Rajasthan is the largest state in the country with 10.4% of its area, half of which is under cultivation. Agriculture is primarily rainfed with only 30% area under irrigation. 28% of the State's GDP is from this sector, making it the largest economic activity in the State. Almost 66% of its population is dependant on agriculture for its livelihood.

In recent years, the agriculture sector has witnessed significant growth in the production and productivity of food-grains, oilseeds, commercial crops, fruits and vegetables. Rajasthan stands first in the country in the production of mustard, bajra, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, moth, guar, isabgol and heena and second in production of maize. Following are some of the recent initiatives in agriculture sector.


Outreach Programs
For efficient extension delivery, at the doorstep of the farmer, camps are organised at all the Gram Panchayats, before both, the Rabi and Kharif seasons (Krishi Yojanaien: Apke Dwar). At the camps, discussions on productivity enhancement, quality improvement and cost reductions are held. Demonstrations are given on latest technologies like drip irrigation, and applications of individual beneficiary schemes are also processed.

Ram Narayan (right) owns 18 bighas of land in Tonkda village near Chomu. He used to grow Barley, Groundnuts and Bajra. While quality inputs was a constraint, selling the produce in open market too was a big challenge. In fact, millions of farmers across the State face these challenges. Two years back, he was visited by representatives from Cargill-Sab Miller that was to start collaborative farming in the region. Ram Narayan now grows Barley for them. Ramlal (left), the Cargill-Sab Miller executive gets him good seeds at reasonable prices, consults him on increasing productivity, and use of fertilizers and pesticides. They are great friends. The State Government initiated collaborative farming in the region and facilitated selection of farmers, seed arrangement, capacity building and supervision. Today, in association with multinational corporations like Cargill-Sab Miller and Pepsico, farmers in over 1,100 villages are undertaking farming of Barley leading to enhanced productivity, quality and assured remunerative prices.

Micro-irrigation
Under the Amulya Neer Yojana, area covered under Micro-irrigation has increased 4 times in the past 3 years. The Government has involved NGOs in the implementation of the scheme.


Capacity Building
Concerted efforts have been made towards capacity building though information dissemination (printed literature, radio & TV programmes), exposure to research institutes of the country and regular camps.


Soil-Health
Maintenance of soil health is essential for sustained productivity. For this 3.5 lakh soil health cards are being issued every year. 12 new soil testing labs were set up in 2005-06 ensuring that all districts now have a soil testing facility. Geographical Information System is being developed for the entire State on soil health and water condition. Based on available block level soil health maps, village soil health cards have been prepared indicating the soil fertility status of that village. Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. is establishing 4 soil testing labs in agri-produce markets of Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar.


Adoption of Israeli Technology
To replicate the success story of Israel in argriculture sector, a country with topography similar to Rajasthan's, teams from Rajasthan have visited Israel to study their technology and practices. An MoU has been signed with an Israeli company, Naan Dan Agro Pro Ltd., for preparing a comprehensive Agro Industrial Development Plan at agriculture farm at Bassi in Jaipur. A Training-cum-demonstration centre is being established with the provision of Rs.19 crore. Rajasthan Olive Cultivation Ltd., a special company, has been created in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode with a Pune- and an Israel-based company, to ascertain the suitability of olive cultivation.


Contract Farming
To ensure remunerative prices tothe cultivators for their produce, the State Government has amended laws to allow contract farming, direct purchase and private mandies. Contract farming is allowed for fruits, vegetables, medicines & aromatic plants.


Collaborative Farming
In association with multinational corporations like Cargill-Sab Miller and Pepsico, farmers in over 1100 villages are undertaking farming of Barley leading to enhanced productivity, quality and assured remunerative prices. The Government facilitated selection of farmers, seed arrangement, capacity building and supervision.


Commodity Specific Markets
To provide farmers the facility of marketing and post harvest management, the Government is setting up 19 commodity-specific markets. Infrastructure facilities of cleaning, grading and packing are being developed in these markets.


Agri-Export Zones
Rajasthan contributes to 59% of total cumin and 79% of total coriander national production. To promote exports of these two seed spices, two Agriculture Economic Zones (AEZs) covering 5 districts each have been established in 2005.

Export of Vegetables
In order to promote export of fruits and vegetables, an Export Promotion Scheme is in place that offers subsidy to exporters. Over 150 MT of fresh vegetables has already been exported from the State. To maintain quality and freshness of vegetables being exported, a walk-in Cooling Chamber is operational at the Jaipur Airport. Three pack-houses with facilities of cleaning, grading and packing are being established in the intensive vegetable growing areas of Shahpura, Chomu and Jaipur. Five rural pack-houses too are on cards.

Terminal Markets
Terminal Markets are being set up in Muhana and Shahpura in Jaipur and expected to be operational soon. These would be equipped with all modern facilities for grading and packing, and also banking and transportation facilities.

Kisan Bhavan
To solve the logistical problems of farmers coming to cities to sell their produce, Kisan Bhavans are being constructed at all regional headquarters. Besides their stay arrangements, food, marketing information, inputs, etc. will also be available there. Kisan Bhawan at Jaipur has been opened recently.

Green Houses
Efforts are underway to popularize green house cultivation of high-value crops. In view of the high cost of installation, the Government has decided to provide 75% and 50% subsidy to small & marginal farmers and general farmers respectively.