Deadline: 15 November 2016
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is currently seeking applications for its Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) Scheme.
The problems faced by the Indian farmers are special, small land holdings are the norm, a very small number of livestock which is often the primary source of livelihood and 15 different agro climatic zones. Solutions developed in the lab, primarily in the developed world do not necessarily address the problems faced by the Indian farmer.
The main reasons affecting productivity are:
- Water: drought, flood, availability and poor quality are major issues.
- Soil: poor soil health, lack of application of modern technologies in agriculture due to lack of knowledge and awareness, abiotic and biotic stress due to climate change,
- Seed: lack of availability of quality agricultural planting material at affordable cost to small and marginal farmers,
- Market: collapse of extension system for dissemination of new technologies among farmers, lack of use of available bio-resources at farm / village level for proper nutrient management and processing, packaging and marketing
Objectives
“Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)” will be implemented in 15 agro-climatic zones of India in phased manner with the objective:
- Linking available science and technology to the farm by first understanding the problem of the local farmer and provide solutions to those problems.
- The working together, in close conjunction, of scientists and farmers is the only way to improve the working conditions of small and marginal farmers.
- This programme aims to work with small and marginal farmers especially the woman farmer for better agriculture productivity through scientific intervention and evolving best farming practices in the Indian context.
Components
The Hub: Establishment of Biotech-KISAN Hub in each of 15 agro-climatic zones of the country under the leadership of a champion, who will act as a Facilitator.
Partnering Institutes: The activities of the partnering institute will include:
- Conduct training programmes for farmers in laboratories of scientific research institutions
- Training programmes for scientists in agricultural farms
Research projects: If scientists during the course of these programmes identify a problem, which would require larger funding; it would be possible for them to submit the research project proposal to the scheme for additional funding.
International Training:
- Short-term Training (STT) Programmes will be developed by DBT in partnership with international organizations / universities, where Farmers will be exposed to best global farm management and practices.
- Depending on the activities carried out by scientists/farmers in India; selected groups will be sponsored by DBT for international STT. The current collaborating universities are Cambridge University, UK; Wageningen University, Netherlands and others are likely to be added.
Funding Information
- The Hub will get financial assistance for initially 2 years of ` 60 lakhs per year
- For each partnering institute: Budget for each collaborating institution / KVKs etc. ` 5.00 lakhs per year for each specific activity.
Eligibility Criteria
- A recognized leader working in any public or private institution / university, foundation or society with a proven track record of leading the projects in the areas related to transfer and demonstration / dissemination of technologies at farmers’ level and well versed with the problems of farmers at grass root level in the region in partnership with 5-8 research institution / universities.
- The scheme is intended for those institutions having substantial infrastructure and commitment to undertake farmers’ oriented outreach programmes.
- The host institutions should have a functional laboratory, certificate of performance either by farmers / DSIR recognition / ICAR / Department of Agriculture and Cooperation / voluntary NGO status or recognition for service to farmers etc., successful financial and technical implementation of at least two projects funded by any government agencies related to dissemination of proposed technologies and training of large number of farmers, skill development etc. They should also have demonstrated linkages.
How to Apply
Eight copies of duly filled proforma forwarded through head of institute should be sent at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit Call for Proposals.