🏛️ Legacy IAS – Bangalore | UPSC Civil Services Coaching
Technology Missions in Agriculture,
Krishi Vigyan Kendra & Extension Services
GS Paper III – Indian Economy & Agriculture | Updated with Current Affairs 2024–25 | Notes + PYQs + MCQs
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Technology Missions
Agriculture Missions
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Extension Services
ATMA Scheme
Challenges
Current Affairs 2024–25
Mains PYQs
Practice MCQs
731
KVKs (Jan 2025)
11
ATARIs supervising KVKs
676+
Districts with ATMA
₹10,103 Cr
NMEO-Oilseeds Budget
₹2,817 Cr
Digital Agriculture Mission
11 Cr
Farmer IDs Target (DAM)
1. Technology Missions – Overview
Technology Missions are focused, time-bound government initiatives with clearly defined objectives, measurable outcomes, and integration of modern technology to develop a particular sector. They combine research, extension, and implementation into a single coordinated framework.
Origin: In 1987, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, along with his science and technology advisor Sam Pitroda, launched the first five Technology Missions focused on: (1) Drinking Water, (2) Immunisation, (3) Literacy, (4) Oilseeds, and (5) Telecommunications.
🎯 Key Characteristics
- Clearly defined objectives and scope
- Time-bound implementation timelines
- Measurable outcomes and service levels
- Integration of modern/cutting-edge technology
- Convergence of research, extension and field application
- Multi-agency coordination (Central + State + ICAR + NGOs)
🌾 Why Agriculture Missions?
- Persistent gap between lab research and farm application
- Low productivity vs. global benchmarks
- Heavy import dependence (oilseeds, pulses)
- Fragmented extension delivery; poor tech adoption
- Climate change vulnerability of agriculture
- Need to double farmers' income and boost exports
2. Technology Missions in Agriculture
| Mission | Year | Focus | Key Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses & Maize (TMOPM) | 1986 | Oilseeds, Pulses, Maize | Reduce import dependence on edible oils; increase production via modern tech |
| National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP) | 1986 (restructured 2014) | Oilseeds + Oil Palm | Increase oilseed productivity; reduce edible oil imports; promote oil palm |
| Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) | 2000 | Cotton | Increase cotton productivity; promote sustainable and eco-friendly cotton cultivation |
| National Saffron Mission (NSM) | 2010 | Saffron (J&K) | Revive saffron production in Kashmir; conserve genetic resources; improve yield |
| National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) | 2010 | Sustainable farming | Climate-resilient agriculture; soil health; integrated nutrient management |
| National Livestock Mission | 2014 | Livestock sector | Improve livestock productivity; modernise breed, feed, health; market linkages |
| Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) | 2014 | Horticulture | Boost fruit, vegetable, flower production; post-harvest mgmt; export promotion |
| National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) | 2012 | Food processing industry | Value addition to agri produce; cold chain; rural employment; processed food exports |
| Jute Technology Mission (JTM) | 2015 | Jute | Improve jute productivity; R&D; promote jute as eco-friendly alternative to synthetics |
| Technology Mission on Coconut | 2014 | Coconut | Increase coconut yield; sustainable cultivation; R&D; value chain development |
2.1 Key Missions — Detailed Notes
🌻 Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses & Maize (TMOPM) → restructured as NMOOP (2014)
India imports ~57% of its edible oil requirement — one of the largest import bills after crude oil. TMOPM (1986) and its successors aimed to bridge this gap. The mission evolved into NMOOP (2014) adding oil palm, and now replaced by NMEO-Oilseeds (2024).
- Target: Increase primary oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) → 69.7 MT by 2030-31
- Coverage: Mustard-Rapeseed, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesamum + secondary sources (cottonseed, rice bran, tree-borne oils)
- Linked to Yellow Revolution — India's push for oilseed self-sufficiency
- NMEO-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP, 2021): Separate mission for oil palm expansion in North-East and Andaman
🌱 National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
One of eight sub-missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Focuses on making Indian agriculture climate-resilient while maintaining productivity.
- Promotes integrated farming systems, organic farming, soil health management
- Emphasises rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation, and watershed management
- Funds soil health card distribution to farmers
- Merges several earlier schemes: NFSM, ISOPOM, RKVY components
- Now implemented as part of the broader Krishonnati Yojana umbrella
🍎 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
A landmark achievement: under MIDH, for the first time total horticulture production surpassed foodgrain production in India. MIDH integrates all earlier horticulture missions into one umbrella scheme.
- India is world's 2nd largest producer of fruits & vegetables
- Horticulture production: ~355 MT (2022-23) vs. foodgrains ~340 MT
- Promotes cold chain infrastructure, packhouses, market linkages
- Focus on Northeastern states, hilly areas, and tribal regions
- PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana integration for micro-irrigation
🐄 National Livestock Mission (NLM)
- 4 components: Livestock Development, Livestock Health, Capacity Building, Market Access
- Promotes breed improvement through AI (Artificial Insemination) and IVF technologies
- Targets entrepreneurship in livestock sector — poultry, piggery, goatery, sheep farming
- Linked to National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for FMD and Brucellosis elimination
- PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (2020) — ₹20,050 crore — separate mission for fisheries
🌺 National Saffron Mission (NSM)
- Saffron cultivation concentrated in Pampore, Kashmir — the "Saffron Bowl of the World"
- Aims to revive declining saffron production (reduced from 16 MT in 1990s to ~7 MT in 2000s)
- Promotes modern irrigation (micro-irrigation), improved varieties, and post-harvest tech
- Saffron exports target: West Asia and Europe (India's saffron sales have increased)
- Kashmir saffron received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020
🧵 Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC)
- India is world's largest cotton producer and 2nd largest exporter
- TMC has 4 Mini Missions: Research; Seed Production & Transfer; Modernisation of Ginning & Pressing; Marketing & Export
- Promotion of Bt Cotton alongside conventional varieties (Bt cotton covers ~90% of cultivated area)
- Cottonseed oil production promoted as secondary oilseed source
- Linked with textile sector under Ministry of Textiles
3. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Golden Jubilee 2024
KVKs — meaning "Agricultural Science Centres" — are district-level institutions that bridge the gap between agricultural research (ICAR) and farm-level application. ICAR celebrated the Golden Jubilee of KVKs in 2024, marking 50 years since the first KVK in 1974.
First KVK: Established on 21 March 1974 at Puducherry (Perunthalaivar Kamaraj KVK), under Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), based on the recommendation of the Mohan Singh Mehta Committee (1973). Originally focused on vocational training for rural youth; evolved into a comprehensive technology transfer and demonstration centre.
731
Total KVKs (2025)
506
Under Agricultural Universities
103
Under NGOs
66
Under ICAR Institutes
38
Under State Govts.
11
ATARIs supervising KVKs
KVK–ATARI–ICAR Hierarchy: ICAR (apex body) → 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) → 731 KVKs at district level → Farmers' fields. Each KVK serves more than 5,000 farmers directly.
🔬 ICAR Research
New Technologies
New Technologies
→
🏛️ ATARI
Regional Adaptation
Regional Adaptation
→
🏘️ KVK
District-level Demo
District-level Demo
→
🧑🌾 Farmers' Field
On-Farm Trials
On-Farm Trials
→
📈 Adoption
Scaled-up Use
Scaled-up Use
3.1 Mandate & Functions of KVK
🎯 Core Mandate
- Technology Assessment: On-farm testing of new ICAR technologies under local agro-climatic conditions
- Technology Refinement: Adapting national research to local farming systems
- Technology Demonstration: Large-scale front-line demonstrations (FLDs) on farmers' fields
- Capacity Development: Training farmers, farm women, rural youth, extension functionaries
- Knowledge Hub: Farm advisory, soil testing, seed distribution, weather advisories
📊 KVK Achievements (Last 5 Years)
- 1.84 lakh technology assessment trials conducted in farmers' fields
- 12.12 lakh demonstrations on crops, livestock, fisheries, farm machinery
- Soil testing services, weather advisories, and seed banks operational
- Training programmes for women farmers and rural youth in agri-entrepreneurship
- Budget: ₹7,730.76 lakh for infrastructure improvements (2024)
- Part of National Agricultural Research System (NARS)
3.2 Activities of KVK
🌾 Crop-Related
- Frontline demonstrations on new seed varieties
- IPM / INM demonstrations
- Precision farming trials
- Climate-resilient variety testing
🐄 Allied Sectors
- Livestock management demos
- Poultry and fisheries training
- Apiculture (beekeeping) promotion
- Mushroom cultivation training
🤝 Capacity Building
- Short-term vocational training
- Farm women groups and SHGs
- Agri-entrepreneurship programmes
- Farmer-Scientist interactions
UPSC Exam Tip: KVKs are an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and not just ICAR's extension arm. They operate at district level — one KVK per district is the target. The Mohan Singh Mehta Committee (1973) recommended KVKs. ICAR's Golden Jubilee celebration in 2024 makes this a high-probability current affairs point.
4. Agriculture Extension Services in India
Agricultural extension is the process of disseminating modern farm technology, knowledge, and practices from research institutions to farmers. It is the critical "last-mile connectivity" of India's agricultural innovation system.
Extension Worker Ratio: India has approximately 1 extension worker per 1,000 farmers — far below the global standard of 1 per 300 farmers. This gap severely limits technology adoption, particularly among small and marginal farmers.
4.1 Evolution of Extension in India
| Phase | Period | Model | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial/Post-Independence | Pre-1966 | Community Development Block Model | Village Level Workers (VLWs); multipurpose approach; limited agricultural focus |
| Green Revolution Phase | 1966–1974 | T&V (Training & Visit) System | Subject matter specialists; regular farm visits; World Bank support. Focused on wheat/rice productivity |
| KVK System | 1974–present | Farm Science Centre | District-level tech assessment and demonstration; ICAR-linked; multidisciplinary |
| ATMA Reforms | 2005–present | Decentralised/Farmer-driven | District-level autonomous body; multi-agency; bottom-up planning; farmer groups (CIGs/FIGs) |
| Digital Extension | 2014–present | ICT-based Extension | Kisan Call Centres, mKisan SMS, e-NAM, eNAM, Agristack, Digital Agriculture Mission (2024) |
4.2 Key Extension Institutions
Toll-free helpline (1800-180-1551) launched in 2004. Provides farm advice in 22 regional languages. Available from 6 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Farm Tele Advisors (FTAs) and Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) man the centres. Integrated with mKisan portal for callback services. Handles queries on crop production, plant protection, market prices, weather, and government schemes.
Platform for government agencies, institutions, and scientists to send advisories directly to farmers' mobile phones. Messages in local languages on weather, market prices, crop management, pest alerts, and scheme information. Integrated with Kisan Call Centre for feedback loops. Covers over 3.5 crore registered farmers. Represents a cost-effective way to overcome the low extension-to-farmer ratio challenge.
India has 75+ SAUs and 4 Deemed Universities under agricultural sector. ICAR has 102 institutes and 71 All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs). SAUs are the host institutions for 506 of 731 KVKs. They provide technical backstopping to KVKs, develop location-specific varieties, and feed research outputs into the extension system. AICRPs coordinate multi-location trials across agro-climatic zones.
Dedicated 24-hour agricultural channel launched in 2015. Broadcasts crop production advisories, weather forecasts, market rates, success stories, government scheme information, and expert interaction programmes. KVKs and SAUs contribute content. Telecasts in Hindi and regional languages. Complements digital extension with reach into areas with limited internet connectivity.
Online trading platform launched in 2016 integrating state APMC mandis. Enables transparent price discovery and reduces intermediaries. Over 1,000+ mandis integrated. Farmers can trade digitally, access real-time prices, and receive payment directly to bank accounts. Linked with FPOs and Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) for pledge-based financing.
Soil Health Card Scheme (2015): Issues soil health cards to farmers every 2 years with soil nutrient status and fertiliser recommendations. Over 22 crore soil health cards issued. Reduces input costs and improves crop nutrition management. IPM Programme: Promotes biological pest control, resistant varieties, and reduced chemical use. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are the delivery mechanism for IPM. KVKs are key delivery centres for both programmes.
5. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
ATMA is a district-level autonomous registered society — the institutional reform that makes extension farmer-driven and farmer-accountable, replacing the old top-down, government-controlled extension model.
Background: Extension reforms were pilot-tested in 28 districts across 7 states (1998–2005) under the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) funded by the World Bank. Success led to national launch in 2005 as the "Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms" scheme under NMAET. Now implemented as Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) under Krishonnati Yojana.
🏛️ Structure of ATMA
- Governing Board: Chaired by District Collector; representatives from agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, KVK, NGOs, farmers
- Management Committee: Day-to-day implementation; Project Director as head
- Block Technology Teams (BTTs): At sub-district level, comprising subject matter specialists
- Farm Information and Advisory Centres (FIACs): At village level for last-mile delivery
- Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Common Interest Groups (CIGs) as farmer collectives
🎯 Key Features of ATMA
- Multi-agency: Integrates agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries — "farming system approach"
- Bottom-up planning: Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) prepared through participatory rural appraisal (PRA)
- Decentralised: Districts have flexibility in fund utilisation based on local needs
- Private sector involvement: Input dealers, agri-clinics, and agri-business centres
- Coverage: 676+ districts across 29 States and 3 UTs
5.1 ATMA Extension Activities
Core Activities: Farmer Training programmes, Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs), Exposure Visits, Kisan Melas, Farm Schools, Mobilisation of Farmer Groups, Farmer-Scientist interactions, and Kisan Goshtis (farmer meetings). ATMA also funds Agri-clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABCs) — trained agri-graduates providing fee-based extension services to farmers.
6. Challenges & Way Forward
6.1 Challenges in Technology Missions & Extension
🏚️ Lab-to-Farm Gap
Despite decades of missions, a large portion of farmers remain unaware of modern technologies. ICAR research outputs often stay in scientific journals rather than reaching farming communities. Poor linkage between SAUs, KVKs, and field-level extension workers.
👨👩👧 Small & Marginal Farmer Exclusion
Over 86% of India's farmers hold less than 2 hectares. Financial constraints prevent adoption of new tech. Most missions focus on demonstration but lack credit and market linkages for small farmers. Extension advice is often generic — not tailored to small holding realities.
🏗️ Inadequate Infrastructure
Cold storage deficit discourages horticulture adoption. Inadequate rural roads, power, and internet limit agri-tech reach. Many KVKs lack full-time specialist staff. ATMA Block Technology Teams (BTTs) often have vacant positions, reducing last-mile delivery effectiveness.
🧩 Silo-Based Implementation
Most missions focus on specialisation without convergence. SHGs, NGOs, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are inadequately integrated. Women farmers and tribal communities often remain outside the reach of technology missions. Inter-departmental coordination remains weak.
6.2 Way Forward
1. Digital Technologies: Scale up use of AI, blockchain, big data analytics, and precision agriculture (drones, remote sensing, IoT sensors) to optimise resource use, reduce waste, and improve crop yield prediction. Digital Agriculture Mission (2024) is a step in this direction.
2. Empower Smallholders: Technology design must specifically address challenges of small and marginal farmers — access to credit (KISAN Credit Card), market linkages (FPOs, e-NAM), and climate-resilient varieties. Gender-inclusive extension critical for women farmers.
3. Soil Health & Climate Resilience: Focus on soil testing, crop rotation, zero tillage, cover crops, organic farming, and agroforestry. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF, 2024) — ₹2,481 crore — is aligned with this direction.
4. Public-Private Partnership in Extension: Engage private agri-tech companies (DeHaat, AgroStar, Ninjacart) and input companies for last-mile extension. Agri-clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABCs) model needs scaling up.
5. Integrate PRIs & SHGs: Panchayati Raj Institutions and Self-Help Groups are underutilised in technology missions. Their integration can improve reach in tribal, hilly, and remote areas where formal extension is weak.
6. Strengthen KVKs: Fill vacant specialist positions; upgrade infrastructure; link KVK demonstrations to market and credit access; enable KVKs to become rural agri-startup incubators under the Agri Fund for Startups & Rural Enterprises (AgriSURE).
7. Current Affairs 2024–25 High Priority
💻 Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) — Approved September 2, 2024
- Budget: ₹2,817 crore (Central share: ₹1,940 crore)
- Creates Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture — analogous to UPI in finance
- Agristack (Farmer Registry): Digital identity ("Farmer ID") for 11 crore farmers — 6 crore in 2024-25, 3 crore in 2025-26, 2 crore in 2026-27; linked to land records via Aadhaar-like system
- Krishi Decision Support System: Geo-referenced crop maps, soil data, weather data, satellite imagery — integrated for real-time advisory
- Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map at village level across India
- Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Replaces manual crop-cutting experiments with digital, GPS-based yield estimation in 400 districts (2024-25) and all districts (2025-26)
- Supports state governments via MoU framework; announced in Union Budget 2024-25
🌻 National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) — October 3, 2024
- Budget: ₹10,103 crore for 7 years (2024-25 to 2030-31)
- Target: Increase primary oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) to 69.7 MT by 2030-31
- Covers 9 primary oilseed crops: Mustard-Rapeseed, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesamum, Linseed, Niger, Safflower, Castor
- Also enhances extraction from secondary sources: cottonseed, rice bran, tree-borne oilseeds (TBOs)
- SATHI Portal: Enables states to coordinate with stakeholders for timely availability of quality seeds
- India currently imports ~57% of edible oil demand — this mission aims to reduce import dependency to ~28% by 2030-31
- Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), targets domestic edible oil production of 25.45 MT by 2030-31 (~72% of projected demand)
🌿 National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) — November 25, 2024
- Budget: ₹2,481 crore
- Promotes Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), agroecology, and chemical-free farming practices
- Targets: Cover 1 crore farmers across 15,000 clusters; establish 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)
- Focus on reducing cost of cultivation, improving soil health, and addressing chemical input overuse
- Uses indigenous cow dung-based preparations: Jeevamrit, Bijamrit, Ghanajeevamrit
- Builds on Andhra Pradesh's ZBNF success model — 700,000 farmers adopted natural farming by 2021
- Aligned with NMSA (climate resilience) and soil health goals
🔬 KVK Golden Jubilee — 50 Years of KVKs (2024)
- ICAR celebrated 50 years of KVK network in 2024 — first KVK established 21 March 1974 at Puducherry
- 731 KVKs operational across India (as of January 2025) — each serving 5,000+ farmers
- Conducted 1.84 lakh assessment trials and 12.12 lakh demonstrations in last 5 years
- KVKs now promoted as Rural Agri-Tech Hubs — incubating startups under AgriSURE fund
- Digital KVK initiative — enabling remote advisory via video conferencing and mobile apps
- Budget allocation: ₹7,730.76 lakh for KVK infrastructure upgrade in 2024
🚁 Namo Drone Didi & Drone Technology in Extension (2024)
- Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Provide drones to 15,000 Women SHGs by 2026 for agricultural services (pesticide spraying, field surveying, crop monitoring)
- KVKs designated as drone training and demonstration centres in each district
- Drones being used for nutrient management, crop health assessment, and precision input application
- Reduces input cost by 30–40% through precision spraying; reduces pesticide exposure for farmers
- Under Digital Agriculture Mission — drone-based crop estimation being integrated into DGCES
🤝 NMEO-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP, 2021) — Progress Update 2024-25
- Oil palm coverage: 3.70 lakh ha (2020-21) → 5.56 lakh ha (March 2025); 1.89 lakh ha added under Mission
- Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production: 1.91 lakh tonnes (2014-15) → 3.80 lakh tonnes (2024-25)
- Focus states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, Northeast states, Andaman & Nicobar
- Twin pricing mechanism: Viability Price (Centre) + Formula Price (State) ensures remunerative returns to farmers
- India still imports ~60% of palm oil needs — significant room for NMEO-OP to reduce dependence
8. UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions
2021
What are the main constraints in using high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds? In what way has the development of HYVs contributed to the socio-economic development of India?
Introduction: HYV seeds — cornerstone of Green Revolution; developed through technology missions and ICAR research; disseminated via KVKs and extension services.
Constraints in Using HYV Seeds:
Constraints in Using HYV Seeds:
- High input requirement: HYVs need more water, fertilisers, pesticides — unaffordable for small farmers
- Lack of quality seed access: Seed replacement rate (SRR) remains low; small farmers use farm-saved seeds
- Risk aversion: Marginal farmers reluctant to adopt unfamiliar varieties; prefer traditional risk-spreading strategies
- Monocropping risk: HYVs promote monoculture — increases vulnerability to pests, diseases, climate shocks
- Water intensity: HYV wheat and rice are water-intensive — groundwater depletion in Punjab, Haryana
- Post-harvest infrastructure: Lack of storage; price crash at harvest hurts HYV-adopting farmers
- Narrow genetic base: HYVs reduce agrobiodiversity; local varieties lost
- Food self-sufficiency: India from food deficit → net food exporter (wheat, rice)
- Reduced hunger: foodgrain production from 50 MT (1950) to 330+ MT (2023-24)
- Rural income growth; reduced dependence on food imports; forex savings
- Foundation for NFSA and food security architecture
- Employment in input supply chains, processing, transport
2019
How have the technology missions and technology transfer through extension services contributed to the transformation of Indian agriculture? Critically examine.
Introduction: Technology missions — from Rajiv Gandhi's 1987 initiation to 2024 Digital Agriculture Mission — have been central to agricultural modernisation. Extension services, through KVKs and ATMA, bridge research and practice.
Contributions:
Contributions:
- Productivity gains: Foodgrain production — 50 MT (1950) to 330+ MT (2023-24); oilseed production doubled
- Horticulture revolution: MIDH enabled horticulture production to surpass foodgrains (355 MT vs 330 MT)
- Quality improvement: Bt cotton, HYV seeds, improved livestock breeds — raised output quality and exports
- Sustainable practices: NMSA, IPM, soil health cards reduced chemical dependence in some regions
- Market linkages: e-NAM, ATMA-linked FPOs connected farmers to remunerative markets
- Saffron revival: NSM increased Kashmir saffron sales in West Asia and Europe
- Lab-to-farm gap persists; most farmers unaware of missions
- Small/marginal farmers (86%) inadequately reached
- Monocropping (wheat-rice) reinforced by missions; crop diversification lagging
- ICDS/MDM-style implementation gaps — corruption in extension funds
- Extension worker-to-farmer ratio: 1:1000 vs global norm 1:300
- Digital divide limits reach of new ICT-based extension
2018
How do subsidies affect the growth of food processing industries? What steps has the Government taken to boost the food processing sector in India? (Related — NMFP, technology missions)
Subsidies and Food Processing Growth:
- Positive effects: Capital subsidy under PMKSY/NMFP reduces entry barriers; cold chain subsidies encourage horticulture processing; credit subsidies through NABARD enable SME processors
- Negative effects: Cheap raw material subsidies (MSP + FCI) can distort processing incentives; oversupply of wheat/rice reduces price incentive for value-added products; fruit/vegetable processing hampered by lack of assured raw material (no MSP for horticulture)
- PM Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): ₹6,000 crore for food processing infrastructure — mega food parks, cold chains, agri-processing clusters
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for food processing: ₹10,900 crore; targets processed food exports
- MIDH: Post-harvest management — cold stores, packhouses, ripening chambers
- One District One Product (ODOP): Promotes local food products for processing and export
- FPOs: 10,000 new FPOs to ensure raw material supply to processors
- 100% FDI allowed in food processing sector
2014
How has the emphasis on certain crops under the Green Revolution and technology missions led to changes in cropping patterns in India? Discuss with reference to regional and crop diversification concerns.
Cropping Pattern Changes Due to Green Revolution & Technology Missions:
Way Forward: MSP rationalisation; millets in PDS; crop insurance for diversified crops; NMEO-Oilseeds and NMNF as vehicles for sustainable diversification.
- Heavy MSP support for wheat and rice → 94% of TPDS procurement is wheat/rice → farmers shift to these crops
- Punjab, Haryana, Western UP: Shift from diverse cropping to wheat-paddy monoculture
- Groundwater depletion: Punjab loses 50 cm of groundwater annually due to paddy cultivation
- Millets and coarse cereals (bajra, jowar, ragi) declined from 26% to under 14% of cropped area
- Pulses area stagnant — India imports 3-4 MT pulses annually despite being largest producer
- Oilseeds: Despite missions, India imports ~57% of edible oil — technology missions not fully successful in diversifying away from wheat-rice system
- TMOPM/NMOOP addressed oilseed gap but with limited success
- MIDH: Fruit/vegetable area expanded — horticulture now surpasses foodgrains in volume
- Cotton TMC: Cotton area expanded in Vidarbha, Telangana, Gujarat
- Recent: International Year of Millets 2023 + Nutri-Cereal focus reverses neglect of coarse grains
- NMEO-Oilseeds 2024: Targets massive expansion of oilseed area using fallow lands and intercropping
Way Forward: MSP rationalisation; millets in PDS; crop insurance for diversified crops; NMEO-Oilseeds and NMNF as vehicles for sustainable diversification.
📝 Practice MCQs
Technology Missions, KVK & Agriculture Extension | GS Paper III Level
Q 1
Consider the following about Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs):
1. The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry based on recommendations of the Mohan Singh Mehta Committee.
2. KVKs fall under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare directly.
3. As of 2025, there are 731 KVKs in India, supervised by 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs).
4. The majority of KVKs (506) are hosted by Agricultural Universities.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
1. The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry based on recommendations of the Mohan Singh Mehta Committee.
2. KVKs fall under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare directly.
3. As of 2025, there are 731 KVKs in India, supervised by 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs).
4. The majority of KVKs (506) are hosted by Agricultural Universities.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
Statement 2 is WRONG: KVKs fall under ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), which is under the Ministry of Agriculture, but they are not under the Ministry directly. ICAR — through its 11 regional ATARIs — supervises the KVKs. The hierarchy is: Ministry of Agriculture → ICAR → 11 ATARIs → 731 KVKs. Statements 1, 3, and 4 are all correct. The first KVK was at Puducherry (1974) based on Mohan Singh Mehta Committee (1973) recommendations. As of January 2025: 731 KVKs, 11 ATARIs, and 506 of 731 KVKs are hosted by Agricultural Universities. Correct answer: (c).
Q 2
The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), approved in October 2024, aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) to what target by 2030-31?
NMEO-Oilseeds was approved on October 3, 2024, with a budget of ₹10,103 crore for 7 years (2024-25 to 2030-31). The target is to increase primary oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) to 69.7 MT by 2030-31. Together with NMEO-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), the combined mission targets domestic edible oil production of 25.45 MT by 2030-31, meeting ~72% of projected demand. India currently imports ~57% of its edible oil — this is one of the largest agricultural import bills. The SATHI Portal is a key component enabling states to coordinate seed availability. Correct answer: (c).
Q 3
Consider the following statements about the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA):
1. ATMA is a State-level apex body for coordinating all agricultural extension activities.
2. ATMA was first piloted under the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) funded by the World Bank.
3. The Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) under ATMA is prepared through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) — a bottom-up planning process.
4. ATMA is now implemented as Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) under Krishonnati Yojana.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
1. ATMA is a State-level apex body for coordinating all agricultural extension activities.
2. ATMA was first piloted under the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) funded by the World Bank.
3. The Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) under ATMA is prepared through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) — a bottom-up planning process.
4. ATMA is now implemented as Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) under Krishonnati Yojana.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
Statement 1 is WRONG: ATMA is a district-level (not state-level) autonomous registered society. The district is the focal point for ATMA — it integrates multiple departments (agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, livestock) at district level. The State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) coordinates at state level, not ATMA itself. Statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct: ATMA was piloted in 28 districts across 7 states (1998-2005) under World Bank-funded NATP; SREP uses participatory rural appraisal for bottom-up planning; ATMA is now implemented as SMAE under the Krishonnati Yojana umbrella. Currently operational in 676+ districts across 29 states and 3 UTs. Correct answer: (d).
Q 4
The Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), approved in September 2024 with ₹2,817 crore, includes which of the following components?
1. Agristack: A Farmer Registry providing digital Farmer IDs to 11 crore farmers
2. Krishi Decision Support System: Integrating geo-referenced crop maps, soil data, weather, and satellite imagery
3. Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Replacing manual crop-cutting with GPS/digital-based yield estimation
4. e-NAM 2.0: A new version of the National Agriculture Market with AI-based price discovery
Select the correct answer:
1. Agristack: A Farmer Registry providing digital Farmer IDs to 11 crore farmers
2. Krishi Decision Support System: Integrating geo-referenced crop maps, soil data, weather, and satellite imagery
3. Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Replacing manual crop-cutting with GPS/digital-based yield estimation
4. e-NAM 2.0: A new version of the National Agriculture Market with AI-based price discovery
Select the correct answer:
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct components of the Digital Agriculture Mission (approved 2 September 2024). Statement 4 (e-NAM 2.0) is NOT part of DAM — e-NAM is a separate initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture. DAM's three pillars are: (1) Agristack — Farmer Registry with Farmer IDs linked to land records; target 11 crore farmers; (2) Krishi Decision Support System — integrated geo-referenced platform for crop advisory; (3) DGCES — digital crop estimation replacing manual methods; coverage of 400 districts in 2024-25, all districts in 2025-26. Additional: Comprehensive Soil Fertility Map. The mission creates Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture, analogous to Aadhaar/UPI in other sectors. Correct answer: (c).
Q 5
Which of the following correctly matches Technology Missions with their launch year and primary focus?
1. Technology Mission on Oilseeds & Pulses → 1987 → Rajiv Gandhi's first 5 technology missions
2. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) → 2014 → First time horticulture production surpassed foodgrain production
3. National Saffron Mission → 2010 → Revive saffron cultivation in Kashmir; GI tag 2020
4. Jute Technology Mission → 2015 → Promote jute as eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials
Select the CORRECT combinations:
1. Technology Mission on Oilseeds & Pulses → 1987 → Rajiv Gandhi's first 5 technology missions
2. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) → 2014 → First time horticulture production surpassed foodgrain production
3. National Saffron Mission → 2010 → Revive saffron cultivation in Kashmir; GI tag 2020
4. Jute Technology Mission → 2015 → Promote jute as eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials
Select the CORRECT combinations:
Statement 1 is WRONG on the year: The Technology Mission on Oilseeds was launched in 1986, not 1987. Rajiv Gandhi's five famous Technology Missions were launched in 1987 — but they covered Drinking Water, Immunisation, Literacy, Oilseeds, and Telecommunications. The TMOPM (Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses & Maize) as an agricultural scheme started in 1986. This is a subtle but important distinction for Prelims. Statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct: MIDH (2014) — horticulture surpassed foodgrains milestone; National Saffron Mission (2010) — Kashmir saffron revival + GI tag 2020; JTM (2015) — jute as eco-alternative to plastics/synthetics. Correct answer: (b).
Q 6
With reference to agriculture extension in India, arrange the following extension models in CORRECT chronological order of their introduction:
(i) Training and Visit (T&V) System
(ii) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network
(iii) Community Development Block Model (Village Level Workers)
(iv) Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
(v) Digital Agriculture Mission
(i) Training and Visit (T&V) System
(ii) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) network
(iii) Community Development Block Model (Village Level Workers)
(iv) Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
(v) Digital Agriculture Mission
Correct chronological order: (iii) Community Development Block Model (Village Level Workers) → pre-1966 Independence era; (i) T&V System → 1966-74 (Green Revolution era, World Bank funded); (ii) KVKs → 1974 (first KVK at Puducherry, Mohan Singh Mehta Committee); (iv) ATMA → 2005 (district-level reform, World Bank NATP pilot 1998-2005, national launch 2005); (v) Digital Agriculture Mission → 2024. This timeline is important for understanding the evolution of India's agricultural extension architecture from centralised, top-down models to decentralised, farmer-driven, and now technology-enabled digital extension. The T&V system (World Bank model) was eventually phased out due to high cost and poor sustainability. Correct answer: (b).
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