Lok Sabha Question No. 1206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Biotech-Kisan Programme
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Jayanta Kumar Roy, Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA ADMITTED/UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1206 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14-12-2022

## Biotech-Kisan Programme

## 1206. DR. JAYANTA KUMAR ROY: SHRIMATI SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) the  details  of  the  Biotech-Kisan  Programme  that  has  been  launched  to  empower  farmers through technological solutions;

- (b) the details of the intended benefits and the support provided under the same; and

(c) the  details  of  other  such  measures  being  taken to  provide  for  direct  linkage  between  science laboratories and farms in the country?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDER SINGH)

a) Yes  sir,  the  Department  of  Biotechnology  (DBT)  is  implementing  a  farmers-centric  Mission Programme 'Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network' (Biotech-KISAN). The programme connects Indian farmers with best scientists and institutions. The aim of the programme is to  work  with  small  and  marginal  farmers  for  better  agriculture  productivity  through  scientific intervention and evolving best farming practices. The  core activities of the  programme  are understanding the problems of the local farmer, scouting available technologies/solutions, demonstration and scale-up programmes, creation of strong Scientists-Farmers Interaction Platform; training programmes for the farmer and immersion programmes for scientists, communication through radio/TV  and  social  media,  thematic  fellowship  for  selected  farmers  and  special  solution-driven

thematic fellowships to women farmers. The programme also promotes the development of bio-based agri-enterprises  in rural areas. The Department has funded  fifty one (51) Biotech-Kisan hubs out of which forty four (44) are operational. These hubs are located in 15 agro-climatic zones of the country and are conducting activities in 169 districts.

b) Yes sir, the  intended benefits of the programme is to increase farmer's income by technological interventions and develop bio-based enterprises in rural areas. The programme has benefitted over four lakhs farmers (directly or indirectly) by increasing their agriculture output and income. Programme is also successful in developing 200 entrepreneurs in rural areas. The Department has till date provided support of Rs. 9554.146 lakhs to the programme.

c) Yes sir, the Ministries/Departments of Government of India are implementing various programmes for  direct  linkage  between  science  laboratories  and  farmers  in  country.  Department  of  Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)/Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is supporting 731 Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  and  implementing  programmes  like  Mera  Gaon  Mera  Gaurav (MGMG),  Scheduled  Castes  Sub  Plan  (SCSP)  programme  and  farmer  FIRST.  The  Council  of Scientific  and  Industrial  Research  (CSIR)  laboratories  CIMAP  (Central  Institute  of  Medicinal  & Aromatic  Plants)  and  National  Botanical  Research  Institute,  Lucknow  (NBRI)  provides  technical support  and  advice  to  farmers  through  training  programmes  and  skill  development  programmes  on various  aspects  of  agriculture,  science  and  technology.  In  addition  to  Biotech-Kisan,  Department  is also supporting farmers through its societal programme.