Lok Sabha Question No. 3608 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-17
Subject: Initiatives to support Farmers
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3608

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT FARMERS

3608. DR. D. RAVI KUMAR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  measures  taken  to  reduce  market  volatility  and  provide  farmers  with effective  market  linkages  and  real-time  price  information  to  protect  them  from  price exploitation; (b)  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  addressing  the  impacts  of  climate  change  and natural disasters on agriculture, and the details of the support systems in place to mitigate crop losses and livestock mortality; (c)  the  details  of  initiatives  which  are  being  implemented  to  improve  farmers'  access  to agricultural extension services, modern technologies and scientific research tailored to their specific needs; (d) the details of the Government plans to enhance farmers' involvement in policy-making processes to ensure that policies are more responsive to their challenges and needs; and (e)  the  details  of  the  programs  which  are  in  place  to  provide  training,  knowledge dissemination  and  affordable  technology  solutions  to  help  farmers  adopt  innovative  and
- sustainable agricultural practices?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a):  The  government  implements  various  schemes  to  strengthen  the  agricultural  supply chain,  create  alternative  marketing  channels,  and  mitigate  market  volatility  to  ensure remunerative prices to farmers. These measures include the National Agriculture Market (eNAM),  the  Formation  and  Promotion  of  10,000  Farmer  Producer  Organizations  (FPOs) scheme, direct market access through Open Network for Digital Commerce, the Agriculture Infrastructure  Fund  (AIF),  the  Integrated  Scheme  for  Agricultural  Marketing  (ISAM),  and price support under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).

Marketing  Research  and  Information  Network  (MRIN),  a  sub-scheme  of  ISAM,  provides daily  updates  on  agricultural  commodity  prices  and  arrivals.  The  scheme  covers  3,771 market  yards,  tracking  over  300  commodities.  The  information  is  disseminated  through digital platforms such as the Agmarknet portal, e-NAM portal, Kisan Suvidha, etc.

(b): National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) evolves and implements strategies to  make  agriculture  resilient  to  the  changing  climate.  Under  NMSA,  Per  Drop  More  Crop (PDMC) scheme improves water use efficiency through micro-irrigation technologies, and Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme focuses on Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) to increase  productivity  and  reduce  risks  of  climate  variability.  The  Mission  for  Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also work to enhance climate resilience.

Pradhan  Mantri  Fasal  Bima  Yojana  (PMFBY)  along  with  weather  index  based Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) provide a comprehensive insurance cover against crop failure. These  schemes provide financial support to farmers affected by crop loss or damage due to natural calamities.

(c)  to  (e):  The  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  'Support  to  State  Extension  Programs  for Extension Reforms' implemented across 739 districts in 28 states and 5 Union Territories. The scheme provides decentralised farmer-friendly extension through different activities like farmers training, demonstrations,  exposure  visits, etc. Indian Council of Agricultural Research  through  Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  disseminates  latest  technologies  in agriculture  and  allied  sectors,  among  the  farmers.  KVK  also  support  on  farm  training  & location specific technology & farming systems.

The  Government  engages  with  farmers  and  other  stakeholders  in  the  agricultural policy formulation from time to time.

*****