Parliament Question: Training to Farmers

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2859 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10TH MARCH, 2026 TRAINING TO FARMERS 2859. DR. ANAND KUMAR: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether Government proposes to impart practical training in scientific and new technology-based agricultural practices to farmers through 15 to 30 days short term residential training programmes by agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras; (b) whether Government is of the view that such trainings would increase the productivity and income of farmers, reduce costs, diversify crops and promote the expansion of modern techniques and when the trained farmers of art using these techniques on their farms, others will also be able to benefit by learning acquired by the said farmers; (c) if so, the details of the proposed scheme and the roadmap for implementation and time- frame thereof; and (d) if not, whether the Government would consider introducing such a scheme keeping in view the long term benefits of such structured plan? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY) (a) to (d): The Government of India is implementing various technology-oriented programmes for capacity building and skill development of farmers through Agricultural Universities (AUs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and other extension institutions for improving productivity and income of farmers. These programmes include short-term and medium-term practical training courses covering scientific and modern technology-based agricultural practices. During 2024-25, 3683 such training courses were organized benefitting 66430 farmers. 1Under the existing framework, AUs and KVKs conduct need-based training programmes of varying durations, including residential vocational training programmes, focusing on improved crop production techniques, integrated pest management, natural farming, mechanization, post- harvest management, value addition, digital agriculture and climate-resilient practices etc. The structured and practical training enhances farmers’ knowledge and skills; facilitates adoption of improved technologies; contributes to reduction in input costs, higher profitability and diversification towards high-value crops; and ultimately leads to enhancement of farmers’ income. Such trained farmers often act as local resource persons and disseminate the knowledge gained to other farmers in their respective areas. Further, structured training programmes are integral part of various schemes such as the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and other flagship programmes like, National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), etc. of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, which are being implemented across States/UTs. ******** 2