Agri and its Allied sector’s total contribution has increased by 26.8% in terms of value, from ₹ 16,09,198 crore in 2013-14 to ₹ 20,40,079 crore in 2020-21, according to Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha about the role of research in the development of the agriculture use sector.
‘Total agricultural exports have also been steadily increasing, with the total value of agricultural and allied goods exports totaling ₹ 2,62,778.52 crore in 2013-14 and ₹ 3,10,338.47 crore in 2020-21, representing an 18.1 percent increase,’ he added.
The government has established 725 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country to equip farmers with knowledge on innovative agricultural technologies.
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On-farm testing to determine the location specificity of technology under various farming systems, frontline demonstration to determine the production potential of improved agricultural technologies on farmers’ fields, capacity development of farmers for farm technology know-how and skill up-gradation, and providing farm advisories using Information and communications technology (ICT) and other media means on a variety of subjects are among the activities of KVKs.
The Central Government’s fully funded scheme, ‘Central Sector Scheme’ on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue (CRM)’ has been implemented in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi from 2018-19 to address air pollution and subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue.
During the last three years, 158135 equipment have been given to individual farmers and custom hiring centers under this scheme.
Also Read: Union Budget 2021 Highlights – Agri and allied sector
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