Context

• Recently, Agriculture Minister launched the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) based platform “Kisan Sarathi App.”

About

• Through this platform, farmers can interact and avail personalised advisories on agriculture and allied areas directly from the respective scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs).
• The app was launched to facilitate farmers to get 'right information at right time' in their desired language.
• Through this platform, officials at various levels can view and monitor daily activities such as farmer registration, live calls, messages, advisories given and pending.

Significance

• Kisan Sarathi initiative will be highly valuable not only in addressing the location-specific information needs of the farmers but also in agricultural extension, education and research activities of ICAR.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra

• KVK is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
• It aims at assessment of location specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement and demonstrations.
• The first KVK was established in 1974 in Pondicherry.
• The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India.

Mandate of KVKs

1. On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.
2. Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields.
3. Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies.
4. To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector in improving the agricultural economy of the district.
5. Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers

ICAR

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India.
• It reports to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture.
• The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president.
• It is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/tomar-urges-farmers-to-take-benefit-of-govts-agri-reforms-launches-kisan-sarathi-app/articleshow/84473583.cms

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