Questions/Answers

Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited (GGRC) - a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by Government of Gujarat and appointed as nodal agency for implementing the Government sponsored “Per Drop More Crop (Micro Irrigation) component of Pradhan Mantri Krushi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)” in an integrated manner for popularizing the concept of Micro Irrigation among the farmers. This model of implementation has achieved popularity among farmers due to farmer friendly implementation process and accessibility to all concern stake holders. GGRC has developed a unique model for implementation of scheme and processing of beneficiary farmer’s applications and transfer of assets (Micro Irrigation system) and disbursement of subsidy to the farmers using the state-of-art information technology. The applications are processed centrally through a dedicated software which is web-based and user friendly. Applicants are enabled to track the status of application through “Farmer Portal” Objectives: 1. Implementation of Per Drop More Crop (Micro Irrigation) component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) on behalf of Government with a corporate system and process mode. 2. To promote the concept of Micro Irrigation amongst the farmers of Gujarat as a tool for wise usage of resources resulting in higher agricultural productivity, thus, improving their livelihood and empowering them to participate meaningfully in the growth of the Agriculture Sector in the State and to process the Micro Irrigation Scheme using state-of-art technology.” 3. To remove inequalities and anomalies in the financial assistance available to farmers and for utilization of government grant efficiently so as benefits can be extended to more and more farmers of the State effectively and achieve sustainable natural management regime in agricultural sector in the State of Gujarat. 4. To introduce Innovative approach for implementation of Government Scheme leading to high level of transparency and flexibility.

The initiative involves supply and commissioning of Micro Irrigation (MI) systems and disbursement of subsidy to all categories of farmers including Marginal/Small/ Schedule Tribe/ Schedule cast/Women. For effective delivery mechanism, the corporate mode of working philosophy put into practice viewing the farmer as customer and not as beneficiary, the cost of the MI system is an investment and not subsidy. Thus, leading to customer-centric inclusive approach in implementation. GGRC has put in place a robust IT enabled software application through which the application of farmers from registration to the subsidy disbursement stage is being processed in a most transparent manner.

Implementation of the scheme with financial assistance from Government to farmers has objective of promoting Micro Irrigation Technology among farmers that aims at water saving, Fertilizer saving, Energy saving, labour saving coupled with increase in crop productivity. Adoption of Micro Irrigation technology by farmers resulted in economic upliftment and improvement in standard of living of farmers of the country. The results of impact assessment of this initiative show increase of Rs 15, 487/-per hectare as net income. The total area brought under Micro Irrigation through this initiative is more than 1.85 million hectares with beneficiary farmers of 1.14 million. The Micro Irrigation Technology has helped in saving and optimizing the precious natural resources like water, energy, plant nutrients and improvement in soil health leading to adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards resulting in sustainable crop productivity and food security in the country. The use of Micro Irrigation technology has highest irrigation water use efficiency that leads to use of minimum water to irrigate maximum area and resulted in conservation of ground water resources.

Since inception of implementation of the scheme from 2005 to October-2019, 1.85 million hectares area covered under Micro Irrigation benefiting more than 1.14 million farmers. Average crop productivity has increased 25 - 30 % due to adoption of Micro Irrigation coupled with saving of water by 33 - 50%, energy saving ranging from 69 to 3030 kWhr/Ha, fertilizer saving around 21 - 25 % and labor saving around 35 %. Additional income of the farmer increased by Rs.15, 487/- per Hectare. The efficient use of natural resources like water, energy and use of fertilizer is resulting in resiliency by mitigating the negative impact of the climate change.

Prior to inception of this initiative for implementation of Micro Irrigation (MI) Scheme, from 1991 to May-2005, the scheme was implemented by different Government Departments (Horticulture/Agriculture Departments). Due to ambiguous policies and non-uniformity in subsidy pattern, resulted in to limited adoption of Micro Irrigation. The total coverage was 0.22 million hectare under Micro Irrigation in a time span of 14 years. The average yearly achievement was 16000 hectares. Under the initiative, implementation of MI Scheme was started from May-2005 with simple and flexible approach, highest transparency, effective quality monitoring, warranty of MI system, training on MI system maintenance and agronomic advisory to farmers. The effective implementation resulted into adoption of MI in 1.85 million hectares benefiting 1.14 million farmers within the time span of 14.5 years (From May-2005 to October-2019) with average yearly achievement of 1.26 Lakh hectares.

In India, task of working in Agriculture field is majorly done by male gender. One of the major objectives of the initiative is to touch the vulnerable community as well as to address the gender equality. Prior to this initiative, out of the total beneficiaries, women beneficiaries were less than 0.5%. Persistent efforts under this initiative for promotion of this technology among vulnerable communities and equal opportunity for all genders have lead to the fruitful results. There is significant increase in number of beneficiaries from different genders/communities (Women/Scheduled Cast/Scheduled Tribe) is observed. i.e 91497 women farmers (7.99%), 27870 SC Farmers (2.43%), 192889 ST farmers (16.50%).

The prerequisite for adoption of Micro Irrigation technology is that farmer must have assured irrigation water source and water pumping facility (electricity motor/ diesel engine) as the system operates on defined pressure. So the target population of coverage are those farmers who are having assured irrigation water source and pumping facility. The effective implementation of the scheme resulted into adoption of Micro Irrigation technology in 18.50 lakh hectares benefiting more than 11.44 lakh farmers within the time span of approximate 14 years (From May-2005 to October-2019) with Annual average achievement of 1.26 Lakh hectares. There is significant coverage of beneficiaries across the category of farmers (Small / Marginal/ Medium / Large farmers) is observed. i.e. 117463 (10.26%) Marginal farmers covering 82190 hectares, 351070 (30.67%) Small farmers covering 426113 hectares, 633148 (55.31%) Medium farmers covering 1224051 hectares and 43117 (3.77%) Large farmers covering 118615 hectares. The total coverage also includes social groups of farmers i.e. 27870 Scheduled Cast farmers covering 51228 hectares, 192889 Scheduled Tribe farmers covering 265902 hectares and 91497 women farmers covering 149970 hectares.

Initiative is being implemented roping in Micro Irrigation System (MIS) manufacturers/suppliers. For authentication and registration of application, MIS Suppliers take bio metrics data viz., photograph, digital signature and left/right hand thumb impression of the applicant and register the application, undertake GPS based survey of the field and prepare design, supply and install the selected System on the farmers’ field. After installing the system, the MIS Supplier(s) are made responsible for rendering maintenance services for a period of five years. A provision has been made under the scheme for insuring the Micro Irrigation system as well as life of a farmer for a period of one year. To ensure strict adherence to quality standards in the use of MIS components, GGRC has made it mandatory for MIS suppliers to use only those components which conform to Indian Standards. Third party inspections are conducted periodically by competent technical agencies at the factory site of the Supplier(s). Furthermore, GGRC has also put in place a regimen of third party inspections wherein Inspection Agencies have been appointed to conduct inspections of installed MIS on farmers field to ensure that material is supplied and system is commissioned as per the design and operational on farmers field. Inspectors of Inspection Agencies are equipped with android based QR Coded “E-Capture Solutions” which enables them to capture and upload photographs of the MIS installation at site along with GPS coordinates through mobile phone for subsequent monitoring of the site on Google map. High level of transparency is a forte of the initiative. For that, GGRC has established systems and developed processes in a corporate mode for processing MIS applications with the use of state-of-art information technology. The applications are processed centrally through a dedicated software which is web-based and user friendly. A state-of-art IT infrastructure has been put in place for implementation of the Micro Irrigation Scheme with an in house data center.

Obstacles encountered: 1. Very low level of awareness among farmers regarding use of Micro Irrigation technology and government scheme benefits. 2. High level of reluctance among farmers to adopt and to switch over to modern method of irrigation i.e. Micro Irrigation from traditional flood irrigation. 3. The resource poorness of the farmers to bear his/her share acts as deterrent factor for adopting Micro Irrigation. To overcome, initially the prime focus was continuous extension / promotional activities regarding Micro Irrigation scheme / technology using audio visual media as well as farmers meetings coupled with education and training. The farming community simply believes in “seeing is believing” and considering that, along with village level awareness meeting, live demonstrations were arranged.

The formation of GGRC as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for uniform implementation of MI Scheme in entire state of Gujarat-India is unique and first in its kind for such purpose. Innovative approaches: 1. Simple and Flexible approach of implementation to achieve sustainable agricultural development and food security 2. Single window for implementation 3. Transferred Governance from Government mode to Corporate mode 4. Precise and fast track disbursement of subsidy 5. Higher autonomy in functioning and decision making 6. Well thought business model 7. Multi stage monitoring and control 8. Highest transparency 9. State-of-art IT application to process MI Application

Before this initiative, Gujarat state government was implementing the MI Scheme through Government Departments as same pattern followed by other States of India. It was first time in India, Gujarat state government formulated a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to put all efforts into an integrated approach and to achieve sustainable natural management regime in agricultural sector in Gujarat State. GGRC operates this public sector scheme with a distinct philosophy, wherein the farmer is treated as a customer and not as a beneficiary and the subsidy provided to the farmer, is considered as an investment on the part of the Government.

Unique model for implementation of Micro Irrigation Scheme is transferable. Implementation module developed and successfully implemented by us in Gujarat state is already transferred and adapted by Chhatishgarh and Karnataka States of India. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed with both the States and GGRC had provided consultancy for transfer and implementation of this model with adaptable changes as per State specific requirement. Looking to the new way of implementation and impressive results, other States are also thoroughly emphasizing to replicate this model in their respective States with the help of GGRC.

Not applicable

At inception of implementation of MI Scheme by GGRC in May-2005; Parent organization (GSFC) had provided financial assistance as a loan for the establishment of office infrastructure and other operational expenditure. From May-2005 - October-2019, total grant of Rs. 6191.23 crore (Including Administrative charges) has been received from Central/State Governments (Rs. 4035.44 crore from State Government and Rs. 2155.78 crore from Central Government) for disbursement of financial assistance to the beneficiary farmers. With the strength of 105 employees, effectively dealing with turnover of around Rs. 120000.00 Million Indian Rupees bringing an average 1.26 lakh hectare/ year area under Micro Irrigation.

Results of the study conducted by CIIE-Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad on Micro Irrigation scheme implemented by GGRC are as follow: 1. Water Saving : 33 - 50% 2. Labour Cost Saving: 35 - 40 % 3. Fertilizers Saving: 21 - 25% 4. Increase in Crop Yield : 25-30% 5. Energy Saving: 69 – 3030kWhr / Hectare 6. Increase in net income / hectare : Rs. 15, 487/- Looking to the need of judicious use of water, awareness and demand among farmers regarding MI technology, the initiative is strong in terms of sustainability. Implementation of MI scheme in the balance irrigated area will enable to save huge amount of natural resources and it will improve the economical condition of beneficiary farmers.

Yes

In past, multiple institutions have evaluated the impact of Micro Irrigation scheme. In the recent past Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad has carried external evaluation/ Socio-economic Impact survey of the scheme. Evaluation consists of collection of data from farmers' fields and analyzing it. For that, survey of the beneficiary farmers was conducted using an application called 'Collect' which uses GPS to monitor the data collected and enables the surveying of reliable information. The GPS location of almost every survey has been recorded. The collected information was assessed, analysed and evaluated.

While conducting the evaluation study of impact of Micro Irrigation scheme implemented in the State of Gujarat by GGRC, following indicators were taken into account and assessed under two scenarios: 1. Before adoption of Micro Irrigation 2. After adoption of Micro Irrigation 1. Water saving in different crops 2. Saving of Labour Cost 3. Usage of Fertilizers and its saving 4. Increase in Crop Yield 5. Energy saving 6. Difference in net return (In Rupees per Hectare)

The information was collected, assessed, analysed and evaluated by CIIE-Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad. Results of the study on MI scheme implemented by GGRC are as follow: 1. Saving of Water: 33 - 50% 2. Saving in Labour Cost: 35-40 % 3. Saving in Fertilizers: 21-25% 4. Increase in Crop Yield: 25-30% 5. Saving in Energy: 69 – 3030 kWhr / Hectare 6. Increase in net income / hectare: Rs. 15,487/- As above details indicate that over and above saving of Water, Fertilizers, Energy, Labour cost and increase in crop yield, the increase in net income per hectare to the beneficiary farmer is Rs. 15487/-. Considering only additional income per hectare to the beneficiary and 18.50 lakh hectare area brought under Micro Irrigation, the cumulative increase in income of farmer is Rs.14374 Crore. In addition to above mentioned reported benefits, Micro Irrigation technology also offers advantages of irrigating undulating land, prevent soil erosion, reduce incidents of crop diseases and pest, uniform distribution of water in the crop root zone and improvement in quality of crop produce.

In May- 2005, Government of Gujarat had taken a policy initiative and established Gujarat Green Revolution Company (GGRC) Limited (a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) promoted by Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Limited and Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited) for implementing the Micro Irrigation Scheme. The GGRC vertically integrates line departments of State Government i.e. Water Resource Department, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Tribal Development Department and Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and horizontally the work is integrated with stake holders of implementation of the Per Drop More Crop (Micro Irrigation) component of Pradhan Mantri Krushi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The stake holders involves Micro Irrigation system suppliers, Third Party inspection agencies, Technical Agencies Banks, NGOs as MIS Partners, Government Energy distribution companies and beneficiary farmers.

The stake holders of the scheme are Governments, GGRC, MIS Suppliers, Beneficiary Farmer, Banks, Government Energy distribution companies, MIS Partners (NGOs/ Corporate bodies) Role of Governments (State/Central):  Provide funds / grant to GGRC for disbursement of assistance to beneficiary farmers  Review of the progress of physical and financial targets Role of GGRC:  Overall scheme implementation  Transfer of subsidy benefit as well as asset (MI System) to farmers  Ensures timely delivery of services to farmers  Quick redressal of complaint of farmer  Promotion of MI Scheme in the State  Capacity building of Stake holders Role of MIS Supplier:  Promotion of concept of Micro Irrigation and demand generation  Design, Supply and commissioning of Micro Irrigation system on beneficiary farmers field Role of farmer:  Familiarise with Micro Irrigation before adoption  Submission of genuine relevant documents along with application  Use and maintain the MI system efficiently for judicious water usage and better crop productivity. Role of Banks:  To provide agriculture credit facility to beneficiary farmers Role of Government Energy distribution companies:  To provide agriculture electricity connections for water pumping facility to beneficiary farmers on priority who adopts Micro Irrigation system. MIS Partners (NGOs/Corporate bodies)  Provide additional financial benefit by discharging CSR/corporate fund  Hand holding of farmers

Looking to the success of unique model for implementation of Micro Irrigation Scheme in Gujarat state of India through this initiative, and with a corporate system and processes, it is evident that this model of implementation is transferable and there is huge potential in its replicability. Special focus in implementation of such natural resource conserving initiative and promotion of water saving and irrigation efficient technologies has tremendous potential in mitigating climate hazards and sustainable agriculture. Making such vital technology of Micro Irrigation available at the door step of the farmer is need of the time and for better accessibility to farmers, special efforts are being made by evolving the farmer friendly process incorporating latest information technology. To harness the maximum benefit of this innovative development in terms of conservation of precious and scarce water as well as other natural resources, formulation of such initiative for implementation of Micro Irrigation scheme in each state of India is required which will definitely bring the “2nd GREEN REVOLUTION” in true sense. To increase the outreach of the farmers of the tribal belt and small and marginal farmers, we are collaborating with the local bodies / NGOs of particular area in order to enhance the penetration of technology and meaningful use of government subsidy.