The Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) scheme has made significant strides in the agricultural sector. This innovative program has successfully profited over 1 lakh 60 thousand farmers in India within one year of its implementation. The programme is a synergistic blend of biotechnology and agrarian expertise aiming to bolster the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.
Understanding the Biotech-KISAN Scheme
Launched in 2017 by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Biotech-KISAN scheme follows a farmer-centric approach. This pan-India programme operates on a hub-and-spoke model, stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation among farmers, with a special focus on women farmers.
The scheme’s unique proposition lies in identifying and encouraging local farm leadership across genders. This leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering science-based farming practices.
By establishing Biotech-KISAN Hubs in all 15 agroclimatic zones and Aspirational Districts in the country, the scheme ensures extensive coverage. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between science and technology and farming practices. By understanding the local farmers’ issues, the scheme provides scientifically validated solutions, equipping farmers with the technology required to create sustainable agricultural and bio-resource related jobs.
Counseling and Demonstrations under the Scheme
Under the Biotech-KISAN scheme, farmers receive demonstrations and counseling about improved seed varieties, planting stock of vegetables, and usage of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR’s)/bio-fertilizers. Additionally, advice on irrigation techniques, protected cultivation technologies, livestock (goat, pig), poultry and fishery management, and health care for livestock/poultry are also part of the guidance offered.
The Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture
Agricultural Biotechnology encompasses a variety of tools and techniques, including traditional breeding methods and modern genetic engineering tools. The goal is to modify living organisms or their parts to enhance products, improve plants or animals, or design microorganisms for specific agricultural uses.
Noteworthy examples include Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), where the genes of plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals are manipulated. GM plants have proved beneficial in multiple ways. Biopesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring soil bacterium that harms insect pests, is an effective, cost-friendly, and low risk tool for pest management.
Benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology
The use of GMOs can result in significant benefits. These include reduced loss after harvest, enhanced nutritional value, and simplified work processes for farmers, leading to improved safety. This allows farmers to focus more on profitable activities besides crop management.
Exploring Prospects of Genetically Engineered Plants
Genetically modified crops bring new traits to plant species that do not occur naturally. These traits can offer resistance to certain pests, diseases, and environmental conditions, reduce spoilage, withstand chemical treatments, or even improve the crop’s nutritional profile.
For instance, scientists have engineered certain genetically modified crops to stay fresh for a month longer than usual, increasing their shelf life. Nutritional enhancements and stress tolerance towards varying temperatures, salinity, and drought are other potential applications of this technology.
The Biotech-KISAN scheme, supplemented by agricultural biotechnology, brings immense possibilities for the future of India’s farming industry, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for small and marginal farmers in the long run.
