Kisan Sarathi | 17 Jul 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) celebrated its 93rd foundation day and on the occasion, the Kisan Sarthi platform was launched.

Indian Council of Agriculture Research

  • It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • It was established in July 1929 and was formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
  • It is headquartered at New Delhi.
  • It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.

Key Points

  • About:
    • It was jointly launched by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology.
    • It is a digital platform to facilitate farmers to get ‘right information at right time’ in their desired language.
    • It will help farmers to interact and avail personalised advisories on agriculture and allied areas directly from the respective scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs).
      • Farmers can also learn new farming methods using it.
  • Krishi Vigyan Kendra:
    • It is an agricultural extension center in India. Usually associated with a local agricultural university, these centers serve as the ultimate link between the ICAR and farmers, and aim to apply agricultural research in a practical, localized setting.
    • It is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
      • The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry.
    • The mandate of KVK is technology assessment and demonstration for its application and capacity development.
    • KVKs also produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers.
    • The KVK scheme is 100% financed by the Government of India and the KVKs are sanctioned to Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) working in Agriculture.
    • KVKs act as a bridge between the laboratories and farmland. According to the Government, these are crucial to fulfilling the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.

Source: PIB