Biotech-KISAN programme, a significant initiative in Indian agricultural sector, has gained attention due to its recent mention by the Union Minister of Science and Technology in Lok Sabha. The programme claims to bridge the gap between science and farming by implementing innovative biotechnologies for the benefit of farmers.
About Biotech-KISAN Programme
Developed under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Biotech-KISAN programme is a farmer-centric scheme. Following a pan-India network based on a hub-and-spoke model, the programme values entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among farmers, with a special focus on women. The unique feature of this scheme lies in its promotion of local farm leadership amongst both genders. This leadership paves the way for the development of scientific farming while ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
Aiming at Simplified Solutions
Biotech-KISAN aims at understanding the primary concerns of the farming community – water, soil, seed, and market-related issues. By linking available science and technology to the farm, the programme focuses on providing scientific solutions to these problems. Biotech-KISAN hubs are considered the breeding grounds for these solutions. These hubs also hold the responsibility to generate agriculture and bio-resource related jobs and ensure better livelihoods for small and marginal farmers. Currently, there are eight such hubs across different Agro-climatic Zones in India.
Government Support for Agricultural Biotechnology
The government lends support to research institutes, central and state agriculture universities for competitive research, development and demonstration activities related to agriculture biotechnology including organic farming. These initiatives have even spread across to Aspirational Districts. Over the last three years, a sum of approximately Rs. 310 crores has been invested in promoting the use of biotechnology in agriculture. Further, the Integrated Human Resource Development Programme implemented by the Department of Biotechnology aims at providing biotechnology trained personnel in various fields including agriculture.
Alternative to Conventional Farming
Understanding genetics and biotechnology can enable farmers to achieve maximum output from their fields while minimising the use of harmful fertilisers and chemicals. The adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) is being touted as a potential solution and an alternative to conventional farming. GMOs have proven to increase crop tolerance to abiotic stresses, decrease dependence on chemical pesticides, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the nutritional value of food. Examples of such GMO crops are Bt cotton and Bt Brinjal.
Potential of Genetically Modified Biopesticides
Genetically Modified Biopesticides refer to biologically-based agents that control plant pests. These agents can be living organisms like micro-organisms or nematodes, or naturally occurring substances such as plant extracts or insect pheromones. Such biopesticides provide resistance to insects, eliminating the need for chemical insecticides. All these features make the Biotech-KISAN programme remarkably promising in transforming Indian agriculture by leveraging science, biotechnology and innovation.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024