Inauguration of National Workshop on Cost of Cultivation Scheme-2024 at PJTSAU

Sri Devajit Khound, Principal Economic Advisor at ES&E, MoA&FW, GoI, and the chief patron of the workshop, emphasized the critical role of the comprehensive Cost of Cultivation Scheme (CCS) in determining the Minimum Support Price (MSP), a unique pricing mechanism existing in India. Sri Khound ji stated that the accuracy of MSP is directly linked to the precision of CCS data, which can only be ensured through dedicated and sincere efforts of CCS staff, appealing them to work as equals to farmers rather than superiors and concluded by stating that farmers, “Annadata is our God”. Sri Dhananjay Prasad Srivastava, Advisor, MSP Unit, ES&E Division, MoA&FW, GoI stated that CACP produces 4 important reports including MSP of 22 different crops based on the CCS data benefiting 1 crore 70 lakh farmers by issuing 2.5 lakh crore rupees under MSP for 1000 lakh mt produce. Dr. P. Raghu Rami Reddy, Registrar & Director of Research, PJTSAU, emphasized that current government policies are increasingly focused on supporting farmers and highlighted that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is providing much-needed relief to farmers in distress. Additionally, Dr. Reddy pointed out the integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in improving data collection and accuracy. Further, Dr. Reddy noted that crop estimation conducted by WTC, PJTSAU using RS and GIS has achieved an accuracy rate of over 80%. Dr. K. Suhasini, Hon. Director of CCS and Senior Professor & University Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, PJTSAU, Telangana overviewed the progress of CCS over the decades under various leaderships. Dr. Suhasini emphasized the recent three-year block period, during which the number of farmer samples was increased to 12, allowing field staff to collect more comprehensive data. Dr. Suhasini noted that the CCS data base now includes data from approximately 8,100 farmers across India, additionally discussing the new KPS (Krishi Pariperksha Survey) record type, which involves estimating yield directly from farmers twice in a season and correlating it with NSSO data. Earlier, Dr.D.Srinivas Reddy , Field Officer, CCS , PJTSAU, welcomed the dignitaries while mentioning the happening of this workshop after 7 years with 19 implementing agencies under CCS where 134 delegates participated. The Members of Board of Management, PJTSAU and all the University Officers also graced the occasion. The inaugural session was concluded by release of publications brought by CCS, PJTSAU followed by formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr.K.Suhasini. The programme was compeered by Dr. Bindu Priya, Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, PJTSAU.