Lok Sabha Question No. 1073 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-26
Subject: Biotech-Kisan Programme
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Reddeppa Nallakonda Gari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA ADMITTED/UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1073 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26-07-2023

## Biotech-Kisan Programme

1073. SHRI N. REDDEPPA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY िवǒान और ŮौȨोिगकी मंũी 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 support provided and the intended benefits of 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) FOR THE MINISTRY OF  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) )

िवǒानऔर ŮौȨोिगकी मंũालय क े  राǛमंũी ( ˢतंũ Ůभार ( डॉ . िजतŐū िसंह )

- 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 scientists and institutions engaged in research in agriculture field. 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 171 districts.

b) Yes sir, through the programme farmers are provided with seed/plants/livestock/poultry of improved varieties and improved management practices. These technological interventions have benefited farmers by increasing their income as well as helping them in setting of bio based  enterprises.    The  programme  has  benefitted  over  five  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 the farmer FIRST (Farm, Innovations, Resources, Science and Technology). The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories are organizing Farmercentric events such as Pushp Krishi Mela, Floriculture Entrepreneur Meet, Scientist-Industry Meet to create a linkage between floriculture farmers and scientific institute.  In addition to Biotech-Kisan, Department is also supporting farmers through its societal programme.