CAG points hole in implementation of sustainable agri mission

CHENNAI: The compliance audit prepared by comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India has recommended investigation of irregular sanction of benefits of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) against the scheme guidelines.

As per the report, responsibility may be fixed, after investigation, in the 252 of irregular sanction of scheme benefits to 24 persons having nanjai land, 80 persons provided with subsidy for construction of shade net houses that were not put to proper use, 92 persons provided with assistance for milch cows against scheme guidelines and 56 persons provided with subsidy without ensuring ownership of the land.

The scheme was launched by the Union government in 2014 as a centrally sponsored scheme with centre and state funding of ratio of 60:40.

The aim of NMSA is to promote sustainable agriculture through improved farm practices, livestock and fish cultures, water use efficiency, pest management, nutrient management, agricultural insurance, credit support and others.

The report points out that the State government did not constitute a standing technical committee having experts, which should be formed as per the guidelines. "Audit observed that in the absence of experts, Tamil Nadu government did not propose any specific activity under component viz., climate change and sustainable agriculture," the report said.

Also, the audit noted that the absence of a district action plan (DAP) for Pudukkottai and Villupuram led to regional imbalance in coverage of the area under the NMSA scheme. As seen from the sampled districts, some districts received higher coverage at the cost of other districts.

Pointing out the suspected misuse of subsidy and unfruitful expenditure, the audit said that thirteen of the 83 sampled farmers had dismantled the shade net houses in full and removed it from their fields. Only three farmers put the shade nets to proper use.

"In addition to chemical fertilisers and biofertilizers, farmers used about 17,000 tonnes of farmyard organic manure every year. It was sought that despite a healthy increase in the usage of biofertilizers, the usage of chemical fertilisers also continued to increase during 2019-2021," it added.