Question : MoU between ICAR and Bureau of Energy Efficiency

(a) whether an MoU was signed between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power regarding energy efficiency;

(b) if so, the details of the MoU along with the terms and conditions thereto;

(c) the benefits that will be derived therefrom by the farmers;

(d) whether the Government proposes to focus on creating awareness for farmers across the country for energy efficient pump sets and other equipment through this MoU and if so, the result thereof;

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to promote operational practices so as to adopt energy and resource efficiency under this MoU; and

(f) whether the MoU proposes any training programmes at Krishi Vigyan Kendras for farmers across the nation and if so, the details therof?

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) An MoU was signed between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, to create awareness for energy efficient pumpsets and operational practices so as to adopt energy and resource efficient approaches. The MoU was effective from 25th July 2018 to 31 March 2020.

(c) The following benefits were derived by the farmers:

a. Awareness on energy efficiency and conservation in agricultural practices, particularly in using agriculture pumpsets, tractors and other machines.
b. Improving fuel efficiency and water resource use efficiency thereby reducing the cost of cultivation so as to increase farmers'' income in harmony with strategies of "Per drop more crop" and "Doubling Farmers'' income".

(d) Yes, Sir. The details are given in the reply to question (f).

(e) The steps being taken by the government are to coordinate with State Designated Agencies (SDAs)/ Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for successfully organizing the farmers training sessions and to provide training materials to SDAs/ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for effectively imparting training to farmers and to provide financial support to KVKs through SDAs for organizing the same.

(f) Yes, Sir. As part of MoU, ICAR has facilitated in identifying suitable KVKs for organizing training sessions in each of the enlisted states i.e. Punjab, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. Facilitation was done for organizing Farmers Training Sessions and creating awareness at identified KVKs located in selected States.

KVKs engaged suitable officers from regional/state agriculture department for imparting the training to farmers on related subject. Also, KVKs mobilizes local farmers and other stakeholders for participation in training sessions.

During 2018-19 and 2019-20, 49 KVKs organized training programs on energy efficiency (BEE), in which 3644 farmers participated.

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