THE Sindh government will continue to provide subsidy on tractors for farmers as part of a number of agriculture-related schemes in the budget 2012-13. The number of growers eligible for subsidy is expected to be increased to 8,000 from this fiscal year’s 6,000.

Water conservation, integrated pest control of crops, introduction of aerobic rice, and up-gradation of farming practices are other priorities of the government. The Sindh Agriculture Department’s engineering, research and extension wings are finalising their proposals and allocations.

The lining of watercourse is to be stepped up. By close of the current fiscal year around 27,000 watercourses were expected to be lined saving around 40 per cent water losses and increasing the cultivable area.

Application of modern technology can increase crop output. “We need to switch over from traditional to mechanised farming to increase crop yield,” says a senior agriculture official.

Sprinkler and drip irrigation systems need serious consideration. Both the systems by irrigating the root zone conserve water and enhance yield by 20-40 per cent. They also save the cost of inputs (fertiliser, pesticide etc.) by delivering them directly to the root zone and avoiding wastage.

On the research side, schemes for integrated pest control of rice and pulses and introduction of aerobic rice, fruit, vegetables and betel leaf (paan) cultivation have been proposed for 2012-13 at a cost of Rs30-35 million, Rs60-65 million and Rs15-20 million respectively.

Besides, dry cultivation of rice crop is to be promoted, given the increasing water scarcity in the area. Aerobic rice cultivation is being recommended for areas suffering from acute water shortage. This system does not need transplantation and nursery preparation. Paddy is directly sown, says a research official. Likewise, paan cultivation is to be further encouraged. Farmers are to be trained how to grow fruits and vegetables on scientific methods.

A scheme is already under way at a cost of Rs30 million for production of quality seed through public-private partnership. The project will end on June 30 but the department proposes to continue it. Eight seed companies have joined hands with the government in this project.

Basic and pre-basic seeds produced by research wing are delivered to growers as certified seeds.

The agriculture extension wing has also designed integrated pest management, and community plant nutrient management schemes. It has suggested training of farmers in this regard. The first scheme is aimed at educating farmers about the use of pesticides. Farmers have a tendency to use pesticides injudiciously to kill insects. They will be educated how and when to use pesticides. This training will reduce residue of pesticide on crop.

The farmers will be trained in land preparation for cultivation and picking up of crop. This scheme will conserve use of inputs and save cost of production. The farmers will also be provided the knowledge of proper management of crops, says an official.

Around 150 villages are to be selected under a pilot project ‘adoption of farmer’s field school approach’ for next financial year. About 25 to 30 farmers will be chosen in each village and provided training. Growers will be given knowledge of full agronomical process in the season-long training. It aims at controlling yield gap. An allocation of Rs55 million is sought for such scheme. “Farmers will be trained how to go through different stages of a crop right from supply of irrigation water and use of fertiliser to harvesting,” the official adds.

The Extension wing says it needs to continue with up-gradation of pesticides and fertiliser quality control project of Rs40 million in new fiscal year 2012-13 given objectives of the scheme. This will help the department to check the sale of adulterated fertiliser and pesticides in markets.

The livestock sector is to get an increased allocation for vaccination and medication of animals. It will be around Rs275 million. The department has devised some contingent plan ahead of monsoon season, but has not worked out any new scheme to seek budget allocation.

According to eminent economist Dr Kaiser Bengali, schemes should be designed under a plan and there should not be numerous schemes.

“When you design a scheme, you must be given one-third of allocation every year so that the scheme shouldn’t be delayed. Allocations in piecemeal should be avoided as it leads to cost escalation and revision of schemes every year,” he says.