(a) whether the Government is formulating any scheme to organise programmes in villages to attract people towards mixed farming in the country particularly Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Motihari and Darbhanga districts of Bihar;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTSER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMES WELFARE
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(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 372 DUE FOR REPLY ON 29TH MARCH, 2022.
(a) to (c): Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Integrated Farming Systems and All India Network Programme on Organic Farming is undertaking the research on Integrated Farming Systems and organic farming in 26 States / Union Territories with the involvement of marginal and small farmers. Efforts are being made to popularize the mixed farming with the incorporation of traditional varieties of crops, native breeds of livestock and other indigenous practices among the farmers in integrated farming systems mode. In addition, ICAR- Recearch Complex for Eastern Region, Patna and its regional station located at Darbhanga is involved in conducting research on sustainable farming system models and their outreach on the fields through demonstrations and farmers melas. Darbhanga regional station is promoting the aquatic based farming systems including makhana. In addition, The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) coordinates work of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) having mandate of technology assessment and demonstration for its application and capacity development. KVKs impart training to sensitize farmers to adopt the scientific practices /methods and spread awareness about various scientific farm intensification practices like intercropping, relay cropping, integrated farming, mixed farming, etc. through various extension activities.
Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is also implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’, popularly known as ATMA Scheme, since 2005 in 684 districts of the country, wherein latest agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices such as mixed farming through different activities namely farmers’ training, demonstrations, exposure visits, Kisan Mela, mobilization of farmers groups and organizing farm schools on the fields of farmers are promoted.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rainfed Area Development (RAD) focusing on Integrated Farming System alongwith mixed farming across the country including Bihar. Since inception and up-to 2020-21, an amount of Rs. 1434.73 Crore was provided as Central Assistance to States across the country including Rs. 10.68 Crore to the State of Bihar to adopt various interventions of Integrated Farming System. Besides, Schemes of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH); Sub Mission on Agro Forestry (SMAF); National Bamboo Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) helps in promotion of mixed farming in the country including Bihar.
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