Lok Sabha Question No. 129 (STARRED), answered on 2016-07-26
Subject: Kisan Melas
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: BIRENDRA KUMAR CHOUDHARY

O.I.H.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 129

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26 TH  JULY, 2016

## KISAN MELAS

- *129.      SHRI BIRENDRA KUMAR CHOUDHARY:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is sponsoring Kisan Melas in various parts of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the framework/norms for organising such Melas and the success achieved thereunder in addressing the issues of farmers;
- (c) the funds allocated and utilised for the purpose during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  imparting  training  to  the  farmers  in  these  Melas  and educating them about farm practices; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the number of farmers who have availed benefits thereunder during the said period, State/UT-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè

(SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH)

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

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.  129  DUE FOR REPLY ON 26 TH  JULY, 2016.

- (a): Yes,  Madam.  The  Government  is  sponsoring  Kisan  Melas  in  various  parts  of  the country  to  disseminate  relevant  information  and  promote  appropriate  technologies  and improved agronomic practices among the farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture and allied sectors.
- (b): Financial assistance is provided for organization of Regional Agriculture Fairs (RAFs) to State Agriculture Universities  and  Indian Council  of  Agricultural  Research  (ICAR) institutes. Five (5) Regional Agriculture Fairs @ one in each region, namely, North, South, East, West and North East organised through State Agriculture Universities/ICAR Institutes during a year are supported with a maximum funding of Rs.15 lakh each.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare also provides financial assistance to other institutions for organization of farmer-centric International/ National/ State level events.

Besides, a few mega agricultural fairs have also been sponsored/ organized by the Government in the past. The framework/ norms/ guidelines is given at Annexure-I

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a network of 645 Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  in  the  country  aiming  at  assessment  and  demonstration  of technologies/products.  The  KVKs  also  organize  a  number  of  extension  programmes including Kisan Melas for creating awareness on improved technologies among farmers.

Farmers visiting these fairs benefit substantially by gaining knowledge and skills that help them to enhance productivity and income levels.

- (c): Expenditure  incurred  on  Krishi  Melas  and  Exhibitions  during  the  last  three  years  & current year by Department  of  Agriculture, Cooperation  &  Farmers'  Welfare  are  at Annexure-II.

(d): During these Melas, farmers are educated & oriented about innovative and new farm practices through Exhibits, Displays, Live Demonstrations, Kisan Goshthies, Technical Seminars, and Cultural Programmes etc.

(e): The details  of  State/UT-wise number of  farmers  who have benefitted during the said period by these Kisan Melas are depicted in Annexure-III & IV.

## Annexure-I

## GUIDELINES/FRAMEWORK OF PARTICIPATION/SUPPORT IN DIFFERENT EXHIBITIONS/FAIRS/ SEMINARS/CONFERENCES

## 1. AWARENESS  GENERATION  THROUGH  ORGANIZATION  /  PARTICIPATION  IN EXHIBITIONS/FAIRS

- 1.1 The DOE participate and supports exhibitions, fairs, and related events as listed below:
-  International Fairs & Exhibitions
-  National, Regional and State level Fairs and Exhibitions.
-  National and International Seminars on Agriculture and allied activities.

## 1.2 INTERNATIONAL EVENTS:

DOE participate in 2-3 international exhibitions/fairs organized in a year and held either abroad or  within  the  country.  These Exhibitions/Fairs  are  organized by ITPO, Industry Associations, host countries which are nominated by Indian Missions, IC Division of the Department. These Exhibitions  are  generally  held  with  an  objective  of  highlighting  the  achievements  of  Indian Agriculture and to showcase its strengths/potentials and to create markets for Agro-products at the international level.

## 1.3 PREPARATION and PARTICIPATION

Two to three officers well conversant with the theme / area / subjects of Exhibition from within DOE/DAC will be deputed to set up and manage the exhibition pavilion/stall in international level events.

Preparation in terms of deciding theme of the event; design and development of publicity and display material of standard quality is to be started well in advance i.e. 2-3 months before the event.  Participation  of  all  related  Government  Organizations/  Boards/  Exporters  is  to  be ensured. Documentation of the event is essential with detailed report on the participation to be submitted immediately on return and follow up action initiated with regard to Trade Inquiries received  in  the  event.  Meeting  at  appropriate  levels  are  to  be  convened,  if  required,  to ascertain the actions taken in the matter by the concerned agencies. Space can also be hired as per requirement in the event with the approval of competent authority.

## 1.4 NATIONAL/STATE/AD-HOC EVENTS

The Directorate of Extension participates in the following exhibitions/ fairs during a year.

-  IITF  at  Pragati  Maidan,  New  Delhi  from  14-27  November  through  Agriculture Pavilion.
-  CII organized Agro Tech at Chandigarh every alternate year subject to availability of funds/human-resource
-  Adhoc exhibitions/ fairs in agricultural and allied sector organized by Government Departments,  Industry,  Trade  and  Research  Associations  and  Private  Sector related  organizations  (supported  by  respective  State  Governments)  in  the country.
-  On an average 6-8 such exhibitions / fairs of 4-6 days duration are organized in a year.

## 1.5   PREPARATION and PARTICIPATION

At  least  one  officer  dealing  with  the  activity  of  exhibitions/fairs  along  with  supporting staff may be deputed to set up and manage the exhibition pavilion/stall and in national, state and regional level events.

DOE  may  not  participate  in  any  adhoc  exhibition/fair  in  the  state  where  a  Regional Agriculture Fair has been organized or is being organized during the year. Further, the selection of the event is to be done in such a manner so that these may not clash with other events. The participation is to be properly documented and report on the event should  be  prepared  immediately  after  the  event  is  over.  Space  will  be  hired  as  per requirement for the event with the approval of competent authority.

## 1.6 REGIONAL AGRICULTURE FAIRS (RAFs)

Regional Agriculture  Fairs started  in  2004-05  in  the  Country  to  promote  exchange  of ideas among various States/UTs of a particular Region in  order to pave way for better transfer of technology applicable to the Region. Such fairs speed up the Public-PrivateParticipation  and  help  in  up-gradation  of  knowledge  and  skills  of  farmers  keeping  in view the successful organization of Regional Fairs since 2005, the activity is continued in the existing pattern.

These Regional  Agriculture  Fairs  @  one  in  each  Region  namely  North,  South,  East, West  and  North  East  through  State  Agriculture  Universities/ICAR  Institutes/Industry Associations during a year.

## 1.6.1 SELECTION OF ORGANIZING AGENCIES

Proposals along with an Action Plan indicating the details of  date,  venue, theme  etc. along with financial involvement are to be invited from state Agriculture Universities and ICAR Institutes for organizing the fairs in the respective regions recommended by the concerned state Government by SAUs/ICAR Institutes.

## 1.6.2 DURATION, VENUE and THEME

Each Fair shall be of 3-5 days, organized at a place easily accessible for the greater participation  of  different  organizations/agencies  and  farmers.  The  theme  would  be identified by the organizing SAU/ICAR Institute in consultation with DAC.

## 1.6.3 MOBILIZATION of Funds

A  maximum  of  Rs.  15  lakh  can  be  provided  for  each  fair  as  Grant-in  -Aid  to  the organizing  agency  of  the  Regional  Agriculture  Fairs  from  2014-15.  The  organizing agencies  would  also  mobilize  funds  from  their  own  sources  and/or  by  marketing  of stalls.  However,  the  organizing  agencies  would    provide  free  space  to  government agencies such as SAUs/ICAR Institutes and Organization under DAC, Government of India for their participations.

## 1.6.4 ACTIVITIES/FAIR PROFILE

These  events  will  be  made  more  farmers  centric  on  the  lines  of  Krishi  Vasant  by ensuring direct participation of farmers from the Region. Farmer-Scientist interactions in regional  languages  demonstrating  appropriate  technologies  directly  and  by  way  of organizing  crop/livestock demonstrations,  Web  casting  and  live  interactions  from various  district  headquarters  will  also  be  attempted.  Suitable  entertainment  programs with  some  technical  message  may  also  from  a  part  of  the  fair.  Cash  prizes,  prizes, Certificates, Awards may be given to the farmers for their achievements.

## 1.6.5 PUBLICITY & MEDIA COVERAGES

Pre-event  publicity  through  press  releases,  AIR,  DD,  Kisan  Call  Centre,  Kisan  Vani programme through FM Radio Station is to  be  essentially  arranged  for  the  fairs  with suitable coverage of the event in the local newspapers, TV and Radio.

## 1.6.5  PARTICIPATION

-  Participation of various State Agriculture Department/SAUs / Agriculture Institutes  /  Input  suppliers  along  with  participation  of  the  farmers  of  the  Region  to  be ensured
-  Participation of local media to cover the event and special features of the fair and its wide publicity may also be ensured.

## 1.6.6 Supportive role of the DOE

-  DOE/DAC  would  write  to  the  Central  Government  Agricultural  Organizations, SAUs and ICAR Institutes to support the fairs by providing services of  experts and also for participating in it.
-  DAC would write recommendatory letters to State Government of the region for their  participation  and  sponsoring  farmers  to  the  fair  under  the  prevailing schemes.
-  DAC would request Organizations under it to sponsor the farmers visit to the fairs under existing schemes.
-  Request Doordarshan & AIR for adequate coverage of the regional fairs.

## 2.            PERMIT  USE  OF  THE  NAME  'MINISTRY  OF  AGRICULTURE,  GOI' BROCHURE AND OTHER PUBLICITY MATERIAL OF EVENTS.

The DAC may permit use of the name 'Ministry of Agriculture, GOI' in the agriculture related events after examination of the proposal keeping in view the following.

-  The event is related to agriculture / allied sector.
-  It is recommended / supported by the State Governments concerned.
-  Permission to use the logo / name of the Ministry does not automatically qualify for financial support.
-  The agency / organizer can be allowed to use the name 'Ministry of Agriculture, GOI' in the brochure and other publicity material of the event.

## 3. SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL AND STATE LEVEL SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS/ CONFERENCES.

3.1 The  Department  of  Agriculture  &  Cooperation  has  been  supporting  seminars/ Workshops / Conferences in the past on a case to case basis. SAUs, ICAR Institutes, Industry Associations, Agribusiness Firms, Farmers Associations have been requesting for  financial  assistance  for  organizing  seminars/workshops/conferences  on  various agriculture  related  subject  of  topical  interest  and  for  the  benefit  of  farmers.  Financial support would be provided only for the following:-

- (i) International  and  National  events  organized  by  the  State  Department  /  SAUs  / ICAR Institutes / Federation Houses like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and Institutes of repute like TERI.
- (ii) International  and  National  events  organized  by  the  Farmers  Associations, Farmers Producer Companies, Agri-preneurs and Agri-business firms which are supported by state Departments / SAUs/ICAR Institutes.
- 3.2 Maximum funding support up to Rs.5 lakhs for the International events; up to Rs. 3 lakh for the National event and Rs.1.5 lakh for State level event can be provided by DAC, with the approval of Secretary (A&C). A maximum of 5 events can be supported in a  year  depending  on  the  budget  availability  @  one  in  each  of  the  5  Regions  of  the country on the pattern of Regional Fairs.
- 3.3 These guidelines will not apply to such exhibition / fairs/ workshops / seminars which  are  organized  by  the  DAC  directly  or  in  collaboration  with  other  Ministers, Departments, Industry and Research Associations, Academic Institutions etc.

## Annexure-II

Summary of Expenditure incurred on Kisan Melas (Agriculture Fairs) and Exhibitions supported/ sponsored/organized by DAC&FW) during last 3 years ( 2013-14 to 2015-16  & Current Year ( 2016-17)

|                                                                                                      | Level of                            | Funds released to the State/                                  | Amount Released (in Lakh)   | Amount Released (in Lakh)   | Amount Released (in Lakh)   | Amount Released (in Lakh)   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Item                                                                                                 | the Melas                           | agencies                                                      | 2013-14                     | 2014-15                     | 2015-16                     | 2016-17 (till date)         |
| Expenditure by States/UTs under Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA)   | National/ Regional/ State/ District | Govt./SAU's/ ICAR Institutes/ Private/ Autonomous Bodies etc. | 1696.21                     | 1247.46                     | 1305.54                     | 58.50                       |
| Expenditure by the Directorate of Extension, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Govt. of India | National/ Regional/ State           | Govt./SAU's/ ICAR Institutes/ Private/ Autonomous Bodies etc. | 1751.23                     | 222.68                      | 1479.14                     | 12.74                       |
| Total                                                                                                | Total                               | Total                                                         | 3447.44                     | 1470.14                     | 2784.68                     | 71.24                       |

## Annexure-III

State  wise  and  year-wise  details  of  'Kisan  Melas  (Agriculture  Fairs)'  organized  and  farmers  benefited  under "Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA)" during last 3 years (2013-14 to 2015-16  & Current Year ( 2016-17).

| Sr. No.   | State/UT       | 2013-14                      | 2013-14                   | 2014-15                      | 2014-15                   | 2015-16                      | 2015-16                   | 2016-17*                     | 2016-17*                  |
|-----------|----------------|------------------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------|
| Sr. No.   | State/UT       | No. of Kisan Melas organized | No. of farmers benefitted | No. of Kisan Melas organized | No. of farmers benefitted | No. of Kisan Melas organized | No. of farmers benefitted | No. of Kisan Melas organized | No. of farmers benefitted |
| 1         | Andhra Pradesh | 48                           | 41,137                    | 21                           | 17,367                    | 33                           | 17,367                    | 3                            | 11,443                    |
| 2         | Bihar          | 55                           | 28,237                    | 54                           | 38,384                    | 42                           | 5,171                     | 5                            | 2,945                     |
| 3         | CG             | 14                           | 18,659                    | 15                           | 1,89,505                  | 17                           | 27,717                    | 3                            | 3,770                     |
| 4         | Goa            | -                            | -                         | 0                            | -                         | -                            | -                         | -                            | -                         |
| 5         | Gujarat        | 40                           | 90,116                    | 98                           | 75,069                    | 61                           | 98,900                    | -                            | -                         |
| 6         | Haryana        | 10                           | 1,700                     | 6                            | -                         | 16                           | 1,850                     | -                            | -                         |
| 7         | H.P            | 14                           | 20,875                    | 12                           | 10,220                    | 27                           | 16,790                    | -                            | -                         |
| 8         | J&K            | 49                           | -                         | 14                           | -                         | -                            | -                         | -                            | -                         |
| 9         | Jharkhand      | 24                           | 24,689                    | 20                           | 17,483                    | 18                           | 22,575                    | -                            | -                         |
| 10        | Karnataka      | 58                           | 1,43,258                  | 15                           | -                         | 58                           | 7,900                     | 2                            | 53,765                    |
| 11        | Kerala         | 33                           | 2,30,162                  | 14                           | 32,808                    | 13                           | 39,770                    | -                            | -                         |
| 12        | MH             | 28                           | -                         | 66                           | 93,443                    |                              | 80,262                    | 4                            | 805                       |
| 13        | M.P            | 49                           | 1,30,415                  | 40                           | 1,42,811                  | 51                           | 6,961                     | 4                            | 5,468                     |
| 14        | Orissa         | 15                           | 1,76,000                  | 31                           | 98,124                    | 30                           | 15,000                    | 10                           | 2,200                     |
| 15        | Punjab         | 42                           | 54,332                    | 45                           | 47,223                    | 27                           | 22,436                    | 20                           | 21,167                    |
| 16        | Rajasthan      | 29                           | 70,440                    | 6                            | 14,822                    | 5                            | 14,992                    | 1                            | 531                       |
| 17        | Tamil Nadu     | 40                           | 76,403                    | 7                            | 17,500                    | 28                           | 84,000                    | -                            | -                         |
| 18        | Telangana      | -                            | -                         | 27                           | 37,800                    | 20                           | 26,698                    | 1                            | 99                        |
| 19        | UP             | 140                          | 1,15,500                  | 141                          | 1,16,172                  | 88                           | 87,450                    | 5                            | 5,983                     |
| 20        | UK             | 24                           | 8,543                     | 16                           | 5,503                     | 14                           | 5,935                     | -                            | -                         |
| 21        | WB             | 5                            | 1,32,000                  | 1                            | 12,225                    | -                            | 15,347                    | -                            | -                         |
| 22        | Assam          | 0                            | -                         | 0                            | -                         | 2                            | -                         | -                            | -                         |
| 23        | Ar. Pradesh    | 16                           | 53,555                    | 17                           | 53,600                    | 5                            | 360                       | -                            | -                         |
| 25        | Manipur        | 7                            | 5,643                     | 3                            | -                         | 10                           | 5,000                     | -                            | -                         |
| 26        | Meghalaya      | 1                            | -                         | 0                            | -                         | -                            | -                         | -                            | -                         |
| 24        | Mizoram        | 5                            | 4,500                     | 0                            | -                         | 4                            | 4,300                     | -                            | -                         |
| 27        | Nagaland       | 15                           | 54,100                    | 11                           | 61,500                    | 12                           | 45,426                    | -                            | -                         |
| 28        | Tripura        | 0                            | -                         | 0                            | -                         | -                            | -                         | -                            | -                         |
| 29        | Sikkim         | 4                            | -                         | 4                            | -                         | 5                            | 1,195                     | -                            | -                         |
| 30        | Delhi          | -                            | -                         | 0                            | -                         | -                            | -                         | -                            | -                         |
| 31        | Puducherry     | 0                            | -                         | 2                            | -                         | 2                            | 2,12,000                  | -                            | -                         |
| 32        | A&N            | 0                            | -                         | 0                            | -                         | 4                            | 1,500                     | -                            | -                         |
|           | Total          | 765                          | 14,80,264                 | 686                          | 10,81,559                 | 592                          | 8,66,902                  | 58                           | 1,08,176                  |

Annexure-IV State/ UT-wise and year wise list of Kisan Melas conducted by ICAR during last 3 years ( 2013-14 to 2015-16

## & Current Year ( 2016-17)

| S. No.   | States            | 2013-14                      | 2013-14               | 2014-15            | 2014-15               | 2015-16                      | 2015-16               | 2016-17                                | 2016-17                     |
|----------|-------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| S. No.   | States            | No. of Kisan Melas organized | Farmers Participat ed | No. of Kisan Melas | Farmers Participat ed | No. of Kisan Melas organized | Farmers Participat ed | ( Current No. of Kisan Melas organized | Year) Farmers Participat ed |
| 1.       | A&N               | 0                            | 0                     | organized 0        | 0                     | 9                            | 1059                  | 8                                      | 659                         |
| 2.       | A. P.             | 33                           | 18834                 | 19                 | 13096                 | 27                           | 7770                  | 21                                     | 14219                       |
| 3.       | Arunachal Pradesh | 2                            | 805                   | 0                  | 0                     | 11                           | 1945                  | 14                                     | 2106                        |
| 4.       | Assam             | 11                           | 5399                  | 4                  | 5213                  | 32                           | 5713                  | 47                                     | 20173                       |
| 5.       | Bihar             | 33                           | 69861                 | 38                 | 96976                 | 170                          | 87142                 | 131                                    | 29901                       |
| 6.       | CG                | 25                           | 22616                 | 12                 | 6507                  | 47                           | 30402                 | 15                                     | 12868                       |
| 7.       | Delhi             | 0                            | 0                     | 0                  | 0                     | 0                            | 0                     | 1                                      | 450                         |
| 8.       | Goa               | 3                            | 519                   | 2                  | 364                   | 2                            | 225                   | 0                                      | 0                           |
| 9.       | Gujarat           | 36                           | 51796                 | 28                 | 39234                 | 53                           | 74456                 |                                        | 16400                       |
| 10       | Haryana           | 0                            | 0                     | 0                  | 0                     | 12                           | 8028                  | 21 18                                  | 13560                       |
| 11       | Himachal          | 0                            | 0                     | 4                  | 5345                  | 12                           | 9778                  |                                        |                             |
| 12       | Pradesh J&K       | 7                            | 9380                  | 10                 | 11518                 | 35                           | 13540                 | 9 8                                    | 3900 3513                   |
| 13       | JH                | 17                           | 31110                 | 22                 | 47278                 | 105                          | 81003                 | 74                                     | 17234                       |
| 14       | Karnataka         | 69                           | 1246244               | 61                 | 161557                | 54                           | 3729436               | 16                                     | 2610                        |
| 15       | Kerala            | 15                           | 4404                  | 20                 | 13758                 | 3                            | 639                   | 1                                      | 104                         |
| 16       | Lakshadwee p      | 0                            | 0                     | 0                  | 0                     | 2                            | 410                   | 0                                      | 0                           |
| 17       | M.P.              | 72                           | 137643                | 70                 | 290149                | 160                          | 257465                | 33                                     | 27709                       |
| 18       | Maharashtra       | 124                          | 35211                 | 180                | 56717                 | 163                          | 28955                 | 205                                    | 30192                       |
| 19       | Manipur           | 3                            | 977                   | 1                  | 768                   | 7                            | 1060                  |                                        |                             |
| 20       | Meghalaya         | 1                            | 410                   | 1                  | 623                   | 3                            | 727                   | 10 5                                   | 1502 1070                   |
| 21       | Mizoram           | 2                            | 478                   | 0                  | 0                     | 13                           | 1758                  |                                        |                             |
| 22       | Nagaland          | 3                            | 845                   | 0                  | 0                     | 4                            | 283                   | 9                                      | 2477                        |
| 23       | Odisha            | 40                           | 21697                 | 32                 | 19772                 | 59                           | 25928                 | 25                                     | 7538                        |
| 24       | Pudducherry       | 0                            | 0                     | 1                  | 16                    | 0                            | 0                     | 0                                      | 0                           |
| 25       | Punjab            | 2                            | 22453                 | 2                  | 24564                 | 70                           | 25518                 | 20                                     | 12580                       |
| 26       | Rajasthan         | 42                           | 72479                 | 28                 | 73051                 | 29                           | 43011                 | 34                                     | 26750                       |
| 27       | Sikkim            | 0                            | 0                     | 0                  | 0                     | 3                            | 560                   | 4                                      | 1020                        |
| 28       | T.N               | 69                           | 10286                 | 20                 | 13758                 | 196                          | 13443                 | 5                                      | 3940                        |
| 29       | Telangana         | 0                            | 0                     | 32                 | 3527                  | 25                           | 6516                  | 10                                     | 4431                        |
| 30       | Tripura           | 2                            | 917                   | 1                  | 771                   | 4                            | 1105                  |                                        |                             |
| 31       | UK                | 13                           | 58913                 | 18                 | 119592                | 183                          | 123896                | 5 72                                   | 1854 32665                  |
| 32       | U.P.              | 771                          | 206582                | 233                | 145491                | 27                           | 52570                 | 15                                     | 6698                        |
| 33       | W.B.              | 18                           | 28232                 | 21                 | 41873                 | 95                           | 109936                | 61                                     | 7357                        |
|          | Total             | 1413                         | 2058091               | 860                | 1191518               | 1615                         | 4744277               | 911                                    | 307168                      |

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