The Department of Biotechnology’s Biotech-KISAN scheme has emerged as a flagship farmer-centric programme linking laboratory research with field-level agricultural needs. Implemented since 2017, it has created a network of hubs across agro-climatic zones to support demonstrations, training, enterprise development and technology transfer for rural communities.
Scheme Coverage and Reach
Biotech-KISAN stands for Krishi Innovation Science Application Network. It has established more than 50 hubs across 25 States and Union Territories, covering arid, semi-arid, coastal, hill, tribal and North Eastern regions. At present, five hubs are operational. The scheme has directly reached over one lakh farmers through demonstrations and training.
Key Technologies Transferred
The programme has supported a wide range of region-specific interventions.
- North Eastern Zone – biofertilisers, microbial consortia, vermicompost, azolla biofertiliser, beekeeping, mushroom spawn units and bamboo polyhouses.
- Eastern Zone – millet tuber complexes, tribal rice conservation, community seed banks and varietal innovation hubs.
- Central Zone – dryland pulse technologies, seed hubs and soil health inputs.
- Western Zone – arid crop technologies, community gene banks and the Abu Saunf 440 fennel variety.
- Southern Zone – pulse production, nutri gardens, shrimp hatcheries, seaweed farming and biofortified maize and millets.
Impact on Productivity and Sustainability
Demonstration plots have recorded yield gains of 15 to 37 percent. Farmers in several states have reported a 25 to 30 percent reduction in chemical fertiliser use after adopting biofertilisers, vermicompost and microbial consortia. In Odisha, soil organic carbon has increased by 20 to 25 percent in some plots. Integrated seed hubs and training have also improved yields of pigeon pea, chickpea and groundnut.
Women-Led Capacity Building and Tissue Culture
The scheme has given strong emphasis to women farmers and rural enterprises. More than 5,000 women have been trained in biofertiliser use, seed production, mushroom cultivation and kitchen garden models. Over 1,200 Self-Help Groups have been strengthened. Mahila Biotech Fellowships and mobile advisories such as Mushroom Mentor have supported women-led innovation. In parallel, the National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants has ensured virus-free, standardised planting material and safer crop multiplication. Nearly 70 percent of workers in tissue culture facilities are women, reflecting their growing role in biotechnology-led agriculture.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026