(a) whether the Government proposes to use electronic mediums to inform the farmers about new technologies to increase production etc.; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
(a) whether the Government proposes to use electronic mediums to inform the farmers about new technologies to increase production etc.; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) & (b): The Government has taken several activities to use electronic mediums to send the information to the farmers about new technologies and to increase production such as:
i. Government has developed Kisan Suvidha mobile application to facilitate dissemination of information to farmers on the critical parameters viz., Weather; Market Prices; Plant Protection; input Dealers (Seed, Pesticide, Fertilizer) Farm Machinery; Soil Health Card; Cold Storages & Godowns, Veterinary Centres and Diagnostic Labs. Thus, they can make informed decisions.
ii. Sending advisories on various crop related matter /weather advisories to the registered farmers through mobile SMSs.
iii. Under the scheme ‘Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension’ of ‘Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension’; the agricultural programmes are being produced and telecast through DD Kisan, 18 DD Regional Kendras and broadcast through 97 FM Stations of All India Radio. The Focused Publicity & Awareness Campaign is also being undertaken through electronic, social and print media for creating awareness among the farmers and other stakeholders on technological aspects of agriculture.
iv. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a network of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country mandated with Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. KVKs organize demonstrations, training programs and skill development programs for the benefit of farmers and farm women, rural youth and in-service extension personnel. During 2020-21, training courses (45,636) on different agricultural technologies and practices were organized benefiting 13.86 lakh farmers and farm women.
v. The ICAR institutes and KVKs have developed various mobile apps on different commodities for providing advisory to farmers. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has also created an electronic platform Kisan Sarathi, for supporting agriculture at local niche with national perspective. In this platform, it is intended to provide a seamless, multimedia, multi-ways connectivity to the farmers with the latest agricultural technologies, knowledge base and the pool of large number of the subject matter experts.
vi. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Technological Management Agency (ATMA) at district level undertake training, demonstrations, exhibitions and skill development programs etc. provide information to the farmers, farm women, and rural youth. During 2014-2021, 91.43 crores advisories were provided to the farmers by KVK’s, a total of 100.05 lakhs farmer and 9.50 lakhs extension personnel’s were trained by KVKs. Besides 2.44 lakhs on farm trials of new improved technologies were conducted at farmer’s field by KVKs. A total 34.06 lakh technology demonstrations were also organised by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) during the last 7 years. State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and ICAR Institutes are also involved in the transfer of new technology.
vii. ICT based tools like Videos, Mobile Apps etc. are also used to provide information to farmers on large scale. Kisan Call Centre, Agri-clinics and Agribusiness management centers, M-kisan, Farmers portal established by the Government also disseminate the latest information to the farmers.
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