(a) whether the Government has taken steps to encourage medium and poor farmers in the country
for taking up state-of- the-art-technology/modern technology to increase the production of crops;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has developed any cattle based technology for the use
of farming community in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Ministry is implementing various schemes for promoting and creating awareness
about state of the art/modern technology to increase production of crops. The up to date information about
modern agricultural technologies are provided to the end users including medium and poor farmers through
various channels namely; Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA); Mass Media support through
Doordarshan and All India Radio, Kisal Call Centres where farmers can obtain information through a
single toll free number ‘1800-180-1551’. Further, nationwide spread of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) provide training and on-farm demonstrations on
modern agriculture technology.
Besides, several centrally sponsored and central sector schemes currently under implementation e.g. National
Horticulture Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Macro Management of Agriculture etc. have due provisions
for financial assistance to farmers including poor and medium farmers for adopting modern technology.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. ICAR through its All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) scheme on utilization
of animal energy has developed several cattle based implements and equipments for effective utilization in
the farm sector. Many of these equipments e.g., mould board plough, disc harrow, cultivator, puddler,
pneumatic wheeled carts etc. are already commercialized.