Lok Sabha Question No. 275 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-04
Subject: Upgradation of Agricultural Technology
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 275

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  FEBRUARY, 2025

## UPGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

## 275.   SHRI VE VAITHILINGAM:

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

(a) whether the Government has taken any initiatives for the upgradation of agricultural technology,  the  application  of  modern  skills  in  farm  practices,  enhancing  agricultural marketing  avenues,  price  stabilization,  the  adoption  of  innovation  in  farming,  lowering wastages in the use of fertilizers, water and other inputs and improving the agriculture-industry linkages;

- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) & (b): The  Government  has  launched  several  key  schemes  to  upgrade  agricultural technology to improve productivity, sustainability, and farmers' income. The Digital Agriculture Mission, is a major initiative that leverages technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data,  and  geospatial  data  for  better  crop  monitoring,  soil  management,  and  weather forecasting.  Indian  Council  of Agricultural  Research  (ICAR),  during  the  last  ten  years  has developed 2900 varieties out of which, 2661 varieties are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic  stresses.  About156  technologies/machines/process  protocols  were  developed  for production  and  post-harvest  production  of  agriculture.  Technologies  related  to  animal, Fisheries  sector  were  also  developed  for  enhancing  productivity  of  animal,  fisheries, aquaculture, diagnostics & vaccines for animal and fish health management, processing and value addition. For increasing awareness and promotion of newly developed technologies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) conduct trainings, field level demonstration, farmers' interface meetings, skill development programs among the small and marginal farmers and other stakeholders and making agriculture more efficient and profitable.

The Government has introduced many initiatives to enhance agricultural marketing such as  e-NAM,  Kisan  Rail  and  Kisan  Udan  for  improved  logistics.  The  promotion  of  Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aims to reduce intermediaries and strengthen market access for  farmers.  Additionally,  agri-tech  startups  and  online  platforms  like  AGRI-Bazaar  help farmers to connect directly with buyers, ensuring better pricing and increased income.

ICAR  recommends  soil  test  based  balanced  and  integrated  nutrient  management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (manure, biofertilizers etc.) of plant nutrients for judicious use of chemical fertilizers and to improve soil health.   All these measures reduce chemical fertilizer use in the country.  Also, ICAR suggests judicious use of water through efficient irrigation techniques including micro-irrigation for various crops to save irrigation water substantially.

The Soil Health  Card Scheme also promotes the use of soil-appropriate fertilizers to reduce wastage and improve productivity. Further, the Government  supports State Governments  through  scheme  the  Per  Drop  More  Crop  (PDMC)  to  improve  water  use efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance farm income. While the Government has promoted the Pradhan  Mantri Kisan Sampada  Yojana,  which  focuses on enhancing value-added processing, improving the shelf-life of farm products, and linking farmers with agro-industries.

(c): Question doesn't arise.

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