What is “Cluster” Farming?
Cluster farming- Yes its in the news , after turning Sikkim into a fully organic state, India is now looking at a “cluster” approach to increase area under chemical-free (organic)farming in other states. Many states in India have already started opting for this approach, by building exclusive organic farming zones.
Lets see how much each state leading the pack of clusters (cluster farming) with:
- Maharashtra – 932 (leader)
- Madhya Pradesh- 880
- Rajasthan – 755
- Uttar Pradesh- 575
- Uttarakhand- 550
- Karnataka- 545
- Bihar- 327
- Telangana- 300
- Andhra Pradesh- 411
The Central Government has already planned to develop 10,000 clusters (A cluster farm being of 20 hectare each) country wide , to promote organic farming to take care of growing domestic demand and the high export potential of such crops . The aim is to increase cultivated area under organic farming from nearly 8 lakh hectares at present to 10 lakh hectares by 2017018. The states have , so far , identified over 7,500 clusters.
What is there for an Indian Farmer in Cluster Farming? What has Indian Government done for Indian Farmer?
Under this plan, 50 or more farmers can form a cluster .
What is ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’( Traditional agriculture development plan) formed by the agriculture ministry. – Under this Scheme every farmer will be provided Rs 20,000 per acre in three years for seed, harvesting of crops and transportation. Indian Farmers would be happy with the news that government has already allocated a whopping amount of Rs 297 crore under the scheme for the financial year 2016-2017. Also some additional amount have been allocated for creating organic value chain for north-eastern states.
Special Highlights – Land Identified for clusters ( cluster farming)-Cultivated areas under certified organic farming
- 42,000 Hectares cultivated in 2003-2004
- 8,00,000 Hectares in 2014-2015
- 10,00,000 Hectares – Govt plans to increase to such number by 2017-18.
- 10,000 clusters( cluster farming/organic farms) – Govt plans under its 3 year plan 2015-2018
- Clusters are exclusively formed for organic farming.
[NOTE: A cluster= 20 hectares, 10,000 clusters= 2 lakh hectares]
Intension is good but the reality of cluster-based farming is so different. I know many farmers who are just taking benefits of the scheme and not working like a cluster based system. They just want money on the name of such scheme but they are doing nothing.