MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme `Support to State
Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms` Scheme is currently being
implemented in 630 districts of 28 States & 3 UTs of the country. In order to ensure
promotion of multiagency extension strategies, and to implement scheme activities in
Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode, a minimum of 10% of scheme allocation is
provided on recurring activities at the District level through non-governmental sector
such as, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Farmers Organizations(FOs),
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Cooperatives, para extension workers,
agri-preneurs, input suppliers, corporate sector etc.. The Non-Governmental
implementing agencies are eligible for service charge up to a maximum of 10% of
cost of extension activities (without staff cost) implemented through them. The
States have been following the policy directives to varying extents and in different
modes as Private Sector Participation is a State level activity.
Besides, a CentraIIy Sponsored Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil
Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) is also under implementation in 14 major. Oilseeds
States, 15 maize growing States and 11 oil palm growing States to increase the
production and productivity of these crops. Under the Scheme, the Extension
functionaries are closely supervise Block demonstrations and provide requisite
technical advice to farmers regularly. Scientists from local research stations/
extension centres of State Agriculture Universities(SAUs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras
(KVKs) etc., are closely involved in conduct of demonstrations and farmers training.
(c): Efforts of the private sector is likely to supplement the work being done by the
Government extension machinery who have been disseminating correct information
and appropriate technologies among the farmers. The Government of India has also
been supporting a programme for training youth with background in agriculture for
setting up Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC). Extension activities
through these trained persons and other Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) modes are
ensuring better outreach of extension machinery.
(d) & (e): Yes, Madam. In order to strengthen Research-Extension-Farmers
(REF) Linkage, KVKs are actively involved in following activities of Agriculture
Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Scheme:
(i) Preparation of a 5 year vision document for each district i.e. Strategic
Research and Extension Plan (SREP).
(ii) Farmers Scientist interaction at district level.
(iii) Designate expert support from KVK/SAU at district level to provide
instant guidance to district functionaries/ Block Technology Manager/ Subject
Matter Specialists.
(iv) Assessment, refinement, validation and adoption of frontline
technologies and other short term researchable issues through KVKs and other
local research centres.
