State Horticulture Mission: Jharkhand

A society named State Horticulture Mission of Jharkhand was formulated by implementing the Society Registration Law by the agricultural department of the state. Jharkhand witnessed the formation of the National Horticulture Practice Mission in 2005. This project involved ten different districts namely Latehar, East Singhbhum, Dumka, Palamau, Deoghar, Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Chatra, Saraikela, and Logardaga. The major stress was given to the fabrication of planting materials, production of vegetable seeds, conservation of water resources, the establishment of novel gardens, etc. The new gardens were planned in a way so that procurement of both non recurrent and recurrent fruits is possible. There was also room for floriculture and growing spices, aromatic and medicinal trees, and plants.

Successful execution had taken place in the initial two years of this plan. It was entirely endorsed by the Central Government in the early stages while later on the funding got divided between the state and central governments in the ratio of 3:17. This event was an effect of the widespread success of this program as it spread to fifteen different districts of the state. The state has been segregated into three parts namely the north, central and south-eastern plateaus respectively. Focus is individually laid on all these areas to promote holistic growth in agriculture. Recently, two novel locations have been derived from Ranchi and Hazaribagh which are the latest inclusions under the National Horticulture Mission scheme.

Fabrication of Planting Materials

Fabrication of planting materials is essential in intensive farming activities in Jharkhand. Starch crops are grafted with polyacrylic acid which significantly enhances the productivity rate of the cropping lands. Research teams of the state horticulture mission have successfully gone through case studies after using liquid starch-made mulching products in the soils. Such fabrication of planting materials helps in increased water retention power by forming a solid structure surrounding the starch molecule. Fabrication of planting materials also increases the germination ratio of leafy vegetables like spinach. It puts a check on the degradation of vegetative produce by weight. 

Establishment of Novel Gardens

The establishment of novel gardens in Jharkhand has ensured the food security of the population to a remarkable extent. They also provide a source of living and promote the economy of the state. This scheme has been supplemented by the State Livelihood Promotion body where fabrication of planting materials is done to ensure maximum productivity. Government nurseries have taken a step forward in helping the housewives living in rural settlements to plant crops within their households by giving them high-quality saplings. They are committed to being paid as per the rates by the state government. The agricultural techniques will be taught by JSLPS. Several schemes have been introduced at the state level to keep these novel gardens up and running. These include the Poto Ho Khel scheme, Samriddhi Yojana, and Birsa Harit yojana. These gardens have contributed a lot to eradicate the malnutrition condition prevalent in the remote zones of Jharkhand. To date, almost twenty thousand women have enrolled for this scheme and learned all the techniques related to the fabrication of plants.

Now let us identify the subzones where these projects are being implemented in Jharkhand. These areas are segregated based on climatic conditions.

• Subzone I: This area comprises Ranchi, parts of Hazaribagh, and Simdega. It is characterized by a moderate climate and the average rainfall ranges between 1300 – 1500 mm annually. Fabrication of planting materials has led to the growing of off-season cauliflowers, tomatoes, Kharif crops, leafy vegetables, and many other seasonal fruits in this region.
• Subzone II: This zone includes Singhbhum and Saraikela. The climate of these regions is influenced by high rainfall and a warmer maritime climate. Some vegetative products include brinjal, cucumber, root vegetables, capsicum, and cauliflower.
• Subzone III: Palamau, Latehar, and Chatra are the inclusions under this zone. The area is characterized by dry weather. Chilies, leafy vegetables, beans, and rabi crops are commonly produced here.
• Subzone IV: Giridih, Bokaro, Dhanbad and Koderma fall within this subzone. This place receives medium rainfall which is favorable for growing brinjal, cabbage, capsicum, and tomatoes.
• Subzone V: This place refers to the hilly areas of Gumla and Lohardaga. These regions have a cool climate that favors the growth of gherkins, broccoli, beets, tomatoes, beans, peas, and a lot more vegetables.

Conclusion

The State Horticulture Mission relies on the modern tactic to produce the maximum agricultural produce. It aims to develop the economy of the rural population and eradicate serious societal threats like malnutrition and poverty. It started as a government scheme but gradually the state government got involved as the people got habituated to this new form of agriculture.