Describe the governments policies and strategies for diversification of agriculture.

The government has taken several initatives for diversification as a means of agricultural development. These are as follows:

1. Launching a technology mission for the Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North-eastern Region : This programme will establish effective linkages between research, production, extension, post harvest management processing, marketing and exports and bring about a rapid development of agriculture in the region.

2. Implementing National Agriculture Food Insurance Scheme : It will cover crop and oilseeds and annual commercial and horticulture crops. Small and marginal farmers are eligible for fifty percent subsidy under the scheme.

3. Operationalising Technology Mission on Cotton : This mission will have separate mini-missions on technology generation, product support and extension, market infrastructure and modernisation of grinding and pressing units.

4. Provision of Capital Subsidy : 25 percent subsidy will be given for construction/ modernisation/ expansion of cold storages and storages for horticultural produce.

5. Creation of Watershed Development Fund : This fund was established at the national level for the development of rain-fed lands.

6. Strengthening Agricultural Marketing : Greater attention to be paid for development of a comprehensive efficient and responsive marketing system for domestic marketing as well as for exports by ensuring proper quality control and standardization.

7. Seed Bank Scheme : About 7-8% of certified seed produced in the country will be kept in buffer stocks to meet any eventuality arising out of drought, flood or any other form of natural calamities.