Lok Sabha Question No. 2749 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-19
Subject: Adoption of Digital and Innovative Farming Techniques
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Mohan Mandavi, Himadri Singh, Lallu Singh, Chunni Lal Sahu

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2749

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## ADOPTION OF DIGITAL AND INNOVATIVE FARMING TECHNIQUES

2749.  SHRI MOHAN MANDAVI: SHRIMATI HIMADRI SINGH: SHRI LALLU SINGH: SHRI CHUNNI LAL SAHU:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ षि एवं षकसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the measures initiated by the Government to support farmers in the adoption of digital technology and innovative farming techniques;
- (b) whether the Government has conducted research on technologies that have practical applications for farmers and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the Government schemes or policies in place to offer technological and scientific aid to farmers; and
- (d)  the  number  of  farmers  in  the  country  who  have  benefited  by  adoption  of  digital technology and latest agricultural techniques including the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

क ृ षि एवं षकसान कल्याण मंत्री

(SHRI ARJUN MUNDA)

(a)  to  (d):  The  adoption  of  modern  and  smart  farming  technologies  by  the  farmers depends on various factors such as socioeconomic conditions, geographical conditions, crop  grown,  irrigation  facilities  etc.  However,  the  Government  of  India  supports  and facilitates  the  State  Governments  to  promote  agriculture  throughout  the  country  and infusing modern and smart farming technologies into the agriculture sector. The use of modern machines including kisan drones is promoted under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization. Under NeGPA program, funding is given to State Governments for Digital Agriculture Projects using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning  (AI/ML),  Internet  of  Things  (IOT),  Blockchain  etc.  A  component  called 'Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development' has been launched under Rashtriya

Krishi  Vikas  Yojana  (RKVY-RAFTAAR)  in  2018-19  with  the  objective  of  promoting innovation  and  agri-entrepreneurship  by  providing  financial  support  and  nurturing  the incubation ecosystem. Under this programme, start-ups are encouraged to use innovative technologies to resolve challenges faced in agriculture and allied sectors. The funds are released to the States based on their proposals. Government is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation namely Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems. The Micro Irrigation helps in water saving as well as reduced fertilizer usage through fertigation, labour expenses, other input costs and overall income enhancement of farmers. Recent evaluation studies of the scheme have reiterated that Micro Irrigation is relevant in achieving national priorities such as improving on-farm water use efficiency, enhancing crop productivity, improving quality of agri/horti. products etc. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is implementing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) scheme in different States of the Country to support farmers in the adoption of innovative  farming  techniques  developed  by  National  Agricultural  Research  Systems. The  activities  of  KVKs  include  on-farm  testing  to  identify  the  location  specificity  of technology  under  various  farming  systems;  frontline  demonstration  to  establish  the production potential of improved agricultural technologies on the farmers' fields; capacity development of farmers for knowledge and skill up gradation; and production of quality seeds, planting materials and other technology inputs for availability to the farmers. In order to develop awareness about agricultural innovations and technologies among the farmers, a large number of extension activities are taken up by the KVKs. Further, as per the Budget Announcement for the year 2023-24, the Ministry of Agriculture  and  Farmers  Welfare  has  taken  various  initiatives  to  build  Digital  Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture as an open source, open standard and interoperable public good. These initiatives intend to provide access to technology and information to the farmers across the country to address the farmer-centric solutions, through various digital initiatives.

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