Question : Benefits of Agricultural Technology and Schemes

(a) whether small and marginal farmers are not able to avail full benefits of modern agricultural technology and various special schemes;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the name of the States/regions/sectors which are not getting these benefits;

(c) whether the Government has identified the sectors which are using old and outdated technology;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Agriculture Institutes/Universities have played any role in revival of agricultural extension schemes for providing relevant information/knowledge particularly to the small and marginal farmers; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)


(a) & (b): No, Madam. The Government implements various Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector Schemes which have preferential norms of assistance for small & marginal farmers and/or emphasize earmarking of certain minimum percentage of resources for beneficiaries from amongst small & marginal farmers. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms” (ATMA) propagates economically viable and proven technologies aimed at resource poor families. ATMA, Mass Media and Kisan Call Centre (KCC) Schemes have been revamped and strengthened recently to reach all farmers (including small and marginal farmers) to disseminate relevant information and to spread adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies. A nation-wide SMS Portal for Farmers has enabled all departments, offices and organizations of the 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 of their location & for preferences of crops/agricultural practices. Benefits of the schemes and programmes of the Government in agriculture and allied sectors have percolated to all the States/regions/sectors.

(c) & (d): Such sectors have not been identified which are using old and outdated technologies.

(e) & (f): In order to assess, refine and demonstrate agricultural technologies/products in farmers’ fields, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established 704 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at district level. The KVKs also provide technological backstopping to the main extension systems operated by State Governments. Besides, the Directorates of Extension of Agricultural Universities undertake Farm Advisory Services, including publishing useful material for farmers and conducting training of extension personnel. Institutes of ICAR also have their Extension Programmes for reaching out to the farmers.

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