The Indian government has implemented various schemes and programmes to promote modern agricultural technology and increase agricultural production through extension activities. The Agriculture Extension Division is responsible for implementing these initiatives, which include the Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA), Kisan Call Centre (KCC), Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) and more. The Indian government has recently established the fundamental idea of India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) aimed at enhancing the agricultural ecosystem in the country. The National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing schemes (AGMARKNET) are some of the other initiatives that have been taken by the government. These schemes aim to promote agricultural marketing infrastructure, provide digital services to farmers and traders and promote the use of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.
A brief overview on all the schemes/programmes
| Scheme/Program | Objective | Implementing Agency |
| Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA) | To make modern agricultural technologies available to increase production through extension activities such as training, demonstrations, exposure visits, and setting up farm schools. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension | To create awareness of schemes/missions/government initiatives/advisories/modern technologies related to agriculture through electronic, print, and social media. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| Kisan Call Centre (KCC) | To provide farmers with answers to queries on agriculture and allied sectors, including modern technologies, through a toll-free number. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme | To create self-employment opportunities for unemployed individuals with agricultural qualifications for dissemination of information on modern agricultural technologies. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| Four Extension Education Institutes (EEIs) | To train middle-level extension functionaries on modern technologies for dissemination to farmers. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| Short Duration Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) scheme | To provide training on modern agricultural technology to rural youths and farmers in the short term. | National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) |
| Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) | To provide education in agriculture and other allied areas to input dealers to establish linkages with extension services on modern technology. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| Skill Training Courses in agriculture and allied areas | The objective is to develop a skilled workforce and encourage wage or self-employment opportunities for rural youths and farmers. | Agriculture Extension Division |
| National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A) | To release funds to states/UTs for projects involving the use of modern technologies such as AI, ML, robotics, drones, data analytics, and blockchain. | Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare |
| Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) | To bring farm mechanization benefits to small and marginal farmers by promoting custom hiring centers, hi-tech equipment hubs, and capacity building activities. | Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare |
| National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) | To create a unified national market for agricultural commodities by networking existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis. | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (AGMARKNET) | To provide subsidy support to create agricultural marketing infrastructure and provide web-based information flow on daily arrivals and prices of commodities in agricultural markets. | Directorate of Marketing and Inspection |
| Development of Agro-Processing Clusters | To create modern infrastructure for the processing of agricultural products. | Ministry of Food Processing Industries |
Conclusion
Modern agricultural technology and practices can help increase agricultural productivity and efficiency in India. To promote the adoption of such technologies, the Indian government has implemented various schemes and programs, such as ATMA, KCC, SMAM and e-NAM. These initiatives aim to provide training and education on modern agricultural technologies, create awareness about new initiatives and improve access to markets and infrastructure. Through the continued implementation of these schemes and programs, the Indian agriculture sector can achieve sustainable growth and contribute to the country’s overall economic development.
