State Sponsered Schemes/ Programmes for Agriculture Development :

1. H.P. Crop Diversification Project (JICA ODA Loan Project) :

Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Project being supported by JICA through ODA ( Official Development Assistance ) loan. The study on diversified agriculture for enhanced farm income in Himachal Pradesh was got conducted from Japan International Cooperative agency (JICA) w.e.f. February, 2007 to December, 2008. Draft report of the study was submitted by JICA in December, 2008 and final report in March, 2009. The study was fully funded by JICA as grant under bilateral cooperation. The report contains Crop Diversification Action Plan for 10 years and Master Plan for 15 years. Based upon the crop diversification potential, the state has been divided into four categories.The launching of the project was done on 14th August, 2011. 
Objectives of the Project: 
1. Increase the area and production of vegetables through crop diversification. 2. To raise income of small and marginal farmers. 3. To create infrastructures for irrigation, farm access roads, marketing, post harvest etc. 4. To promote organic farming in a big way. 5. To organize farmers into groups to take over operation and maintenance of irrigation systems. 6. Training and capacity building of Department of Agriculture field extension staff. 7. The project is being implemented through Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Development Society. It has Governing Council, Executive and Finance Committee. For overall management of the project, State Project Management Unit (PMU) has been set up at Hamirpur, three District PMU's at Palampur, Mandi, Hamirpur and 8 Block PMU's at Dehra, Nurpur, Baijnath, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, Mandi, Sarkaghat have been set up.

2. Project under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (R.I.D.F) :

Special Project on Diversification of Agriculture through Micro Irrigation and Other Related Infrastructure in H.P.
Although water is a renewable resource, its availability in appropriate quality and quantity in under severe stress due to increasing demand from various sectors. Agriculture is the largest user of water, which consumes more than 80% of the country's exploitable water resources. The over all development of agriculture sector and indented growth rate of GDP is largely dependent on the judicious use of available water resources, while the irrigation projects [major and medium] have contributed to the development of water resources, the conventional methods of water conveyance and irrigation, being highly inefficient, has led not only to wastage of water but also to several ecological problems like water logging, salinisation and soil degradation making productive agricultural lands unproductive. It has been recognised that use of modern irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation is the only alternative for efficient use of surface as well as ground water resources. Hence, this project on diversification through micro irrigation and other related infrastructure in HP aims at increasing the area under efficient methods of irrigation viz., drip and sprinkler irrigation.

3. Dr. Y. S. Parmar Kisan Sawrozgar Yojana:

In order to achieve faster and more inclusive growth in Agriculture sector Government of Himachal Pradesh has started. "Dr. Y. S. Parmar Kisan Swarozgar Yojna" (Poly House and Micro Irrigation). Project components include creation of need based infrastructure and are expected to fulfill objectives of high productivity, quality, safeguard against adverse weather, efficient input use etc.

4. Rajiv Gandhi Micro-Irrigation Scheme :

State Government is committed to promote Agriculture in the State by increasing the productivity of crops. For efficient system of irrigation the Government has launched crucial Project named 'Rajiv Gandhi Micro-Irrigation Scheme' with an outlay of Rs.154 Crore over a period of 4 years. Through this Project, 8,500 hectare area will be brought under Drip/ Sprinkler Irrigation System benefitting 14,000 farmers. Farmers will get a subsidy of Rs.113 Crore during the project period. The project is under appraisal with NABARD under RIDF funding.

5. Mukhya Mantri Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojna :

It shall come into force with immediate effect. The accidents taken place on or after the approval of the scheme by the Govt., shall be dealt with under this scheme. This scheme is being launched for the welfare of farmers and shall be implemented by the Agriculture Department.

Scope of the Scheme : This Scheme is to provide compensation to the farmers and agricultural labourers in the event of sustaining injury or death during the operation of farm machinery. Farm machinery for this purpose include Tractors registered for Agricultural purpose, Power Tillers, Weeders, Power plough, Reaper cum Binder, Power Thrasher, Chaffcutters, implements, tools, equipments installation & operation of tube well/bore well/pumping sets, low lifts. The scheme is limited to the domicile farmers and farm labourers and not to a worker/employee of any company/contractor.

This scheme shall cover the following incidents. (a) Death or disablement of any farmers or agriculture labourer due to an accident occurred while working on the Farm, Machinery, Implements, Tools, Equipments etc. as per para 2 above at his home, farm or while carrying those machinery farm home to farm and vice versa in the State of Himachal Pradesh. This also include Death or disablement of any farmer or farm labourer due to an accident occurred while, installing/operating Tubewell, Borewell, pumping set, low lifts etc. (b) Death or disablement of any farmer or labourer due to electric current while installing, carrying and operating any power operated machinery;

Age Group: The age group of the victims should not be less than 14 years.

Quantum of Assistance: The claimants covered under the scope of this scheme shall be paid compensation, which is; on Death Rs.1,50,000; on Permanent disability due to breakage of back bone or otherwise Rs.50,000; on Amputation of two limbs/ permanent serious injury Rs.40,000; on Amputation of one limb (amputation of four fingers shall be deemed as loss of one limb)/ permanent serious injury Rs.30,000; on Amputation of full finger (up to 3 fingers) Rs.20,000; Partial Amputation of finger/thumb Rs.10,000

Control of the Scheme: This scheme shall be executed by the Agriculture Department under the over all control and supervision of the Director of Agriculture Himachal Pradesh. The compensation for the claim shall be paid by the Distt. Level Officers out of the funds provided under the scheme.

6. Establishment of Centers of Excellence for Vegetable Nursery Production :

The state Government has started new scheme named 'Establishment of Centres of Excellence for Vegetable Nursery Production' by farmers to raise the vegetables seedling, flower and other valuable plants under controlled environment to provide better planting material to the farmers and to provide gainful employment to the farming youth. A provision of Rs.2.00 Crore has been kept for 2015-2016. Ten such high tech nurseries are being setup in the State during this year.

7. Uttam Chaara Utpadan Yojna :

With a view to increase fodder production in the State, The State Government has launched a new scheme; 'Uttam Chaara Utpadan Yojana' for fodder development by bringing an area of 25,000 hectare under fodder production. Quality Seed of Fodder Grasses, Cuttings, Seedlings of Improved Fodder Varieties will be supplied on subsidised rates to the farmers. Chaff Cutters are important input for farmers. Subsidy on Chaff Cutters is available to the SC/ST and BPL farmers. A provision of Rs.3.00 Crore has been kept for 2015-2016.

8. Lift Irrigation and Borewell Scheme :

In most parts of the State, water has to be lifted for irrigation purpose. As an incentive to the farmers, Government has decided to grant 50 per cent subsidy for construction of Lift Irrigation Schemes and installation of Bore-Wells by individual or group of farmers for irrigation purposes. A provision of Rs.20 Crore has been kept for 2015-2016. The same will be increased as per the actual demand from the farmers.

9. Organic Farming :

The State has diverse agro-climate conditions and due to its favourable positioning in the Himalayan region, has great scope for promotion of Organic farming. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the State is very low and 80% of the area is rainfed. The State Government formulated a Policy on Organic Farming in 2010 and has covered 30,110 farmers with an area of 17,848 ha under Organic farming. During current financial year 2000 hectare additional area is being covered under organic farming. During 2015-2016 200 Villages will be converted into complete Bio-Villages. During current financial year 20,000 Vermi-Compost Units with 50 per cent assistance will be set up.

10. Soil and Water Conservation :

Due to topographical factors, the soil is subject to splash, sheet and Gully erosion resulting into degradation of the soil. Besides this, there is biotic pressure on the lands to the curb this menace particularly on the agricultural lands. The Department of Agriculture, H.P. is executing two Soil and Water Conservation schemes under State Sector Scheme. The schemes are: A. Soil Conservation Works B. Water Conservation and Development.

11. Agriculture Research and Education :

Under this, GIA is given to Agriculture University for Teaching, Research & Extension. Emphasis is being laid on location specific research for adoption of the same by the farming community of the State.

12. Agricultural economics and statstics :

Under this programme, three centrally sponsored schemes viz (i) Timely Reporting Scheme(TRS) for estimation of area and production of crops (ii) Improvement of Crop Statistics(ICS) for bringing quality in the land record data at grass root level and (iii) Estimation of Production of Commercial crops like Potato and Ginger. The estimation is done accordingly to statistical techniques. Production estimates on principal crops like Wheat, Barley of Rabi season and Maize, Paddy, Potato and Ginger crops of Kharif are released on the basis of results of crop cutting experiments conducted accordingly Random Sampling Method. The Director of Land Records is the agency in the State responsible for collection and release of area estimates, forecast report etc. This is a continued scheme for meeting salaries of the staff under Timely Reporting Scheme and the Scheme of Improvement of Crop Statistics. These schemes converted in to 100% CSS from the financial year 2008-09 onwards.

13. Agricultural Engineering :

Under this scheme, new farm implements/ machines are popularized among the farmers. Testing and demonstration of new machines is also done under this programme. The outlay proposed is towards subsidies and salaries of the staff.