Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize

The Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) is a centrally sponsored agricultural initiative of the Government of India designed to enhance the production and productivity of key commercial and food crops. The scheme focuses on increasing self-reliance in edible oils and pulses, improving the income levels of farmers, and promoting the cultivation of oilseeds, pulses, maize and oil palm in diverse agro-climatic regions of the country.

Background

Efforts to increase oilseed production in India began in the mid-1980s with the launch of the Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) in 1986. Building on this, the government gradually expanded its coverage to include pulses, maize and oil palm to address the rising demand and dependency on imports. In 2004, these individual programmes were integrated and restructured under a single umbrella scheme, leading to the creation of ISOPOM. The restructuring aimed to achieve better coordination, flexibility and comprehensive development of these critical crops through a unified framework.

Objectives

The primary objectives of ISOPOM include:

• Increasing production and productivity of oilseeds, pulses, oil palm and maize.
• Ensuring enhanced income and livelihood opportunities for small and marginal farmers.
• Achieving self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports of edible oils and pulses.
• Promoting modern farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strengthening the seed supply chain and ensuring the availability of quality planting materials.

Key Features

ISOPOM introduced several innovative and flexible features to strengthen the agricultural system:

• Decentralised Planning and Flexibility: State governments were empowered to formulate crop-specific and area-specific strategies within the framework of the scheme, allowing better adaptation to local needs.
• Input Support: Assistance was provided for breeder and foundation seed production, distribution of certified seeds and mini-kits, and supply of essential inputs such as micro-nutrients, plant protection chemicals and agricultural implements.
• Technology Dissemination: Demonstrations and training programmes were organised to familiarise farmers with improved crop varieties and cultivation techniques.
• Special Focus on Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme prioritised inclusivity by providing subsidised or free distribution of inputs to economically weaker farming households.
• Irrigation and Resource Management: Support was extended for installing sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, ensuring water-use efficiency and resilience in rain-fed areas.

Implementation and Coverage

ISOPOM was implemented through a shared funding pattern between the central and state governments. Each participating state was given the flexibility to select crops and components suited to its agro-ecological conditions.

• The oilseeds and pulses components were implemented in about 14 major states.
• The maize component covered nearly 15 states, with emphasis on both productivity and area expansion.
• The oil palm component was launched in approximately 8 states, focusing on non-traditional areas where climatic conditions were favourable for oil palm cultivation.

Components of ISOPOM

1. Oilseeds Component: Encouraged the production of groundnut, mustard, soybean, sunflower, safflower and sesame through improved inputs and technological interventions.
2. Pulses Component: Focused on lentil, gram, pigeon pea, urad and moong cultivation to bridge the domestic supply-demand gap.
3. Oil Palm Component: Promoted commercial cultivation of oil palm with incentives for planting materials, drip irrigation, and farmer training.
4. Maize Component: Aimed at enhancing productivity and diversification by promoting hybrid varieties and mechanised farming practices.

Significance and Applications

The ISOPOM scheme has played a crucial role in strengthening India’s agricultural base through multiple dimensions:

• Technological Modernisation: It encouraged the adoption of high-yielding varieties and modern agronomic practices.
• Income Generation: Enhanced yields and better price realisation improved the economic conditions of small and marginal farmers.
• Diversification: The scheme promoted crop diversification and reduced risk associated with mono-cropping.
• Sustainability: By emphasising efficient use of resources such as water and fertilisers, ISOPOM supported environmentally sustainable agriculture.
• National Food Security: The programme contributed to improving the domestic availability of edible oils and pulses, key components of the Indian diet.

Advantages

• Strengthened agricultural self-sufficiency through increased oilseed and pulse production.
• Provided state governments with flexibility to design locally relevant programmes.
• Improved access to quality seeds and other critical inputs.
• Boosted farmers’ incomes and reduced regional disparities in agricultural development.
• Promoted efficient resource use and modern farming technologies.

Limitations and Criticism

Despite its comprehensive design, ISOPOM faced several implementation challenges:

• Uneven Performance: Success varied significantly across states due to disparities in infrastructure, governance, and extension services.
• Limited Awareness: Many small farmers lacked awareness of available benefits and technologies.
• Credit and Input Constraints: Access to institutional credit and timely supply of inputs remained inconsistent in certain areas.
• Monitoring Issues: Coordination between central and state agencies occasionally hindered effective monitoring and evaluation.

Transition and Present Status

Over the years, the components of ISOPOM were gradually merged into broader agricultural missions to streamline efforts and avoid duplication. The pulses component was integrated with the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), while oilseed development activities were absorbed into the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP). The restructured frameworks continued to build upon ISOPOM’s legacy, aligning with changing policy priorities and global market trends.

Examination-Oriented Summary

• Full Form: Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize.
• Launched/Restructured: Introduced in 2004 by merging existing crop-specific programmes.
• Main Components: Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm, Maize.
• Objective: Enhance production, productivity and profitability; reduce import dependency.
• Target Group: Small and marginal farmers.
• Coverage: 14 states for oilseeds/pulses, 15 states for maize, 8 states for oil palm.
• Support Measures: Seed distribution, input subsidy, irrigation support, farmer training and technology dissemination.