31 Mar 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

Cabinet approves continuation of Krishi Vigyan Kendras

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education for continuation / strengthening 669 KVKs until 2020.
• The financial outlay for the KVK Scheme for 2017-20 shall be of Rs 2,82,400.72 lakh. 

The special programmes which shall be initiated through the KVK Scheme are:

• A Network Project on New Extension Methodologies and Approaches; Nutri-sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI);
• programs tilted Knowledge Systems and Homestead Agriculture Management in Tribal Areas (KSHAMTA),
• Value Addition and Technology Incubation Centres in Agriculture (VATICA),
• Farm Innovation Resource Management (FIRM) and
• Establishment of Agricultural Technology Information Centre.

Background:

KVK Scheme

• The KVK scheme is functioning on 100% Central funding pattern under the ambit of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE).
• The activities include on-farm testing of technologies and demonstrations, capacity development of farmers and extension personnel, functioning as a knowledge and resource centre of agricultural technologies, providing farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers.
• In addition, KVKs produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, and livestock) and make it available to farmers; organize frontline extension activities; identify and document selected farm innovations; and ensure convergence with ongoing schemes and programmes.

Cabinet approves continuation of Nutrient Based Subsidy and City Compost Scheme

• Continuation of Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) and City Compost Scheme has been approved by CCEA for a period of beyond 12thFive Year plan till 2019-20. 
• The total expenditure for continuation of both the schemes till 2019-20 will be Rs. 61,972 crore.
• The continuation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme and City Compost Scheme will ensure that adequate quantity of P&K is made available to the farmers at statutory controlled price.

Also See | Fertilizer Policy in India: A Critical Analysis

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