Lok Sabha Question No. 219 (STARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Central Agriculture and Veterinary University in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 219

TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## CENTRAL AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY UNIVERSITY IN TAMIL NADU

## *219. KM. SUDHA R :

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering any proposal for establishment of a Central  Agriculture  University  and  a  Central  Veterinary  University  in  the  region  of Mayiladuthurai  and  Kumbakonam  in  Tamil  Nadu,  given  the  significant  agricultural activities and livestock farming in the region and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) If  not,  whether  the  Government  is  considering  including  this  in  the  future development agenda and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) The initiatives taken by the Government to provide advanced education and research facilities to support local farmers and the agricultural community?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री (SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN)

- (a)  to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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## STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 219 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH   AUGUST, 2024 REGARDING 'CENTRAL AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY UNIVERSITY IN TAMIL NADU'

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(a) & (b): At present, there is no proposal to establish a Central Agriculture University and a Central Veterinary University in Tamil Nadu.

However,  Tamil  Nadu  state  has  03  Universities  which  cater  to  the  need  of agriculture  &  allied  subjects  for  the  welfare  of  the  farming  community  as  well  as students. These are:

(i) Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai;

(ii) Tamil Nadu Dr J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Nagapattinam;

(iii) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore

These Universities together have 35 constituent colleges, 29 affiliated colleges, 51  research  centres/farms,  20  Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs),  7  Agri-incubation Centres and linkages with 120 Farmers Producer  Organizations (FPOs) within the state of Tamil Nadu.

(c) Following initiatives have been taken by the Government to provide advanced education  and  research  facilities  to  support  local  farmers  and  the  agricultural community:

(i) Government has established 03 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes,  namely,  ICAR-Sugarcane  Breeding  Institute,  Coimbatore;  ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai and ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirapalli and 14 Regional Centres of various ICAR Institutes to cater the need of the farmers.

(ii) The TNAU, Coimbatore and TANUVAS, Chennai received significant funding (Rs  52.44  crores)  under  the  ICAR-National  Agricultural  Higher  Education  Project (NAHEP) (2018-2023) to modernize their infrastructure and curriculum. Key initiatives include establishing smart classrooms, language labs, and technology-focused labs, offering drone training and creating AR/VR modules, and building a learning center with simulators. These efforts have enhanced quality of agricultural education and skill development  among  youth  (e.g.  more  than  100  students  imparted  Drone  Pilot training).

(iii) Development grants have been provided to the universities (TNAU, TANUVAS and TNJFU) for  creating/renovation  of  facilities  to  cater  the  need  of  students  and farmers of the state during last three years.

(iv) In  order  to  achieve  educational  excellence  in  teaching  and  research  in agriculture  and  allied  science  subjects,  ICAR  supports  the  students  by  awarding fellowships/scholarships  to  students,  including  those  in  Tamil  Nadu,  through  ICAR entrance examination for ICAR quota seats.

(v) Government  has  established  31  Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  to  provide knowledge and training to farmers in agricultural technologies and livelihood based skill activities.

(vi) Drone technology for spraying agro-chemicals and fertilizers was demonstrated to 7861 farmers in Tamil Nadu State. The technology saves 90 % of time and 93% water, 12% cost of operation and, reduces health hazard and environmental pollution.

(vii) 07 agribusiness incubation centres of TNAU, Coimbatore also provide services to students and other stakeholders.

(viii) TNAU,  Coimbatore  has  established  linkages  with  120  Farmer  Producer Organizations  to  provide  knowledge  and  guidance  on  advanced  technologies  for increasing productivity and formulating business plans.

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