Farmers Innovation Fund

WHY IN NEWS?

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is all set to start a Farmers Innovation Fund. ICAR will bring a system to scientifically validate, scale-up and propagate the innovations of progressive farmers.

ABOUT FARMERS INNOVATION FUND

• The system intends to link farmers and farming with science and to ensure that their farm practices are science-based. It would also encourage farmers to continue their innovations.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras document the innovations of farmers.
• As part of this system, an innovation centre will be established in New Delhi where the innovations will be scientifically validated and farmers will be allowed to pursue research work.
• Scientific approach and use of technology helped in the success of various agricultural and allied sectors’ revolutions like- green revolution and white revolution.
• ICAR has created a link between 105 startups and farmers to encourage the use of technology in the farm sector.

ABOUT 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 on 16 July 1929 and was formerly known as 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.

ABOUT KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS

• It is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), which aims at the assessment of location-specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement, and demonstrations.
• KVKs have been functioning as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district and are linking the NARS with extension system and farmers.
• These are 100% funded by the Government of India.
• The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry.

Prelims Question

Q. The Farmers’ Innovation Fund, which was seen in news, is proposed to be set up by which organisation?

a)World Food Programme
b)Food and Agricultural Organisation
c)Indian Council of Agricultural Research
d)National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

Answer to the Prelims Question