The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) recently marked its 93rd foundation day with the launch of the Kisan Sarthi platform. This article delves into the details of ICAR, provides key points about Kisan Sarthi and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and highlights other related initiatives.
About the Indian Council of Agriculture Research
The ICAR is an autonomous organisation working under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The ICAR was established in July 1929, initially known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, with its headquarters situated in New Delhi.
ICAR is responsible for managing, guiding, and coordinating research and education in various fields such as agriculture, horticulture, animal sciences, and fisheries across the nation.
Launching the Kisan Sarthi
Kisan Sarthi is a recently launched digital platform aimed at aiding farmers by providing them with relevant information at the right time and in their preferred language. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology collectively initiated the platform.
With this platform, farmers can interact with respective scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) and seek personalised advisories on agriculture and related areas. It also serves as a teaching aid for farmers to learn new farming methodologies.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra: Bridging the Gap
In India, Krishi Vigyan Kendra serves as an agricultural extension center. Generally affiliated with a local agricultural university, these centers work towards applying agricultural research in a practical setting, thus acting as a bridge between ICAR and farmers.
Formed in 1974 with its first unit in Puducherry, KVKs are an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). The KVK’s mandate includes technology assessment, demonstration of its application, and capacity development.
KVKs also produce and distribute quality technological products like seeds, planting materials, bio-agents, and livestock among farmers. Funded entirely by the Government of India, KVKs are sanctioned to various stakeholders in the field of agriculture such as Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).
Crucial to the government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022, KVKs serve the vital function of bridging the gap between laboratories and farmland.
Other Related Initiatives
Several other initiatives complement the efforts of ICAR and KVKs in enhancing India’s agricultural landscape. These include Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Soil health card Scheme, Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, and National Agriculture Market (eNAM).
