Lok Sabha Question No. 1157 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Promoting the Use of Advanced Agricultural Technologies
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan, Shri K Radhakrishnan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1157

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 TH  JULY, 2024

## PROMOTING THE USE OF ADVANCED AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES

1157.  SHRI BENNY BEHANAN: SHRI K RADHAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps being taken by the Government to promote the use of advanced agricultural technologies and practices among small and marginal farmers;
- (b) whether there is any plan to increase investment in agricultural research and development; and
- (c) if so, the details of the key focus areas?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k jkT; ea=h (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

- (a) The Government promotes advanced agricultural technologies and practices including Kisan Drones, climate resilient varieties, integrated farming system models, micro-irrigation,  precision  farming,  soil  sensors,  biofortified  varieties,  and  digital marketing.  These  technologies  are  promoted  among  small  and  marginal  farmers through  various  schemes  like  Rashtriya  Krishi  Vikas  Yojana,  National  Mission  for Sustainable  Agriculture,  Namo  Drone  Didi,  Krishionnati  Yojna,  Sub-Mission  on Agricultural  Mechanization,  and  Pradhan  Mantri  Krishi  Sinchayee  Yojana.  For promoting and increasing the adoption of these technologies, the Government has set up  a  network  of  731  Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  in  the  Country.  The  KVKs demonstrate  and  provide  training  on  the  advanced  agricultural  technologies  and practices as well as help in capacity development of farmers.

(b)&(c): Yes, as reflected in the budget 2024-25, the provisions for agricultural research and development (R&D) under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has been increased as under:-

| Year    |   Rs. (In Crore) |
|---------|------------------|
| 2022-23 |          8658.89 |
| 2023-24 |          9876.6  |
| 2024-25 |          9941.09 |

The key focus areas of agricultural R&D are:

- Developing climate resilience in Indian agriculture through varieties and climate smart practices & tools,
- Special focus on development of oilseeds and pulses varieties,
- Conservation and management of natural resources (land and water),
- Development of bio-fortified varieties to tackle the issue of under nutrition in Indian population,
- Technology  based  support  in  important  sectors  like  field  crops,  horticulture, fisheries and livestock sector for nutritional & food security as well as sustainable development,
- Agricultural production and post-harvest mechanization augmented with innovative technologies for sustainable agriculture development,
- Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management & Social Sciences,
- Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for technology testing, demonstration and dissemination to farmer's field.

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