The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a flagship network project namely National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). The project conducts studies on the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries and also develops and promotes climate resilient technologies in agriculture. Under the program, a total of 2900 varieties have been released by ICAR, out of these 2661 varieties have been found tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses.

Government is implementing Sub Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP) to promote production and multiplication of quality seeds of agricultural crops to ensure availability of required quantities of seed to farmers. During 2024-25, an amount of Rs. 270.90 crore was allocated under the seed scheme of SMSP wherein   an amount of Rs. 206.86 crore had been released to the States/UTs out of which Rs. 141.46 crore has been provided under   Seed Village Programme

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) implements strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate. Several schemes under NMSA deal with adverse climate situations in agriculture. Per Drop More Crop scheme increases water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Rainfed Area Development scheme promotes Integrated Farming System (IFS) for enhancing productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variability. The Soil Health Card (SHC) / Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme is operational through the State Governments under National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fertility. SHC provides information to farmers on soil nutrient status of their soil and recommends appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and fertility. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also promote climate resilience in agriculture.

Further, Government is promoting organic farming through schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). PKVY is being implemented in all the States other-than North Eastern (NE) States across the country, whereas MOVCDNER scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States.  Both schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing. Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha in 3 years is provided for promotion of organic farming. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 15,000 per ha is provided to farmers including small and marginal farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Under MOVCDNER, assistance of Rs. 46,500/ha in 3 years is provided for creation of Farmers Producer Organization, support to farmers for organic inputs etc. Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha is provided to farmers for off -farm /on –farm organic inputs under the scheme including Rs. 15,000 as Direct Benefit Transfer to the farmers including small and marginal farmers.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri  Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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RC/ KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2151359)