THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir. The steps taken are as follows:
The Government of West Bengal have reorganized the extension services at various levels by providing `Krishi Prayukti Sahayak` at village, Agricultural Development Officer at Block, Sub- Division Agricultural Officer and Subject Matter Specialist at Sub-Division, Agronomist and Principal Agricultural officer at District Headquarters, and Joint Director at Range Level.
Under Training and Visit programme of the State, monthly workshops of extension specialists are held on latest technologies developed, field problems faced by the farmers and its solutions. Besides conducting Minikit demonstrations and Multilocational trials on farmers` fields, various extension activities including electronic and print media are organized.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research have sanctioned ten Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), including strengthening of one Zonal Agricultural Research Station to take up the additional functions of KVK. An Agricultural Technology Information Centre has also been sanctioned in favour of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya.
(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. During the last one year 13 kisan mela-cum-exhibitions were organized with the participation of 14,427 farmers, besides, training of 1.776 lakhs farmers.
(e) Other measures adopted by the Government of West Bengal include more coverage of high-yielding and hybrid varieties, expansion of irrigation facilities, bringing wastelands under cultivation, adoption of watershed approach, provision of more electricity supply in the villages, farm mechanization, production and supply of quality seeds, use of organic manure/bio-fertilizer, better credit facilities, and adoption of integrated pest management.
