Order for Implementation of Natural Farming – Allocation of subjects to Rythu Sadhikara Samstha

Microsoft Word - 2016AGLC RT764 1 GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH ABSTRACT Agriculture & Cooperation Dept – Implementation of Natural Farming – Allocation of subjects to Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (Ry.S.S) – Orders – Issued. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION (AGRI.II) DEPARTMENT G.O.RT.No. 764 Dated: 10-11-2016 Read:- G.O.Rt.No.2274, GA(Poll.C) Dept, dated:04-11-2016. O R D E R:- Government of Andhra Pradesh have decided in the interests of farmers’ welfare to take up Natural Farming under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana ( RKVY - a Central assistance to State plan scheme) and from the State Plan in 291 Clusters across the 13 districts of the state, to benefit about 5 lakh farm families over a period of 5 years. The objective is that by practicing zero budget natural farming, farmers can get multiple benefits – reduction in costs of cultivation, improvement in soil fertility, improvement in crop yields, improvement in crops ability to withstand prolonged dry spells and excess rains, etc. The work has begun in right earnest since last year in 131 clusters. The work in the remaining clusters will commence by January 1st, 2017. 2. Based on the results from the 291 cluster project in terms of sustainably improving farmers welfare, this effort will be gradually be scaled-up through the upcoming three Externally Aided Projects funded by IFAD, JICA and World Bank. In addition, and based on results, it is proposed to seek funding from other sources also so that by 2024, this effort will be taken up in all the 5000 odd clusters of the State benefiting all the land-owning and tenant farm families. 3. Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI), a philanthropic organization founded by Shri. Azim Premji, has seen the initial results of the efforts in the 131 clusters, the implementation arrangements for the 291 clusters, the built in flexibility for improvement, the focus on landless, marginal and small farm families, and importantly its scaling-up potential for the whole state, and has found this as a fit case for extending their support. Their support is proposed to be in four broad areas – Strengthening Implementation Architecture and Capacity; Strengthening Technical Support Unit of the Govt.; Strengthening Civil Society involved; and Partnering with Technical Organizations. 4. As the matter stood thus, Government has appointed Sri T Vijay Kumar, IAS (Retd) as Adviser to the Government, Co-Vice Chairman of the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) and in-charge of implementation of Natural Farming in the state in the G.O. read above. 5. Government after careful examination entire matter have decided to appoint Rythu Sadhikara Samstha as the implementing Agency to implement Natural farming 2 Programme under RKVY, State plan and other sources. Govt have decided to transfer funds pertaining to the 291 clusters under RKVY and State plan to the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha with immediate effect. 6. The Government hereby also appoint an Advisory Board to support the RySS in implementing the same. The composition of the Board is as follows:- • Minister, Agriculture and Vice-chairperson, RySS (Chairman) • Adviser to the Government and Co-Vice Chairperson (Co - Chairman) • Special Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries/Secretaries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, PR& Rural Development, Tribal Welfare etc. • Commissioner/Director of Agriculture, Horticulture and Sericulture. • 2-3 representatives of Civil Society • 2-3 representatives of natural farming farmers • Representative of APPI • CEO, RySS 7. The Chief Executive Officer, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, A.P., Vijayawada and the Director of Agriculture, A.P., Guntur shall take necessary action accordingly. 8. The Chief Executive Officer, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, A.P., Vijayawada is also requested to submit detailed proposals i.e., Structure/Staff to implement the Natural farming Programme in the State effectively for taking further action. 9. Rythu Sadhikara Samstha is also authorized to pursue the partnership with A.P.P.I and take all necessary steps to reach an understanding and enter into a MoU between Ry.S.S and A.P.P.I at the earliest. (BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF ANDHRA PRADESH) B. RAJSEKHAR, SPECIAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT(AGRI)(FAC). To The Director of Agriculture, A.P., Guntur. The Chief Executive Officer, Ry.S.S, A.P., Vijayawada. The VC & MD, APSSDCL, A.P., Hyderabad. The VC & MD, APAGROS, A.P., Hyderabad. P.S to Minister, Agriculture P.S to Adviser, Agriculture and Co Vice Chairman, Ry.S.S Copy to: SF/SC. // FORWARDED :: BY ORDER // SECTION OFFICER.