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.

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:-

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.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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