Question : R D IN AGRICULTURE

(a) the steps undertaken by the Government to promote Research and Development (R&D) in agriculture sector in the country;

(b) whether various low cost innovations/new technologies have been developed in the field of agriculture sector in the recent past;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the efforts being made by the Government to increase awareness of such low cost innovations amongst the farmers to increase their crop output; and

(e) the financial assistance provide by the Government to the farmers to adopt new technologies?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has under taken major research and development programs through Research Institutes, their regional centers as well as All India Coordinated Research/Network/Outreach/seed programs located throughout the country. Several new initiatives have also been proposed during XII Five year plan. Various consortia platforms (22) have also been identified and assigned for future research.

(b) Yes, Madam.

(c) ICAR has developed several location specific cost effective technologies for the farmers and other stake holders details of which are given in the enclosed Annexure.

(d) In order to increase the awareness on low cost innovation among farmers, the network of 630 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) established by ICAR to organize large number of extension activities in the country. On the basis of feedback obtained from farmers, technology is refined and made more user friendly in various field operations etc. to boost agricultural production and productivity.

(e) ICAR does not provide direct financial assistance to the farmers. However, adequate capacity building and limited inputs are being provided for demonstration of the technology under NAIP.