Integrated Farming for Productivity Improvement Scheme" by the Coconut Development Board

Description
The scheme “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. Through this scheme, the coconut farmers are provided financial assistance through DBT Direct Benefit Transfer mode for the Laying of the Demonstration Plot, and for the Construction of the Organic Manure Unit.

Benefits
• Laying of Demonstration Plot (LoDP): Financial assistance @ ₹ 35,000/‐ Ha in two annual instalments.
• Construction of Organic Manure Unit: Financial assistance @ ₹ 40,000/‐ to ₹ 60,000/‐ per Unit on Pro‐rata basis. Unit size of 1200 cubic feet to 150 cubic feet (60 x 8 x 2.5 ft to 15 x 5 x 2 ft).
• The eligible subsidy amount shall be released to the beneficiary's account on DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode after obtaining expenditure sanction as per norms.
• The final list of the beneficiaries would be displayed on the notice board of Uzhavar Uthaviyagams.

Eligibility Criteria
1. All categories of coconut farmers with farmer's identity cards/ authenticated land records/documents are eligible.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the Uzhavar Udhaviyagam (Farmers' Help Centres) or the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (Horticulture) and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the ap…
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Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the Uzhavar Udhaviyagam (Farmers' Help Centres) or the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (Horticulture) and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the Agricultural Officer.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
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Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form and the documents to the concerned authority.
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Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form and the documents to the concerned authority.

Step 4: Step 4: On receipt of the application, necessary entries will be made in the application receipt register and a unique number is assigned to the applicant for identifying each applicant which shall be used for all further references and also as ac…
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Step 4: On receipt of the application, necessary entries will be made in the application receipt register and a unique number is assigned to the applicant for identifying each applicant which shall be used for all further references and also as acknowledgement for the receipt of the application.

Required Documents
• In the case of land owners cultivating their land, a copy of the farmer identity card containing the details of survey numbers and the extent of land holding needs to be submitted along with the application form.
• If no identity card is issued to the farmer to date a copy of the land document (sale deed/ partition deed/ gift deed or will) needs to be submitted.
• The tenants cultivating lands owned by religious Institutions/Wakfs/Mutts/Trusts/ Municipalities shall produce a letter of consent from the authority of the institutions concerned as prescribed by the Department.
• Further, tenants shall produce a cultivation certificate from the land owner or Agriculture Department / Revenue Department who carried out joint verification for the purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a specific size requirement for the Organic Manure Unit to qualify for financial assistance?
A: Yes, the unit size should be within the range of 1200 cubic feet to 150 cubic feet (60 x 8 x 2.5 ft to 15 x 5 x 2 ft).

Q: What is the role of Uzhavar Uthaviyagams in the implementation of the scheme?
A: The notice board of Uzhavar Uthaviyagams displays the final list of beneficiaries under the Integrated Farming scheme.

Q: Can farmers without identity cards still apply for the Integrated Farming scheme?
A: Yes, farmers without identity cards can submit a copy of land documents like sale deed, partition deed, gift deed, or will.

Q: How are tenants cultivating lands owned by religious institutions required to obtain consent?
A: Tenants must provide a letter of consent from the concerned authority of the religious institution, as prescribed by the Department.

Q: How is the progress of cultivation verified under the Integrated Farming scheme?
A: Agricultural officers (Horticulture) conduct periodic field inspections, coordinating with Uzhavar Uthaviyagams for verification.

Q: What is the method of financial assistance for tenants cultivating lands owned by religious institutions?
A: Tenants need a letter of consent from the respective authority and a cultivation certificate from the landowner or Agriculture Department.

Q: How is the eligible subsidy amount disbursed to beneficiaries in the Integrated Farming scheme?
A: The eligible subsidy is transferred directly to the beneficiary's account through the DBT mode after expenditure sanction.

Q: What is the financial assistance range for constructing an Organic Manure Unit under the scheme?
A: Financial aid for constructing the Organic Manure Unit ranges from [?]40,000 to [?]60,000 per unit on a pro-rata basis.

Q: What is the financial assistance offered under the Laying of Demonstration Plot (LoDP) in this scheme?
A: Coconut farmers receive [?]35,000 per hectare in two annual instalments for the Laying of Demonstration Plot.

Q: What is the social auditing process for the provisional list of beneficiaries?
A: The provisional list is displayed in the Horticultural wing and on the Department's portal for public scrutiny, allowing a 10-day objection period.

Q: Is There Any Compensation For The Delay In The Disbursal Of The Scheme Benefits?
A: The guidelines do not mention any provision for compensation in the event of delayed disbursement of scheme benefits. Applicants should note that compensation for delays is not part of the scheme's framework.

Q: What are the mandatory fields to be filled in the online application form?
A: The application form requires filling in fields marked with a red asterisk, including personal details and necessary documents.