is 1,23,900 ha, including 4,237 ha of Jhora fisheries in Hills and
311 ha under ornamental fish farming.
Productivity of water bodies covered by FFDAs water bodies and non FFDAs, presents the
following picture:Year
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06

Productivity ( Kg / year / ha)

FFDA Ponds
Non FFDA Ponds
3173
1800
3275
1850
3970
2400

105

2006-07
2007-08
2008-09

4010
4205
4350

2650
2790
2875

Production in West Bengal

Fish Production: The total fish production from various sectors during last 5 years is
presented below:Sl
No
1
2
3
4
5

Fish Production
(lakh tons)
Inland Fish
Marine fish
Total
Demand
Gap

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

10.350
1.795
12.15
12.09
(+)0.06

10.900
1.600
12.50
12.31
(+)0.20

12.150
1.540
13.69
13.00
(+)0.69

12.530
1.520
14.05
13.46
(+)0.59

12.95
1.890
14.84
14.44
(+)0.40

Therefore, the production has overtaken the demand since 2004-05 and is steadily
increasing.

Fish Seed Production: The total fish seed production from various sectors during last 06
years is presented below:Sl.No

Year

1
2
3
4
5
6

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09

Fish Seed production

(million)
10,000
12,200
12,500
12,852
13,475
14,000

Although West Bengal contributes about 62% of the total fish seed production in the
country, more number of hatcheries and seed banks should be established to ensure
availability of fish seeds at the pond site throughout the year.

Shrimp production:
Sl.No

Year

Shrimp Production
Brackish water

Marine water

2003-04

59040

18840

2004-05

59231

20000

2005-06

67166

18000

2006-07

76254

17894

106

As evident from above, shrimp production through culture source is steadily increasing,
while the capture one is declining.

Export: The export growth of marine products from West Bengal vis-a-vis India is
presented below:Year

India

West Bengal

Share of W. Bengal (%)

Quantity
(MT)

Value
(Crores)

Quantity
(MT)

Value
(Crores)

Quantity

Value

(MT)

(Crores)

2003-2004

467297

6881.31

18001.0

562.00

4.02

8.16

2004-2005

461329

6646.69

18492.0

521.13

4.00

8.62

2005-2006

512164

7245.30

18291.0

537.95

3.57

7.42

(Source : MPEDA)

Developmental Initiatives
FFDAs : Around 85 thousand hectares of a total of 2.76 lakh hectares of impounded water
bodies in the State are either derelict or semi-derelict. FFDAs have been successful in
bringing under fish culture some of these derelict/semi-derelict water bodies. Till 2005-06,
FFDAs have covered 1.239 lakh hectares of water bodies.

BFDAs : BFDA have, till date, developed 7520 ha of brackish water area. Fish Farmers under
BFDA have adopted improved traditional methods of culture. In most of the farms, shrimps
along with other brackish water fish species are also being cultured.

Fishermen Co-operative Societies : There are 1162 Primary Fishermens Cooperative

Societies in the inland fisheries sector of which 485 belongs to Category A (Functional), 214
belongs to Category B ( Non functional but having potential to be revived) and 223 are nonfunctional & inactive. In the marine sector, there are 240 primary fishermen co-operative
societies, while 169 functional societies are there undertaking ornamental fish farming.
There are also 20 Central Fishermens Cooperative Societies. In the marine sector, the State
Government promotes cooperatives of marine fishermen and arranges for credit under
NCDC scheme for procuring mechanized fishing vessels. At the apex of all such fishermens
cooperatives is the West Bengal State Fishermens Cooperative Federation (BENFISH).

Ornamental fisheries: The State has also taken up a programme of development of

ornamental fisheries for culture of what it is commonly known as aquarium fish. Under
NCDC programme, three districts namely South 24-Parganas, Howrah and Uttar Dinajpur
have been covered. The State Government proposes to promote ornamental fish units in
each block in the State. Till the end of 2008-09, 1570 ornamental fish units have been set
up.

SHGs: SHGs are playing a very active role in various fishery activities. As on March 2009,
there are 6782 SHGs supported under SGSY programme in the fisheries field out of which
5558 numbers have passed Grade I, while 1722 have passed Grade II. There are 3885 groups
which have taken up economic activities like composite fish farming, integrated fish farming,
crab fattening, waste-water fed fisheries, ornamental fish farming & preparation of ready to
eat food etc.
107

Infrastructure Development: The State Government has been developing the

infrastructure for both the inland and the marine fishery sector. Till now, 05 minor fishing
harbours, 78 fish landing centres, 04 diesel outlets, 02 cold chain marketing units, one barge
jetty, 07 boat building units, 26 RCC bridges, 489 tube wells, 1650 km. of village roads, 70
community halls, 02 auditoriums, 04 fish aquaria, 11 distress shed, 16 flood shelters, 13 ice
plants, 24 Fishery Training Centres, 05 fish markets have been constructed. The State
Government has also taken up a programme for electrification of fish landing centres and
fishermens villages with the help of West Bengal Renewable Energy Development
Agency/RIDF/WBSEB. Around 40 villages have been covered under the programme.

Leasing Policy:
Inland water bodies: Up to 5 ha vested khas pukur (Govt.water bodies) are being leased out
by Gram Panchayats/Panchayat Samities to Fish farmers/Fish cooperatives/Fish production
groups with a lease period of 3-5 years. Above 5 ha vested khas pukur (Govt.water bodies)
are being leased out by Additional District Magistrates of Land & Land Reform to
Fishermen/Fish cooperatives/Fish production groups with a lease period of 3-5 years. The
lease rent is finalized by Assistant Director of Fisheries on the basis of last five years
potentiality of the water bodies.
Brackish water bodies: No clear-cut land lease policy for leasing out land for aquaculture
development has been a bottleneck in the development of potential areas for shrimp
culture. Most of those lands, which can be brought under culture, are Government lands.
Several thousand hectares of such potential areas, which are suitable for shrimp culture but
unfit for agriculture operation, are lying idle. This has resulted in encroachment and
development of other areas for shrimp aquaculture.
So far no sincere attempt has been made to survey the available areas to evaluate their
parameters and categorize them for shrimp aquaculture purpose.

Infrastructure Requirement (in lakh) : Infrastructure needs to be developed under

support from Government as well as through private initiatives. An estimate has been for
infrastructure requirement upto the end of 11th Five Year Plan period as listed below:-

A. To be supported by Govt
(Rs. lakh)
Sl.No

Infrastructure

Physical units

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Modern Fresh water prawn hatchery

Ornamental fish hatchery
Mud crab hatchery
Modern Aqua feed plant
Hi tech soil & water testing laboratory
Modern Fish markets
Ornamental fish market
Trining-cum-information centres
Development of Beels & Baors
Total

108

5
5
1
2
5
50
5
5
500 Ha

Financial
requirement
67.50
500.00
400.00
420.00
250.00
300.00
440.00
2500.00
1250.00
6127.50

B. To be supported by Private initiative / Bank Credit

(Rs. lakh)
Sl.No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Infrastructure
Fish seed hatchery
Fish Seed rearing Units
Small scale Fresh water prawn Hatchery
Small scale Ornamental fish hatchery
Ice plants
Cold storage
Small scale Dry fish units
Aqua feed plant
Mobile laboratory
Vans with insulated boxes
Mobile marketing vans
Net Making plant
EU standard processing plants
Mahua oil extraction plant
Total

Physical units (
No)
15
160
15
5
25
25
80
22
10
10
100
5
2
2

Financial
requirement
175.00
240.00
70.50
500.00
375.00
150.00
100.80
220.00
70.50
150.00
100.00
50.00
7500.00
2.00
9703.80

Govt may initiate suitable actions to meet the above infrastructural requirements indicated
at A) above. Banks should come forward to meet the credit requirement assessed at B)
above.

Issues & Action Points for Promotion of Fisheries in West Bengal

1. Most of the large fish ponds have been silted up. De silting work may be taken up.
2. Hatcheries for fresh water prawn, mud crab, ornamental fishes need to be set up in the
state under both public/ or private sector. Adequate awareness needs to be created among
all private hatcheries to follow appropriate breeding protocol to arrest possible inbreeding.
3. The present fish insurance scheme does not take into consideration the partial loss and
hence is not very popular among farmers. Absence of attractive fish insurance scheme also
hampers the flow of institutional credit. There is need for an attractive insurance scheme as
well as willingness of insurance agencies to reach out to the farmers.
4. All technological interventions must be taken advantage by farmers. Towards this end,
awareness creation, capacity building measures like regular trainings, exposure visits,
promotion of fish farmers' Clubs may be promoted for effective technology transfer.
5. Fisheries, being a seasonal activity, seasonality discipline need to be adhered to, while
financing fisheries cases.
6. Non-availability of adequate & timely credit hampers the development of the sector.
Coordination between banks and department needs improvement, supported duly by
proper review. There is a need at district level to create awareness regarding the alternate
credit delivery mechanisms like SHGs and Joint Liability Groups for facilitating small fish
farmers who are not in a position to offer adequate collateral securities to avail bank credit.
109

7. There is need to strengthen Fishermen Cooperative Societies and also promote Fish
Producers Group, SHGs and Farmers Clubs.
8. More thrust needs to be given to the development of seasonal water bodies to undertake
air breathing fish culture and raising of advanced fingerlings. Simultaneously, hatcheries of
select air-breathing fishes may be established. Seed banks may be set up in the State to
ensure steady supply of fish/ prawn/shrimp seeds. Formulation of short duration carp
culture scheme involving stunted fish fingerling for flood prone zones, may be popularised
9. Special emphasis for the extension of integrated fish farming especially
poultry/duck/pig/dairy/paddy-cum-pisciculture with horticulture and seasonal vegetables
on the embankments, may be given. This will encourage organic fish farming and
simultaneously utilize and treat a number of organic wastes including domestic sewage thus
enabling eco-restoration.
10. Since the farming techniques adopted in the State are based on extensive farming,
matching commercial feed at suitable price needs to be made available. Farmers should be
trained properly to prepare on-farm feeds using locally available ingredients. An assessment
of nutritional input from natural/endogenous food to target species should be made to
avoid wastage of prepared on-farm feeds.
11. Diversification of freshwater aquaculture involving high value species such as Magur,
Koi, Pabda, Tangra, Pangasius etc, may be undertaken.
12. With a view to supplement the public extension, selected youths may provide farm
based extension services relating to breeding, seed raising, soil-water testing, disease
diagnostic and other technical services akin to Prani Bandhu in the Animal Resource
Department and Krishi Bandhu in the Agriculture Deptt.
13. In brackish water aquaculture farms, the major expenditure is for water intake and
outlet channels. The State Government may explore the possibilities of providing such
infrastructure.
14. There is scope for improving the fisheries marketing infrastructure in the State. For
effective marketing, State Government may establish adequate district wise hygienic fish
markets and fix the minimum price of fish. Marketing federation is necessary to equip fish
farmers with market related information at par with Chuapals in Andhra Pradesh.

110

5.6 RESEARCHABLE PRIORITIES- ALLIED SECTORS

Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
Strategies for Integrated Nutrient Management
No.
1

Strategies proposed for Extension

extension
Thrust Area
Popularization
of Awareness
building
on
concept of INM in concept of INM in vegetable
vegetable crops for crops.
increasing production

Activity proposed
Mass media campaign
Demonstration
Training
Development of electronic
package
Exposure visit
Production
of
bio Promotion of bio fertilizer for Mass Media campaign
fertilizer for cultivation enhancing quality of vegetable Training
of vegetable crop for crops
Demonstration
increasing farm income
Development of electronic
package
Exposure visit
Popularization
of Capacity building on INM in Mass media campaign
concept of INM in fruit fruit crops
Demonstration
crops for enhancing
Training
quality of fruit crops for
Exposure visit
increasing farm income

Strategies for Integrated Pest Management

Sl.
No.
1

Strategies proposed for Extension

extension
Thrust Area
Popularization of concept Awareness building on IPM in
of IPM in vegetables for
vegetables
increasing production

Emphasising
standardization of IPM
module on brinjal against
sap feeder and fruit &
shoot borer for increasing
production
Emphasizing effective
management of bacterial
wilt of Solanaceous
vegetables for increasing

Standardization of location
specific IPM module against sap
feeder and fruit & shoot borer of
brinjal

Standardization of methodology
to manage Bacterial wilt disease

111

Activity proposed
Awareness campaign
Demonstration
Training
Formation of farmers
groups& Exposure visits
Development of electronic
package
On farm trial
F.L.D.

On farm trial
Front line demonstration
Development of electronic
package

production
Emphasizing on effective
management of
nematode of
cucurbitaceous,
solanaceous vegetable
and tuberose to enhance
productivity
Popularization of concept
of IPM for effective
management of Mites in
vegetable crops
Emphasizing effective
management of soil
borne diseases of
vegetables to increase
production
Popularization of concept
of IPM for effective
management of pest
disease of Mango to
enhance production as
well as quality
Increasing production of
Banana by effective
management of Sigatoka,
Panama wilt and Moko
diseases through IPM
practices

Creating awareness on effective

management of nematodes

Mass awareness campaign

Demonstration
Training

Creating awareness on effective

management of mites through
IPM practices

Training
Demonstration
Mass awareness campaign

Creating awareness on effective

management of soil borne
pathogens through IPM and soil
health management practices

Training
Demonstration
Mass awareness campaign

Creating awareness on pest and

diseases of mango and their
effective management

Mass awareness campaign

Training
Demonstration

Creating awareness on
management of sigatoka,
Panama wilt and Moko diseases
of Banana

Mass awareness campaign

Training
Demonstration

Proposed Strategies for Research- Animal Husbandry

Strategies proposed for
No. Research
1

Emphasising Research
to reduce Infertility and
repeat breeding
problem of dairy
animals.
Emphasizing on
reduction of dry period
of milk cow.
Emphasizing on
effective management
of Intensive Mastitis in
dairy animal to increase

Thrust Area

Activity proposed

Identification of etiological
Research linkage
factors causing Infertility &
W.B.U.A.&.F.Sc
repeat breeding, Improvement F.L.D
of quality of dairy animal feed.
Standardization of location
specific management practices
to sustain productivity.
Introduction of Preventive and
therapeutic measures for
control of Mastitis of dairy
animals.
112

F.L.D

F.L.D

with

production.

10

11

Emphasizing on
effective management
of ecto and endo
parasitism of animals.
Reducing cost of
production of milk
Effective management
of diseases caused by
seasonal worm
infestation for
increasing production
of meat of sheep &
goat.
Emphasising on
development of disease
resistant variety of
sheep for increasing
production of meat and
wool
Emphasizing on
effective management
of diseases caused by
new strain of bacteria &
virus to increase
production.
Emphasizing on
Gentrification suitable
for sustaining
productivity
Development of
Improved processing
system for value
addition to animal and
dairy products at village
level.
Reducing mortality of
chicks & piglets through
standardization of
suitable management
practices for increasing
production

Evaluation and up gradation of Research linkage

traditional measure for control W.B.U.A. &.F.S.
of parasitism.
F.L.D

with

Introduction of un
conventional low cost feed
with high nutrient value.
Worms related disease
management.

F.L.D.

Research linkage
W.B.U.A. &.F.S.
F.L.D

with

Breeding to develop resistant

variety.

Research linkage
W.B.U.A. &.F.S.

with

Standardization of
management practices of
bacterial & viral diseases.

Research linkage
W.B.U.A. &.F.S.
F.L.D

with

Identification of different
livestock varieties resistant to
abiotic stresses.

F.L.D

Development of Improved
Processing system of animal &
dairy product.

Research linkage
W.B.U.A. &.F.S.
F.L.D

Standard action of effective

management practices to
reduce chicks & piglet
mortality.

F.L.D

113

with

Proposed Marketing Strategies for Research

SL.
No.
1

Strategies proposed for Extension

extension
Thrust Area
Emphasizing bulk
purchasing / selling of
produce through
formation of FIG/Co
operatives
Promotion of grading of
agri produce for better
market price
Promotion of packaging
of agri produce to
minimize losses during
transit for marketing
Emphasizing up to date
market information
centre at village level
Emphasizing
development of market
infrastructure for
flowers
Encouraging formation
of milk producers cooperative at village
level
Emphasizing
development of milk
processing
infrastructure at subdivisional level to avoid
loses.
Emphasizing
development of
processing unit for
meat at sub divisional
level

Activity proposed

Creating awareness on
formation of farmers group,
co-operative for generating
income through marketing

Formation of FIG
Formation of co- operative

Creating awareness on
grading of agri produce

Mass awareness campaign

Training Demonstration

Creating awareness for

packaging of agri produce to
minimize losses during
transit for marketing
Development of market
information centre at village
level
Development of flower
market

Mass awareness campaign

Training
Demonstration

Creating awareness on
formation of milk producers
co-operative for higher
market price of milk
Creating awareness among
milk producers co-operative
for establishment of milk
processing unit

Formation of FIG
Mass awareness campaign

Encouraging private farms

for establishment of meat
processing unit

New activity to be
determined by Govt

New activity to be
determined by govt.
To be determined by Govt.

New activity to be
determined by Govt.

Proposed Strategies for Research- Vindhya Alluvium Zone

SL

Strategies proposed for RESEARCH

114

No
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

research
Popularization of
organic farming for
vegetable, fruit &
flowers
Reduction in residual
pesticides level in fruits
vegetable and flower
Adaptibility of tissue
culture in banana and
exotic flowers like
Zerbera, Anthurium,
Gladiolus etc.
Popularization of shade
net technology in flower
& vegetables
Standardisation of
package and practices
of exotic vegetables like
baby corns, Brussels
sprout, sprouting
broccoli , gherkin, red
cabbage etc.

Thrust area
Quality improvement and
economical viability

Activity proposed
on farm trial

Refinement on IPM
methodology specially on
brinjal & pointed gourd
Standardization of pavage and
practices of Zerbera,
Anthurium, Gladiolus etc

F.L.D.

Use of shade nets in the

production of fruit and
vegetable
To develop location specific
package of practices

On farm trial

F.L.D.

On farm trial

Proposed Research Strategies Red & Lateritic Zone

Sector
FPI &
Horticulture
Animal
Resource
Development
Fishery
Sericulture
Cottage and
Small Scale
Industries

Strategies
proposed for
Extension
Promotion of
spices and
Aromatic plant
Quail Rearing

Diversification
of fish culture
Production of
quality fibre of
Tasar
Promotion of
lac culture

Extension
Thrust area

Activity proposed

Spices and Aromatic plant Introduction

Adoptability test of crops

Mass Breeding

Standardization of
hatching procedure

Cage, Pen fish culture

Standardization of
package of practice
Identification of factors
for this region

Other factors to improve

quality of Tasar
Arahar and Flemingia
semialata
Alternative use of Palash

Adoptability test and

Standardization of
technology for economic
use

4. Proposed Research Strategies Gangetic Alluvium Zone

115

SL.
No.
1

Strategy proposed for Research

Thrust Area

Evolving suitable technology of

packing and transportation of fruits,
vegetables and flowers for better
market value

Post
Harvest Replication of research
Management
result under adaptive
trials, Refinement,
validation and
Assessment
Enhance
farmers Organization of issue
household income
based workshop For
finalizing of research
agenda
Promote indigenous Releasing proven
technology
technology for general
recommendation for
the concerned AES
Promote indigenous Replication of research
technology
result under adaptive
trials, Refinement,
validation and
Assessment
Promote indigenous Releasing proven
technology
technology for general
recommendation for
the concerned AES

Technology development to
eliminate nutritional imbalances in
cow and goat

Standardization of fish feed using

locally available materials

Identification and characterization

of locally available medicinal plants

Evolving suitable technology for

preparation of high quality compost
and vermin compost

Activity Proposed

5. Proposed Research Strategies Tarai Region

Sector

Agriculture
A. Crops:
1.
Paddy

Strategies
research

proposed

for

Thrust area

Activity proposed

 Development of
drought tolerant short
duration cultivar
 Development of disease
 Varietal
resistant rice variety
improvement
 Research
with yield capacity
 Adaptive trial
 Exposure
visit
comparable to MTU
 Development of
and seminar /
7029
acceptable
symposium
 Development of hybrid
package
of
participation
rice with good cooking
practices
quality
 Development of vitamin
A enriched rice cultivar
(Golden rice)
 Formulation of
116

acceptable IPM & INM

packages for paddy

 Development of
acceptable retting
technology, involving
minimum use of water
& keeping the jute
1.
Jute
sticks intact.
 Replacement of popular
variety Nabin (JRO 524)
with a better cultivar
 Development of
cultivation practices in
sandy loam soil, with
special reference to
Nematode infestation
 Development of short
duration high yielding
cultivar, replacing Binoy
4. Rapeseed &
(B 9)
Mustard
 Development of Club
root resistant variety
for acid soil (For AES
II).
 Development of input
responsive high yielding
variety
 Development of variety,
which can withstand
5. Pulses
adverse weather
conditions
 Varietal development
for lentil, which can
tolerate Botrytis disease
infestation.

6. Maize

 Development of
strategy for termite
control, especially in
sandy loam soil.
 Varietal improvement
for yield maximization

Innovation of jute
fibre extractor and
retting technology.
Adaptive research &
trial

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

1.
Varietal
improvement
2.
Adaptive
research & trial

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

 Varietal
improvement
 Adaptive
research & trial

 Development of
IPM strategy
 Varietal
improvement
 Adaptive
research and trial

117

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Animal
Resource
Development
Dairy

Goatery

Poultry

1. Introduction of high milk

producing breed suitable
for hot & humid climate.
2. Production of quality
green fodder

Breed up gradation

Research
Exposure visits and
Adaptive research & participation
in
trial
seminars/symposia

1. Formulation of suitable
strategy to reduce
mortality through improved Adaptive research.
management, deworming
& vaccination schedule.
1. Formulation of suitable
strategy to reduce
mortality through improved
disease management
strategy.
2. Strategy for recycling &
fortification of poultry
wastes for use in
agriculture and mushroom
industry.

 Development of Export
oriented production
Horticulture
technology for high
value residue free
Fruits
fruits.
(Mango, Litchi,  2. Export oriented
Banana
&
packaging & Post
Guava)
harvest management
technology
improvement
 Development of High
value & export oriented
residue free vegetable
crops.
 Development of IPM/
IDM strategy for
Vegetable
combating sucking &
Lepidopteran pests
complex, Soil borne
plant pathogens with
special reference to
cucurbits, solanaceous,
cucur-bitaceous crops.

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Research
for
technology
development
acceptable
to
farmers.
Adaptive research &
trial.

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

 Research
for
technology
development
acceptable
to
farmers.
 Adaptive
research & trial.
 3. Identification
of economically
feasible
biopesticide
and
safer chemicals.

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

118

Sericulture

Fishery

Varietal improvement for

quality Mulberry leaf
production
Suitable technology for
Hybrid silkworm rearing.
Development of suitable
technology for prawn &
ornamental pisciculture.
Suitable technology for
multiple stocking and
Multiple harvesting of
species.
Technologically improved
hatchery establishment for
cat fish(Magur) production

Identification of
suitable varieties
through adaptive
research.
Adaptive research

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Identification
of
suitable technology
through
adaptive
research.

Research
Exposure visits and
participation
in
seminars/symposia

Research Strategies for Short Term Crops

Sector

Strategies proposed
for research

Thrust area

Activity proposed

Location specific
scented rice
varieties

Multi locations & multi

varieties trial for varietals
suitability

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station
demonstration

Location specific
varieties of fine
quality rice

Varietals suitability

Frontline demonstration

Agriculture
Aus paddy

Kharif paddy
Varieties suitability
in deep water
Effectiveness of biofertilizers in kharif
rice productivity
Effectiveness of
micro nutrients in
kharif rice
productivity
Effectiveness of bio
& botanical
pesticides

Multi locations & multi

varieties trial for varietals
suitability
use & application trials
for Azospirilum,
azotobactor &
phosphobactrin

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Zn & other micro

nutrients application

Frontline demonstration

Bio & botanical pesticides

for productivity
enhancement & pest-

Frontline demonstration

119

disease management
Management
practices of algal
weed

Algal weed management

Frontline demonstration
On-farm trial

Standardization of
package of practices
of direct wet
seeding by plastic
drum seeder

Time of sowing, weed

management & nutrient
management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Fertilizers
recommendation
incorporating the
bio-fertilizers &
organic manure
without hampering
the existing yield

Nutrient management

Frontline demonstration

Boro paddy

Ground nut

Management
practices of
Heliothis sps. &
spodoptera with the
help of bio-agent

Frontline demonstration

Mustard
Effectiveness of
sulphur application
in increasing the oil
content
Standardization of
the package of
practices of mustard
under zero tillage
cultivation practices

Variation of the amount

of sulphur for multi
locations

Frontline demonstration

Time of sowing, weed

management, nutrient
management & pestdisease management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Potato
Standardization of
the package of
practices of potato
under zero tillage

Time of sowing, weed

Frontline
management,
nutrient
demonstration;
management & pestOn-station trial
disease management

Standardization of
location specific DAP
spraying
for
enhancing
the
productivity

Stage of crop growth &

dose of application for
Frontline demonstration
enhancing
the
productivity

Lathyrus

120

Horticulture crops
Crop response to
soluble
fertilizer
application
Hormonal effect on
fruit setting of
cucurbit crops
Standardization of
cultivation practices
of vegetables &
Vegetables
flowers under shade
nets/ greenhouse/
low cost ploy houses
Organic production
techniques
Standardization of
cut flowers under
green house
condition
Animal Resource Development
Cow

Goat

Poultry

Overcoming the low

fertility rate of dairy
animals
Prevention of goat
disease
Sensitization of
platehelmenthis
Prevention of
poultry disease

Soluble fertilizers

Hormone application

Frontline demonstration
;
On-station trial
Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Cultivation practices of
vegetables & flowers
under shade net/poly
sheet/low cost ploy
house condition

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Organic production
techniques

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Cultivation practices of
cut flowers under green
house condition

On-station trial

Micro nutrient deficiency;

Metritis & hormone level Off-farm trial;
detection in different
On-farm trial
season
Off-farm trial;
PPR
On-farm trial
Off-farm trial;
Amphistomlasis
On-farm trial
Off-farm trial;
Bursel disease
On-farm trial

Fishery
Disease
management of fish

Ulcerative disease
syndrome; Gil rot; fin rot
& white spot of prawn

Fish species
development

Species or varietals
development to perform
well in domestic pond

Ideal pond condition

1.Identification of soil &

water borne disease
2. pH of soil & water for
cultivation of prawn
3.Role of micronutrients
in pisciculture
121

Off-farm trial;
On-farm trial
Off-farm trial;
On-farm trial

Off-farm trial;
On-farm trial

6. Proposed Research Strategies Coastal Region

Sector

Strategies proposed
for research

Thrust area

Activity proposed

Agriculture
Aus paddy

Suitability of
location specific
scented rice
varieties
Location specific
varieties of fine
quality rice

Multi locations & multi

varieties trial for varietals
suitability

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station
demonstration

Varietals suitability

Frontline demonstration

Kharif paddy
Varietals suitability
in deep water
regime
Effectiveness of biofertilizers in kharif
rice productivity

Multi locations & multi

varieties trial for varietals
suitability
Azospirilum, azotobactor
& phosphobactrin use &
its proper method of
application

Frontline demonstration

Frontline demonstration

Effectiveness of
micro nutrients in
kharif rice
productivity

Zn & other micro

nutrients application

Frontline demonstration

Effectiveness of bio
& botanical
pesticides

Bio & botanical pesticides

for productivity
enhancement & pest/
disease management

Frontline demonstration

Management
practices of algal
weed

Algal weed management

Frontline demonstration
On-farm trial

Standardization of
package of practices
of direct wet
seeding by plastic
drum seeder

Time of sowing, weed

management & nutrient
management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Fertilizers
recommendation
incorporating the
bio-fertilizers &
organic manure
without hampering
the existing yield

Nutrient management

Frontline demonstration

Boro paddy

Ground nut

122

Management
practices of heliothis
sps. & spodoptera Bio agent
with the help of bioagent

Frontline demonstration

Mustard
Effectiveness of
sulphur application
in increasing the oil
content
Standardization of
the package of
practices of mustard
under zero tillage
cultivation practices

Variation of the amount

of sulphur for multi
locations

Frontline demonstration

Time of sowing, weed

management, nutrient
management & pestdisease management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Time of sowing, weed

management, nutrient
management & pestdisease management

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Stage of crop growth &

dose of application for
enhancing the
productivity

Frontline demonstration

Soluble fertilizers
application

Frontline demonstration
;
On-station trial

Hormone application

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Cultivation practices of
vegetables & flowers
under shade net/poly
sheet/low cost ploy
house condition

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Organic production
techniques

Frontline
demonstration;
On-station trial

Potato
Standardization of
the package of
practices of potato
under zero tillage
cultivation practices
Lathyrus
Standardization of
location specific DAP
spraying for
enhancing the
productivity
Horticulture crops
Vegetables
Crop response
under soluble
fertilizer application
condition
Hormonal effect on
fruit setting of
cucurbit crops
Standardization of
cultivation practices
of vegetables &
flowers under shade
net/poly sheet/low
cost ploy house
condition
Organic production
techniques

123

Standardization of
cut flowers under
green house
condition
Animal Resource Development
Cow

Goat

Poultry

Cultivation practices of
cut flowers under green
house condition

On-station trial

Micro nutrient deficiency;

Metritis & hormone level Off-farm trial;
detection in different
On-farm trial
season
Prevention of goat
Off-farm trial;
PPR
disease
On-farm trial
Sensitization of
Off-farm trial;
Amphistomlasis
platehelmenthis
On-farm trial
Prevention of
Off-farm trial;
Bursel disease
On-farm trial
poultry disease
Overcoming the low
fertility rate of dairy
animals

Fishery
Disease
management of fish
Fish species
development

Ideal pond condition

Ulcerative disease
syndrome; Gil rot; fin rot
& white spot of prawn
Species or varietals
development to perform
well in domestic pond
1.Identification of soil &
water borne disease
2. pH of soil & water for
cultivation of prawn
3.Role of micronutrients
in pisciculture

Off-farm trial;
On-farm trial
Off-farm trial;
On-farm trial

Off-farm trial;
On-farm trial

5.7 WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT IN WEST BENGAL

Indian agriculture is dependent on monsoon which is not uniform over the year and because
of climate change it has changed the pattern thoroughly. Nearly th of the cultivable land
in India is dependent on monsoon, which is contributing nearly 42% of the total production
from agriculture. The productivity of any crop mainly depends on two natural resources
land and water in addition to management practices. Therefore the conservation of two
natural resources is essential for the sustainability of rain fed agriculture. This could be done
using the watershed method.
Watershed Development projects have been taken up under different programmes
launched by the Govt. of India. The Drought Prone Area Program (DPAP) and the Desert
Development Program (DDP) adopted the watershed approach in 1987. The Integrated
Wasteland Development Projects Scheme (IWDP) taken up by the National Wasteland
Development Board in 1989 also aimed at developing wastelands on a watershed basis. The
Program now been brought under the administrative jurisdiction of the Dept. of Wastelands
Development in the Ministry of Rural Development. The fourth major program based on

124

watershed concept is the National Watershed Development Program in Rain fed Area
(NWDPRA) under the ministry of Agriculture.
So far, these programs have laid down their
WHAT happens to rain water
own separate guidelines, norms, funding
 60% is lost as SURFACE RUNOFF
pattern and technical components based on
 30% is lost due to EVAPORATION
their respective and specific aims. While DDP
focused on reforestation to arrest the growth  Only 10% is being harvested out
of which
of hot and cold deserts, DPAP concentrated
 3% percolates on its own to
on non arable lands and drainage lines for inrecharge ground water
situ soil and moisture conservation, agro 7% is harvested as surface
forestry, pasture development, Horticulture
storage in reservoirs etc.
and alternate land uses. The IWDP on the
HOW to harvest more
other hand made silvi pasture, soil and
 Well recharging
moisture conservation on wasteland. The
 Roof top rain water harvesting
NWDPRA combines the features of all these  Collecting surface run off in
three programs with the additional dimension
farm pond
 Obstructing flow by
of improving arable lands through better crop
 underground bandh
management technologies. The components
 cement concrete bandh
identified in the watershed development are
 plastic sheet bandh
the soil and water conservation, water
resource
development,
Agricultural
productivity and most important being the peoples participation in development of
watershed.
The basic objective of watershed development program is integrated wasteland
development based on micro watershed plans. It is a community based natural resource
management initiative with focus on treatment of wastelands with peoples participation
and community mobilization, long term sustainability for poverty alleviation. In West
Bengal, the two centrally sponsored programs, i.e. Integrated Wastelands Development
Program (IWDP) and Drought Prone Area Program (DPAP) are implemented by the P& RD in
the western part of the state in five districts i.e. Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur,
Birbhum and Burdwan. There is another program with support from NABARD as loan and
grant which is being implemented in the state. There are 38 watershed projects under
assistance from NABARD are being implemented in the State of which 25 projects are in full
scale implementation phase. Watershed development being a process intensive program
requires long term planning with the active participation of the community throughout the
entire stages of formulation, implementation of the project and also maintenance of the
assets created. The funding of the IWDP is borne by the Central and State Govt. in the ratio
11:1. In respect of DPAP the same ratio is 75:25. The projects are implemented over a
period of five years and the cost of the treatment is Rs 6,000 per ha. An Action plan is
prepared for an individual project and as such the projects normally take a considerable
period of time for launching full scale implementation.

The Status of Implementation of IWDP as on 31.03.2009:

125

No.
of sanctioned
projects
29

Area
(in ha)
1,18,046

Project cost (Rs. in

crore)
70.83

Release of fund
(Rs. in crore)
22.64

Expr.
(Rs. in crore)
13.52

Area treated
(in ha.)
20,238.27

Status of DPAP under Hariyali Programme as on 31.3.2009:

No. of Micro
watersheds
304

Area
(in ha.)
1,52,000

Project cost
(Rs crore)
91.20

Release of fund
(Rs crore)
23.31

Expr.
(Rs crore)
12.42

Area treated
(in ha)
18,743

5.8 SOCIAL FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT IN WEST BENGAL

There is 11879 sq.km of forest area in West Bengal, which is 13.38% of the total
geographical area. The forest area consists of Reserve forest 7054 sq.km , protected forest
3772 sq.km and unclassified forest 1053 sq. Km. The tree cover of the state is 30.74% of
the geographical area as per the satellite image survey carried out in 2006.
The National Commission on Agriculture, Government of India, first used the term social
forestry in 1976. The need for a social forestry scheme was felt as India has a dominant
rural population that still depend largely on fuel wood and other biomass for their cooking
and heating requirements. This demand for fuel wood will not only increase but the area
under forest will reduce further due to the growing population and increasing human
activities.

Social forestry aims at raising plantations by the common man through the concept of
village forests to meet the needs of the rural people. It can be done by making use all
unused and fallow land through plantation in & around agricultural fields, along railway
lines, roadsides, river & canal banks, village common land, Government wasteland and
Panchayat land etc,.

With the introduction of this scheme the government formally recognized the local
communities rights to forest resources, and is now encouraging rural participation in the
management of natural resources. Through the social forestry scheme, the government has
involved community participation, as part of a drive towards afforestation, and
rehabilitating the degraded forest and common lands.
The success of social forestry programme on non-forest land has led the people to realize
that it is a viable land use system and important tool in development of rural areas where
large scale employment is possible through it.

Social forestry scheme can be categorized into four major groups viz., farm forestry,
community forestry, extension forestry and agro-forestry.
126

Farm forestry: Individual farmers are being encouraged to plant trees on their own
farmland to meet the domestic needs of the family. In many areas this tradition of growing
trees on the farmland already exists. Non-commercial farm forestry is the main thrust of
most of the social forestry projects in the country today. It is not only for the farmer to grow
trees for fuel wood but also they are interested in growing trees to provide shade for the
agricultural crops; as wind shelters as well as for conservation of soil.
Community forestry: Another scheme taken up under the social forestry programme is the
raising of trees on community land, aims to provide timber & fuel wood for the entire
community. The government has the responsibility of providing seedlings, fertilizer, while
the community has the responsibility of protecting the trees. Over the last 20 years, largescale planting of Eucalyptus, as a fast growing exotic, has occurred in India under the
scheme.
Extension forestry: Planting of trees on the sides of roads, canals and railways, as well as
planting on wastelands is known as extension forestry. Under this project there has been
creation of wood lots in the village common lands, wastelands and panchayat lands.
Agro- forestry: Planting of trees on and around agricultural boundaries, and on marginal,
private lands, in combination with agricultural crops is known as agro-forestry.
Arabari A Successful Case Study: In 1972, an innovative plan to contain the deforestation
problem was launched on an experimental basis in the forest fringe villages of Arabari
development block in Midnapore district of West Bengal. It involved local villagers in
protecting coppices of Sal (Shorea robusta) trees in return for free usufructuary right on all
non-timber forest timber forest products, additional employment and promise of 25% share
of the net cash benefit from the sale of sal poles. About 1270 ha of degraded sal forest was
taken up for revival on a pilot basis. Initially, 618 families comprising a population of 3607
were involved thru Forest Protection Committee. Sal and its associates in forests yield many
non-timber forest products like sal leaves & seeds, mushroom , tasar silk, cocoons,
medicinal plants, edible roots and tubers etc, which motivates the poor villagers in
protecting the coppices during their gestation period.
Encouraged by the experience of Arabari experiment, the State Govt. decided in 1987 to
encourage forest fringe population to actively participate in managing and rehabilitating
degraded forest all over the West Bengal. This movement spread like a wild fire. Though
informal and voluntary at first, it acquired the character of a formal institution when in
1990, the State Govt. officially recognized the Forest Protection Committee (FPC).
The system of free usufructuary was extended in 1991 to regenerate degraded forest of
Darjeeling hill areas, Doars and foot hill areas of North Bengal as well as the degraded areas
of Sundarban forest in South Bengal. It has now been extended also to the buffer zones and
fringe areas of wildlife sanctuaries, natural parks and tiger reserves (under project Tiger).
Joint Forest Management for the rejuvenation and development of existing forest as well as
wildlife sanctuaries has been adopted as state policy.
About 4100 Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), also known as Forest Protection
Committees (FPC) and Eco-Development committees are actively participating for
regeneration, protection and conservation of the forest in the state. Nearly 4 lakhs ha of
degraded forest land has been resurrected through the joint forest management in West

127

Bengal during the last two decades. The concept of JFM is successful in West Bengal. The
important issues emerging out of the experience are summarised below
Peoples participation in planning and implementation of wasteland development
program ,through definitive institutional arrangement involving sharing of benefits can bring
about significant improvement in the status of land and forest cover.

Poverty alleviation program in rural areas play a significant role in greening

wasteland and resurrecting degraded forest. Eco-development work for creating long term
resources, sericulture, aquaculture, silvipasture, agro forestry etc, help in generating income
for the rural poor. Simultaneously, innovative technologies for improving local cottage
industries must be developed to boost the economy of the communities in the hinterland so
that they do not over exploit the forest.

A pragmatic land reform policy is imperative to encourage resource poor villagers

with state assistance to undertake development of wastelands under their ownership into
farm forests, group farm forest, or vegetative cover for meeting their requirements and
generating income. Tree farming on such marginal and sub marginal lands are fast emerging
as a viable land use option in arid districts of the state. Production of timber, fuel, fodder,
fruits etc through such farming meet the peoples general needs while relieving the pressure
on forest.

Effective interaction with the Panchayati Raj institution will help in dispelling
apprehension, doubt and cynicism from the minds of the villagers about the JFM system and
the role of the Forest Department and NGOs which help in conflict resolution at the local
level.

Village women are principal forest users and they suffer most when neighborhood
forests are degraded. Without their active involvement forest managements success will be
elusive.

5.9 FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES IN WEST BENGAL

The agro and food processing industries sector is one of the largest in terms of production,
consumption, export and growth prospects. This sector ranks fifth in the country in size,
employs over 1.6 million workers (20% of the nations labour force) and accounts for 15.19%
of total industry output with 5.5% of the GDP. Indias growing domestic demand for valueadded processed foods and its self-sufficiency in supply is the contributing factors for the
growth of this sector. It is estimated that the Food Processing Industry in India will attract
phenomenal investment - capital, human, technological and financial- of over Rs. 1,40,000
crore in the next decade.
The state of West Bengal is a significant producer of many horticulture and agriculture
produce. The state has achieved significant growth in agriculture production over the past
decade (CAGR of 4.5% during 1996-2001). The state accounts for nearly 20% rice, 28% potato
& 27% pineapple out of the national production. While there has been a spectacular rise in food
grains production over the years, only 1% of the total production is utilized for processing and the
post harvest loss accounts for nearly 30%. The State has attained self-sufficiency in food
production with reasonable amount of marketable surplus for most of the key crops and
fast emerging as the Food Bowl of the country. The wide raw material base and market
128

surplus give the State a natural advantage to invest in Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Spices
and Grain Processing Industries. Besides this, the state also produces other Food Products
like fish, meat and poultry products in abundance, which also has enormous processing
prospects. The Eastern & Northeastern regions have an easy access to bordering countries like
Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Asia-Pacific region for exports. West Bengal has also the
advantage in floriculture because of conducive agro-climatic condition. The potential for
investment in food processing sector in the state of West Bengal has been assessed at Rs.15451
crore (over next 10 years period) and the state has been ranked as third best potential state after
Maharastra and Tamil Nadu for investment in the sector.
The trends in investment in food processing sector in the State during past five years are indicated
below:
Year
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

No. of Project
approved
118
115
204
443
95

Investment
Rs. Crore
212.22
327.00
524.00
380.90
451.58

Employment Generated (No.)

Direct
Indirect
Total
2814
11256
14070
9492
37968
47460
3999
15996
19995
6300
25200
1500
4032
16128
20160

Potential Sectors for Investment

Food Grain Processing:
The state being the largest producer of rice offers scope for investing especially in
 Rice milling units including modernization of rice mills
 Processing of rice which includes products like pre and parboiled rice, rice powder,
puffed rice, rice flakes (Indian dried & flattened rice) and rice crisps.
 Solvent extraction units for production of rice bran oil. The state also has significant
presence in the oilseed sector indicating the scope of investment in oilseed processing.
Fruit & Vegetable Processing
West Bengal with diverse agro-climatic condition is conducive for growing a wide variety of
horticultural crops. Amongst the fruit crops, mango occupies the highest area (42% of area under
fruits). The other important fruit crops are Pineapple, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Mandarin, Orange,
Jack fruit, Litchi, etc. The total area under fruit crops in the state is 1.942 lakh ha with a
production of 27.67 lakh MT (2007-08). The State is the largest producer of and vegetables
in the country producing traditional vegetables like brinjal, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower,
Cucurbits and ladys finger and nontraditional vegetables like broccoli, gherkin, baby corn,
Brussels sprout, celery etc. The total area under vegetables (excluding potato) is 9.124 lakh
ha with annual production of 125.56 lakh MT (2007-08). Despite having a wide raw material
base, a majority of fruits and vegetables produced in the State are being marketed fresh.
Seasonal gluts and consequent price fall are the common marketing problems being
encountered in the State as is the case elsewhere in the country. However, considering the
comparative advantage that the State offers in terms of production of fruits and vegetables,
initial efforts for processing has gone for a few crops such as pineapple and potato.
Availability of Fruits and Vegetables in West Bengal
129

Period of
Availability
Fruits
Mango
Pineapple
Banana
Papaya
Orange
Guava
Jackfruit
Litchi
Cashewnut
Coconut
Sapota
Watermelon
Vegetables
Potato
Tomato
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Radish
Pea
Brinjal
Onion
Ladys Finger

May - July
Apr-Nov
Year round
Year round
Dec to Feb
July to Sept
June to Aug
May/June

Major Production Areas

Year round
May-June
Mar-May

Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Hooghly, 24 Parganas(N)

Siliguri and Chopra area of N. Dinajpur
Hooghly, 24 Pgns (S),Nadia,Murshidabad
Hooghly, 24 Pgns(N&S), Nadia, Murshidabad
Darjeeling
Murshidabad & 24 Pgns(S)
Jalpaiguri & Coochbehar
Murshidabad, Malda & 24 Pgns(S)
Midnapore East
24 Pgns(N) & Midnapore
24 Pgns(S)
Midnapore East & 24 Pgns(N&S)

Feb-Apr
Jan-Apr
Sept-Mar
Nov-Mar
Oct-Feb
Jan-Mar
Year round
Mar-Apr
Apr-Nov

Hooghly, Burdwan
24 Pgns(N&S),Nadia
24 Pgns, Nadia, Burdwan, Murshidabad, Hooghly
24 Pgns, Nadia, Burdwan, Murshidabad, Hooghly
24 Pgns, Nadia, Burdwan, Murshidabad, Hooghly
24 Pgns, Nadia, Hooghly
Burdwan, Hooghly
Burdwan, Hooghly
24 Pgns, Nadia, Burdwan, Murshidabad, Hooghly

Source: Dept. of Food Processing Industries & Horticulture, GoWB

The above details clearly suggest the availability of different fruits and vegetables in
different production periods making the state a potential area especially for setting up
multi- product based fruit and vegetable processing industry for ensuring better capacity
utilization during a major part of the year. Despite having a wide raw material base, a
majority of fruits and vegetables are sold in fresh/ raw form. Seasonal gluts and consequent
price fall are the common marketing problems being encountered. Some of the potential
products which have good domestic and export demand which can be produced in the state
includes:
 Frozen/ Dehydrated fruits and vegetables
 Jams, Jellies, Juices, Squashes
 Potato Granules/ Flakes/ Fries/ Chips/ Dehydrated potato cubes/ Slices
 Processed Mushroom
Dairy & Poultry Processing
The consumer preferences & consumption patterns in West Bengal offer greater
prospects for livestock & dairy products than in any other parts of the country. Leaving
aside a fraction, the entire population is non-vegetarian. With rising income levels &
the increasing middle class, more and more people are able to afford consumption of
animal proteins. While fish continues to hold centre-stage (as a source of animal
proteins), the price differential between fish and livestock products is tilting consumer
130

preferences towards animal and bird meat and towards eggs. Meat products like
chicken, mutton, etc., were not a part of the Bengali daily meal even a few decades
ago but today the demand for these products is widespread and on the increase. There
is also an increasing awareness towards consuming different types of dairy products
(besides the traditional preference for 'chhana' - the cottage cheese), encouraging the
dairy sector.
Despite significant progress having been achieved in this sector, West Bengal still
remains a deficit state with respect to availability vis a vis requirement of livestock
products. The daily demand for milk is so huge that large quantities of milk powder,
liquid milk, butter, ghee, cheese etc. are imported from other parts of the country. The
rising demand for eggs too has forced import of eggs from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
and Punjab into West Bengal to meet the state's requirements. The indigenous meat
availability is supplemented by sourcing the same from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other
states. With such a ready & huge market for milk & milk products, eggs, meat and
poultry in West Bengal (now being met by supplies from outside the State), livestock
rearing in the state has an immense potential to become a large and profitable
industry.
Poultry and Meat Products
The state has favourable climatic conditions for poultry breeding & a large non-vegetarian
population, including the captive North-Eastern states to generate sufficient demand for
these products. The state enjoys second position in cattle and poultry population and
production leadership across several items like duck meat, and total meat production
including poultry. The state is considered to be one of the most attractive poultry markets in
India accounting for 13% of the countrys consumption. The state also consumes significant
amount of sheep and goat meat. All these above features identify the potentials for
investing in poultry and meat processing, which have both domestic and international
market demand.
Milk & Milk Products
The state of West Bengal offers extensive scope in the area of processed milk products as a
major part of the demand for value-added milk products is presently met by imports from
other States. The annual consumption of dairy products in the State is as under;
Annual Consumption of Dairy Products in West Bengal
Item
Milk Powder
Buffalo-Milk Ghee
Cow-Milk Ghee
White Butter
Table Butter
Cheese
Khoa
Chhana
Paneer
Chhana, Khoa and
Paneer

Consumption
30,000 MT (Total ) 15,000 MT (by
organised Dairy Plants)
1,800 MT
5400 MT
3000 MT
2190 MT
160 MT
11680 MT
40000 MT (involves 7 lpd of Milk)
3500 MT
Annual Value of all Milk Products
manufactured within the State - Rs.
131

Imports from other states

30000 MT
90%
90%
3000 MT
95%
99%
60%

Annual Value of all Milk

Products Imported into West

5420 million

Bengal - Rs.3231.9 million

Considering the wide gap between demand and supply within the State, investments in the
dairy sector will be extremely profitable, if properly synchronised and organised. Key areas
of investment under the sector include:
 Liquid milk production and marketing to the urban and semi-urban consumers. There is
also scope for supplying milk to the local sweetmeat industry, as this sector requires a huge
quantity of milk.
 Processed milk: products like butter, cheese, milk powder, baby food and condensed
milk.
 Indian Sweetmeat: West Bengal is considered to be the hub of Indian sweetmeats for its
favourite Rosogolla and Sandesh.
 Ice Cream manufacturing: One of the most lucrative of all value added dairy products.
But for manufacturing ice creams, the state requires investment in the form of better cold
storage and transportation facilities. The state, being one of the few power surplus states in
the country, enjoys an advantage in these aspects.
Fish Processing Industry
There is considerable scope for processing of marine products considering the present
scenario wherein merely 8% of the total marine harvest is being processed and frozen. The
ratio would be much lower if inland fish production is also taken into (1.66%) consideration.
The state being the highest producer of fish needs to pay more attention towards
prevention of post harvest losses, value addition and address the issues related to
seasonality in supply through processing and longer storage. As per the available data, there
are 99 exporters of sea food in the State and the total number of processing plants is 37 with
an installed freezing capacity of 340 MT/day. There are 30 cold storage units with the total
storage capacity of 3500 MT. With the expanding base of aquaculture, it may not be difficult
to meet the raw material requirement of the industry. However, the present status of the
processing units leaves lot to be desired in terms of meeting export standards and
regulations. Only 5 processing plants are able to meet the EU standards for export. In
addition there are 4 units which are approved under National Standard while the rest of the
units are below standard and lack essential components such as pre-preprocessing facilities,
Ice plants etc.

Present Scenario of Food Processing Industry in West Bengal

The particulars of investment and employment generation under food processing sector in
the state during the period 2002-07 are as under:

Trends in Food Processing Industry in West Bengal and Employment Generation during 10th
Plan Period
Year

No. of project

Investment in

132

Employment

approved

(Rs. crore)

Direct

Indirect

Total

2002 - 03

118

212.22

2814

11256

14070

2003 - 04

155

327.00

9492

37968

47460

2004 - 05

204

524.00

3999

15996

19995

2005 - 06

443

380.90

6300

25200

31500

2006 - 07

95

451.58

4032

16128

20160

1015

1895.70

26637

106548

133185

Total

Source: Department of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of West Bengal.

The main objective is to create infrastructure facilities to preserve and reduce wastage of
agro food raw materials, facilitate promotion of Food Processing Industries, export of fresh
and processed food materials and to create entrepreneurship. The Department of Food
Processing Industry and Horticulture has adopted following strategies to realize the above
objectives:
 Establishment of pack house with multipurpose cold storage and refrigerated transport;
 Establishment of Food Park;
 Establishment of Quality Control Laboratory;
 Establishment of perishable goods cargo complex;
Establishment of Pack House
The Department has set up a State-of-the-art pack house with multipurpose cold storage at
English Bazar, Malda through West Bengal State Food Processing & Horticulture
Development Corporation Ltd. This pack house has the facilities for post harvest handling
and value addition through washing, cleaning, sorting, grading and packaging integrated
with cold storage and refrigerated transport.
Establishment of codex cell in the Department of Food Processing Industries &
Horticulture, Government of West Bengal
In the absence of appropriate guidance and technical support, a majority of food processing
Industries in the State are not in a position to adhere to stringent quality norms, hygiene
standards. To motivate and guide the industry the Department has initiated action to
establish codex cell in the department to maintain up-to-date codex information, codex
documents, compile codex standards, codes of practices etc. The information will be
transferred to the food processing units to enable them to adopt total quality management
to manufacture good quality products, which can compete in the global market.

Suggested Interventions
Infrastructure

133

 Identifying potential zones for establishing multipurpose cold storage facilities and food
processing units either through private sector investment or PPP mode with government
providing basic infrastructure.
 Performance of a few processing units across the wide spectrum may be studied to
know the problems being encountered.
 Expansion and modernization of cold storage facilities for potato especially for process
grade varieties and seed potato.
 Strengthening logistics support through better connectivity and refrigerated transport
facilities where ever feasible for the benefit of small and marginal farmers.
Technology
 Awareness creation among farmers and processors on quality aspects and requirements
with respect to Sanitary & Phyto- sanitary measures (SPS), CODEX, HACCP and facilitate
modernization of existing processing units in the above context.
 Establishment of food safety and standard testing facilities, etc, possibly through PPP
mode.
Credit
 Adequate & timely availability of credit for the processing units is extremely vital. The
lending institutions may take advantage of the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Small
Industries (CGTSI), which was launched to facilitate the flow of collateral free credit to
the SSI sector and encourage lenders to shift from collateral based or security oriented
lending to project based lending. CGTSI guarantees up to 75% of the credit risk subject
to loan cap of Rs. 25 lakh and guarantee cap of Rs. 18.75 lakh per borrower.

 Realistic assessment of credit needs of the processing units with special reference to
technology adoption / up gradation and working capital needs.

 Special financing package for the Food Parks through consortium financing may be
resorted to.
Marketing
 Farmer-user industry tie-up with the latter facilitating supply of quality inputs especially
seed and buy back at remunerative prices.
 Promoting Farmers marketing cooperative or Farmers Producer Companies, facilitating
collective marketing and linkages with the Food Processing Industries.

5.10 DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL INDUSTRIES

Development of Rural Industries i.e. both Agro-based and non-farm industries have an
important role in development of the state. Rural industries include Micro and Small
Industries, Khadi and Village Industries, Handicrafts and Handloom & Textile industries.
Around 80% of Small and Medium (SMEs) industries fall under Rural Industries segment. The
employment generated in this sector is highest after Agriculture. The growth in employment
generation of rural based small scale & cottage industries is much more than in large and
medium scale sector. Considering the acute unemployment problem, within the youths of
134

landless labour and small & marginal families, growth of rural industries is the appropriate
intervention forum to create employment opportunities, as the cultivated land is limited.
Rural non-farm sector accounts 22% of rural employment. Nearly 60% of industrial output in
the state is from the cottage & small scale industries sector, which accounts for 50% of the
states overall exports. The employment scenario of the sector is as under:
 Micro & Small enterprise

: 30.67 lakhs / 11.81 lakhs

 Khadi & Village Industries

: 2.57 lakhs

 Handicraft sector

: 5.50 lakhs

 Handloom & Textile sector

: 3.35 lakhs

Priority Areas should be: Development of SHGs for the micro units of village industries (specially for handicrafts /
food processing industries)
 Strengthening linkages for institutional credit facilities for micro & small enterprises.
 Intensification of small industries cluster development programme.
 Development of infrastructure through Private Public Partnership.

Handloom & Textile Industries

Textile sector includes handloom, Power looms, Hosiery and Readymade garments
enterprises. With over 6.60 lakh people directly or indirectly associated with handloom
activities, the sector assumes significance as an employment provider. Out of these only
10% are in the co-operative fold, while remaining are outside of it mostly in unorganized
sector. Besides there are nearly 2.5 lakhs nos. of people directly or indirectly associated with
power looms, hosiery readymade garment and other textile related activities. Annual
handloom production in 2007 08 in the state is about 921.20 million metres.
No of Units and Employment Scenario in Textiles Industries

Handloom

351000

Persons Employed
(lakh)
6.67

Power loom
Hosiery
Readymade Government

6765
17900
21,200

0.28
1.10
2.00

Textile Industries

No. of units

Efforts have been made to provide information related to current fashion, design, color
combination, etc. There are approximately 6.67 lakh hand loom weavers in the cooperative. Many social security and promotional schemes are under the implementation for
the handloom weavers, such as Health Insurance schemes, Mahatma Gandhi Bima Yojana
(MGBBY), Old age Pension Scheme, Siksha Sahayog Yojana (SSY), Deen Dayal Hath Kargha
Protsahan Yojana (DDHPY), Handloom Export Promotion Scheme, etc. In this sector,
implementations of two nos. of cluster based interventions are already under progress.
Detailed diagnostic studies in these 25 handloom clusters are underway. 43 nos. of
handloom clusters have been so far identified in the State
135

Handicraft Industries
Handicraft sector has tremendous potentiality in West Bengal because of its vast natural
resource base and for a superior cultural atmosphere. This sector has potentiality to engage
rural youths and woman in individual capacity or SHGs to revenue generation process. Help
is required to standardize product and marketing linkages by Govt. or NGOs or any other
agencies. Training is another important part for the artisans or SHG members to add value
to their business plan. Now Govt. is conducting state level Expo. in Kolkata and Siliguri and
Directorate participate in different melas across the state to spread knowledge about the
market. There are so many welfare schemes for the artisans such as payment of pension to
old age Handicraft artisans, re imbursement of TA / DA carrying cost etc. for attending
Expos. etc. Govt. is planning to set up four urban haats for marketing of handicrafts product
manufactured by the artisans of West Bengal at Bolpur, Durgapur, Berhampur and Siliguri.
The arrisans will get space in these urban haats so that they can sell their product directly to
the customers.

Coir Industries
The State has good potential for development of coir industries. There are 40 registered and
370 unregistered SSI units in Coir Industries in the state providing employment to 3184
people. The availability of coconut husk and skilled person in the Howrah and South 24
Parganas districts have encouraged setting intensive development programme in the coir
industries in these districts. The artisans / units manufacturing coir products are selling their
product directly through the retail outlet situated in different urban areas.

Lac Industries
The basic raw material is cultivated in the mono crop and drought prone areas of Purulia,
Bankura, Midnapur, Murshidabad, and Malda. The processing Units are mainly in Purulia
district. Their yearly raw material requirement is nearby 15 MT to 17 MT. The total stick lac
production of the state only caters to 10 15% of the requirement. However lac and lac
based items has a very good export potential. On an average, 16 million dollar of foreign
exchange is earned annually from the export of lac & lac based item. Steps have to be taken
to increase the production of raw materials in drought prone areas and up gradation of
finished products to market it more aggressively in the local and international market.

Khadi & Village Industries

Under the sector more than 2.57 lakhs people are employed at present and there is a scope
to upscale it many fold. Both the Central and State Govt. is putting efforts to make this
sector competitive at the time of free market economy .Lots of schemes envisage to
 provide trainings to the unemployed youth ( mainly women) in beekeeping,
 Marketing assistance is rendered to the certified K& VI institutions / sales centres.
 Development of infrastructure of khadi producing centres, construction of Khadi
Museum, setting up of Baluchari Saree Complex.
 Re-organization of handmade paper centre.
136

 Renovation of Sales outlets of K & VI Board (Gramin).

 Proper promotion and modern outlook is highly required to re define this sector which is
already showing the signs of revival.

5.11 BIO FUEL ENERGY

Rising cost of fossil fuels, energy security concerns, increased awareness of climate change
and potentially positive effects for economic development have led to considerable public
attention to bio energy. Bio energy includes traditional biomass to produce electricity, light
and heat.
Primarily due to a lack of affordable alternatives, millions of people in developing countries
depend on traditional bio energy (e.g. wood fuels) for their cooking and heating needs,
especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This reliance on traditional bio energy can
pose considerable environmental, health, economic and social challenges. New efforts are
needed to improve traditional bio energy and accelerate the transition to more sustainable
forms of energy.
First generation bio fuels consist predominantly of bio ethanol and biodiesel produced from
agricultural crops (e.g. maize, sugarcane). Production has been growing fast in recent years,
primarily due to bio fuel support policies since they are cost competitive only under
particularly favorable circumstances. The diversion of agricultural crops to fuel can raise
food prices and pose a threat to food security.
Next generation bio fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass-to-liquids technologies
allow conversion into bio fuels of more abundant and cheaper feed stocks than first
generation. This could potentially reduce agricultural land requirements per unit of energy
produced and improve lifecycle GHG emissions, potentially mitigating the environmental
pressures from first generation bio fuels. However, next generation bio fuels technologies
are not yet commercially proven and environmental and social effects are still uncertain.
For, example, the use of feedstock and farm residues can compete with the need to
maintain organic matter in sustainable agro ecosystems.
Bioelectricity and bio heat are important forms of renewable energy that are usually more
efficient and produce less GHG emissions than liquid bio fuels and fossil fuels. Digesters,
gasifiers, and direct combustion devices could be successfully employed in certain settings,
e.g., off-grid areas. There is potential for expanding these applications but AKST is needed to
reduce cost and improve operational reliability. For all forms of bio energy, decision makers
should carefully weigh full social, environmental and economic costs against realistically
achievable benefits and other sustainable energy options. Food crop bio fuel is economically
viable only when food price are low and fuel price are high.

137

5.12 INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT

BANKING PROFILE
Banking services to the people of West Bengal are provided through Commercial Banks
(CBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Cooperative Banks. Kolkata is the headquarters of
three commercial banks, viz., United Bank of India, Allahabad Bank and UCO Bank. United
Bank of India is the convener of State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) in the State. The
cooperative credit structure in the State is following a mixed pattern. Under the Short-term
structure, while the District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) are functioning in 15
districts, branches of West Bengal State Cooperative Bank (WBSCB) are operating in three
districts. Under the Long term structure, while the 24 Primary Cooperative Agriculture and
Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs) are functioning in 16 districts, branches of West
Bengal State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (SCARDB) are operating
in two districts. West Bengal State Finance Corporation (WBSFC) is another financing
agency operating in the State. United Bank of India is the lead bank in ten (10) districts, UCO
Bank in four (04), whereas Central Bank of India and Allahabad Bank are lead banks in three
(03) and one (01) district respectively. As per GOI instructions, the process of amalgamation
of RRBs which started in 2005 in consultation with State Government and Sponsor Banks
was completed in the state in February 2007. In West Bengal, the total number of RRBs after
amalgamation stood at three including one standalone RRB. Five RRBs sponsored by UBI
have been amalgamated into Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank and three RRBs sponsored by
UCO Bank have been amalgamated into Paschim Banga Gramin Bank. Uttarbanga Kshetriya
Gramin Bank, which operates in three North Bengal districts and is sponsored by CBI,
continues to function as a standalone RRB. With the amalgamation, the RRBs have larger
area of operation, large branch network, enhanced resources, enhanced single exposure
limit and a pool of experienced staff.
Branch Network
Total Number of bank branches in the state as on 31 March 2009 is 5359, of which
Commercial Banks, RRBs, Cooperative banks and Private Banks have 3829 branches, 885
branches, 417 branches and 228 branches respectively. Number of Rural Branches in the
state is 2599, which is 48.50% of total bank branches in the State.
Branch Network in West Bengal
Agency

No. of Branches as on 31 March 2009

Rural
Semi-urban
Urban
CBs
1577 (41.1)
558 (14.6)
680 (17.8)
RRBs
746 (84.3)
103 (11.6)
36 (4.1)
Coops
269 (64.5)
50(12.0)
82(19.6)
Private Banks
7(3.0)
45(19.8)
83(36.4)
Total
2599 (48.5)
756 (14.1)
881 (16.4)
Note: Figures in brackets represent percentage to row total.

Metropolitan
1014 (26.5)
0 (0.0)
16 (3.9)
93(40.8)
1123 (21.0)

Total
3829 (100)
885 (100)
417 (100)
228 (100)
5359 (100)

Deposits
The total deposits of all banks in West Bengal has increased from Rs.174946 crore in 200708 to Rs.221212 crore in 2008-09 registering a growth of 26.5%.
Agency-wise Deposits in West Bengal
138

(Rs. Crore)
Agency
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
CBs
116444
139702
174506(78.9)
RRBs
5071
6006
6962 (3.1)
WBSCB
5833
6383
8590 (3.9)
WBSCARDB
122
125
130 (0.1)
Private Banks
16959
22730
31024(14.0) )
Total
144429
174946
221212 (100)
Note: Figures in brackets represent percentage to total.

Growth (%)
24.9
15.9
34.6
4.0
36.5
26.5

The total deposits of the commercial banks in West Bengal were Rs.174506 crore as on 31
March 2009, which showed a growth of 24.9% over the previous year. The total deposits of
RRBs in the State amounted to Rs.6962 crore as on 31 March 2009, registering a growth of
15.9% over the previous year. Major share in the deposits was that of commercial banks
(78.9%), followed by RRBs (3.1%), WBSCB (3.9%) WBSCARDB (0.1%) and private banks
(14.0%).
Loans and Advances
The total loans and advances of all agencies in West Bengal increased from Rs.113689 crore
during 2007-08 to Rs.141325 crore during 2008-09, registering a growth of 24.3% during
2008-09.
Agency-wise Loans and Advances in West Bengal
(Amount Rs. in Crore )
Agency
CBs
RRBs
WBSCB
WBSCARDB
Private Banks
Total

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

Growth %

73123
2318
4077
179
15132
94829

88910
2644
4710
467
16958
113689

112718 (79.8)
2980 (2.1)
5237 (3.7)
625 (0.5)
19765(13.9)
141325 (100)

26.8
12.7
11.2
33.9
16.6
24.3

Note: Figures in brackets represent percentage to total.

The Commercial Banks have registered a growth of 26.8% followed by RRBs at 12.7% during
2008-09. In case of WBSCB, WBSCARDB and Private Banks the growth rate was 11.2%,
33.9% and 16.6% respectively.
Credit Deposit (CD) Ratio
The CD ratio of all the financing agencies in the State which stood at 65% as on 31 March
2008 has been reduced to 64% as on 31 March 2009. CD ratio of RRBs has come down to 43
compared to previous years 44. Appropriate action needs to be taken by RRB to improve
their position.

Agency-wise CD ratio in West Bengal

Agency

CD Ratio at the end of

2006-07
2007-08
2008-09

139

CBs
RRBs
SCB
SCARDB
Private Banks
West Bengal State

66
46
70
147
89
66

65
44
74
375
75
65

64
43
61
485
64
64

Ground Level Credit (GLC) Flow in West Bengal

There was a growth of 15.73% in the total GLC flow in West Bengal during 2008-09 over the
previous year as GLC had increased from Rs.13541 crore in 2007-08 to Rs.15672 crore in
2008-09. The share of agriculture and allied activities in total GLC flow during 2008-09
worked out to 40%. The GLC flow in agriculture and allied activities increased to Rs.6207
crore in 2008-09 from Rs.4662 crore during the last year registering an increase of 33%.
Sector-wise GLC flow during the last five years is given in the following table.
Sector wise GLC flow in West Bengal - 2004-05 to 2008-09
(Rs. crore)
Sector

2004-05

Agri-Allied

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

1963

2968

3580

4662

6207

683

1130

1513

2207

2978

Services

1958

2488

3083

3386

3269

NPS

1779

2146

2602

3286

3218

Total

6383

8733

10778

13541

15672

SSI

NPS - Non-Priority Sector

Sector-wise GLC target and achievement during the year 2008-09 is given in the following
table. It may be seen from the table that the credit disbursement touched Rs.15672 crore in
2008-09 against the target of Rs.15860 crore achieving 99% of the target. Credit
disbursement in respect of priority sector in West Bengal during 2008-09 was Rs.12454
crore against the target of Rs.13388 crore (93% of the target). Under agriculture and allied
sector the credit disbursement during 2008-09 was Rs.6207 crore against the target of
Rs.6693 crore (93% of the target).
Sector-wise GLC Disbursement in West Bengal during 2008-09
Sectors
Agri-Allied
SSI
Services
Total Priority Sector
Non-priority Sector
Total

Target
6693
3216
3479
13388
2472
15860

Achievement
6207 (40)
2978 (19)
3269 (21)
12454 (80)
3218 (20)
15672(100)

Note - Figures in the brackets show percentage to total

140

(Rs. crore)
% Achievement
93
93
94
93
130
99

Sector-wise GLC disbursement in West Bengal

during 2008-09

SSI
20%

Agri Allied
Services

Agri Allied
40%

NPS
SSI

NPS
21%
Services
19%

Credit flow to Agriculture Sector

In order to ensure that agriculture sector grows at an annual rate of 4% as announced by
the Honble Finance Minister, strategies to be adopted are twofold: credit deepening
method and credit widening method. Under the former method, revision of scales of
finance and upward revision of KCC limit are done. Similarly, financing of new farmers, new
projects, agriclinics & agri-business, lending to tenant farmers, etc., have been adopted for
credit widening.
The position of agricultural credit has improved in West Bengal over the last 6 years. As per
the latest available data in 2008-09 total disbursement of credit was Rs. 6207 crores against
the target of Rs. 6693 crores. Thus, the achievement percentage is 93% against only 68% in
2003-04 and 80% in 2004-05. The year-wise credit flow to agriculture vis a vis the target is
indicated below;

Year
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09

Target
( Rs. Crore)
2001
2439
3573
4000
5000
6693

Achievement
( Rs. Crore)
1357
1963
2970
3580
4662
6207

% of Achievement
67.82
80.48
83.12
89.50
93.24
93.05

Other than the banks, Microfinance institutions (mFIs) have also become active during the
last few years especially in the eastern part of the country. They have been providing loans
to farmers, especially small loans. However, data regarding their exact numbers and the
amount of loan they are providing into the agriculture sector is not clear but the business is
significantly increasing in the rural areas.
141

Issues in Agricultural Credit:

Despite the significant strides achieved in terms of spread, network and outreach of rural
financial institutions, the quantum of flow of financial resources to agriculture continues to
be inadequate. One of the major impediments constraining the adoption of new
technological practices, land improvements, building up of irrigation and marketing
infrastructure has been the inadequacy of farm investment capital. Farmers seem to borrow
more short-term credit in order to meet input needs to maintain continuity in agricultural
operations without much worrying about long-term capital formation in agriculture. It might
be the case from supply side that short-term credit bears low credit risk, lower supervision
and monitoring costs, and a better asset liability management. The flow of investment credit
to agriculture is constrained by host of factors such as high transaction costs, structural
deficiencies in the rural credit delivery system, issues relating to credit worthiness, lack of
collaterals in view of low asset base of farmers, low volume of loans with associated higher
risks, high man power requirements, etc. The large proportion of population in the lower
strata, which is having major share in the land holdings, receives much less credit than its
requirements. The growing disparities between marginal, small and large farmers continue
to be a cause for concern. This observed phenomenon may be attributed, inter alia, to the
risk aversion tendency of the bankers towards small and marginal farmers as against the
large farmers, who are better placed in offering collaterals.
The share of marginal and small farmers in the total credit (both disbursed and outstanding)
has been shrinking. The need to augment the credit flow to the lower strata of the farming
community, which has more shares in the total operational land holdings, becomes all the
more important. This underscores the scope for supplementing the land inputs of marginal
and small farmers with the non-land inputs such as credit with a view to enhancing the
productivity and thereby the production performance of Indian agriculture. In this context,
the need for linking credit supply to input use assumes importance. There is also a need for
exploring new innovations in product design and methods of delivery, through better use of
technology and related processes. The SHG-Bank Linkage model is an outstanding example
of an innovation leveraging on community-based structures and existing banking
institutions. In future, concerted efforts have to be made for enhancing the flow of credit to
critical infrastructure areas such as irrigation, marketing and storage, etc., and also to areas
such as watershed/ wasteland development, wind energy, allied activities such as poultry,
horticulture, dairying, fisheries etc. With regard to KCCs, there is a need to upscale its
outreach to cover all the eligible farmers by creating greater awareness and giving greater
publicity to the scheme. Updation of land records and sensitisation of bank staff through
training programmes will further add to the spread of the scheme. The exercise of preparing
special agricultural credit plans with higher component of direct finance with a special
thrust on small and marginal farmers should also receive high priority. High value agriculture
needs higher working capital and also entails higher risks. Facilitating credit through
processors, input dealers, NGOs that are vertically integrated with the farmers, including
through contract farming, for providing them critical inputs or processing their produce,
could increase the credit flow to agriculture significantly.
The co-operative credit structure needs revamping to improve the efficiency of the credit
delivery system in rural areas. In case of co-operatives, the Vaidyanathan Committee
concluded that having regard to its outreach and potential, recapitalisation could be
undertaken so that the credit channels for agricultural credit which are presently choked
142

could be declogged. The Committee has, however, made it clear that recapitalisation should
only be considered if it is preceded by legal and institutional reforms by State Governments
aimed at making co-operatives democratic and vibrant institutions running as per sound
business practices, governance standards and regulated at the upper tiers by the RBI. The
implementation of the Vaidyanathan Committee Package is under way in the state. NABARD
has been entrusted with the responsibility to oversee the implementation of the package.
Special Audit has been completed in 5310 PACS out of a total 5457 working PACS in the
state as on 31 December 2009. Recapitalisation assistance (GOI Share) of Rs.134.96 crore
has been released to 3157 'A' category PACS. Financial assistance to the tune of Rs.381.25
crore in respect of 440 'B Category PACS have been sanctioned by SLIC and recommended
to NABARD for release of GoI's share of Rs.331.42 crore. Special Audit of DCCBs has also
been completed.
The competition and search for higher returns has made commercial banks to explore
profitable avenues and activities for lending such as financing of contract farming, extending
credit to the value chain, financing traders and other intermediaries, which needs to be
encouraged. While the institutional systems and products such as futures markets, and
weather insurance have great potential to minimise the risk of lending, the process of their
development needs to be carried forward. Merging and revamping of RRBs that are
predominantly located in tribal/backward regions is seen as a potentially significant
institutional arrangement for financing the hitherto unreached population. The experience
of micro finance proved that the poor are bankable and they can and do save in a variety
of ways and the creative harnessing of such savings is a key success factor. The SHG-Bank
linkage programme is built upon the existing banking infrastructure. It has obviated the
need for the creation of a new institutional set-up or introduction of a separate legal and
regulatory framework. Policy making bodies have an important role in creating the enabling
environment and putting appropriate policies and interventions in position, which enable
rapid up scaling of efforts consistent with prudential practices. There is also a need to
explore the possibility how SHGs can be induced to graduate into matured levels of
enterprise. The SHG Bank-Linkage programme also needs to introspect whether it is
sufficient for SHGs to only meet the financial needs of their members, or whether there is a
further obligation on their part to meet the non-financial requirements necessary for setting
up business and enterprises. In this process, ensuring the quality of SHGs warrants priority
attention. State Governments have to make critical assessment of the manpower and skill
sets available with them for forming, nurturing groups, handholding and maintaining them
over time. There is a need to study the best practices in the area and evolve a policy by
learning from them. Since, the access of small and marginal farmers to credit has been
constrained by their inability to offer the collaterals, micro finance, which works on social
collaterals, can go a long way in catering to their requirements. Hence, there is need to
promote micro finance more vigorously on a widespread basis. To conclude, an assesment
of agriculture credit situation brings out the fact that the credit delivery to the agriculture
sector continues to be inadequate. It appears that the banking system is still hesitant on
various grounds to purvey credit to small and marginal farmers. The situation calls for
concerted efforts to augment the flow of credit to agriculture, alongside exploring new
innovations in product design and methods of delivery, through better use of technology
and related processes.

143

Financial Inclusion
A committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. C. Rangarajan to study the extent of
financial inclusion of rural households and suggest measures to improve it. The Committee
came out with startling figures which has also been substantiated in the NSSO 59th Round
(2003). The extent of exclusion is as under:General
 51.4% of farmer households are financially excluded from both formal / informal
sources.
 Of the total farmer households, only 26% access formal sources of credit; one third
of these groups also borrow from non-formal sources.
 Overall, 73% of farmer households have no access to formal sources of credit.
Region-wise
 Exclusion is most acute in Central, Eastern and North-Eastern regions having a
concentration of 64% of all financially excluded farmer households in the country.
 Overall indebtedness to formal sources of finance alone is only 19.66% in these three
regions.
Occupational Groups
 Marginal farmer households constitute 66% of total farm households. Only 45% of
these households are indebted to either formal or non-formal sources of finance.
 About 20% of indebted marginal farmer households have access to formal sources of
credit.
 Among non-cultivator households nearly 80% do not access credit from any source.
Social Groups
Only 36% of ST farmer households are indebted (SCs and Other Backward Classes 51%)
mostly to informal sources.
The Committee has strongly recommended the informal credit delivery mode of Business
Facilitators and Business Correspondents to bring into the formal financial fold, this large
section of excluded population. The major facets of financial inclusion are: Providing opportunity to Savings/ thrift
 Providing access to credit
 Providing micro insurance
 Credit Counseling
 Financial Literacy
 Remittance
 Doorstep service as opposed to service at the branch
Most of the above facets can be taken care of by the informal credit delivery mode, as the
number of people to be covered is very large. Importance have also been assigned to
144

financial literacy part as it will propagate different aspects of finance and help the
borrowers to have informed choice. The above report has put the number of indebted
farmer households in eastern India at 84.22 lakh out of a total 210.66 lakh households
which indicates that nearly 60% of the farmer households in eastern India are non-indebted
to both the formal and informal sources of finance. In West Bengal, the number of nonindebted farmer households is put at 34.53 lakh, i.e., 49.90%.

145

Chapter VI
State Plan

146

6.1 INTRODUCTION
The State Agricultural Plan (SAP) aims at projecting the physical and financial requirements for
development of Agriculture and allied sector of the State. This plan is going to present the vision for
agriculture & allied sectors within the overall development perspective of the state. The major
objective of State Agriculture Plan (SAP) is to consolidate and integrate all ComprehensiveDistrict
Agriculture Plans (C-DAP). It has also taken into consideration the recommendations of State
Agriculture Commission. C-DAPs have been prepared based on participatory action plan for the
development of agricultural & allied sectors. While preparing C-DAPs, the planning process have been
initiated at grass root level i.e. at village / GP level. As State Agriculture Plan (SAP) is the consolidated
form of all C-DAPs, an integrated and participatory mode of approach is the key success factor (KSF) of
the State Agriculture Plan (SAP).
6.2 GROWTH DRIVERS & INNOVATIONS
The growth drivers and innovations required for the development of agriculture & allied sectors have
been identified based on genuine felt needs of farming community, trend analysis, need assessment,
environmental concerns and overall growth perspective of the state. Such growth drivers are
presented below.
AGRICULTURE

Diversification and intensification of agriculture as well as improvement of productivity

of all the major crops through adoption of newer and sustainable technologies, use of
better inputs, adoption of organic farming.

Creation of irrigation facilities in un irrigated areas especially in western part of the

state.

Diversifying the cropping pattern from rice based cropping system to bringing additional
land under cultivation of millets, maize, pulses and oilseeds.

Emphasis on soil Health Management through soil testing infrastructure and adoption of
a time bound strategy for soil survey and soil analysis with specific reference to the
micro nutrients and introduction of Soil Health Cards. Developing location specific and
soil status specific INM practices and propagating the same among the farming
community.

147

Promotion of Integrated Farming System model having food grain, vegetable, flower,
fruit plants, medicinal plants along with cattle, duck, goat, fish etc, for maximum return.

Identification of crop specific seed production zones based on agro climate, soil and
water resources availability.

Emphasizing on decentralized production of TL/certified seeds through seed village

concept with active involvement of progressive farmers, farmers clubs, PACs/societies,
SHGs.

Active involvement of KVKs both in production as well as extending technical support to

farmers/other agencies involved in seed production

Establishment of centralized seed processing infrastructure at potential blocks/district

level

Encouraging PPP mode in existing government seed farms for better utilization of
resources.

Adoption of fully organic Bio-seed villages in each block where an integrated approach
have to be taken for overall livelihood development.

Promotion of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology in the State in general and
more specifically in Western part of the State. This can be adopted in other upland
condition also and in hilly areas.
Institutional support through skill up gradation of extension workers, farmer to farmer
extension, public-private partnership, strengthening ATMA, participatory research,
credit support, marketing & post-harvest management, risk management, price support
system
Convergence & synergy between state and central initiatives, role and accountability in
implementing the schemes

Improved farmers income (diversification, agricultural marketing, agro-processing and

value addition, contract farming)

Strengthening of the extension mechanism through both formal and informal channels,
introduction of training and visit with assured timely supply of critical inputs at the
farmers door step.

Promoting organic farming, large scale production and application of FYM, vermin
compost etc., to improve soil health.
Promotion of productivity enhancing and environment friendly technology through
channel partners like KVKs, NGOs, Farmers Clubs etc.

148

Increase in seed replacement ratio of various crops (paddy 30%-40%, wheat 100%,
mustard 16%, and potato 50%)
Formation & strengthening of SHGs and Farmers Clubs
Crop insurance to all farmers growing different types of crops

HORTICULTURE

Increased land coverage under horticulture crops through micro irrigation practices
Attaining self sufficiency in production of quality planting materials of various horticulture
crops such as vegetables, fruits and tuber crops through the programs of National
Horticulture Mission
Increased area under floriculture by encouraging cultivation of Marigold, Jasmine, Rose and
Tube rose etc.
Development of at least one progeny orchard in each district.
Farmers in West Bengal continue to depend on other states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, UP for
meeting seed potato requirements. Identifying potential pockets for commercial potato seed
production including True Potato Seed (TPS) and strengthening seed production infrastructure are
necessary. The location specific seed production technologies need to be developed and
standardized. Such initiatives will open avenues for private sector investment in potato seed
production.

Biotechnological interventions in vegetable breeding programme particularly in

characterization of diversity and tagging of novel genes and using molecular markers and
development of resistant varieties.
To develop at least one model nursery in each district with advanced technologies and
modern equipments.

Encouraging re plantation of existing old tea gardens for productivity improvement at a suggestive rate
of 2%. With a view to encouraging systemic re plantation, the Tea Board has launched a new subsidy
cum loan assistance programme under the Special Purpose Tea Fund (SPTF) constituted for the
purpose.

Training in small scale processing to self-help groups and marketing of processed products
by creating cooperatives at village level
Improved management of waste land and degraded land
Augmenting the soil & water conservation of the areas through watershed programs
Agriculture extension services to farmers growing fruit bearing plants
Initiation of more local research program for improvement of fruits production &
productivity
Diversification of crops by bringing more area under vegetables. Incentives for farmers in
growing vegetables and link them with collective retail facilities in block and district
Promotion of tissue culture plants of, citrus, large cardamom, banana, etc., to enhance
productivity
Introduction of varieties specifically cater the need of processing varieties
Creating reliable information/database on production, procurement, processing and
marketing channels for promotion of medicinal & aromatic plants ( MAPs).

149

Addressing the problem of inadequacies in input supply including plant material, technical /
extension support for MAPs.

Strengthening the extension network through recruitment of more field functionaries in

potential districts. The initial emphasis could be in the focus districts identified under NHM.

Promote Informal extension channel like Farmers Clubs, Farmers Interest Groups and
educated/ progressive youth and training them as technology transfer agents with active
involvement both formal (department) and informal (NGOs, Farmers Clubs) extension
agencies

Innovations like Prani Bandhu scheme, which is a proven success in the development of
AH/Dairy sector to be replicated in Horticulture/Agriculture sectors as well like Krishi
Bandhu.

Nursery being a highly viable activity, there exist very good scope for promotion of private
nurseries for production of perennial horticultural crops especially in districts like Malda,
Murshidabad. The programme can be dovetailed with the LoI scheme of NHB or NHM in
consultation with the Department concerned for the benefit of prospective entrepreneurs.

Well equipped Soil testing facilities at district and block level for comprehensive soil analysis
and introduction of soil health card based Integrated Nutrient Management

Establishment of Farmer markets to remove middle men in the vegetable trade

Encouraging agro-processing and value addition to agricultural and horticultural products.
Strengthening of post harvest handling and marketing mechanisms and infrastructure for
storage and timely supply to the markets.
Investment in developing cold chains and encouraging retail marketing organizations.
Assessment of credit needs (activity specific and crop specific) and preparation of credit
plans and dovetailing the same with the District Credit Plans followed by a Coordinated
approach to operationalize the credit plans, necessary

The Producer (farmer) Consumer markets (Farmers markets) introduced in some states
like AP, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were found to be successful and beneficial to both
farmers and consumers. The State Government may consider introducing the concept in the
state especially in major vegetable producing and consuming centers.

Being a major producer of vegetables, the State Government could consider establishing
exclusive auction centers for fruits and vegetables on the lines of NDDB Model
(Bangalore).

Suitable modification of the present Agricultural Produce Market Act to facilitate the private
sectors taking initiatives in setting up modern market infrastructure involving high
investment, entrepreneurial skills and managerial capacities as well as direct purchase from
farmers.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRY

150

The State doesnt have recognised breed of cattle or buffalo. The indigenous cattle
produce 61% of the total milk production of the state with low milk yield. The share of
CB breedable females is only around 19%. Hence up-gradation of indigenous cows /
buffaloes through provision of AI service is required. At least one AI service unit should
be there for every 800 breedable females.

Demand for milk is increasing at a faster rate. The present demand supply gap is 16.70
lakh MT and is expected to widen to 23.78 lakh MT. Hence it is necessary to adopt
special measures and bring in huge investments for a period of five years to eliminate
the shortfall and to maintain steady production thereafter.

Pranibandhus have done pioneering work in providing door step AI services in the rural
areas. More number of Pranibandhus may be promoted ( at least one in every gram
panchayat)

Improving the productivity of livestock resources through better feed practices, by

extending animal care services, and breeding facility

Veterinary extension services to farmers, Health camps, fodder supply camps and stock
points for fodder need be developed.

The State is a fodder deficit State. The fodder requirement is around 615 MT/ year
against which the availability is only 248 MT (40%). There is also acute shortage of good
quality fodder seeds in the State. Establishment of fodder seed farm in all block and in
private lands may be promoted
The two main feed ingredients viz., maize and soybean are required to be imported
from other States as the production in the state is insignificant vis a vis the demand.
More & more farmers should grow maize, especially in North Bengal region.
Milk collection network should be strengthened so that milk chilling centres can
function with better capacity utilisation.
Promotion of calf rearing among farmers
Developing appropriate strategies for progeny testing of the cross-bred bulls under field
conditions.
Exploitation of opportunities for export of meat and meat products from the State.
Establishment of zonal goat breeding centres in six-agro climatic zones.
Special breeding program and strategy for Garole (Sundarbani) breed .
Establish avian disease, surveillance, forecast and monitoring cell to prevent exotic
disease like swine flu.
Organised layer poultry contributes only 16% of states egg production. Special effort
may be paid for the establishment of big organized commercial layer farms.
Creating good network of disease diagnosis, treatment and control of diseases for
poultry birds
Establishment of Central Grower Units (CGUs) for supply of Day Old Chicks
Capacity Building of farmers through extension, publicity, training, exposure visits
Promotion of backyard poultry in minority, backward class & tribal dominated areas of
the state

151

Productivity of meat producing animals is very low with one goat contributes 7 kg meat,
a sheep 7.7 kg and a pig 20.9 kg. Hence supply of quality animals required for better
meat yield
Inbreeding is quite common among goats and hence male exchange programme should
be taken up to arrest inbreeding depression
Improvement in existing cold storage/ cold chain facilities for storage of meat, meat
products and eggs.

FISHERIES

There is scope for increasing the productivity of fish ponds in state from the present level of
3500 Kg/ Ha / year to 7500 Kg/ Ha / year. Capacity building of fish farmers through training
on scientific farming is required to augment fish productivity.
Create and promote investment infrastructure for fishermen and diversification of fish and
fish farming for increasing production
Hatcheries for fresh water prawn, mud crab, ornamental fishes need to be set up in the
state under both public/ or private sector.
Adequate awareness needs to be created among all private hatcheries to follow
appropriate breeding protocol to arrest possible inbreeding.
De silting of derelict tank, biological and manual control measures for weed infested ponds/
tanks, possibly through NREGS program
All technological interventions must be taken advantage by farmers. Towards this end,
awareness creation, capacity building measures like regular trainings, exposure visits,
promotion of fish farmers' Clubs may be promoted for effective technology transfer.
Establishment of more number of seed banks for year round supply of fish seeds to farmers
raising table fish.
Coordinated development of crop, animal husbandry and fisheries through integrated
farming offers a good scope for sustainable farming leading to higher production,
particularly in the drought prone areas.
Since the farming techniques adopted in the State are based on extensive farming,
matching commercial feed at suitable price needs to be made available. Farmers should be
trained properly to prepare on-farm feeds using locally available ingredients. An assessment
of nutritional input from natural/endogenous food to target species should be made to
avoid wastage of prepared on-farm feeds.
With a view to supplement the public extension, selected youths may provide farm based
extension services relating to breeding, seed raising, soil-water testing, disease diagnostic
and other technical services akin to Prani Bandhu in the Animal Resource Department and
Krishi Bandhu in the Agriculture Deptt.
Capacity building of women SHGs to prepare value added products like boneless meat, fish
pickles, dry fish, fish curry in sachets etc,.
Establishment of extension service and setting up of diagnostic centre for detection and
prevention of fish and shrimp diseases

152

Leasing out of the suitable community water bodies to fish producer groups/ SHGs/ cooperatives on a long term basis (at least for 7 years)
Existing defunct/ weak fish farmer societies should be revived and they may be linked up
with the banks
Non-availability of adequate & timely credit hampers the development of the sector.
Coordination between banks and department needs improvement, supported duly by
proper review. There is a need at district level to create awareness regarding the alternate
credit delivery mechanisms like SHGs and Joint Liability Groups for facilitating small fish
farmers to avail credit support easily who are not in a position to offer adequate collateral
securities to avail bank credit.

Fisheries, being a seasonal activity, seasonality discipline need to be adhered to, while financing
fisheries cases by both department and banks.

The present fish insurance scheme does not take into consideration the partial loss and
hence is not very popular among farmers. Absence of attractive fish insurance scheme also
hampers the flow of institutional credit. There is need for an attractive insurance scheme as
well as willingness of insurance agencies to reach out to the farmers.
There is scope for improving the fisheries marketing infrastructure in the State. For effective
marketing, State Government may establish adequate district wise hygienic fish markets
and fix the minimum price of fish. Marketing federation is necessary to equip fish farmers
with market related information like in Chuapals of Andhra Pradesh.
Promote the welfare of the fish farmers through investments in housing, education, health,
insurance, saving scheme for their social security

WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT & SOIL CONSERVATION

In the context of soil and water conservation, most vulnerable areas are the lateritic tracts
of western districts (Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum and Paschim Medinipur), the hilly areas of
Darjeeling district, coarse sandy areas of Tarai region in Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Darjeeling
districts and coastal saline zone comprising of 24-Parganas (North) and 24-Parganas (South)
districts.
Out of the total reported area of 86.84 lakh ha in West Bengal, 22.14 lakh ha constituting
nearly 25% is affected by different problems associated with land degradation.
Development of these areas possible through soil and water conservation measures by
adopting watershed approach
NABARD is implementing watershed development through a fund called Watershed
Development Fund (WDF). The unique feature of WDF in West Bengal is that the Project
Implementing Agencies (PIAs) are Panchayat Samities and the role of NGOs is to facilitate
the programme by mobilising the people. A total of 28129 ha under 38 watershed projects,
covered so far. State Govt. may come out with a massive programme, on the lines of WDF
to bring the degraded lands into farming.
The new technologies like 30:40 models (30x40 plots with seepage pits) and 5% model for
midlands falling in western plateau and hills region, Small Water Harvesting Structure with
water supply pipe in hills in cardamom plantations and vegetable cultivated areas of
Darjeeling hills, may be popularised.
153

Awareness should be created among farming community about the usefulness of soil and
water conservation measures on the soil fertility, improvement in soil productivity, possible
ground water recharge and availability of soil moisture for the better growth of crops.

FORESTRY

Encourage farmers to use waste land for growing forestry species like Neem, Karanja,
jatropha etc,

Awareness may be created among the tribal communities for soil conservation measures
for protection of forest
Protection of forest by empowering local community through Joint Forest Management (
JFM)
Effective implementation of compensatory plantation activities with local participation and
micro-planning
Effective implementation of regular forest management/silvicultural activities with
community involvement.
Improvement of eco tourism facilities and identification of new sites of tourist attraction
Minimization of diversion of forest land with local support
Active involvement of citizens groups and NGOs in pollution control measures
Enforcement of comprehensive environmental impact assessment prior to establishment /
opening of new industries/mines
Ensuring solid waste management and hospital waste management

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

Allowing establishment of private markets by making suitable amendment to APMC

Act, in line with the model Act prepared by Govt. of India
Encouraging contract farming in the state
Establishing cold storages, refrigerated vans for agricultural product marketing both
under public and private sector
Facilitating SHGs, cooperatives, Farmers Association, Producers Group for
organised marketing
Establishing market linkages and market networking for the high value products
Establishment of Central Zonal Markets (6 nos) with export oriented quality control
facility
Regulated market with all information related to crop production and animal welfare
services.
Specialised regulated market with training facility on post harvest technology and
informations about prices of different commodity in different market using ICT.

6.3 TARGET, PRODUCTION & PRODUCTIVITY

154

The following table depicts the area, production, productivity of major crops during the period 2007-08
to 2009-10. Keeping in view the concerted development of agriculture through various interventions
under RKVY, it is expected that area, production and productivity of the major crops shall increase by
the end of the 11th FYP and accordingly the projections have been made in the following table;

Sl
No.

Crops

AYP

2007 08
(Achievement)

2008 09
(Achievement)

Aus Rice

Area

325.1

326.7

2009 10
(AchievementProvisional)
328.4

Yield

2346

2440

Prod

762.8

10

11

Aman Rice

Boro Rice

Total Rice

Wheat

Other Cereals

Total Cereals

Total Pulses

Food Grains

Rape Seeds &

Mustard

Teel

2010 11
(Projection)

2011 12
(Projection)

330.0

331.7

2538

2639

2745

797.3

833.3

871.0

910.4

Area

4096.2

4116.7

4137.2

4157.9

4178.7

Yield

2476

2575

2678

2785

2897

Prod

10143.1

10601.6

11080.8

11581.6

12105.1

Area

1398.1

1405.1

1412.1

1419.2

1426.3

Yield

3250

3380

3516

3656

3802

Prod

4544.4

4749.8

4964.5

5188.9

5423.4

Area

5819.4

5848.5

5877.8

5907.1

5936.7

Yield

2655

2761

2872

2986

3106

Prod

15450.3

16148.7

16878.6

17641.5

18438.9

Area

391.7

393.6

395.6

397.6

399.5

Yield

2289

2381

2476

2575

2678

Prod

896.5

937.2

979.5

1023.7

1070.0

Area

106.6

107.1

107.6

108.2

108.7

Yield

2421

2518

2619

2724

2833

Prod

258.0

269.6

281.9

294.6

308.0

Area

6317.6

6349.2

6381.0

6412.9

6444.9

Yield

2628

2733

2848

2957

3075

Prod

16604.8

17355.5

18139.9

18959.8

19816.8

Area

235.9

239.5

243.1

246.7

250.4

Yield

791

830

872

915

961

Prod

186.5

198.8

211.9

225.8

240.7

Area

6553.6

6588.7

6624.0

6659.6

6695.3

Yield

2562

2664

2770

2881

2996

Prod

16791.3

17554.3

18351.8

19185.7

20057.5

Area

445.0

453.9

463.0

472.2

481.7

Yield

899

935

972

1011

1051

Prod

400.0

424.4

450.0

477.4

506.2

Area

180.0

183.6

187.3

191.0

194.8

155

12

13

14

Other
Oilseeds

Total Oilseeds

Sugarcane

15

Potato

16

17

Jute*

Vegetables

A = Area in '000 ha,

T = Target,

Yield

861

895

931

968

1007

Prod

155.0

164.3

174.4

184.9

196.2

Area

75.0

76.5

78.0

79.6

81.2

Yield

1467

1526

1593

1656

1726

Prod

110.0

116.7

124.3

131.8

140.1

Area

700.0

714.0

728.3

742.8

757.7

Yield

950

988

1028

1069

1112

Prod

665.0

705.4

748.7

794.1

842.6

Area

20.0

22.0

25.0

27.0

30.0

Yield

75000

76000

77000

78000

80000

Prod

1500.0

1672.0

1925.0

2106.0

2400.0

Area

349.8

367.3

385.7

405.0

425.2

Yield

22922

24068

25271

26535

27861

Prod

8018.9

8840.9

9747.0

10746.1

11847.6

Area

598.9

601.9

604.9

607.9

610.9

Yield

14.21

14.64

15.08

15.53

16.00

Prod

8512.3

8811.6

9121.3

9441.9

9773.8

Area

913.0

924.0

937.0

952.0

970.0

Yield

14107

14919

15831

16845

18000

Prod

12880.0

13785.0

14834.0

16036.0

17460.0

Y = Yield Rate in Kg/ha,

P = Production in '000 tonnes

Ach = Achievement

* Y in bales /ha and Production in '000 bales

Analysis of the above table reflects that the area coverage under rice is expected to increase by
2%, while the productivity is expected to go up by 17% at the end of 11th FYP over that of 200708. Special thrust needs to be given for cultivation of pulses as the state is deficit in production
of pulses. With focused attention, the area coverage under pulses is targeted to be increased by
6%, while the productivity and production are expected to be increased by 21% and 29%
respectively. Diversifying the cropping pattern in the state by bringing additional land under
cultivation of oil seeds is also required as like pulses, there is mismatch in the demand-supply in
oil seeds. The area is projected to be increased by 8% with commensurate enhancement of the
productivity by 21%. Sugarcane is another cash crop needing push. Accordingly, the 50%
increase in area is envisaged with increased yield by 7%. Production of potato is expected to
increase from 80.18 lakh tones to 118.47 lakh tones by the end of 11th FYP.

156

6.4 STRATEGIC FOCUS POINT

1. Promote application of ICT for strengthening rural market network.

2. Improve farm mechanization drive for small and marginal farmers.
3. Emphasis has to given on Dairy & other Animal Resource development. Cow dung & excreta should be
use for Cyber gas generates & organic manure.
157

4. Enhance the possibility of alternate Green/ Bio energy generation in villages to meet the local demand.
5. Remodeling SHGs/ Farmers club functioning by proving proper training and market linkages.
6. Crop Insurance need immediate attention to save farmers from immediate from extreme weather
fluctuation.
7. Skill development of all section of farming community & extension officers so that codex compliances
can be meeting by 2017.

Key Focus Point:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Rejuvenation and restoration of natural resources.

Increase productivity per unit of land.
Bridging Marketing Gap.
Encourage Agri entrepreneurship.
Create new Agri Infrastructure.
6. Skill & Awareness development.

158

6.5 CERTAIN CONCERNS

Population and population growth rate in coming year in West Bengal is going to put presuure on the
available land. Low land: man ratio may hamper the process of development. Population of West Bengal
is going to be 9.14 crore at the end of 2011-12 and 10.16 crore at the end of 2019-20. (growth
projection @1.33 % compounded annually).

Nutritional Requirement: Per day requirement of nutrition especially BPL category people is not
meeting the requirement. Employment situation is getting worse, food grain consumption and cloth
consumption were falling, average calorie intake as well as protein intake showed decline and there was
considerable agrarian distress.

Climate Change and its effect on agriculture - Climate change ,which taking place at a time of increasing
demand for food ,feed, fibre and fuel has the potential to irreversibly damage the natural resource base
on which agriculture depends and also our entire livelihood. The relationship between climate change
and agriculture is a two way process- agriculture contributes to climate change in several ways and
climate change in general adversely affect the agriculture. Climate change is affecting the distribution of
plants, invasive species, pests, and disease vector and the geographic range and incidence of many
human, animal and plant diseases is likely to increase.

159

Soil heath is going to deteriorate first unless urgent attention is paid. At present 25% land (out of net
sown area) in West Bengal is falling under degraded quality. Fertility status of the soil is falling very
sharply because of injudicious and unbalanced use of chemical inputs in all over the state. Shortage of
water for agriculture is on the card and nothing much have been done on rain water harvesting.

Employment scenario in rural areas- rural employment and more importantly employability of the rural
youth has to increase because 60% of states population is less than 30 years of age.

Socioeconomic condition of the farmers is not satisfactory because of low per capita income and not so
developed rural infrastructure. Farmers are required to be associated with value addition process of
their produce and claim a more share of the value chain to improve their present socio-economic
condition.

Present production and productivity status of different crops and vegetables needs improvement.

Present position of post harvest technology of crops and value addition is not up to the mark in
comparison to any developed country. Only 3% of fruits and vegetables have been processed in our
state what should be at least 30%. So there is huge scope for improvement.

Infrastructure development through programs like RIDF, ADMI etc.

On going programs of respective departments need an integrated and well coordinated approach
among the line departments, otherwise repetition of efforts ends up with wastage of money and
energy.
160

Different stimulus offered for the farming community by State and Central Govt. not reaching to the
target beneficiaries.
Pointers for Development

Expansion of area by improving degraded land

Increasing water use efficiency and use rain water for non rainy seasonal crops
Yield improvement and breed improvement
Improvement of institutional mechanism for research and extension
Improved farmers income from value addition of agricultural produce

Strengthening SHG/farmers club movement

Continuous training and awareness campaign of latest developed technologies for capacity building
Crop insurance could be economically viable tool to combat climate change
Improved post harvest techniques and infrastructure including cold chain facilities
Value addition to raw agricultural produce
Speedy and programmatic intervention
Assess consumers food habit through market research and form extension strategy
Strategic Indicator

Condition of soil fertility

Availability of water resource
161

Availability and proper utilization of biomass

Per capita income of the farmers
Yield and nutritional status of the agril. produce
Farmers mindset to accept new eco-friendly technology
Farmers share in the Value chain
Market penetrability of the produce

6.6 SECTOR-WISE THRUST AREAS

Agriculture

Stepping up of the annual average agricultural growth rate.

Capacity building among farm women.
Prioritizing food security.
Enhancing average productivity of food grains.
Production of quality seeds and other bio agricultural inputs.
High priority on crop diversification, integrated crop management, integrated pest management (IPM)
and Non Pesticide Management (NPM).
Revitalizing Government seed farms, research stations, meteorological observatories
Research extension-marketing linkage and extension reforms.
Increased credit flow to marginal farmers and landless labors.
Irrigation facilities and Rainwater harvesting.

162

Horticulture

To provide holistic growth of the horticulture and food processing industrial sectors based on
strategies which include research and development, technology promotion, extension, pre and
post harvest management, processing and marketing through an effective blend of traditional
Wisdom, effective planning, modern management and technology.
Promote off season vegetable production both native and exotic
Promotion of high value exotic flower production in different agro climatic zones
Promotion of export to earn foreign currency
Forest Department

Priority to be attached to alternate livelihood for forest fringe population.

A cost effective system to be devised for collection, processing and marketing of timber
produced.
Panchayati Raj Institutions to involve in Farm Forestry.
Interface between tree growing farmers and industrialists
Rejuvenation of Forest Management Committees
Transparent Environmental Protection Policy
Training and orientation of forest workers for capacity building and
value addition.

Animal Husbandry

Production of required amount of milk and eggs, bridging the gap between demand and
production.
Genetic up gradation of different livestock and poultry breed.
Extension of animal health coverage in rural areas.
Production of quality feed and fodder
Milk procurement and processing through milk cooperatives and dairies,
Reduction of income inequality through transfer of resources to poorer people
Improvement in standard of education and training in animal sciences.
Production of vaccines and facilities for referral diagnostic services.
Programs for farmers training
Animal health & welfare.
Cooperation

Extended credit for short term as well as long term to the SHGs, marginal and land less labors for
agriculture and nonfarm purpose to achieve 100% financial inclusion.
Formation of Farmers Service Society and Large Sized Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
(LAMPS).
Revive and establish new marketing co-operatives
Linkage credit with agricultural extension to improve production, productivity and crop intensity.
Introduction of Management Information System (MIS) and computerization of cooperative
infrastructure.
Writing off bad debts through One Time Settlement (OTS)
163

Issue of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to across the farming community.

Rural Development Department

The position of beneficiaries in the backward villages have to monitored through special
arrangements and per capita expenditure as well as income must be assessed.
Improving the yardsticks for assessing the implementation of the NREGA Programme
with an eye on improving the condition of the backward beneficiaries in the rural areas.
Data collection and sharing with different stake holder of the society

Agricultural Marketing

Marketing system restructuring for advanced & improved marketing system.

Developing marketing infrastructure for better post harvest management and capacity building.
Market information and intelligence system to be provided to farmers with real time information.
Credit flow to agriculture sector to meet the increasing demand for capital expenditure.
Information technology usage to generate useful database and information packages for expanding
marketing opportunities.
Extension and training to assist small and marginal farmers for better marketability of their produce.

6.7 STRATEGY FOR BRIDGING GAP OF RESEARCH & EXTENSION

Govt. / SAU should make consolidate all research findings going on in different agricultural universities,
colleges and institutions by floating a web portal.
An Expert Committee should be formed to identify important extensionable research findings which are
important for farming community of the state.
Emphasis has to give not only Lab to Land work but also on Land to Lab findings.

164

Forming an Extension Recommendation Expert Committee by the officers from Govt. establishmentUniversities- Commercial organizations NGOs to oversee and make consensus on different content and
process of extension.
This expert committee should check all the audio-video medium use by different commercial
establishment as a product promotion tool.
Make extension process simple and more attractive using latest developed electronic gadgets and ICT.
To introduce mobile extension van (at least one in each district), equipped with all audio-visual aids for
promotion of latest agro technology in remote villages.

6.8 PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

1. Production of good quality seed and planting material for field crops, vegetables, fruits and flowers.
Tissue culture lab for raising disease free planting material for medicinal plants and flowers.
2. Establishment of Agri-Clinic at gram panchyat level.
3. Promotion of Agri-Business centre at Village level using ICT.
4. Establishment of Kiosks based on e-choupal model.
5. Establishment of small scale processing unit at District/Block level to minimize post harvest loss.
6. Establishment of retail outlets of Organic products in urban areas for higher farm income.
7. Promotion of export agencies at District/Block level for taking opportunities of AEZ to increase farm
income.
8. Establishment of hatcheries at block level to increase availability of good quality chicks and ducklings at
Village level.
9. Establishment of animal feed making industries in district level.
10. Setting up of diagnostic laboratory for identification of diseases of live stocks.
11. Establishment of fish hatcheries at block level (including ornamental fish).
12. Setting up of diagnostic laboratory for identification of disease of live fishes.
13. Setting up of fish meal production Unit at District level.
14. Development of Modern transport facility at village level to minimize quality deterioration of fish during
transit of Marketing.
15. Making available farm implements suitable for local farming practices.
16. Organic manure and bio-fertilizers production unit at block level
165

17. District based Agri-insurance venture.

18. Green-energy production Units.
19. Logistics support hub with cold chain facility for all agricultural produce. Multipurpose storage, grading
and packaging facility for different agricultural produce.
20. Development of Agro-tourism centre in different agro climatic region.

6.9 CONVERGENCE OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES

There is scope to bring all the different schemes and on going development programmes running by the
different line departments under the umbrella of flagship RKVY. Convergence of financial resources will
help to take more integrated approaches which can stop wastage of financial resources and utilize the
man hour in a more positive way. The indicative areas of such convergence are as under

Rural infrastructure development programs like making land shaping structures for rain water harvesting
in Govt. and private lands, excavation of new ponds and water reservoirs, desilting of beels and rivers,
derelict of ponds can be taken up under NREGA. This 100 days employment guarantees schemes can be
utilised for not only making rural roads but for other purposes also as indicated above.
Extension services support programmes which included training, capacity building and awareness
creation programmes and infrastructural development including research and development of agril.
universities and Govt. institutions to cover under RKVY/ATMA.
Specific components of irrigation development infrastructure to be posed under ADMI.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) should converge with RKVY.
Storage infrastructure specially cold storage units , storage facilities for grains which has commercial
prospects can be developed through total private investments or Public-Private Partnership mode

6.10 MONITORING MECHANISM

Constant Monitoring of the implementation process is crucial not only for achieving the set
goals under the plan but also in identifying operational problems and take-up necessary midterm correction in time. An effective monitoring mechanism should be put in place comprising:
a. Internal monitoring of the progress by the district /block level in-charges of respective
line departments
b. An inter-departmental coordination mechanism for joint implementation and
monitoring of plan components involving more than one department
c. Constituting a State level Review & Monitoring Committee (RMC) to review the progress
through structured meetings

166

d. Introduction of plan specific MIS as an integral part of monitoring through Plan Plus
software specifically developed for the RKVY programme
e. Independent monitoring by an outside agency of repute and expertise
f. Social audit of the physical and financial components of the programme and its
achievements through prominent display at public places like block/Panchayat offices
which are frequented by the benefitting community.
6.11 HIGHLIGHTS OF RKVY IN WEST BENGAL

2007 - 08

2008 09

2009 10

SLSC approval outlay ( Rs. in

crore)
For preparation of C - Dap

59.37

147.38

147.59

Fund sanctioned & released by

GOI

54.93

147.38

95.36 (1st installment)

1.50

2007 - 08
Stake holder
departments

6 (Six) - Agriculture,
Animal Resources
Development,
Fisheries, Agri.
Marketing, Forest, FPI
& Horticulture

Achievement

2008 - 09

2009 - 10

9 (Nine)-Agriculture, Animal
Resources
Development,
Fisheries, Agri. Marketing,
Forest, FPI & Horticulture,
Cooperation, Water Resources
Development, P & RD, SAU &
NGOs

8 (Eight)- Agriculture,
Animal Resources
Development, Fisheries,
Agri. Marketing, Forest, FPI
& Horticulture,
Cooperation, P & RD, SAU
& NGOs

100%

Work started

100%

Financial Outlay of RKVY- District-wise/ Sector-wise- 2008-09

Districts

Agri

ARD

Fishery

Agril.
Mktg.

Forest

Horti

P & RD

Co-op

Water
Res.
Invg. &
Dev.
_

Kolkata

571.8

200.8

Darjeeling

20.00

167

SAU/
ARS

Ad.
Cost

Total

772.59

5.2

20.00

0.1

Siliguri
Mahakuma
Parishad
Jalpaiguri

29.9

29.8

4.3

63.92

0.4

320.9

109.1

80.0

28.0

32.9

571.00

3.9

Coochbehar

348.2

90.3

18.4

323.9

2.0

110.5

141.0

1034.29

7.0

Uttar Dinajpur

131.6

79.7

60.8

1.0

105.5

56.3

46.0

480.85

3.3

Dakshin
Dinajpur
Malda

126.1

79.3

24.5

1.0

23.9

360.0

46.0

34.6

695.32

4.7

150.2

96.7

26.7

1.0

190.6

74.0

52.3

591.42

4.0

Murshidabad

171.2

296.8

57.0

40.0

1.0

136.3

69.1

66.0

837.35

5.7

Nadia

264.2

368.2

35.3

1.0

205.2

350.0

13.8

20.0

1257.47

8.5

North 24Parganas
South 24Parganas
Howrah

285.1

140.3

13.0

10.0

1.0

49.9

102.6

14.2

189.6

805.65

5.5

203.6

194.6

160.0

120.3

25.4

264.0

10.3

10.5

988.62

6.7

142.2

97.8

20.0

11.3

11.5

13.0

16.0

311.73

2.1

Hooghly

351.5

118.4

34.7

198.5

90.6

32.6

10.0

76.0

912.37

6.2

Burdwan

410.8

222.8

23.4

51.1

74.1

21.8

89.3

893.25

6.1

Birbhum

369.2

160.0

39.9

20.0

20.0

73.7

284.3

65.1

141.8

1173.94

8.0

Bankura

241.2

126.1

28.1

11.5

50.0

18.4

90.0

565.26

3.8

Purulia

340.1

143.7

50.0

84.3

125.1

16.0

69.4

97.5

926.09

6.3

Paschim
Mednipur
Purba
Mednipur
SAU/ARS

282.9

372.6

16.3

38.0

50.0

759.70

5.2

109.1

107.2

471.1

119.4

5.0

38.0

10.0

17.0

876.77

5.9

74.45

0.5

126.0

125.97

0.9
100

74.4

Admin. Cost
Total
Percentage

4277.93

3405.34

1123.96

1097.00

477.41

1183.97

1393.48

491.00

1087.48

74.40

125.97

14737.95

29.0

23.1

7.6

7.4

3.2

8.0

9.5

3.3

7.4

0.5

0.9

100.0

Agril.
Mkg.
Deptt.

Co-op
Deptt.

P& R
Dev.
Deptt.

Forest
Deptt.

Grand Total

100.00

0.69

25.7

103.5

128.0

32.1

83.1

974.89

6.68

64.7

190.5

51.0

32.1

64.9

822.20

5.64

Financial Outlay of RKVY- District-wise/ Sector-wise- 2009-10

SL.
No.

Districts

Agriculture
Deptt.

ARD
Deptt.

Fisheries
Deptt.

Darjeeling

Jalpaiguri

403.0

192.0

7.5

Coochbehar

337.5

81.5

Uttar
Dinajpore
Dakshin
Dinajpore

123.3

61.5

9.7

109.9

28.5

49.0

35.1

416.92

2.86

158.4

86.7

9.7

55.7

8.5

45.0

363.98

2.49

Malda

133.2

189.2

128.1

5.7

96.5

43.0

0.8

7.0

603.38

4.14

FPI &
Hort.
Deptt.
100.00

168

Murshidabad

268.2

496.6

59.6

20.7

56.5

49.0

51.5

1001.98

6.87

Nadia

524.5

474.0

328.8

133.7

43.5

58.0

37.0

1599.50

10.96

North 24Parganas

357.8

172.1

49.1

120.3

99.6

58.0

52.3

909.20

6.23

10

South 24Parganas

356.9

208.1

169.0

9.5

11.2

71.0

2.3

53.6

881.61

6.04

11

Howrah

121.5

102.2

18.3

95.0

37.9

49.0

25.5

449.41

3.08

12

Hoogly

159.6

144.2

24.3

1.0

239.7

151.0

719.74

4.93

13

Burdwan

401.7

148.1

18.4

65.7

26.0

98.0

41.1

0.6

799.65

5.48

14

Birbhum

143.4

87.2

16.9

75.0

23.2

50.0

52.5

0.6

448.72

3.08

15

Bankura

501.1

255.5

10.2

66.2

23.2

50.0

63.7

71.0

1040.75

7.13

16

Purulia

512.1

122.2

9.7

46.1

100.9

39.0

62.7

75.5

968.22

6.64

17

Paschim
Medinipur

587.9

273.6

11.6

70.0

20.8

75.0

59.5

68.3

1166.69

8.00

18

Purba
Medinipur

105.4

98.9

263.4

48.0

11.2

64.0

37.6

628.48

4.31

19

Kolkata

71.6

423.7

695.30

4.77

5266.90

3617.47

477.00

14590.62

100.00

Grand Total

200.0
1134.31

1112.94

1121.00

1328.00

533.00

Financial Outlay of RKVY- District-wise- 11th FYP

District wise Year wise Allotment of RKVY Funds and Projections
Rs In Lakhs
Districts

2007-08( A)

2008-09( A)

2009-10 (S)

2010-11( P)

2011-12(P)

Coochbehar
Jalpaiguri
Uttar Dinajpur
Dakshin Dinajpur
Malda
Murshidabad
Birbhum
Nadia
North 24-Parganas
South 24-Parganas
Howrah
Burdwan
Hoogly
Purba Medinipur
Paschim Medinipur

1034.29
571.00
480.84
695.31
591.42
837.35
1173.94
1257.47
805.65
988.62
311.73
893.25
912.37
876.77
759.70

822.20
974.88
416.92
363.98
603.37
1001.99
448.72
1599.50
909.20
881.61
449.40
799.66
719.74
628.48
1166.69

4952.79
8966.37
4123.14
5784.81
3383.20
6532.61
5958.44
20691.06
4075.42
11661.15
3900.57
14439.09
8045.09
20463.70
7092.24

5154.95
9505.58
4278.54
6469.10
3676.17
7999.76
6109.34
21392.79
3860.60
12732.35
4634.46
15311.81
8001.11
23155.88
8028.60

169

Bankura
Purulia
Kolkata
Darjeeling
Siliguri M. Parisad
SAUs
Admin. Cost
Total

5816.20

565.26
926.09
772.59
20.00
63.92
74.45
125.97

1040.76
968.23
695.30
100.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

122422.10
8070.18
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

98464.92
8649.63
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

14737.99

14590.63

260561.96

247425.58

A - Actual , S- Sanctioned, P Projection

* - Districtwise figures not received from Agriculture Dept. ( RKVY Cell )

** - Actual (A) and Sanctioned (S) figures are as per the data provided by RKVY Cell, Dept.of Agriculture,
GOWB. Projection (P) figures are as per the data available in C-DAP reports.

Financial Outlay of RKVY- Sector-wise- 11th FYP

Department Wise Budget and Future Provision Under RKVY ( Rs in lakhs )
Sectors

2007 - 08 ( A)

2008 - 09 (A)

2009 - 10 (S)

2010 - 11 (P)

Project
Outlay

Share
(%)

Project
Outlay

Share
(%)

Project
Outlay

Share
(%)

Project
Outlay

Agriculture

2225.4

38.3

4277.94

29.03

5266.90

36.10

48569.86

Animal Resource
Development

1603.1

27.6

3405.34

23.11

3617.47

24.79

Fisheries

562.0

9.6

1123.96

7.63

1134.31

FPI & Horticulture

675.8

11.6

1183.97

8.03

Agril. Marketing

485.6

8.4

1097.00

Co-operation

Panchayat &
Rural
Development
Forest

Project
Outlay

Share
(%)

18.65

53185.02

21.50

11014.64

4.23

11374.23

4.60

7.77

21599.73

8.29

22596.54

9.13

1112.94

7.63

17889.26

6.87

21711.17

8.78

7.44

1121.00

7.68

4893.85

1.88

5241.61

1087.48

7.38

1328.00

9.10

7273.06

2.79

8335.26

3.37

491.00

3.33

533.00

3.65

105956.00

40.66

79513.00

32.14

264.3

4.5

477.41

3.24

477.00

3.27

2234.87

0.85

2598.29

1.05

Water Res. Invg.

& Development

1393.48

9.46

21903.75

8.40

23331.83

9.42

Others

0.00

19226.94

7.38

19538.63

7.89

SAU / ARS

0.50

0.00

0.00

74.40

170

Share
(%)

2011 - 12 (P)

Admin. Cost
Grand Total

125.97

0.85

5816.2

100

14737.95

100.00

14590.62

100.00

260561.96

0.00
100.00

0.00

247425.58

100.00

A - Actual , S- Sanctioned, P Projection

N.B: Actual (A) and Sanctioned (S) figures are as per the data provided by RKVY Cell, Dept. of Agriculture, GOWB. Projection (P)
figures are as per the data available in C-DAP reports.

Hence, the projections made under SAP for the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 stood at Rs. 260561.96 lakh
and Rs. 247425.58 lakh respectively. The district-wise/activity-wise projections are indicated in
Appendices 1-18.

6.12 EXPECTED OUTCOME OF STATE AGRICULTURE PLAN

The expected outcome through various interventions contemplated under SAP has been
analyzed and presented under respective sectors in chapters 4 & 5. The overall outcome at
macro level and also at the ultimate beneficiary i.e., the farmer level is summarized here under:
a.
At macro level
The annual growth rate at the end of XI Plan period for major crops/ activities is
estimated as under:
19% in respect of paddy production due to productivity improvement and marginal
increase in area coverage. The expected rice production shall be to the tune of
184.39 lakh Ha. The productivity (Kg/ Ha) is expected to rise by 17% over the base
year of 2007-08.
29% increase in production of pulses from 1.86 lakh MT in 2007-08 to 2.40 lakh MT
by the end of 11th FYP. This will be made possible through improving the yield from
791 kg/ ha to 961 kg/ ha during the corresponding period.
48% increase in production under potato from 80.18 lakh MT in 2007-08 to 118.47
lakh MT by the end of 11th FYP. The productivity during the corresponding period is
expected to increase by 22% (from 22,900 kg/ ha to 27,860 kg/ ha).
The production of oilseeds also needs to be pushed up. With better farming practice
and more area under it, the production is expected to be increased from 6.65 lakh
MT to 8.42 lakh MT.
36% increase in production of vegetables from the base level of 128.80 lakh MT to
174.60 lakh MT by the end of 11th FYP.
19% increase in milk production
15% increase in poultry broiler meat production
16% increase in fish production
b.
At micro level (farmer level)
The total annual income under different cropping seasons from a unit area of 2 acres or
0.66 ha (average land holding) has been quantified at the prevailing stage and also
through various interventions contemplated under RKVY. The comparative analysis is
presented in the following table which is self explanatory.
171

Table: 38 Comparative Analysis of Pre & Post SAP income at farmer level

Cropping sequence

Present Net
income
(pre-SAP)

Income after
SAP
intervention
s

Incremental
income after
SAP imple
mentation

%
increase
in net
income

Rice+Potato
Rice+Potato+Sesamum
Rice+Ptato+groundnut
Rice+Ptato+Jute
Rice+vegetables
Rice+Rice+vegetables
Rice+Wheat+Jute
Rice+Potato+vegetables

12450
13972
13372
14898
14760
20418
11659
20700

15576
21021
18092
21055
17655
29783
17121
26301

3126
7049
4720
6157
2895
9365
5462
5601

25%
50%
35%
41%
20%
46%
47%
27%

6.13 CONCLUSION
The State Agriculture Plan (SAP) has been prepared based on the assessment and quantification
of felt needs and unfelt needs identified through the process of interactions at district
/block/GP level, during the process of preparation of CDAPs. The gaps in present level of
technology adoption and interventions necessary to address the same including strengthening
of related infrastructure have also been analyzed. The priorities have been defined and the
road map is drawn for the same. With an effective implementation and monitoring strategy,
the process is expected to influence the much needed production and productivity
enhancement both at individual farmer level and ultimately at macro level.

172

APPENDIX I
AGRICULTURE
Rs. in lakh
Sl
No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

3481.29

3694.73

3749.31

10925.33

BARDHAMAN

6101.37

7616.95

8509.82

22228.14

BIRBHUM

923.13

970.12

1002.42

2895.67

COOCHBEHAR

210.86

193.00

219.25

623.12

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

971.28

1394.87

1819.21

4185.35

HOOGHLY

899.56

1020.76

1107.38

3027.70

HOWRAH

1318.22

1456.03

1608.15

4382.40

JALPAIGURI

1370.61

1538.93

1554.49

4464.03

10

MALDA

504.69

824.33

615.12

1944.14

11

MURSHIDABAD

1479.47

2007.50

2584.85

6071.82

12

NADIA

7930.43

7846.55

8178.38

23955.36

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

924.96

1429.96

1223.06

3577.98

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

1654.11

1989.66

2240.72

5884.49

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

2678.17

4516.27

6047.47

13241.91

16

PURULIA

5570.00

5705.00

6170.00

17445.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

490.04

521.15

559.17

1570.36

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

1759.48

1776.71

1809.92

5346.11

TOTAL

38267.67

44502.53

48998.71

131768.91

173

APPENDIX II
SOIL CONSERVATION
Rs. in lakh
Sl
No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA(extn+DPAP+DDA)

204.72

231.67

240.19

676.58

BARDHAMAN

64.93

70.08

80.89

215.90

BIRBHUM

28.65

31.80

42.61

103.06

COOCHBEHAR

1963.92

2025.34

2096.16

6085.42

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOOGHLY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOWRAH

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

JALPAIGURI

447.92

457.54

418.31

1323.77

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

1191.41

1250.91

1308.15

3750.47

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

3901.55

4067.34

4186.31

12155.20

TOTAL

(Note: This Sector included under 'Agriculture' for Broad Sector Totalling.)

174

APPENDIX III
HORTICULTURE
(Rs. In lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

4357.63

5917.75

8962.13

19237.51

BARDHAMAN

197.91

65.37

65.47

328.75

BIRBHUM

305.98

118.37

118.47

542.82

COOCHBEHAR

183.39

207.69

218.39

609.46

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

125.90

133.49

138.48

397.87

HOOGHLY

699.18

948.98

975.68

2623.84

HOWRAH

119.95

34.68

37.83

192.45

JALPAIGURI

2793.80

3706.85

3696.44

10197.09

10

MALDA

1183.00

1025.83

1142.17

3351.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

96.75

119.21

142.81

358.77

12

NADIA

1746.22

1773.66

1831.77

5351.65

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

12162.25

166.00

157.65

12485.90

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

676.92

652.17

209.17

1538.26

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

615.78

531.42

1150.06

2297.26

16

PURULIA

890.70

891.88

941.88

2724.46

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

254.19

267.78

277.32

799.29

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

170.60

214.20

239.98

624.78

26580.15

16775.33

20305.69

63661.16

TOTAL

175

APPENDIX IV
ANIMAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(Rs. in lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

729

674

519

1922

BANKURA

BARDHAMAN

695.28

421.9

538.3

1655.48

BIRBHUM

169.83

169.83

169.83

509.49

COOCHBEHAR

1363.49

1358.39

1409.04

4130.92

DARJEELING

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

113.19

105.31

109.8

328.3

HOOGHLY

1076.26

1041.26

1041.26

3158.78

HOWRAH

926.89

578.65

574.69

2080.23

JALPAIGURI

139.08

187.56

225.66

552.3

10

MALDA

210.15

212.12

242.3

664.57

11

MURSHIDABAD

1054.95

1160.95

1276.45

3492.35

12

NADIA

2200.15

2048.65

2245.94

6494.74

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

62.271

68.205

71.64

202.116

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

466.73

296.1

291.1

1053.93

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

802.74

1668.25

1582.66

4053.65

16

PURULIA

236.15

236.15

246.15

718.45

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

279.74

296.46

324.35

900.55

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

503.088

490.85

506.06

1499.998

TOTAL

11028.99

11014.64

11374.23

33417.85

176

APPENDIX V
FISHERIES
(Rs. in lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

29.00

29.00

40.00

98.00

BARDHAMAN

484.90

39.70

37.74

562.34

BIRBHUM

81.89

81.89

81.89

245.67

COOCHBEHAR

429.12

445.91

457.67

1332.70

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

592.74

524.06

544.90

1661.69

HOOGHLY

2391.92

2438.17

2539.90

7369.99

HOWRAH

511.84

632.61

759.02

1903.47

JALPAIGURI

142.99

167.93

197.97

508.89

10

MALDA

171.07

152.34

242.25

565.66

11

MURSHIDABAD

1346.25

2065.44

2599.67

6011.36

12

NADIA

285.07

285.07

285.07

855.21

13

NORTH 24
PARAGANAS

693.60

808.60

871.60

2373.80

14

PASCHIM
MEDINIPUR

510.00

696.00

792.50

1998.50

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

12239.76

12455.76

12307.76

37003.28

16

PURULIA

119.62

129.85

130.10

379.57

17

SOUTH 24
PARAGANAS

248.90

249.90

276.00

774.80

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

362.50

397.50

432.50

1192.50

20641.17

21599.73

22596.54

64837.43

TOTAL

177

APPENDIX VI
AGRICULTURE MARKETING
( Rs. In lakh)
Sl
No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

417.50

542.50

429.00

1389.00

BARDHAMAN

151.44

74.62

74.62

300.68

BIRBHUM

74.62

74.62

74.62

223.86

COOCHBEHAR

68.72

75.40

83.42

227.54

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

531.25

531.25

531.25

1593.75

HOOGHLY

290.00

455.00

600.00

1345.00

HOWRAH

975.58

633.14

641.46

2250.18

JALPAIGURI

240.00

140.00

90.00

470.00

10

MALDA

244.00

404.00

594.00

1242.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

487.00

682.50

795.00

1964.50

12

NADIA

76.82

76.82

76.82

230.46

13

NORTH 24
PARAGANAS

200.00

200.00

160.00

560.00

14

PASCHIM
MEDINIPUR

377.70

351.90

389.95

1119.55

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

377.70

351.90

389.95

1119.55

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24
PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

298.80

300.20

311.52

910.52

TOTAL

4811.13

4893.85

5241.61

14946.59

178

APPENDIX VII
AGRI IRRIGATION & WATER RESOURCES
(Rs in lakh)
District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

2475.00

2310.00

2363.00

7148.00

BARDHAMAN

5389.43

5352.43

5145.43

15887.29

BIRBHUM

4111.43

4111.43

4111.43

12334.29

COOCHBEHAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

1350.14

1350.57

1518.01

4218.72

HOOGHLY

876.67

1461.08

991.55

3329.30

HOWRAH

2855.85

0.00

412.45

3268.30

JALPAIGURI

1124.00

1242.50

1323.50

3690.00

Sl
No

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

1078.60

1078.60

1078.60

3235.80

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

472.05

661.02

949.31

2082.38

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

357.00

624.00

936.00

1917.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

3644.01

3553.31

4330.80

11528.12

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

154.31

158.81

171.75

484.87

23888.49

21903.75

23331.83

69124.07

TOTAL

179

APPENDIX VIII
SOCIAL FORESTRY
(Rs in lakh)
District

Sl
No

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BARDHAMAN

26.00

26.00

26.00

78.00

BIRBHUM

26.00

26.00

26.00

78.00

COOCHBEHAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

334.64

354.74

372.89

1062.27

HOOGHLY

HOWRAH

14.20

13.70

15.00

42.90

JALPAIGURI

42.70

84.53

96.80

224.03

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

1.60

1.60

1.60

4.80

13

NORTH 24
PARAGANAS

103.15

106.50

65.50

275.15

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

1274.00

1281.50

1629.00

4184.50

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA

323.25

340.30

365.50

1029.05

17

SOUTH 24
PARAGANAS (other
agri)

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

2145.54

2234.87

2598.29

6978.7

0.00

TOTAL

180

APPENDIX IX
SERICULTURE
(Rs in lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

82.05

80.52

81.61

244.18

BARDHAMAN

63.00

63.00

63.00

189.00

BIRBHUM

69.58

69.58

69.58

208.74

COOCHBEHAR

53.69

52.06

51.02

156.77

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOOGHLY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOWRAH

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

JALPAIGURI

120.48

96.50

348.07

565.05

10

MALDA

317.14

324.58

335.33

977.05

11

MURSHIDABAD

162.80

158.88

178.25

499.93

12

NADIA

76.50

70.50

77.50

224.50

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

158.10

185.10

182.10

525.30

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

11.82

13.21

19.02

44.05

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

1115.16

1113.93

1405.48

3634.57

TOTAL

(Note: This sector included under "Horticulture' in Broad Sector Totaling)

181

APPENDIX X
COOPERATION
(Rs in lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

1150.00

1200.00

1314.00

3664.00

BARDHAMAN

663.20

709.04

770.54

2142.78

BIRBHUM

2871.50

299.00

406.50

3577.00

COOCHBEHAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

320.57

416.62

442.70

1179.89

HOOGHLY

338.50

479.68

505.18

1323.36

HOWRAH

JALPAIGURI

105.50

137.00

168.50

411.00

10

MALDA

395.00

440.00

505.00

1340.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

252.74

338.13

422.73

1013.60

12

NADIA

1317.50

1428.00

1535.50

4281.00

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

284.41

217.55

232.55

734.51

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

657.22

978.79

1344.75

2980.76

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

254.00

195.50

238.50

688.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

199.07

213.43

227.54

640.04

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

214.17

220.32

221.27

655.76

TOTAL

9023.38

0.00

182

7273.06

8335.26

24631.7
0

APPENDIX XI
OTHERS-KVK
(Rs in lakh)
Sl
No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

135.44

71.23

7.88

214.55

BANKURA

BARDHAMAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BIRBHUM

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

COOCHBEHAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR (Cottage &

small scale + food process)

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOOGHLY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOWRAH(KV Kendra)

18.53

1.74

1.68

21.95

JALPAIGURI (kvk)

87.16

170.03

153.84

411.03

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

1.55

1.55

1.55

4.65

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR(warehouse)

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

242.68

244.55

164.95

652.18

TOTAL

(Note: This sector included under 'Others' in Broad Sector Totalling.)

183

APPENDIX XII
OTHERS- KHADI, COTTAGE INDUSTRIES & DIC
(Rs in lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

466.80

615.60

477.30

1559.70

BANKURA

BARDHAMAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BIRBHUM

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

COOCHBEHAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR (COTTAGE &

small scale + food process)

701.68

734.90

742.87

2179.45

HOOGHLY

166.80

200.16

240.16

607.12

HOWRAH(KVI)

105.00

140.00

150.00

395.00

JALPAIGURI (dic)

650.00

817.00

1092.00

2559.00

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA (cottage & small scale)

491.00

542.00

566.00

1599.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

285.27

297.15

311.04

893.46

TOTAL

2866.55

3346.81

3579.37

9792.73

(Note: This sector included under 'Others' in Broad Sector Totaling)

184

APPENDIX XIII
PANCHAYAT
(Rs in lakh)
District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

79333.00

105811.00

79368.00

264512.00

BARDHAMAN

2.00

4.00

6.00

12.00

BIRBHUM

3.00

6.00

9.00

18.00

COOCHBEHAR

4.00

8.00

12.00

24.00

DARJEELING

5.00

10.00

15.00

30.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

6.00

12.00

18.00

36.00

HOOGHLY

7.00

14.00

21.00

42.00

HOWRAH

145.00

145.00

145.00

435.00

JALPAIGURI

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

79505

106010

79594

265109

Sl
No

TOTAL

185

APPENDIX XIV
OTHERS-MISCELLANEOUS
(Rs in lakh)
Sl No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA (lac)

23.90

26.10

0.00

50.00

BARDHAMAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BIRBHUM (agri-allied
training)

6.59

5.80

5.99

18.38

COOCHBEHAR

570.00

595.00

620.00

1785.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR (
food process)

229.00

239.00

249.00

717.00

HOOGHLY

HOWRAH(handloom)

284.26

265.03

289.18

838.47

JALPAIGURI (tea+eco
cluster)

200.00

220.00

140.00

560.00

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA (terminal mkt, int

fish, banana, duckery&
agro-tourism, capacity
building undr AADMI)

7158.66

7158.66

7158.66

21475.97

13

NORTH 24
PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR
(agri-mechanical)

120.60

120.60

503.48

744.68

16

PURULIA (food
process)

210.00

225.00

230.00

665.00

17

SOUTH 24
PARAGANAS (other

5240.00

5295.00

5410.00

15945.00

0.00

186

agri.)
18

UTTAR
DINAJPUR(public
health engg)
TOTAL

260.94

267.40

274.50

802.84

14303.95

14417.58

14880.81

43602.34

(Note: This sector included under 'Others' in Broad Sector Totalling.)

187

APPENDIX XV
OTHERS - NFS & SERVICE SECTOR
(Rs in lakh)
Sl
No

District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

913.50

1218.00

913.50

3045.00

BANKURA

BARDHAMAN

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

BIRBHUM

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

COOCHBEHAR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DARJEELING

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOOGHLY

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

HOWRAH

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

JALPAIGURI

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

10

MALDA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11

MURSHIDABAD

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12

NADIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

13

NORTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

PURBA MEDINIPUR

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

16

PURULIA

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

17

SOUTH 24 PARAGANAS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

UTTAR DINAJPUR

0.00

0.00

913.5

3045

TOTAL

913.5

1218

(Note: This sector included under 'Others' in Broad Sector Totaling.)

188

APPENDIX XVI

CONSOLIDATION OF CDAPS IN DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE

(Rs lakh)
District

2009 -10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

BANKURA

93798.83

122422.10

98464.92

314685.85

BARDHAMAN

13839.46

14443.09

15317.81

43600.36

BIRBHUM

8672.20

5964.44

6118.34

20754.98

COOCHBEHAR

4847.19

4960.79

5166.95

14974.93

DARJEELING

5.00

10.00

15.00

30.00

DAKSHIN DINAJPUR

5276.38

5796.81

6487.10

17560.29

HOOGHLY

6745.89

8059.09

8022.11

22827.09

HOWRAH

7275.32

3900.57

4634.46

15810.35

JALPAIGURI

7464.24

8966.37

9505.58

25936.19

1
0

MALDA

3025.05

3383.20

3676.17

10084.42

1
1

MURSHIDABAD

4879.96

6532.61

7999.76

19412.33

1
2

NADIA

20794.50

20691.06

21392.79

62873.69

1
3

NORTH 24
PARAGANAS

15509.24

4075.42

3860.60

23445.26

1
4

PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

6246.83

7092.24

8028.60

21367.67

1
5

PURBA MEDINIPUR

17445.75

20463.70

23155.88

61065.33

1
6

PURULIA

7840.72

8070.18

8649.63

24560.53

1
7

SOUTH 24
PARAGANAS

11559.18

11661.15

12732.35

35952.68

189

1
8

UTTAR DINAJPUR
Total

4009.16

4123.14

4278.54

11517.37

239234.89

260615.95

247506.58

746459.32

Total for 10-11 & 11-12 in Rs lakh

499850.84

Total for 10-11 & 11-12 in Rs crore

4998.51

190

Annexures

191

Annexure-1 : Population in West Bengal and India

(in crores)
Particulars

Male

Female

Total

Rural

Urban

West Bengal

4.14

3.87

8.01

5.77

2.24

India

53.22

49.65

102.87

74.26

28.61

Source : Census Reports : Economic Review 2008-09 Government of West Bengal

Annexure -2 : Age Groupwise Pecentage of Population in West Bengal

SL. No

Age - group

Percentage to Total Population

1971

1981

1991

2001

0-4

15

12

12

5-9

15

14

13

12

10 -14

13

13

12

12

15 - 19

11

20 - 24

10

25 - 29

30 - 34

35 - 39

40 - 44

10

45 - 49

11

50 - 54

12

55-59

13

60 and above

Source : Census Reports ; Economic Review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

192

Annexure - 3 : Growth of Population, Density and Literacy in West Bengal and India
Sl
No.

Particulars

1981

1991

2001

India

West Bengal

India

West Bengal

India

West Bengal

Population (in lakhs)

6833.29

545.81

8463.03

680.78

1028.37

801.76

Decennial percentage
variation of population

24.66
(1971-81)

23.17
(1971-81)

23.85
(1981-91)

24.73
(1981-91)

21.56
(1991-2001)

17.77
(1991-2001)

Density of population
(per sq km.)

216

615

273

767

325

903

Percentage of urban
population to total
population

23.34

26.47

26.13

27.48

27.81

27.97

Literacy (per cent)

43.56

48.64

52.19

57.7

64.82

68.64

Sex Ratio (Number of

females per 1000
males)

933

911

927

917

933

934

Source : Census Reports ; Economic Review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

193

Annexure - 4 : Total Main Workers and its percentage distribution in West Bengal
Rural
Category
Main wokers

Urban

Total

Person

Male

Female

Person

Male

Female

Person

Male

Female

16106580

13551865

2554715

6217003

5943106

973897

23023583

19494971

3528612

Percentage distribution
of Main Workers
I. Cultivators

19.53

17.95

1.58

0.25

0.21

0.09

19.79

18.17

1.62

II. Agicultural labourers

19.3

15.48

3.32

0.34

0.29

0.05

19.64

16.26

3.38

III. Household industries

4.72

2.42

2.30

1.52

0.96

0.56

6.24

3.38

2.86

IV. Other workers

26.40

22.51

3.09

27.92

24.35

3.52

54.32

46.95

7.47

Source : Census of India ; Economic Review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

194

Annexure -5 : Some Important Demograpic Features of West Bengal as Revealed in the Last Four Census
Items
1971
1981
1991
Total population (in lakhs)
443.12
545.81
680.78
Number of male population (in lakhs)
234.36
285.61
355.11
Percentage of male population to total population
52.89
52.33
52.16
Number of female population (in lakhs)
208.76
260.2
325.67
Percentage of female population to total population
47.11
47.67
47.84
Urban population (in lakhs)
109.67
144.47
187.08
Percentage of Urban population to total population
24.75
26.47
27.48
Rural population (in lakhs)
333.45
401.34
493.7
Percentage of Rural population to total population
75.25
73.53
72.52
Population of Kolkata Urban Agglomerations (in lakhs)
70.31
91.94
110.22
Percentage of population of Kolkata Urban Agglomerations to
64.11
63.64
58.92
total urban population
12
Number of main workers (in lakhs)
123.69
154.24
205.81
13
Number of cultivators (in lakhs)
39.55
45.91
58.45
14
Number of agricultural labourers (in lakhs)
32.72
38.92
50.55
15
Percentage of cultivators to main workers
31.97
29.76
28.4
16
Percentage of agricultural labourers to main workers
26.45
25.23
24.56
Source : Census of India ; Economic Review 2008 - 09,
Government of West Bengal
SL. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

195

2001
801.76
414.66
51.72
387.1
48.28
224.27
27.97
577.49
72.03
132.06
58.88
230.24
0
0
0
0

Annexure -6 : Some basic Economic Indicators during recent years in West Bengal and India

Particulars

2002 - 03

2006 - 07

2007 - 08

2008 - 09

India

West
Bengal

India

West
Bengal

India

West
Bengal

India

West
Bengal

1. Percentage rise (+)/fall in

NNP/NSDP (at year 1999 - 00
prices) over previous year

3.60

3.50

9.77

8.80

9.13 (Q)

7.89 (Q)

7.11 (A)

7.62 (A)

2. Percentage rise (+)/fall in per

capita income (at 1999 - 00 prices)
over previous year

2.03

1.99

8.2

7.62

7.60 (Q)

6.73 (Q)

5.62 (A)

6.58 (A)

3. Percentage increase (+)/decrease

(-) in the index number of
agricultural production over
previous year (crop year July to
June)

-15.88

-6.32

2.87

-2.53

10.84

0.76+

4. Percentage increase (+)/decrease

(-) in the consumer price index
number for industrial workers over
previous year

4.10

5.13

6.83

6.57

6.22

8.69

9.00 ( c )

7.43 ( c )

196

5. Percentage increase (+)/decrease

(-) in the consumer price index for
agricultural labourer over previous
year (crop year July to June)

3.84

0.66

8.38

6.73

7.47

8.22

10.73 (b)

10.05 (b)

6. Percentage increase (+)/decrease

(-) in the index number of industrial
production over previous year
(i) General

5.75

9.34

11.56

5.70

8.46

4.04

4.93 (d)

3.41 (d)

(ii) Manufacturing

6.02

9.81

12.51

6.31

8.99

4.41

5.22 (d)

3.83 (d)

Sources : Economic Review, 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

A = Advance ; Q = Quick + Anticipated ; b = upto December 2007 (6 months) ;
c = upto December (9 months) ; d = upto December 2007 (6 months)

197

Annexure -7 : Annual Growth in NSDP of West Bengal at constant 1999 - 00 prices (per cent)

Sectors

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

Annual average
growth during
10th Plan

2007-08

Primary

-2.30

3.42

2.08

1.74

2.77

1.54

4.91

Secondary

9.80

8.68

10.48

4.85

13.53

9.47

8.41

Tertiary

5.25

6.44

7.97

7.68

10.33

7.53

9.08

Total NSDP

3.50

5.88

6.63

5.53

8.80

6.07

7.89

Per capita income

1.99

4.59

5.4

4.36

7.62

4.79

6.78

Sources : Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics, Government of West Bengal

Economic Review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

198

Annexure -8 : Percentage share of different sectors in Total NSDP (at constant 1999 - 2000 prices)
Sectors

1999-00

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

Annual
Average
Growth during
10th Plan

2007-08

Primary

32.77

30.17

29.47

28.22

27.2

25.69

28.15

24.9

Secondary

14.64

15.59

15.99

16.57

16.46

17.18

16.36

17.26

Tertiary

52.59

54.24

54.54

55.21

56.74

57.13

55.49

57.76

Total

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

Sources : Break of Applied Economics & Statistics, Government of West Bengal

Economic Survey 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

199

Annexure -9 : Estimates of Net State Domestic Product of West Bengal

Sl No.

Industry

Agriculture

2006 - 07 (P)

2007 - 08 (Q)

% change

38905.40

40904.72

5.14

Forestry

1653.31

1835.34

11.01

Fishing

5316.75

5681.83

6.87

Mining & Quarrying

2062.03

1868.36

-9.39

Primary

47937.49

50290.25

9.91

Manufacturing

16661.21

15911.53

1.6

5723.91

5844.73

2.11

9937.3

100660.80

1.30

14291.64

16660.92

16.58

5
5.1

Manufacturing (Regd.)

5.2

Manufacturing (Un Regd.)

Construction

Electricity,Gas & Water supply

Secondary

2090.84

2166.68

3.63

32043.69

34739.13

8.41

Transport, Storage & Communication

8.1

Railways

2973.35

3228.73

8.59

8.2

Transport by other means the storage

8729.70

9185.71

5.22

8.3

Communication

5396.19

6438.74

19.32

Trade, Hotel & Resturants

30780.25

32947.64

7.04

10

Banking & Insurance

13663.16

15310.22

12.06

11

Real Estate, Ownership of Dwelling &

Buisness services

19999.6

22649.26

13.25

12

Public Administration

7256.44

7718.64

6.37

13

Other Services

17789.45

18789.25

5.62

200

Tertiary

106588.14

116268.29

Total

186569.32

201297.67

8.80

7.89

21752.79

23228.71

7.62

6.78

Growth over previous year

(per cent)
Per capita income (Rs.)
Growth in Per capita income
(per cent)

Sources : Break of Applied Economics & Statistics, Government of West Bengal

Economic Survey 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal ; P = Provisional ; Q = Quick

201

9.08

Annexure -10A: Agro - climatic Regions in West Bengal

Zone

Region

Sub Region

Districts Covered

Charecteristics

Zone II

Eastern Himalayan
Region

Hills

Darjeeling

Mainly brown forest soil, acidic in nature (pH 3.5-5.0), annual rainfall
varies from 2500-3500mm., high humidity, less sunshine hours, poor
soil depth and quality limits crop productivity. Pre-monsoon showers
commences from March.

Terai

Jalpaiguri
Coochbehar

Soils are mostly sandy to sandy loams, porous, low in base content,
poor in available nutrients; acidic(pH 4.2 to 6.2); rainfall varies from
2000-3200mm; high water table, low water holding capacity, high
humidity, less sunshine hours during the monsoon months and
marginality of lands in some parts limit crop productivity. Chronically
deficient in micronutrients, like Boron, Molybdenum and Zinc, in
particular.

Old alluvium

North and South Dinajpur

Soils are lighter in higher situations and heavier in lower situations,

mildly acidic to neutral in reaction (Ph 5.2 to 7.0); fairly fertile over most
of the sub region; rainfall 1500-2000mm. in upper and 1300-1500mm. in
lower parts, considerable area is flood prone due to infeded river flow.

New alluvium

Murshidabad, Nadia,
Hoogly, Burdwan, North 24
Parganas

Soils are deep, mostly neutral in reaction (Ph 5.5 to 7.0) and fertile;
rainfall 1350-1450mm.

Coastal saline

South 24 Parganas,
Howrah and Midnapore(E)

Soils are mostly heavy clay containing higher salts of sodium,

magnesium, potassium with organic matter at different stages of
decomposition. Mostly neutral soils (pH 6.5 to 7.5). Electrical
conductivity varies from 3.0 to 18.0 mm., rainfall 1600-1800mm.;salinity
and water congestion limit good crop productivity.

Red laterectic

Birbhum, Bankura,
Midnapore (W)

Soils are coarse in texture, highly drained with honeycomb type of

ferruginous concentration at a depth of 15 to 30cm.; erosion prone;
acidic in nature (pH 5.5 to 6.2); poor available nutrients; average rainfall
1100-1400mm., low moisture holding capacity and poor nutrient status
limit crop productivity.

Zone III

Lower Gangetic
Region

202

Zone VII

Eastern Plateau &

Hill Region

Purulia

Soils shallow modulated gravely, coarse textured, well drained with low
water holding capacity. Upload soils are highly susceptible to erosion;
acidic in reaction (pH 5.5 to 6.2). Rainfall varies from 1100 to 1400mm.
which is spread over only three months, mid June to mid September.

203

Annexure 10B : Soil and climate parameters of different agroclimatic zones in West Bengal
Area

Temperature (0C)

Rainfall (cm)

Soil

Min.

Max.

Hilly zone

1.9

24.2

220-400
(high relative
humidity)

Light,acidic,deficient in
micronutrient

Terai zone

10.5

31.1

300
(high relative
humidity)

Light,acidic

Alluvial zone

10.0

38.0

120-150
(moderate to high
relative humidity)

Deep loam, neutral

Red & laterictic

zone

9.0

45.0

110-130
(low relative humidity)

Red,acidic,low water
holding capacity

Coastal zone

15.0

27.6

150-200
(moderate to high
relative humidity)

Acidic to alkaline,good
water holding capacity

204

Annexure -11 : Utilization of Land In West Bengal

Classification

1985-86

1995-96

2004-05

(Area in 000 ha)

2006-07

2005-06

Area

Percentage

Area

Percentage

Area

Percentage

Area

Percentage

Area

Percentage

(i) Net area

sown

5262

59.5

5462

62.8

5375

61.9

5295

61.0

5296

61.0

(ii) Current
fallows
(iii) Forests

65

0.7

220

2.5

314

3.6

319

3.7

341

3.9

1186

13.4

1196

13.8

1175

13.5

1175

13.5

1174

13.5

(iv) Area not

available for
cultivation

1730

19.6

1642

18.9

1699

19.6

1753

20.2

1754

20.2

(v) Other
uncultivated
land excluding
current fallows

606

6.8

175

2.0

124

1.4

141

1.6

119

1.4

Total Reporting
Area

8849

100.0

8695

100.0

8687

100.0

8683

100.0

8684

100.0

Sources : (1) Directorate of Agriculture, Evaluation Wing, Govt. of West Bengal;

(2) Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics , Government of West Bengal, 2007
* Excluding Kolkata Municipal Metropolitan District

205

Annexure -12 : Estimated Number and Area of Operational Holdings according to Size Class in West Bengal
Size
Marginal (Below 10 ha)
Small (1.0 - 2.0 ha)
Semi-medium
ha)

(2.0- 4.0

Medium (4.0 - 10.0 ha)

Large (10.0 ha or above)
All Size

Class

1980-81

1990-91

2000-01

No. of Holdings

4096001

4639055

5462089

Area of Holdings (Ha)

1619657

2064440

2758843

No. of Holdings

1148936

1107006

1009328

Area of Holdings (Ha)

1733512

1694000

1606686

No. of Holdings

519445

457150

282992

Area of Holdings (Ha)

1403246

1269052

783773

No. of Holdings

111859

79284

34797

Area of Holdings (Ha)

594883

425530

178298

1408

1291

785

Area of Holdings (Ha)

203484

202668

218976

No. of Holdings

5877649

6283786

6789991

Area of Holdings (Ha)

5554782

5655690

5546576

0.94

0.90

0.82

No. of Holdings

Average Size of Holdings

(Ha)
Source : Agricultural Census, Directorate of Agriculture,

Government of West Bengal

Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics, Statistical Abstract, Government of West Bengal 2005

206

Annexure -13 : Percentage distributions of operational holdings, ownership households area owned over five
broad classes of holding in India and West Bengal

Particulars

Marginal
(Below 1.0 ha)

Small
(Below 1.0 - 2.0
ha)

Semi medium
(2.01 - 4 ha)

Medium
(9.0 - 10.0 ha)

Large
(Above 10 ha)

Operational
Holdings %

69.8

16.2

2.0

4.2

0.8

Ownership
Holdings %

79.6

10.8

6.00

3.00

0.60

Area owned %

23.05

20.38

21.98

23.08

Operational
Holdings %

88.8

8.9

2.10

0.20

0.00

Ownership
Households %

92.06

5.70

1.40

0.2

0.00

Area owned %

58.23

25.71

1.88

4.02

0.00

All India

West Bengal

Source : Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics , Government of West Bengal, 2007

207

Annexure -14 : Index Number of Agriculture Area, Production and Productivity in West Bengal
(Base : Triennium ending crop year 1981 - 82 = 100)

Sl
No.

Index

1985 - 86

1990 - 91

1995 - 96

2000 - 01

2005 - 06

2006 - 07

2007 - 08

2008 - 09 (A)

AC

AC

AC

AC

AC

AC

AC

AC

Area

98.9

102.2

111.6

109.8

114.8

11.8

106.8

110.3

112.6

114.5

110.9

115.3

111.3

115.7

114.7

119.2

Production

126.0

129.9

160.4

162.7

184.2

187.2

195.9

210.2

224.9

232.9

229.5

227

230.4

251.6

240.9

253.5

Productivity

127.4

127.1

143.7

148.2

160.5

167.4

183.4

190.6

199.7

203.4

207.0

196.9

207.0

217.5

209.6

212.7

P = Provisional, A = Anticipated, C= Cereal , AC= All Combined

Source : Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics , Government of West Bengal,
Economic Review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

208

Annexure -15 : Index Number of Agricultural Area, Production, Productivity, Cropping Pattern, Cropping Intensity,
Productivity per Hectare of Net Area Sown of selected crops and Net Area Sown in West Bengal (Base : Triennium ending
Crop Year)
Year

Index of 1981 - 82 = 100

1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
2000-01
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
P = Provisional

Area

Production

Productivity

Cropping
pattern

Cropping
intensity

Productivity
per ha. of net
sown area

Net area
sown

102.2
109.8
111.8
110.3
114.5
115.3
115.7

129.9
162.7
187.2
210.2
232.9
223.0
251.6

127.1
148.2
167.4
190.6
203.4
196.9
217.5

105.7
114.2
121.8
128.8
130.7
133.8
134.7

108.1
111.8
114.0
113.4
120.4
121.2
121.7

137.5
165.7
190.3
216.0
244.9
238.7
264.6

94.5
98.2
98.1
97.3
95.1
95.1
95.1

Source : Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics , Government of West Bengal

Economic review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal
None :
(i) Index of Cropping pattern in the j th year =

Cij Yio Pio 100

Cij Yio Pio

Where

Cio =

aio
aio

Cij =

aij

Proportion of area under the ith crop in the base

period

aij

Proportion of area under the ith crop in the jth year

period

Yio

Yield per hectare of the ith crop in the base period

Pio

Price per unit area of the ith crop in the base period

(ii) Index of Cropping Intensity =

Index of area under crops 100

Index of net area sown

209

Annexure -16 : Area under Principal Crops in West Bengal (A in '000 ha ; P in 000 tonnes)
Sl
No.

Crops

1980-81

1990-91

2000-01

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

Rice

5176.2

5812.9

5435.3

5783.6

5782.9

5687.0

5719.8

(i) Aus

615.1

610.3

394.0

320.8

288.1

283.9

281.6

(ii) Aman

4214.6

4306.5

3639.5

4086.4

4112.9

4001.9

3926.6

(iii) Boro

346.5

896.1

1401.8

1376.4

1381.9

1401.2

1511.6

Wheat

283.0

269.1

426.0

400.1

366.7

350.6

352.6

Barley

35.4

10.3

3.5

2.4

2.4

2.9

2.0

Maize

52.6

64.6

35.3

64.6

71.8

85.4

77.2

Other Cereals

27.8

24.9

18.3

17.7

17.4

17.9

17.9

Total Cereals

5575.0

6181.8

5918.4

6268.4

6241.2

6143.8

6169.5

FOOD GRAINS :
Cereals 1

Pulses 6

Gram

96.2

25.6

54.7

38.0

40.0

31.2

25.1

Tur (Arhar)

22.6

5.8

8.9

1.5

1.8

2.0

1.1

Mung

29.2

15.5

1.2

11.7

11.5

12.6

16.5

Masur

94.6

73.8

76.0

62.7

61.5

64.2

58.7

10

Khesari

134.7

44.8

40.4

35.0

33.3

32.2

33.5

11

Other Pulses

147.0

148.5

83.3

77.5

74.5

77.4

66.0

Total Pulses

524.3

314.0

274.5

226.4

222.6

219.6

200.9

Total Foodgrains

6099.3

6495.8

6192.9

6494.8

6463.8

6363.4

6370.4

210

NON - FOOD GRAINS :

Oilseeds 12

Rapeseed and Mustard

131.1

378.1

436.0

457.5

421.5

421.5

407.5

13

Linseed

67.8

8.5

11.9

5.3

6.7

5.0

5.9

14

Sesame (Til)

108.1

99.3

107.2

148.3

148.6

200.4

203.1

15

Sunflower

2.2

0.6

0.2

8.5

12.5

13.7

16.0

16

Other Oilseeds

8.2

26.7

43.3

53.5

54.2

62.8

74.9

Total Oilseeds

317.4

513.2

598.6

673.1

643.5

703.4

707.4

Fibres 17

Jute

610.4

500.2

613

569.2

558.9

594.9

609.8

18

Mesta

44.4

9.1

10.9

8.6

10.4

9.6

7.4

19

Other Fibres

2.1

2.0

2.7

2.5

2.8

7.0

9.3

Total Fibres

656.9

511.3

626.6

580.3

572.1

611.5

626.5

Miscellaneous Crops :
20

Sugarcane

14.3

12.2

21.6

15.6

15.0

16.6

16.9

21

Potato

115.6

194.5

299.7

320.6

354.5

407.9

400.8

22

Tobacco

18.9

12.7

10.5

15.1

13.9

12.0

11.7

23

Tea

93.5

101.2

107.5

114

114.5

114.8 (P)

114.8 (P)

Sources : (1) Directorate of Agriculture, Evaluation Wing, Govt. of West Bengal

(2) Tea Board
(P) Provisional ; (a) '000 bales of 180 kg each ; ( c) '000 kg ; (b) Figure related to calender year

211

SL.
No.

Crops

Annexure -17 : Yield Rates of Some Selected Crops in West Bengal and India
1990-91
2000-01
2005-06

1980-81

2006-07

2007-08

WB

India

WB

India

WB

India

WB

India

WB

India

WB

India

Rice

1442

1336

1795

1740

2287

1901

2509

2102

2593

2131 (R)

2573

2203

2
3
4

Wheat
Gram
Jute

1672
578
1310

1630
657
1245

1970
584
1978

2281
712
1833

2485
917
2182

2778
744
2026

2109
1024
2572

2619
815
2362

2281
768
2545

2708 (R)
845 (R)
2342 (R)

2602
983
2425

2785
780
2246

605

560

889

904

956

935

909

1117

803

1099 (R)

888

1009

Rapeseed
and
Mustard
Potato+

17

13

23

16

26

18

21

17

12

15

25

Tea

1424 (b)

1491 (b)

1480 (b)

1794 (b)

1689 (b)

1682 (b)

1899 (R)

1708 (R)

2091 (P)

1716 (P)

1983 (P)

1664 (P)

Sources : Economic survey 2008 - 09 , Govt. of West Bengal

(b) = Figures relate to calendar year
P = Provisional
R = Revised

212

Annexure -18 : Net Cropped Area, Gross Cropped Area and Cropping Intensity
In West Bengal
SL.
No.
1
2

Year
1990-91

Net cropped area

(in hectares)
5463424

Gross cropped area

(in hectares)
8662286

Cropping intensity
(in percent)
159

1995-96

5461925

8972544

164

2000-01

5417382

9116597

168

2005-06

5294702

9532607

180

2006-07

5296005

9634535

182

P = Provisional ;
Source : Directorate of Agriculture (Evaluation Wing) Govt. of West Bengal

213

Annexure -18.a : Contribution of West Bengal to All India Production of Certain selected Crops
SL.
No.

Crops

West Bengal to All India Production (In percent)

1980 - 81

1990 - 91

2000 - 01

2005 - 06

2006 - 07 ( R )+

2007 - 08

13.9
1.3
2.3
6.4

14.1
1.0
1.4
6.4

14.6
1.5
2.0
7.0

15.8
1.1
1.3
7.5

15.8
1.1
1.1
7.3

15.3
1.2
1.1
7.0

(i) Sesame

11.1

10.7

17.3

21.9

30.6

22.8

(ii) Rapeseed & Mustard

4.0

6.5

10.0

4.7

4.6

6.2

57.6
0.6
20.4
23.4

60.1
0.4
29.9
20.8

71.2
0.5
34.7
21.4

74.8
0.4
31.2
23.2

75.5
0.4
22.9
24.7 ( P )

74.2
0.5

1
2
3
4

Rice
Wheat
Pulses
Total Foodgrains

Oilseeds

6
Jute & Mesta
7
Sugarcane
8
Potato
9
Tea
P = Provision + Tonnes per Ha
R = Revised
Source : Economic Review 2008 - 09,

Government of West Bengal

214

24.1 ( P )

Annexure 19 : Area under High - Yielding varieties in West Bengal (Area in '000 hectares)
Year

Aus

Aman

Boro

Total Rice

Wheat

Total Rice & Wheat

HYV
Area

% to
total area

HYV
Area

% to
total area

HYV
Area

% to
total area

HYV
Area

% to
total area

HYV
Area

% to
total area

HYV
Area

% to
total area

1980-81

219.9

35.75

965.5

22.91

346.5

100.00

1531.9

29.60

283.0

100

1814.9

33.24

1990-91

404.3

66.25

1956.5

45.43

896.1

100.00

3256.9

56.03

269.0

100

3525.9

57.97

2000-01

387.6

98.38

3029.5

33.10

1401.8

100.00

4813.9

88.52

426.0

100

5239.9

89.40

2005-06

285.8

99.20

3578.1

87.00

1381.9

100.00

5245.8

90.71

366.7

100

5612.9

91.26

2006-07

281.8

99.30

3481.6

87.00

1400.0

100.00

5163.90

90.81

350.6

100

5514.0

91.30

2007-08

288.2

99.40

3325.0

87.50

1511.6

100.00

5124.0

91.48

352.5

100

5473.3

91.99

Source : Department of Agriculture , Government of West Bengal

Economic Review

2008 - 09 ,

Government of West Bengal

215

Annexure - 20 : Growth in Area Coverage and Production of Fruits, Vegetable and Flowers
Item

Unit

2006-07

2007-08

Growth %

Area of coverage under fruits

'000 ha

187.13

124.25

3.80

Production of fruits

'000 MT

2640.53

2766.67

4.78

Area of coverage under vegetables

'000 ha

903.62

912.41

0.92

Production of vegetables

000 MT

12087.97

12555.96

3.87

Area of coverage under flowers

'000 ha

18.56

19.59

5.55

Production of loose flowers

'000 MT

43.68

48.46

10.94

Crore Spikes

129.66

196.80

51.78

Production of cut flowers

Source : Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture,

Government of West Bengal
Economic Review 2008 - 09, Government of West Bengal

216

SL.
No.

Name of Fruits /
Vegatables

A.
1

FRUITS
Mango

Annexure - 21 : Area and Production of Fruits and Vegetables in West Bengal

(Area in thousand hectares)
(Production in thousand tonnes)
2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

69.13

70.09

78.23

80.9

460.75

513.34

549.76

623.35

Banana

26.64

27.8

31.69

37.37

512.52

544.87

802.07

892.25

Pineapple

12.85

13.38

13.4

9.53

349.85

379.16

372.09

283.18

Papaya

8.71

9.51

9.9

10.69

253.14

263.65

276.92

308.62

Guava

Jackfruit

9.37

9.88

10.82

11.86

140.89

152.99

148.96

162.21

10.61

10.88

11.43

11.43

148.38

160.1

185.32

190.67

Litchi

7.16

8.05

8.09

8.11

69.91

74.92

77.24

77.76

Mandarin Orange

3.52

3.55

3.74

3.74

32.27

32.51

36.44

36.45

Other Citrus

6.27

6.48

7.06

7.21

50.07

54.56

61

62

10

Sapota

3.93

4.17

4.2

3.88

45.39

49.02

51.35

43.4

11

Others

8.1

8.9

8.57

9.53

65.11

76.58

79.38

86.78

Total
VEGETABLES
Tomato

166.29

172.69

187.13

194.25

2128.28

2301.7

2640.53

2766.67

B.
1

46.11

49.96

50.95

51.13

694.95

857.18

868.71

956.67

2
3
4
5
6
7

Cabbage
Cauliflower
Peas
Brinjal
Onion
Cucurbits

71.3
64.63
24.96
148.35
16.33
159.17

74.71
65.64
21.67
152.9
17.51
164.72

72.79
66.11
21.56
152.46
17.92
163.64

73.2
66.91
20.93
153.93
18.67
163.65

1863.91
1685.19
122.02
2701.69
183.58
1748.17

1982.68
1666.15
129.38
2757.44
221.67
1763.07

1968.11
1658.17
124.52
2698.55
237.54
1978.6

2016.06
1682.09
123.8
2734.93
248.77
2017.52

8
9

Ladies Finger
Radish

63.68
34.97

65.77
35.73

67.98
37.99

71.46
38.33

677.28
358.63

718.94
392.27

762.39
427.91

815.32
451.38

10

Others

238.91
241.23
252.22
254.2
961.2
Total
868.41
889.84
903.62
912.41
10996.62
Source : Directorate of Food processing Industries & Horticulture, Govt. of West Bengal

1067.97
11556.75

1363.47
12087.97

1509.42
12555.96

217

Annexure - 22 : Area and Production of Flowers in West Bengal

SL.
No.

Name of Flowers

(Area in thousand hectares)

Production

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

Unit

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

Rose

1.49

1.59

1.59

1.61

Crore Spikes

18.17

18.01

28.2

200708
72.41

Tuber Rose

2.81

2.54

2.89

3.43

Crore Spikes

44.5

46.12

58.87

78.15

Gladiolus

1.88

2.06

2.06

2.29

Crore Spikes

26.96

29.35

30.22

33.38

Chrysanthemum

0.44

0.52

0.53

0.5

Thousand M.T.

0.52

0.59

12.37

12.86

Marigold

4.24

4.04

4.21

4.74

Thousand M.T.

33.79

32.48

34.33

38.7

Jasmine

0.46

0.58

0.57

0.46

Thousand M.T.

0.69

0.77

0.77

0.63

Seasonal flowers

4.32

4.02

4.1

4.07

Thousand M.T.

7.65

6.24

6.34

Others

2.28

2.54

2.61

2.49

Thousand M.T.

2.02

2.21

2.58

2.78

Total

17.92

17.89

18.56

19.59

* Unit in crore spikes

(a) Unit in '000 MT
Source : Directorate of Food processing Industries & Horticulture, Govt. of West Bengal

218

Annexure 23 : AREA AND PRODUCTION OF SPICES IN WEST BENGAL (2005 - 06)

Crop

Area
'000 ha

Production
%

'000 mt

Productivity (kg/ha)
%

W.B.

India

Chilli (Rabi Bhadoi)

59.888

8.14

65.136

5.9

1903

1608

Ginger

11.213

11.43

83.15

21.20

7415

3969

Turmeric

17.04

10.57

30.319

4.23

1779

4446

Fenugreek

1.687

0.966

572

1269

Black pepper

0.185

0.07

0.547

0.687

296

310

Garlic

2.632

1.81

22.865

3.47

8687

4550

Coriander

9.693

2.5

10.146

3.1

1046

873

Black cumin

0.84

0.68

810

Fennel

0.404

1.76

0.165

0.59

407

1208

Large Cardamom

2.98

10.03

0.856

13.38

287

156

Total
(including other spices)

108.5

4.21

216.7

5.68

219

Annexure 24 AREA AND PRODUCTION OF PLANTATION CROPS (2005 - 06)

SL.
No.

Crop

Area in '000 ha

Production in '000 mt

Productivity

Coconut

30.562

4007.392 (lakh nuts)

131.13

Arecanut

10.236

19.116

1.87

Betelvine

19.148

139.486

7.27

Cashewnut

9.711

9.569

0.99

220

Annexure -25 : Consumption of Fertilizers and Pesticides in West Bengal

Year

Total Fertilizer Consumption in tonnes

Fertilizer
Consumption (in
Kg) per unit of
Gross Cropped
Area (Kg/ha)

Pesticide Consumption

Ingredient
Active

Quantity
consumed in MT

Coverage
(lakh
hectares)

Per ha in Kg

1980-81

167321

70844

44669

1990-91

411896

206782

134330

86.93

4040

46.48

0.47

2000-01

561880

296959

226252

119.02

3180

49.00

0.44

2001-02

586841

329785

261556

120.48

3170

52.00

0.42

2002-03

562998

341244

263377

122.77

3780

53.00

0.38

2003-04

581565

304177

230080

115.54

4000

51.00

0.44

2004-05

630995

339615

290894

132.47

4100

51.23

0.42

2005-06

611000

358000

271000

2006-07

678000

386000

301000

2007-08

685000

386000

304000

150

Source : Directorate of Agriculture,

Government of West Bengal

Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics , Government of West Bengal - Statistical Abstract 2005

221

Annexure -26 : Creation and utilization of irrigation potential in West Bengal

Year

Potential created upto

the year ('000 ha)

Potential utilized during

the year ('000 ha)

Percentage utilization
over creation

1996-97

4424.54

3559.41

80.45

2001-02

5096.95

3985.22

78.19

2006-07

5430.14

4375.62

80.58

2007-08

5501.12

4492.49

81.66

Source : (1) Water Investigation and Development Department, Government of West Bengal
(2) Irrigation & Waterways directorate, Government of West Bengal
(3) Economic survey, 2008-09, Government of West Bengal

222

Annexure -27 : Production of Milk (Cow, Buffalo, and Goat) and Egg
(Hen & Duck) in West Bengal
Year

Milk ('000 tonnes)

1990-91
2912*
2000-01
3470
2004-05
3790
2005-06
3892
2006-07
3984
2007-08 (P)
4077
* = Exclude production of good milk

Egg (000 numbers)

2279023
2682079
2887649
2963720
3038645
3057342

P = Provisional
Source : Directorate of Animal Resources & Animal Health,
Government of West Bengal

223

Annexure -28 : Production of Meat in West Bengal

Sl No.

Year

Mutton

Goat Meat

Pork

Bovine
(Cattle & Buffalo)

Poultry

1990-91

4.0

91.5

31.4

533.4

35.4

2000-01

16.2

133.3

31.6

124.4

132.7

2001-02

16.3

135.2

32.4

123.6

134.6

2002-03

15.4

138.9

34.1

123.2

138.4

2003-04

15.7

144.3

33.7

125.8

143.5

2004-05

16.2

148.3

31.2

132.5

147.0

2005-06

16.6

152.2

31.8

135.5

151.0

2006-07

17.0

156.3

32.8

139.3

155.2

2007-08 (P)

17.7

161.5

33.7

140.7

151.4

P = Provisional
Source : Directorate of Animal Resources & Animal Health, Govt. of West Bengal

224

Annexure -29 : Production of Fish in West Bengal (In '000 tonnes)

Year

Production
Inland

Marine

Total

1990-91

555

125

680

1995-96

740

153

893

2000-01

879

181

1060

2001-02

916

184

1100

2002-03

938

182

1120

2003-04

988

182

1170

2004-05

1035

180

1215

Source : Directorate of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal

Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics ,
Government of West Bengal - Statistical Abstract 2005

225

Annexure -30 : Inland, Marine and Total Fish Production in West

Bengal and India during 2006 - 07

Fish production

West Bengal

India

% of all India
production

Inland

1181.00

3844.9

30.72

Marine

178.10

3024.16

5.89

Total

1359.10

6869.04

100.00

Source : Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India

Economic review, Government of West Bengal, 2008 - 09

226

Annexure - 31 : Output of Timber and Firewood and Revenue Receipts from

Forest in West Bengal
Year

Timber*
(in cubic metre)

Firewood**
(in cubic metre)

Revenue Receipts
(Rs. In lakh)

1980-81

230417

450607

1576.05

1985-86

210748

454096

3346.41

1990-91

88252

210692

3394.00

1995-96

88554

208589

6299.69

2000-01

88160

250399

6577.36

2005-06

85993

324092

11393.81

2006-07

114589

387094

12911.63

2007-08

231578

262023

15215.35

* = Timber includes pulpwood, match wood, other timber and poles

** = Firewood includes quantity of firewood required for production
of charcoals, other firewood and pulpwood.
Source : 1. Directorate of Forestry , Government of India
2. Economic review, Government of West Bengal, 2008 - 09

227

Annexure -32 : Other Forest products harvested

Products

Unit

2006 - 07

Honey

Quintal

251.28

Wax

Quintal

13.96

Sal seed

MT

1296.30

Kendu leaves

MT

2065.34

Citronella grass

Quintal

3227.14

Source : Economic review, Government of West Bengal, 2008 - 09

228

Annexure : 33
Agencywise, Broad Sector-wise flow of Ground Level Credit (GLC) during 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and Target for 2009-10 for the
State of West Bengal
Rs. in crore
Particulars / Agency
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Type of Loan
T
A
% Ach
T
A
% Ach
T
A
% Ach
T
Crop Loan
CBs
1009.68
955.64
94.65
1472.85
1551.06 105.00
1912.35
1835.52
95.98
3017.66
SCB/CCBs
1043.54
786.06
75.33
1018.00
985.28
97.00
1375.00
795.81
57.88
1241.06
SCARDB
30.57
12.82
41.94
46.52
9.18
20.00
66.00
35.32
53.52
83.12
RRBs
266.05
169.83
63.83
288.40
243.81
85.00
496.40
430.95
86.82
874.92
Other Agencies
0.25
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.07
0.00
2.00
Sub-Total
2350.09
1924.35
81.88
2825.77
2789.33
98.71
3849.75
3097.67
80.46
5218.76
Term Loan(MT & LT)
CBs
1076.32
1259.18 116.99
1518.15
1387.45
91.00
1880.65
1997.33
106.20
1992.34
SCB/CCBs
191.46
162.92
85.09
232.00
169.37
73.00
346.00
797.12
230.38
1130.94
SCARDB
169.43
75.71
44.69
153.48
111.39
73.00
234.00
101.40
43.33
238.88
RRBs
203.95
148.12
72.63
261.60
194.17
74.00
382.60
213.68
55.85
431.08
Other Agencies
8.75
9.65 110.29
9.00
10.18 113.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
3.00
Sub-Total
1649.91
1655.58 100.34
2174.23
1872.56
86.13
2843.25
3109.53
109.37
3796.24
Total Agri Credit (1+2)
CBs
2086.00
2214.82 106.18
2991.00
2938.51
98.00
3793.00
3832.85
101.05
5010.00
SCB/CCBs
1235.00
948.98
76.84
1250.00
1154.65
92.00
1721.00
1592.93
92.56
2372.00
SCARDB
200.00
88.53
44.27
200.00
120.57
60.00
300.00
136.72
45.57
322.00
RRBs
470.00
317.95
67.65
550.00
437.98
80.00
879.00
644.63
73.34
1306.00
Other Agencies
9.00
9.65 107.22
9.00
10.18 113.00
0.00
0.07
5.00
Total
4000.00
3579.93
89.50
5000.00
4661.89
93.24
6693.00
6207.20
92.74
9015.00
Non-Farm Sector
CBs
1601.01
1244.79
77.75
1959.00
1509.45
77.00
2101.60
2158.23
102.69
3207.00
SCB/CCBs
174.00
66.54
38.24
200.00
235.79 118.00
214.00
128.40
60.00
284.00
SCARDB
65.00
9.70
14.92
85.00
12.04
14.00
91.00
11.02
12.11
72.00
RRBs
281.00
124.59
44.34
350.00
195.07
56.00
375.00
239.83
63.95
572.00

229

Other Agencies
Sub-Total
Other Priority Sector
CBs
SCB/CCBs
SCARDB
RRBs
Other Agencies
Sub-Total
TOTAL GLC
CBs
SCB/CCBs
SCARDB
RRBs
Other Agencies
GRAND TOTAL

128.99
2250.00

67.47
1513.09

52.31
67.25

406.00
3000.00

254.37
2206.72

63.00
73.56

434.40
3216.00

440.34
2977.82

101.37
92.59

267.00
4402.00

1850.01
421.00
83.00
387.00
8.99
2750.00

2283.96
400.04
24.21
368.02
6.40
3082.63

123.46
95.02
29.17
95.10
71.19
112.10

2012.00
460.00
90.00
418.00
3.00
2983.00

2505.09
440.86
35.36
378.11
27.00
3386.42

125.00
96.00
39.00
90.00
900.00
113.52

2340.70
500.00
143.50
489.00
5.80
3479.00

2242.81
564.82
35.63
402.81
23.07
3269.14

95.82
112.96
24.83
82.37
397.76
93.97

3341.00
594.00
84.00
607.00
60.00
4686.00

5537.02
1830.00
348.00
1138.00
146.98
9000.00

5743.57
1415.56
122.44
810.56
83.52
8175.65

103.73
77.35
35.18
71.23
56.82
90.84

6962.00
1910.00
375.00
1318.00
418.00
10983.00

6953.05
1831.30
167.97
1011.16
291.55
10255.03

100.00
96.00
45.00
77.00
70.00
93.37

8235.30
2435.00
534.50
1743.00
440.20
13388.00

8233.89
2286.15
183.37
1287.27
463.48
12454.16

99.98
93.89
34.31
73.85
105.29
93.02

11558.00
3250.00
478.00
2485.00
332.00
18103.00

Note
T - Target, A - Achievement
CB - Commercial Banks (including Pvt. Sector Banks), SCB - State Cooperative Bank, CCB - Central Cooperative Banks,
SCARDB - State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, RRB - Regional Rural Banks
GLC - Ground Level Credit

230