Question : MODERN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

(a) whether the country is lagging behind in the development and use of modern technology, if so, the details thereof;

(b) Whether the Government has formulated a new scheme to provide incentives to the farmers for the optimum use of improved modern agricultural technology and other inputs in order to increase production and decrease the production cost of crops in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the funds earmarked and allocated for the purpose under the Scheme;

(d) whether the Government proposes to establish new farming and agricultural schools to impart training on new agricultural technologies in the country including Rajasthan and if so, the details thereof along with the assistance proposed to be provided to the small and marginal farmers to adopt modern technology; and

(e) whether agricultural technology that have been developed in the country has increased the agricultural production on small farm hodings and if so, the details thereof and the benefits accrued to the small and marginal farmers in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE ( SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA )

(a): No, Madam.

(b): No such new Scheme has been formulated recently. However, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is actively involved in assessment, refinement and demonstration of improved agricultural technology/products in addition to conducting training of farmers and extension personnel through its 641 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country. The KVKs also organize training programmes for farmers and rural youth to update their knowledge and skill.

The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has also taken up several initiatives in the field of agricultural extension which include Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Programmes (ATMA) Scheme; Mass Media Support to Agricultural Extension and Kisan Call Centres. In order to enhance physical outreach of extension personnel for their direct interface with the farmers, financial support for specialists & functionaries down the Block level has been provided. More than 300 lakh farmers have been benefitted through different extension related activities (including training, exposure visits, farm schools, demonstrations, etc.) under the scheme.

(c): State-wise financial details for last three years and current year in respect of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Programmes (ATMA Scheme) are given at Annexure – I & II respectively.

(d) & (e): In order to impart training on new agricultural technologies in the country including Rajasthan, various extension activities have been undertaken under ATMA Scheme viz. Farmers Training, Exposure Visits, Demonstrations, Kisan Melas, Mobilization of Farmers’ Interest Groups, Farmers-Scientists Interaction and setting up of Farm Schools on the fields of Awardee/Progressive farmers. The Operational Guidelines of ATMA Scheme provide that atleast 50% beneficiaries must be small and marginal farmers. During 2013-14, 3785036 farmers have been benefitted including small and marginal farmers through various extension activities under ATMA Scheme.

Similarly, KVKs have conducted 33791 on-farm trials and 1.71 lakh frontline demonstrations on crops, tools and farm implements and livestock, fisheries & other enterprises. Training was imparted to 16.06 lakh farmers, rural youth and extension personal during 2013-14.