Govt launches new initiative to skill workforce for modern farming

The central government will establish at least one Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK, agriculture science centre) in each of the 646 districts in country. Of this, 100 will have special facilities for skill development, while an equal number will be converted into pulses and oilseeds hubs, agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh said on Wednesday.

Addressing agriculture scientists, farmers, and technicians from KVKs in 12 states through video-conferencing, Singh said the centre would also set up special centres for development of honeybee farming in 10 states in the next few years.

India has around 640 KVKs currently, with many districts having more than one centre.

During his interaction, Singh also highlighted the various pro-poor and pro-agriculture measures that the Narendra Modi-led government has taken in the past two years.

In the next round, officials said KVK representatives from Uttar Pradesh, and eastern and southern parts of India will join the video conference with the union agriculture minister.

During his address, the agriculture minister called upon scientists and farmers to make farming modern and scientific.

He directed them to adopt pisciculture (fish farming) in a big way and also use modern technologies such as drones and satellite imagery in agriculture. The farmers who participated in the discussion also highlighted their problems and challenges faced in farming.