Question : AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMME

(a) whether the Government is implementing any policy/programmes for extending the existing agricultural extension services in the country with an appropriate mix of public and private funding and delivery mechanism;

(b) if so, the details of such policy/programmes in the country, State/UT-wise;

(c) the rationale for opening up the agricultural extension programme to the private players and the possible outcome for the larger agricultural productivity;

(d) whether the Government is implementing any programmes to support the functioning of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras apart from the ICAR which is supporting such Kendras in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

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.