Lok Sabha Question No. 3225 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-01
Subject: Innovations in Agriculture Sector
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3225

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 01/01/2019

## INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

## 3225.  SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes innovations in agri-sector for reducing wastage, increasing agri-produce and cutting fertilizer use to enhance soil fertility;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes a comprehensive strategy to promote start-ups in agri-sector; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b) ICAR  has  developed  location  specific, cost effective, eco-friendly  farming practices;  namely  resource  conservation  technologies  (zero  tillage,  laser  levelling,  bed planting,  system  of  rice  intensification,  direct  seeding  of  rice),  participatory  watershed management for rainfed agriculture, conservation agriculture, micro irrigation, integrated water management, soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management, climate resilient technologies, organic farming and Integrated Farming System with due cognizance of traditional indigenous technology knowhow and grassroot farm innovations. The Council has developed technology for preparation of various types of organic  manures  such  as  phosphocompost,  vermicompost,  bio-enriched  compost  etc. using available rural and urban wastes.

The  ICAR  is recommending  soil  test  based  balanced  and  integrated  nutrient management  through  conjunctive  use  of  both  inorganic  and  organic  sources  (manure, biofertilizers, green manuring, in-situ crop residue recycling etc.) of plant nutrients with 4Rs  approach  i.e  right  quantity,  right  time,  right  mode  and  right  type  of  fertilizer  to reduce use of chemical fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. In addition, split application and  placement  of  fertilizers,  slow  releasing  fertilizers  including neem  coated  urea, growing leguminous crops and use of Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) are also advocated to minimize their use. The ICAR also imparts training, organises frontline demonstrations etc. to educate farmers on all these aspects.

(c) Yes, Madam.

(d) To promote start-ups in agri-sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)  has  established  a  network  of  25  Agri-  business  Incubation  (ABI)  Centers, keeping  in  view  the  spectrum  of  technologies,  available  infrastructure  and  the  core competency of the institutes. These ABIs act as an effective platform for fostering the growth  of  sustainable  business  endeavour  and  nurturing  the  techno-entreprenures.  The ABI centers provide a wide range of services such as research support; business planning; office  space;  access  to  information  and  communication  technologies;  and  advice  on management, marketing, technical, legal and financial issues. ABI  centres have facilitated  more  than  600  incubatees/  entrepreneurs/  start-ups  for  their  agri-business related technical as well as infrastructural needs. The success stories of 100 such start-ups in various sectors including Agriculture Engineering Machines/ Tools, Bio-pesticides and Crop Nutrition, Crop Production and Production and Production Processes, Fish Products and  Processes,  Food  Products  and  Processes,  Seed  and  Planting  Material  and  Textile Industry have been documented and published.

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