(a) whether the agriculture sector is lagging behind in the development and
utilisation of modern technology;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating for setting up of new farming and
agricultural schools in the country to impart training to farmers about new farming
technologies;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of the assistance provided to the farmers including small and
marginal farmers to adopt modern technology?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): No, Madam.
(c) & (d): No, Madam. However, the Government is already imparting
training to farmers through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Farm Schools (FS)
under various ongoing schemes. While the overall aim of the FFSs and FSs is
to provide on – field trainings to the farmers, each scheme has a specific
objective for organizing such schools. The FFS under National Food Security
Mission aims at providing first hand information to the farmers to enable them
to adopt the improved production of Rice, Wheat & Pulses. The Farm Schools under
the scheme ‘Support to States for Extension Reforms’ (ATMA Scheme) is run by a
farmer where experts also come for giving training at 6 critical stages of crop
cycle. Training on IPM technologies is imparted in Farm Schools run under the
Scheme ‘Strengthening & Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India’.
FFS under Mini Mission II of Technology Mission on Cotton & Jute provide season
long training to farmers for complete cropping cycle.
(e): Government is assisting all farmers to adopt modern technologies by way
of various initiatives viz. capacity building of Extension Functionaries and
Farmers; Frontline Demonstrations; Exposure Visits; Kisan Melas; Farmers’
Group Mobilization; Farm School, Farmer Field School and Farmers Scientist
Interactions across the country. The Mass Media and Kisan Call Centre
Schemes have also been revamped and strengthened recently to reach out to all
farmers (including small and marginal farmers) to disseminate relevant
information and to spread adoption of modern technologies. The
agri-entrepreneurs trained under the Central Sector Scheme ‘Establishment of
Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme are also actively
involved in providing advisory and extension services to the farmers on various
modern technologies.
A nation-wide SMS Portal for Farmers has enabled all Departments, Offices and Organizations
of Government of India and State Governments (down to the block level) to send information,
provide services and give advisories to farmers in their local languages, in respect to their
location and for preference of crops/agricultural practices.