Parliament Question: Special training programmes for tribal farmers in Odisha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3214 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20/03/2026 SPECIAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR TRIBAL FARMERS IN ODISHA 3214. SHRI NIRANJAN BISHI: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS’ WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether any special training programmes are being conducted for tribal farmers in Odisha on sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices; and (b) If so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR) (a) & (b): The Government is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA)” in 734 districts across 28 States and 5 Union Territories, including all 30 districts of Odisha. The scheme aims to promote a decentralized and farmer-friendly agricultural extension system to support the efforts of State Governments in disseminating latest agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices. Under the scheme, farmers are provided information and capacity- building support in various thematic areas of agriculture and allied sectors, including sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. These are promoted through various extension activities such as farmers’ trainings, demonstrations, exposure visits, Kisan Melas, mobilization of farmers’ groups, and organization of Farm Schools. Under ATMA Scheme, funds are released for the benefit of farmers of all the categories including Welfare of Scheduled Tribes farmers in proportionate to tribal population in the respective States/UTs including the State of Odisha. Further, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is being implemented in Odisha to promote organic farming. A total of 52,200.00 ha has been covered under organic farming, benefiting 79,151 farmers, while under the National Mission on Natural Farming, 24,059.45 ha of area has been covered and 60,424 farmers have been benefitted. The farmers under the schemes have been provided training on organic farming, natural farming, and other regenerative practices during the course of implementation. Further, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its institutes namely ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC), Research Centre, Koraput and ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management (IIWM), Bhubaneswar, is promoting resource-conserving and regenerative agricultural approaches aimed at enhancing soil health, improving water-use efficiency, increasing farm productivity and strengthening the livelihood resilience of tribal farming communities in the State of Odisha. During the current year, about 1,600 farmers have been trained through various capacity-building programmes. *****