(a) whether the Government proposes to create awareness among farmers on growing traditional crops in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government has taken initiatives in this regard so that the farmers take interest in traditional farming;
(c) if so, the details thereof including the States of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Department of Agriculture, Co-operation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) is already implementing crop development programme under National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The Mission provides provision for creating awareness among farmers for programme and technologies through demonstration and training. Further the Government has taken initiatives under Sub-Mission of “NFSM – Nutri Cereals” so that farmers take interest in traditional farming of nutri cereals / crops namely; ragi, sorghum, bajra and small millets. Besides, various State Governments have also taken steps to encourage farmers to grow traditional crops of the State.
(c): The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is implementing National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - Nutri Cereals in 14 States including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
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Under NFSM–Nutri Cereals, incentives are provided to the farmers through the state governments on latest crop production and protection technologies, cropping system based demonstrations, production & distribution of site specific newly released varieties/ hybrids, Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management techniques, improved farm implements/tools/ resource conservation machineries & water saving devices and capacity building of farmers through trainings during each cropping season. Besides, assistance is also provided for formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC), Centers of Excellence (CoE), creation of seed hubs, organizing events / workshops, distribution of seed minikits, publicity through print and electronic media etc.
Further, the States can promote traditional crops under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
(d): Question does not arise in view of (c) above.
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