NEW DELHI: The ministry of agriculture is using modern technology in a major way through its mass media scheme to educate farmers through use of print, electronic media such as radio, TV and social media platforms apart from display of exhibits for know-how on new tools and technology, creating awareness about schemes, programmes activities being implemented for benefiting and helping farmers.

Minister of state for agriculture & farmers welfare Parshottam Rupala told the Parliament that the department of agriculture, cooperation and farmers’ welfare (DAC&FW) has taken up several initiatives in the field of agricultural extension which includes ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’ which is popularly known as ATMA Scheme, Mass Media Support to Agricultural Extension and Kisan Call Centres.

The key objectives of ATMA scheme include setting up of autonomous institutions at the State/District/Block level, encouraging multi-agency and broad-based extension strategies adopting group approach to extension and facilitating convergence of programmes in planning, executing and implementation.

The Kisan Suvidha Mobile App has been launched by the Government to provide information to the farmers on Weather report, Plant Protection, Input Dealers, Agro-Advisory and Marketing.

Besides this, the Pusa Krishi Mobile App, Agri-Market App and Crop Insurance Mobile App have also been launched for the benefit of farmers.