(a) whether the three year action plan under agricultural education (2017-2020) has been successful in achieving its target;
(b) the areas in which farmers are being educated;
(c) the details of the number of farmers being benefited across the country; and
(d) the extent to which it has been beneficial for farmers?
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) Yes, Sir. The targets set for (2017-2020) have been achieved. A list of approved targets is attached (Annexure).
(b) to (d): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a network of 717 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at the district level in the country mandated with Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. KVKs organize demonstrations, training programs and skill development programs for the benefit of farmers and farm women, rural youth and in-service extension personnel.
During 2018-19, 42,361 on-farm trials (OFTs) for assessing technologies and 2,74,736 frontline demonstrations (FLD) showcasing potentials on improved varieties, modern technologies and practices were conducted on farmers’ field to create awareness among farmers. To update the knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies, 47,000 training courses on various technologies were organized benefitting as many as 13.51 lakh farmers and farm women. 139.67 lakh farmers participated in various extension activities. In addition, 1.77 lakh quintal seeds of crop varieties, 365.53 lakh planting materials of fruits, vegetables, agroforestry etc. and 154.91 lakh livestock strains and fingerlings were produced and distributed among farmers. Further, 8.33 lakh soil, water, plant, manures samples were tested, and 612.95 lakh Mobile agro- advisory were provided to farmers.
100 farmers training centres were established under the “Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojna” which was launched under “Unnat Bharat Abhiyan” in the year 2016-17 to build skilled human support at village level relevant to national needs to provide rural India with professional support in the field of Organic Farming/National Farming/Rural Economy/Sustainable Agriculture and to extend other activities of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan at village level. 5268 farmers were trained under the scheme. Information/knowledge disseminated through the above schemes has benefited the farmers immensely.
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