Azolla Cultivation in Cemented Pit

The scheme “Azolla Cultivation in Cemented Pit” was launched by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Odisha. It aims to promote the production of Azolla in the backyard of farmers for feeding the animals to reduce the concentrate feed cost through the easy availability of biomass rich in protein. Through this scheme, the establishment cost of one Cemented Azolla Unit is given, and onetime back ended assistance will be provided to each farmer. The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Odisha, Cuttack, through the Chief District Veterinary Officers and their field functionaries. The unit size of azolla pit shall be 6 ft x 6 ft x 8 inches (2 mt. x 2 mt. x 0.2 mt). During the year, 15000 units of cemented Azolla units will be established. All willing farmers who own at least one cattle will be eligible to avail support under the Azolla Cultivation Programme.

Objectives

1. This programme will promote the production of Azolla in the backyard of farmers for feeding the animals to reduce the concentrate feed cost through easy availability of biomass rich in protein.

1. The establishment cost of one Cemented Azolla Unit is ₹3000/-, and onetime back ended assistance will be provided to each farmer.

   Mode of Disbursement

2. Onetime back-end assistance

Expected Time of Disbursement

1. Before the release of funds, the selected beneficiary list of the block on submission by BVO is to be scrutinized & approved by the District-level Fodder Development Committee under the Chairmanship of CDVO.

1. The applicant must be a resident/domicile of Odisha.
2. The applicant must be a willing farmer.
3. The applicant must own at least one cattle.

Preference / Priority / Reservation / Relaxation

1. The applicant who is a dairy farmer with at least one milch animal is primarily targeted.
2. The applicant household can avail the benefit of one Azolla production unit only.
3. One household will be assisted with one Azolla unit for more extensive coverage, and that will serve as a source of Azolla Seed Culture unit for the other interested farmers of that locality in the future.

Offline

Step 1: The BVO will select the farmer in consultation with the Para Vet/LI of the locality and the concerned Milk Route Supervisor of OMFED (In case of selection of MPCS members) for implementation of the programme.
Step 2: The selected beneficiary list of the block on submission by BVO shall be scrutinized & approved by the District level Fodder Development Committee under the Chairmanship of CDVO prior to release of funds.
Step 3: The Go-ahead letters to the selected farmers shall be issued by the CDVOs.
Step 4: The farmer shall report to the local Veterinary Officer/ L.I regarding the completion of the civil construction within 30 days from the issue of the Go-ahead letter. Then he/she will arrange all other required inputs for starting the production of Azolla.
Step 5: The demonstration on the Azolla cultivation shall be the responsibility of the local L.I with the assistance of the fodder staff posted at CDVO/ SDVO offices.
Step 6: The list of beneficiaries selected in each district shall be uploaded in the DSS portal by the respective CDVOs, and the CDVOs shall keep the records of the beneficiary in the prescribed proforma enclosed herewith at Annexure-II.
Step 7: The Utilization Certificate on completion of the programme shall be sent to the Directorate by the CDVO in OGFR Form No.-7A.

Review and Monitoring Mechanism

Step 8: Block Veterinary Officer (BVO) should cross check at least 5% of the Azolla units under his jurisdiction, and from the district level, CDVO, ADVO (AW), ADVO (LP) will inspect at least 2% of Azolla units. The LIs/ VTs/ Fodder Staff will be tied up for providing handholding support to the farmers, and the CDVO will submit a monthly report on the implementation of the scheme to the Directorate of AH & VS, Odisha. The progress made under the scheme shall be placed before the District Level Fodder Task Force constituted in each district for appraisal during its meeting. District-wise progress on the scheme will be reviewed on monthly basis by the Directorate of AH&VS, and once in two months by the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Development Department (F&ARD) under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, F&ARD.

Note:

1. The details oft he target for each district are enclosed in Annexure-I. 1. The prescribed proforma for beneficiary records is enclosed at Annexure-II. 1. The structure should be so constructed that there should not be any seepage of water.

> Annexure-II requires the following beneficiary details:

1. Aadhaar Card - Name of the Beneficiary, Father’s / Husband’s Name, Aadhaar No.
2. Bank Account Details - Bank Account No., IFSC Code
3. Caste Certificate / Category Declaration (Gen/SC/ST/OBC)
4. Address Details
5. Details of the Milch Animal - Number of Milch Animals Owned
6. Contact Number