Question : AGRI CLINIC AGRI BUSINESS AND AGRI TECHNOLOGY

(a) the number of Agri-clinics, Agri-Business and Agri-Technology information Centres set up in the country as on 31st January, 2006, State-wise;

(b) the aims and objectives behind their establishment;

(c) whether the scheme provides counselling to farmers for taking up new ventures in horticulture and allied fields;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the total amount sanctioned and spent there under during the last three years and current year; and

(e) the name of the nodal agency which is monitoring the above centres?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a): The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is implementing a Central Sector Scheme titled `Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABCs) by Agriculture Graduates`. As on 31.01.2006, 2739 such Centres have been set up by agriculture graduates trained under this scheme.

The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) had implemented National Agriculture Technology Project (NATP) during the period 1998-99 to 2003-04. A total of 44 Agriculture Technology Information Centres (ATICs) were set up under NATP.

The State-wise information is given in Annexures - I and II respectively.

(b): The primary objective behind ACABCs is to provide extension and other services to farmers on payment basis through economically viable self-employment ventures.

The objective behind establishment of ATICs was to provide a `single window` support system for availability of technology products, diagnostic services and technology information to the farmers and other end users.

(c) & (d): The ACABCs set up by agriculture graduates are expected to provide extension services to farmers in agriculture, horticulture and other allied sectors as per local need of farmers.

An amount of Rs.2417.45 lakh was released under the scheme during 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05. Also, an amount of Rs.425.00 lakh has been released during 2005-06. The amount spent so far is Rs.1781.97 lakh.

ICAR had released Rs.17.26 crore for ATICs during 2002-03. No funds were released thereafter.

(e): The ACABCs are set up in self- employment mode. However, the National Institute Agriculture Extension Management (MANAGE) is the current implementing agency under ACABCs scheme.

ICAR was the nodal agency for ATICs.