(a) the measures taken by the Government to safeguard and nurture the traditional
agriculture produce;
(b) whether the Government proposes to augment research in revamping the existing local
varieties of agriculture produce and seeds; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (c): Traditional Agriculture refers to our age old nature friendly farming
systems with balance use of biological and natural resources so that farmers/consumers
may have food, cattle may have feed/fodder and soil health is maintained without use
of chemicals fertilizers/pesticide. With a view to discourage the use of pesticides and
chemicals fertilizers eco-friendly technologies like Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is being promoted through various Crop
Development schemes. Besides, Government of India has also launched a National
Project on Organic Farming for production, certification and marketing of organic
produce in India.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed several specific, cost
effective, eco-friendly technology in farmers participatory mode with due cognizance
of availability of local resources and indigenous technology knowhow(ITK) and also
impart training, organizations of frontline demonstration to educate farmers on these
aspects through institute village linkages programmes and Krishi Vigyan Kendra etc.