The “Integrated Farming for Productivity Improvement Scheme” by the Coconut Development Board was launched by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry. This scheme is designed to support coconut farmers by providing financial assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for two key components: laying of the demonstration plot (LoDP) and construction of the organic manure unit. The initiative aims to enhance productivity by promoting integrated farming practices and sustainable use of organic inputs.
Benefits
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Laying of Demonstration Plot (LoDP):
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Financial assistance of ₹35,000 per hectare, disbursed in two annual installments.
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Construction of Organic Manure Unit:
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Financial assistance ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per unit on a pro-rata basis.
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Applicable for unit sizes ranging from 1200 cubic feet to 150 cubic feet (dimensions: 60 x 8 x 2.5 ft to 15 x 5 x 2 ft).
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The eligible subsidy amount is released directly to the beneficiary’s account through DBT after expenditure sanction as per norms. The final list of beneficiaries is displayed on the notice board of Uzhavar Uthaviyagams (Farmers’ Help Centres).
Eligibility
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All categories of coconut farmers possessing valid farmer identity cards and/or authenticated land records/documents are eligible to apply.
Application Process
Offline Application
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Collect Application Form:
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Visit the Uzhavar Uthaviyagam (Farmers’ Help Centres) or the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (Horticulture) during office hours to request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the Agricultural Officer.
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Complete the Form:
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Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all required documents (self-attested if necessary).
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Submit the Application:
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Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the supporting documents to the concerned authority.
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Acknowledgement:
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Upon receipt, the application details are entered into the receipt register, and a unique identification number is assigned to the applicant. This number serves as an acknowledgement and is used for all future references.
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Documents Required
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For land-owning farmers:
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A copy of the farmer identity card containing survey numbers and landholding details.
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For farmers without an identity card:
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A copy of the land document (sale deed, partition deed, gift deed, or will).
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For tenants cultivating lands owned by religious institutions, Wakfs, Mutts, Trusts, or Municipalities:
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A letter of consent from the relevant authority as prescribed by the Department.
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A cultivation certificate from the land owner or from the Agriculture/Revenue Department (obtained after joint verification).
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a specific size requirement for the Organic Manure Unit to qualify for financial assistance?
Yes, the financial assistance is based on the unit size, which ranges from 1200 cubic feet to 150 cubic feet (dimensions from 60 x 8 x 2.5 ft to 15 x 5 x 2 ft). -
What is the role of Uzhavar Uthaviyagams in the implementation of the scheme?
Uzhavar Uthaviyagams (Farmers’ Help Centres) serve as the point of contact for obtaining the application forms, and they display the final list of beneficiaries. -
Can farmers without identity cards still apply for the Integrated Farming scheme?
Yes, farmers who have not yet been issued an identity card can submit a copy of their land document (sale deed/partition deed/gift deed or will) in place of the identity card. -
How are tenants cultivating lands owned by religious institutions required to obtain consent?
They must secure a letter of consent from the authority of the respective institution and provide a cultivation certificate from either the land owner or the verifying authority (Agriculture/Revenue Department). -
How is the progress of cultivation verified under the Integrated Farming scheme?
Verification is carried out through the submission of a Detailed Project Statement, along with a Soil and Water Test Certificate and other supporting documents. -
What is the method of financial assistance for tenants cultivating lands owned by religious institutions?
Tenants must obtain the required consent and certification, after which they can apply for financial assistance under the scheme. The subsidy is then disbursed via DBT once all norms are met. -
What is the financial assistance range for constructing an Organic Manure Unit under the scheme?
Assistance ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per unit, based on a pro-rata calculation relative to the unit size. -
What is the financial assistance offered under the Laying of Demonstration Plot (LoDP) in this scheme?
Financial assistance is ₹35,000 per hectare, disbursed in two annual installments. -
What is the social auditing process for the provisional list of beneficiaries?
The final beneficiary list is publicly displayed on the notice boards of Uzhavar Uthaviyagams to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection process. -
Is there any compensation for delays in the disbursal of the scheme benefits?
Compensation for delays is subject to the scheme’s guidelines and may be addressed by the Department as per standard operating procedures. -
What are the mandatory fields to be filled in the application form?
Applicants must complete all mandatory fields including personal details, landholding information, and project specifics, as well as attach all required documents and a passport-sized photograph.