(a) whether the Government has made different provisions through different mediums to
make the farmers of the country aware about the latest techniques of farming;
(b) if so, the details of these mediums and provisions;
(c) whether inspite of the above efforts, 60 per cent farmers of the country are unaware about
the latest techniques;
(d) if so, the facts thereof;
(e) whether the Government have decided to make current measures more effective; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Provisions have been made through different mediums to make the farmers of the country aware
about the latest techniques of farming, inter-alia, under the following schemes of the Ministry of
Agriculture:
$ Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension (2004);
$ Kisan Call Centres (2004);
$ Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (2005);
$ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
The figures in brackets indicate the year in which these schemes were started.
(c) & (d): As per National Sample Survey Organization Report No.499 based on survey conducted
in the year 2003, 40% of farmers household are accessing modern agricultural technologies. Progressive
farmers, Input dealers, Radio and Television were found to be some of the major information sources.
(e) & (f): Most of the schemes mentioned in part (b) of the reply above are recent schemes started
to make information dissemination on the latest techniques more effective. New KVKs are also making
contribution in this regard.