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Maize component of Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil palm and Maize (ISOPOM):
In order to provide flexibility to the States in implementation based on regionally
differentiated approach, to promote crop diversification and to provide focused approach to
the programmes, the four erstwhile schemes of Oilseeds Production Programme, Oil Palm
Development Programme, National Pulses Development Project and Accelerated Maize
Development Programme have been merged into one Centrally Sponsored Integrated
Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm and Maize (ISOPOM) being implemented from
1.4.2004.
Under ISOPOM, Maize Development Programmes are being implemented in 15 States viz.
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, U.P. & West Bengal.
The main emphasis had given for transfer of modern crop production technology to the
farmers’ fields through front line demonstrations, field, IPM & seed minikit demonstrations,
officers and farmers trainings, conference/ seminars/workshops on Maize Development, use
of improved implements, etc.
Dual purpose coarse cereals of Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP):
The programme envisages accelerating production of fodder through promotion of
integrated technologies and processes for enhancing the availability of fodder throughout the
year.
The programme proposes a multi-pronged strategy to achieve the stated objectives:
I. Production of Quality Seeds: Supporting/Strengthening State Agricultural Universities for
production of breeder and foundation seeds of selected promising varieties/hybrids of fodder
with participation of farmers.
II. Production of Fodder: Organizing fodder production programme based on cluster
approach in the selected/targeted clusters preferably in dairy catchment areas of the potential
States by promoting appropriate and region-specific fodder varieties.
III. Adoption of appropriate technologies for Post Harvest Management: Technologies like
fodder block making units, chaff cutter for fodder processing and silage making would be
promoted in the selected/targeted clusters.
Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC):
The Govt. of India launched Technology Mission on Cotton in February 2000. The
objective of TMC was as under:
To improve the yield and quality of cotton, particularly in respect of staple length,
micronnaire, strength, etc. through development of better cotton varieties as well as through
improved seeds, and integrated water, nutrient and pest management technologies.
To increase the income of the cotton growers by reducing the cost of cultivation as well as
by increasing the yield per hectare through proper transfer of technology to the growers.
To improve the quality of processing of cotton, particularly in respect of trash,
contamination, etc. by improving the infrastructure in the market yards for cotton and by
modernizing the existing ginning & pressing factories and setting up new units.