The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:
‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.
National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops.
AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop.
Government is promoting organic farming through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in all the States/UTs (except North Eastern States). For North Eastern States, the Government is implementing Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme. Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification & marketing and post-harvest management training and capacity building. Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha for a period of 3 years is provided for promotion of organic farming. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 15,000 per ha for a period of 3 years is provided to farmers adopting organic farming through Direct Benefit Transfer for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Under MOVCDNER, assistance of Rs. 46,500/ha for 3 years is provided for creation of Farmers Producer Organization, support to farmers for organic inputs etc. Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha for 3 years 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.
Two types of organic certifications systems have been developed to ensure quality control of organic produce as given below:
Third Party Certification by Accredited Certification Agency under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) scheme under Ministry of Commerce and Industry for development of export market. Under NPOP certification scheme the production and handling of activities at all stages such as production, processing, trading and export requirements for organic products is covered.
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) under Ministry of Agriculture and farmers Welfare in which stakeholders (including farmers/ producers) are involved in decision making about the operation of the PGS-India certification itself by assessing, inspecting and verifying the production practices of each other and collectively declaring produce as organic. PGS- India certification is to meet the demand of domestic market.
The total cumulative state wise organic area covered under NPOP certification & PGS-India certification under PKVY is 59.74 lakh ha is given at Annexure-I.
Under PKVY assistance @ Rs 4,500/ha is provided for 3 years to facilitate value addition, marketing and publicity. Assistance is provided for certification & training and handholding & capacity building @ Rs 3.000/-ha for 3 years and Rs 7,500/- ha respectively for 3 years under PKVY for farmers. Whereas under MOVCDNER scheme assistance is provided @ Rs10,000/ -ha for 3 years for training, capacity building & certification.
To ensure market availability States organize seminars, conferences, workshops, buyer-seller meetings, exhibitions, trade fairs, and organic festivals either within their own region or in key markets of other states. Government has developed web portal- www.Jaivikkheti.in/ as an online marketing platform for direct sale of organic produce by farmers to the consumers to help them for better price realization. A total of 6.22 lakh farmers have been registered under Jaivik kheti portal.
Annexure-I
State wise details of total cumulative area covered under organic farming NPOP (including MOVCDNER) + PGS under PKVY till 2023-2024
Agriculture is a State subject and Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Government has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) from Rs. 21933.50 crore BE during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore BE during 2024-25. Schemes/programmes initiated by DA&FW are conceptualised and implemented taken in consideration of improving the economic condition of farmers owning small handholdings, access to credit and to enhance overall income of farmers and remunerative returns in the agriculture sector.
PM KISAN Samman Nidhi Scheme has been launchedin 2019 with the sole objective to enhance the income of farmers owning small landholdings. This scheme provides Rs. 6000 per year in 3 equal instalments. So far, more than Rs.3.46 lakh Cr. has been disbursed to eligible farmers through 18 instalments.
The other major schemes run by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for enhance of overall income of farmers are as under:
Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
Agroforestry
Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
Digital Agriculture Mission
National Bamboo Mission
PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan) scheme ensures remunerative prices for farmers’ produce and prevent distress sales. It aims to strengthen the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism and provide better price support for farmers.
“Formation & Promotion of new 10,000 FPOs with budget outlay of Rs 6,865 Crore. Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs) are being set up to give farmers collective bargaining power in markets as well as enabling small farmers to pool resources, access technology, and get better prices for their crops.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with financial provision of one Lakh Crore scheme has been launched with an objective to mobilize a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support in order to improve agriculture infrastructure in the country. Following supports are being provided under Agri Infra Fund.
Interest Subvention: All loans under this financing facility have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a limit of ₹ 2 crore. This subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years. In case of loans beyond ₹ 2 crore, interest subvention is limited up to ₹ 2 crore.
Credit Guarantee: Credit guarantee coverage is available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to ₹ 2 crore. The fee for this coverage will be paid by the Government. In case of FPOs the credit guarantee may be availed from the facility created under FPO promotion scheme of DA&FW.
Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) provides Interest Subvention (IS) of 1.5% to various Financial Institutions (Banks, RRBs, PACS, etc.) for delivering Short-Term Agriculture Operation (STAO) loans at a fixed rate of 7% to farmers through KCC. If the farmer repays the loan within time, he gets a Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of 3%, bringing his loan liability to 4% overall (7% minus 3%). It is exclusively operated through Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) has been launched on 3rd Oct, 2024 for enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, as well as increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils. The mission aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the Mission targets to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31 meeting around 72% of our projected domestic requirement. To ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, the Mission will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the ‘Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI)’ Portal, enabling states to establish advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies, including cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and government or private seed corporations. 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units will be set up in public sector to improve the seed production infrastructure.
The following have been proposed in the upcoming budget for income support, improve access to credit and overall growth of agriculture sector:
Enhanced Credit through KCC: – Loan increased from 3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to facilitate short term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.
Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: – To launch a 6-year Mission with special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor, emphasizing development and commercial availability of climate resilient seeds, enhancing protein content, increasing productivity and improving post-harvest storage and management, assuring remunerative prices to the farmers.
National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: – Targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience.
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – It has been proposed Agri Districts Programme to cover 100 districts which is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.
Mission for Cotton Productivity: – To be launched a 5-year mission to facilitate improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming.
Makhana Board in Bihar: – It is proposed to set up Makhana Board to Improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing and organisation of FPOs.
Government of India is implementing various measures to improve the Indian Agriculture which encompasses multitude of developmental programmes, schemes, reforms and policies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, raising resource use efficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening infrastructure, ensuring remunerative price to farmers, etc. These include:
National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
National Mission on Natural Faming (NMNF)
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
Agroforestry
Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
National Bamboo Mission
National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
Per Drop More crop (PDMC)
Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
In order to enhance the income of farmers, it is not only essential to enhance production and productivity of farm produce but also minimize the post-harvest losses and ensure better realization of prices for farmers through creation of modern post-harvest management infrastructure. With an objective to address the existing gaps in post-harvest management infrastructure in the country, the flagship scheme of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was launched in 2020-21 to strengthen the infrastructure in the country through creation of farm gate storage and logistics infrastructure to enable farmers to store and preserve their farm produce properly and sell them in the market at better price with reduced post-harvest losses and lesser number of intermediaries. Improved post-harvest management infrastructure like warehouses, Cold stores, sorting and grading units, ripening chambers etc will allow farmers to sell directly to a larger base of consumers and hence, increase value realization for the farmers. This will improve the overall income of farmers. Further, AIF scheme aims to benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem by contributing in the holistic development of the agriculture sector. Under AIF, provision for Rs. 1 Lakh crore loan has been made through lending institutions with a interest rate cap of 9% on loans. The scheme is operational from 2020-21 to 2032-33.
All loans under this financing facility have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a loan limit of ₹2 crores. This interest subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years. In case of loans beyond ₹2 crores, interest subvention is limited up to ₹2 crores. Credit guarantee coverage is also available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to ₹2 crores. The fee for this coverage is borne by the Government.
Budgetary support is being provided for interest subvention and credit guarantee fee as also administrative cost of PMU. This will be amount to Rs. 10,636 crores over a period of 10 years. The detailed break up is as below.
SL NO.
Name of Component
Allotted Fund Amount
1
Interest Subvention Cost
Rs. 7907Cr
2
Credit Guarantee Cost
Rs. 2629 Cr
3
Administration Cost of PMU
Rs. 100 Cr
Total
Rs. 10636 Cr
State/UT wise details of Projects approved under AIF scheme during the last three years is as below: –
(Amount in Rs Crore)
Sl.
State / UT
Sanctioned No
Sanctioned Amount
1
Madhya Pradesh
7,701
5,853
2
Maharashtra
6,860
4,151
3
Rajasthan
1,802
2,310
4
Gujarat
2,072
2,215
5
Uttar Pradesh
3,854
3,636
6
Haryana
2,704
2,108
7
Punjab
12,003
3,116
8
Telangana
1,662
2,178
9
Karnataka
2,208
2,148
10
Andhra Pradesh
680
1,116
11
West Bengal
2,537
1,441
12
Tamil Nadu
5,889
1,189
13
Chhattisgarh
814
1,008
14
Odisha
1,098
810
15
Assam
409
726
16
Bihar
848
680
17
Kerala
1,600
604
18
Uttarakhand
236
315
19
Jharkhand
225
255
20
Himachal Pradesh
347
137
21
Jammu And Kashmir
88
198
22
Delhi
7
10
23
Goa
19
10
24
Meghalaya
2
8
25
Chandigarh
2
8
26
Arunachal Pradesh
5
6
27
Tripura
5
10
28
Nagaland
0
0
29
The Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu
1
1
30
Puducherry
2
2
31
Manipur
3
1
32
Mizoram
0
0
33
Sikkim
0
0
34
Ladakh
0
0
35
Lakshadweep
0
0
36
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
0
0
Total
55,683
36,250
An impact assessment study of AIF was conducted by Agro Economic Research Centre, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune in December 2023 to evaluate overall performance of the scheme, primarily based on feedback from beneficiaries as well as farmers in selected states. The main findings of the study are as below.
1. Based on this study, till 26th January 2025, investment in the agri sector under AIF has generated more than 9 lakh employment opportunities. Out of the sanctioned projects, nearly 97% of the projects created are in rural areas promoting investment and employment opportunities in rural areas.
2. The average number of persons employed per unit in the peak season was found to be 11. The average was highest i.e. 27 in Rajasthan and lowest i.e. 5 in the state of Maharashtra.
3. Further, the storage infrastructure created under AIF has added nearly 550 LMT of storage capacity which includes approx. 510.6 LMT of dry storage and nearly 39.4 LMT of Cold storage capacities (as on 26.01.2025). This additional storage capacity can save up to 20.4 LMT of food grains and 3.9 LMT of horticulture produce annually.
4. The Agro processing centres created under the scheme is promoting timely value-addition of farmer’s produce resulting in increase in farmer’s income up to 20% and reduction of post-harvest losses. Custom hiring centres set up under the scheme is boosting farm mechanization and adoption of better crop residue management practices.
5. 31 percent of the AIF units have availed of government subsidies also. Thus, they have been benefitted due to Convergence under AIF.
6. For around 85 percent of the total units, availability of AIF loan was the main reason for starting the unit.
It is agreed to the view that biological substitutes for chemical fertilizers and pesticides can improve health of soil, human and planet, besides benefiting farmers.
In order to promote use of bio-fertilizers, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has developed improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizers specific to different crops and soil types under the Network project on ‘Soil Biodiversity-Bio-fertilizers’. Under this project ICAR has developed improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizer specific to different crops and soil types, Liquid Bio-fertilizer technology with higher shelf life, bio-fertilizer consortia formulation with two or more bio-fertilizer strains, microbial enriched bio-compost and Zinc & Potassium Solubilizing Bio-fertilizers. The ICAR also imparts training to educate farmers on use of bio-fertilizers.
To promote use of organic fertilizers in the country, Government is promoting organic farming through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in all the States/UTs (except North Eastern States). For North Eastern States, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme is being implemented. Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification & marketing and post-harvest management training and capacity building. Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha for a period of three years is provided for promotion of organic farming. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 15,000 per ha for a period of three years is provided to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Under MOVCDNER, assistance of Rs. 46,500/ha for 3 years is provided for creation of Farmers Producer Organization, support to farmers for organic inputs etc. Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha for 3 years 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. The year-wise fund released including assistance for procurement of off-farm and on-farm organic inputs during the period of last three years is as under:
Rs. in Crore.
Year
PKVY
MOVCDNER
2021-22
88.58
133.29
2022-23
188.78
144.42
2023-24
206.39
230.67
In order to ensure the avaibility of good quality of bio-fertilizers, organic fertilizers and Bio- stimulants, the Government of India regulates its quality under the Fertilizer Control Order (1985).
Government is implementing Market Development Assistance (MDA) @ Rs. 1500/Metric Tonne to promote organic fertilizers, viz., Fermented Organic Manure/ Liquid Fermented Organic Manure/Phosphate Rich Organic Manure produced at plants under Galvanizing Organic Bio Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
To incentivize the farmers to reduce the overall consumption of fertilizers for improving soil health and fertility and sustainable productivity, “PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM)” incentivizes States and Union Territories to promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers. Under this programme, 50% of subsidy savings will be passed on as a grant to the state that reduces chemical fertilizers.
National Center of Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and its Regional Center of Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF) located at Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal and Bhubaneswar organise various trainings and online awareness campaign on organic and natural farming. ICAR also imparts trainings, front-line demonstrations, awareness programs etc. to educate farmers on organic farming, through network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) at Pusa Campus in New Delhi today, marking a significant milestone in global fisheries and aquaculture. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries. He accentuated that India has risen as the world’s second-largest fish producer under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Minister also emphasized that India is implementing cutting-edge digital solutions such as National Digital Fisheries Platform and vessel monitoring, transponders, and emergency alerts to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. He also informed that the Kisan Credit Card scheme has been extended to the fishers and fish farmers and various insurance schemes to the fisheries’ sector were also introduced. He further applauded the ICAR for its technological offerings, recognizing its contributions in the fisheries development in the country. Further he stressed that the research institutes should undertake capacity building initiative involving KVKs to improve the adoption of scientific practices by fishers and farmers. He also inaugurated the 14AFAF expo, a major highlight, bringing together the stakeholders from state fisheries departments, academia, research institutions and the industry to showcase technological advancements.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR highlighted that 75 new fisheries technologies and improved fish varieties developed by ICAR, emphasizing ICAR’s commitment to sustainable, carbon-neutral fisheries and aquaculture for long-term industry resilience.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, highlighted the Government’s transformative initiatives, substantial investments, and the vital role of startups in driving innovation for India’s blue economy.
‘Padma Shri’ Dr. S. Ayyappan, former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR, highlighted India’s leadership in fisheries research and described 14AFAF as the Mahakumbh of fisheries researchers from Asia.
Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General, WorldFish, Malaysia, spoke on global innovations in fisheries and applauded India for its transformation initiatives in sustainable aquaculture.
Prof. Neil Loneragan, President, Asian Fisheries Society, Kuala Lumpur, emphasized the significance of international collaboration in advancing the fisheries sector globally.
Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Convener of 14AFAF, in his welcome address, stated that the forum will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture. He highlighted that the event features over 20 lead presentations by renowned experts from India and abroad, with 1,000 participants from 24 countries.
The session also saw the release of different publications & technologies by the dignitaries. The event was organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore.
Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 15 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive policies, and scientific advancements, India is emerging as a key player in sustainable fisheries. This forum serves as an opportunity to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen global partnerships and drive sustainable aquaculture initiatives for the future.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri George Kurian has inaugurated the symposium on ‘Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness’ organised at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi today. The symposium was organised as part of the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) meet being held here from 12-15 February, 2025 with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri George Kurien said appreciated ICAR for its initiative in organizing the symposium and emphasized the “One Earth – One Family” approach, stressing the importance of nutrition and biosecurity in aquaculture. He highlighted that sustainable aquaculture practices are key to ensuring food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in India. He acknowledged the efforts made under various government initiatives such as PMMSY and emphasized the need for continuous research and innovation in aquatic animal health management. He called for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government agencies, research institutions, and industry players, to work together towards strengthening disease surveillance, enhancing biosecurity protocols, and improving diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Convener of the symposium, provided an overview of the event, thanking the Government of India and Network of Aquaculture Centers in the Asia Pacific for their support. He emphasized about the need of strong biosecurity measures and discussed the ongoing NSPAAD Phase II and INFAR project, which aim to develop strategies for better disease control in aquaculture. He emphasized the Network project on Fish Health as a crucial initiative for advancing disease research and control in aquaculture. which focuses on disease management and early response mechanisms to mitigate potential risks in fish farming. Furthermore, he stressed that disease management will be critically important for the future in light of the diversification of aquaculture with introduction of new species, new systems, and the expansion of aquaculture. He also highlighted the importance of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for effective disease management in aquaculture.
Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and Dairying in his address, highlighted the vital role of fisheries in supporting livelihoods and the economy. He stressed the importance of national, regional, and local-level strategies to combat disease outbreaks effectively. He underscored the need for proactive response mechanisms, recognizing that disease transmission is often linked to live animal movement. He called for enhanced biosecurity measures and early detection systems to safeguard the sustainability and economic viability of the aquaculture industry.
Dr B.K. Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB emphasized the need to institutionalize fish disease surveillance programs in India to ensure systematic disease monitoring, early detection, and effective control. He highlighted the importance of establishing disease-free zones in key aquaculture areas to prevent the spread of infections and enhance biosecurity measures. Institutionalizing surveillance would require integrating it into national aquaculture policies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and ensuring sustained funding and implementation across states.
Dr. Eduardo Leano, NACA, Thailand provided insights into NACA’s mission since 1990, operating in 20 countries and spearheading five key disease surveillance programs. He highlighted the growing risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture and stressed the urgent need for a sustainable, internationally coordinated approach to aquatic biosecurity.
Earlier Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, delivered the welcome address, highlighting aquaculture advancements and the importance of strengthening disease management. He emphasized the Network project on fish health under National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) as a key initiative for improving disease surveillance and fostering innovation in aquatic health solutions.
Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, delivered the Vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all dignitaries and participants.
The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.
The Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February, 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. The scheme was launched to assist State Governments to issue soil health cards to all farmers in the country. Soil health card provides information to farmers on nutrient status of their soil along with recommendation on appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and its fertility.
The Soil Health Card Portal (www.soilhealth.dac.gov.in) facilitates generation of Soil Health Cards for the benefit of farmers in uniform and standardized format across country in all major languages and 5 dialects.
The Soil Health Card contains status of the soil with respect to 12 parameters, namely N,P,K, S (Macro-nutrients); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients) ; and pH (Acidity or Basicity), EC (Electrical Conductivity) and OC (Organic Carbon).
Based on this, the card will also indicate fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment required for the farm. Soil Samples are taken generally two times in a year, after harvesting of Rabi and Kharif Crop respectively or when there is no standing crop in the field.
The Guideline of Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) was issued in June 2023. VLSTLs can be set up by individual entrepreneurs i.e. rural youth and community based entrepreneurs, including Self Help Groups (SHGs), Schools, Agriculture Universities etc. The beneficiary/village level entrepreneur should be a youth whose age should not be below 18 years and should not be more than 27 years. Self Help Groups, Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) can also be enrolled as VLSTL.
As of February 2025, 665 Village-level Soil Testing Labs have been established in 17 States.
School Soil Health Programme
A pilot project on School Soil Health Programme has been undertaken by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in (DA&FW) collaboration with Department of School Education & Literacy (DSE&L), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Governments in 20 schools (10 Kendriya Vidyalaya & 10 Navodaya Vidyalaya) in rural areas. The aim is to make students aware about soil health for sustainable agriculture practices. 20 soil health labs were set up in these schools. Modules for students from class VI to XII and teachers were developed and disseminated. Under the programme, soil samples were collected by School Students and soil testing were also done by students and SHCs were generated Students also educated farmers about the recommendation of Soil health card for judicious use of fertilizer and crop recommendation.
As of 2024, 1020 schools are implementing the School Soil Health Programme, with 1000 soil testing labs set up and 125,972 students enrolled.
Soil Health Card scheme has been merged in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme as one of its components under the name ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from the year 2022-23.
Technological Advancements
SHC Mobile App–
To further ease the process of obtaining easy access to the Soil Health Card, the Government of India in 2023 made technological interventions in the New Soil Health Card Scheme. The Soil Health Card portal was revamped and integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) system so that all the test results are captured and seen on a map. To make the implementation/monitoring of the scheme smooth and to facilitate farmers an easy access to his soil health card, the mobile application has been made robust with the additional features such as:
Restrict the sample collection region for the Village Level Entrepreneur/Operator collecting the soil samples
Auto selection of the latitude and longitude of the location
Generation of a QR code to link with the sample and test results of all samples directly on the portal from the geo-mapped labs, without any manual intervention.
This application provides the graphical information of all over the India and also shows multiple layers State Boundary, District Boundary, Taluka Boundary, Panchayat Boundary and Cadastral Boundary.
The new system was rolled out in April 2023 and samples are now being collected through the mobile application. Soil Health Cards are now generated on this revamped portal.
For digitizing the Soil Health Cards, Web based work flow application Soil Health Card portal has been designed and developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Conclusion
The Soil Health Card Scheme has transformed agricultural practices in India over the past decade. Since 2015, it has empowered farmers with crucial information on soil nutrient status and optimal fertilizer use, promoting sustainable farming and improved crop productivity. Initiatives like the School Soil Health Programme have expanded soil health awareness among students and local communities. With a robust mobile app, the process of obtaining a Soil Health Card has enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. As the scheme evolves, it continues to play a vital role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding India’s soil health for future generations.
High impact research publications are pivotal in advancing knowledge and shaping academic and industry landscapes. They serve as the cornerstone for disseminating breakthroughs, influencing policy decisions, and fostering collaborations across disciplines. Here’s a deeper look into their importance and a guide on how to effectively use the research search tool available on Track2Training:
Importance of High Impact Research Publications
Dissemination of Innovative Ideas: High impact publications are essential for sharing new methodologies, theories, and experimental results. They reach a broad audience, ensuring that innovative ideas are disseminated throughout the scientific community and beyond.
Academic and Professional Recognition: Publishing in high impact journals not only adds credibility to a researcher’s work but also enhances their academic reputation. It often plays a crucial role in securing funding, tenure, and professional opportunities.
Influence on Policy and Practice: Research that garners high impact tends to influence policy-making, industry practices, and future research directions. Its findings are frequently cited, guiding further studies and real-world applications.
Global Collaboration and Networking: High impact research often acts as a bridge for international collaboration. Researchers from various parts of the world can build on each other’s work, leading to collaborative projects that push the boundaries of knowledge.
Quality and Rigor: The rigorous peer-review process associated with high impact publications ensures that the research meets high standards of quality, reliability, and relevance. This process helps to validate findings and enhances the overall integrity of the research field.
How to Search Using the Track2Training Research Page
The Track2Training research page is a specialized tool designed to help users locate high-quality research publications efficiently. Here’s how to make the most out of it:
Accessing the Search Interface: When you visit the research page, you’ll find a clean and intuitive interface. Typically, there is a prominent search bar that serves as the starting point for your inquiry.
Keyword Search:
Input Specific Keywords: Begin by entering relevant keywords related to your research topic. Whether you’re interested in “machine learning,” “renewable energy,” or “clinical trials,” the search bar allows you to narrow down the vast repository of research papers.
Use Boolean Operators: For more precise results, you might combine keywords using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). This helps in filtering out unrelated results and focusing on the core aspects of your research interest.
Advanced Search Filters:
Publication Date: Narrow your search by specifying a range of publication years to access the most current research or historical perspectives.
Journal or Conference Name: If you are looking for publications from a particular journal or conference, use the filter options provided.
Research Area or Discipline: Many research search tools, including this one, allow filtering by specific research domains, which can help in locating niche or interdisciplinary studies.
Reviewing Search Results:
Title and Abstract Review: Once the search results are displayed, scan through the titles and abstracts. This quick review can help you determine the relevance of each paper before diving into the full text.
Citation Information: High impact research is often indicated by a high number of citations. Look for citation counts or related metrics if available, as they can provide insights into the influence of the research.
Accessing Full-Text and Additional Resources:
Link to Full Papers: Many search tools provide direct links to the full-text versions of the papers or to their respective publisher pages.
Reference Management: Some platforms also offer options to download citations in various formats (like BibTeX or EndNote), which can be very helpful when managing references for your own research.
Staying Updated: Regularly revisiting the research page or setting up alerts (if the functionality is available) ensures that you remain updated on the latest high impact research publications in your field.
Final Thoughts
High impact research publications not only validate the credibility and relevance of academic work but also drive progress across multiple sectors. By leveraging specialized search tools like the one offered by Track2Training, researchers can efficiently navigate through vast databases, pinpoint the most influential studies, and build upon existing knowledge to foster further innovation.
This approach not only streamlines the research process but also ensures that the most pertinent and high-quality information is at your fingertips.
In education, discipline refers to the rules and practices that help students learn and grow in a safe environment. It helps students stay organized and focused, and can help them develop good study habits.
Daily writing prompt
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.
Discipline is a crucial component of the Indian education system, shaping the moral, ethical, and academic foundation of students. It is not just about maintaining order but also about instilling values such as responsibility, respect, and self-regulation. The Indian education system, rooted in ancient traditions and evolving through modern reforms, has always emphasized discipline in various forms.
1. Historical Perspective on Discipline in Indian Education
a. Ancient Gurukul System
The Gurukul system was the earliest form of education in India, where students (shishyas) lived with their teachers (gurus) in an ashram.
Discipline was strictly maintained through rules that emphasized obedience, humility, and rigorous academic and physical training.
Punishments were minimal as self-discipline was encouraged through spiritual learning and practical wisdom.
b. Colonial Influence on Discipline
The British education system introduced structured discipline in schools through strict rules, uniforms, and punishments.
Corporal punishment was common, and the system focused more on rote learning and obedience rather than creativity and critical thinking.
c. Post-Independence Reforms
After independence, India adopted a more balanced approach, incorporating discipline with democratic values.
Policies promoted student-friendly environments while maintaining classroom order and respect for authority.
2. Forms of Discipline in Indian Schools and Colleges
a. Self-Discipline
Encouraged from an early age, students are taught to take responsibility for their actions.
Morning assemblies, yoga, meditation, and moral education help in self-discipline.
b. Institutional Discipline
Schools and colleges follow strict codes of conduct regarding attendance, uniforms, behavior, and academic performance.
Rules are set to ensure order, such as punctuality, respect for teachers, and adherence to dress codes.
c. Teacher-Imposed Discipline
Teachers play a major role in enforcing discipline through classroom management and behavioral guidance.
Positive reinforcement, mentorship, and counseling are increasingly replacing traditional punitive methods.
d. Parental and Societal Influence
Indian parents place significant emphasis on discipline, ensuring that children follow rules at school and home.
Society also plays a role in shaping student behavior through cultural expectations and moral upbringing.
3. Role of Discipline in the Indian Education System
a. Academic Excellence
A disciplined environment ensures that students focus on studies, complete assignments on time, and respect deadlines.
Punctuality and time management are key aspects of academic discipline.
b. Character Development
Discipline instills values like honesty, responsibility, and perseverance.
It prepares students to face real-world challenges with resilience and determination.
c. Social Harmony
Schools promote discipline to foster mutual respect, teamwork, and cooperation among students from diverse backgrounds.
It helps in reducing conflicts and promoting a peaceful learning atmosphere.
d. Preparation for Professional Life
The disciplined environment of educational institutions prepares students for the workforce, where punctuality, work ethics, and responsibility are essential.
4. Challenges in Maintaining Discipline
a. Changing Societal Norms
The influence of social media and digital platforms has impacted traditional discipline methods.
Students are more independent but also more prone to distractions and indiscipline.
b. Issues of Corporal Punishment
Though banned, corporal punishment still exists in some schools, leading to psychological stress among students.
The focus is now shifting toward counseling and positive discipline strategies.
c. Parental Overindulgence
Some parents are overprotective, interfering in school disciplinary actions and making it difficult for institutions to enforce rules.
d. Teacher Shortages and Workload
Overburdened teachers struggle to maintain discipline effectively while handling large class sizes.
5. Modern Approaches to Discipline in Education
a. Positive Discipline Strategies
Encouraging students through rewards and appreciation rather than punishments.
Engaging students in decision-making to develop accountability.
b. Digital Monitoring and AI-Based Discipline
Schools use digital attendance, CCTV cameras, and AI-driven behavior monitoring to track and enforce discipline.
c. Student Counseling and Emotional Support
Schools and colleges now focus on mental health and counseling to address behavioral issues rather than harsh disciplinary measures.
d. Legal Framework for Student Discipline
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and guidelines from CBSE, ICSE, and UGC ensure that discipline policies align with child rights and ethical standards.
6. Conclusion
Discipline in the Indian education system has evolved from rigid control to a more balanced, student-friendly approach. While maintaining order and respect remains essential, modern education policies emphasize holistic development, self-regulation, and psychological well-being. Moving forward, India must continue to balance traditional discipline with progressive, positive reinforcement strategies to create responsible, well-rounded individuals.
References
Amare, G. (1967). Aims and Purposes of Church Educaiton in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Journal of Education, 1(1), 1-11.
Adaobi, E. M., & Abigail, O. M. (2021). Effect of problem-based learning on achievement of secondary school computer studies sudents in nnewi educaiton zone. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 8(6), 93-97.
Harman, G. (2000). Institutional Mergers in Australian Higher education since 1960. Higher Education Quarterly, 54(4), 343-366.
Cavanagh, D. M. (1985). Teacher Curriculum: A Failed Paradigm of Practise and Proceedure. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 10(2), 5.
Ping, H., & Liu, Y. (2010, March). Notice of Retraction: Demonstrative Analysis of Undergraduate Hospitality Management Education in Research-oriented Universities of China and of America. In 2010 Second International Workshop on Education Technology and Computer Science (Vol. 1, pp. 735-738). IEEE.
Yorke, M. (2000). Developing a Quality Culture in Higher Educaiton. Tertiary Education and Management, 6(1), 19-36.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying updated with the latest educational trends, research developments, and academic opportunities is crucial for students, educators, and researchers. Eduindex.org is your one-stop destination for all things education, offering timely and relevant news across various domains. Here’s why you should make it a habit to visit Eduindex News daily and follow our WhatsApp channel for instant updates.
1. Comprehensive Coverage of Educational News
Eduindex News provides a wide range of educational updates, including:
Latest research findings and academic papers.
University admissions, scholarships, and funding opportunities.
Government policies related to education.
Online learning resources and technology trends in education.
Interviews with top educators and scholars.
2. Timely and Reliable Information
We ensure that the news published on Eduindex.org is well-researched and verified from credible sources. Whether you are looking for information on faculty development programs, peer-reviewed journals, or eBook publications, you can trust our platform to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
3. Opportunities for Researchers and Scholars
For academicians and researchers, Eduindex News offers exclusive insights into research publication opportunities, edited book proposals, and call for papers from reputed journals like the International Journal of Research (IJR). Our platform also highlights discounted publication offers for scholars from developing countries and NGOs.
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If you are passionate about education and want to stay informed about academic opportunities, Eduindex.org is the ultimate platform for you. Make it a habit to visit our website daily and subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to stay updated with the latest in the world of education.
Eduindex can boost educational news by leveraging its platform to enhance visibility, credibility, and engagement. Here’s how:
Content Aggregation & Curation Eduindex can compile the latest educational news from verified sources, ensuring that educators, students, and policymakers get a one-stop destination for updates.
SEO & Digital Reach Optimizing articles for search engines can improve rankings, making educational news more accessible to a wider audience. Using targeted keywords and meta descriptions can ensure that the right people find relevant content.
Multi-Platform Distribution Sharing content across social media platforms, newsletters, and mobile apps can increase readership. Collaborations with influencers in education can further amplify reach.
User-Generated Content & Expert Contributions Encouraging educators, researchers, and students to contribute articles can bring diverse perspectives. Featuring interviews with education experts can add authority and credibility.
Engaging Multimedia Content Adding infographics, videos, and podcasts can make educational news more engaging and easier to consume. Live discussions or webinars on trending education topics can attract interactive audiences.
Community Engagement & Discussion Forums Hosting discussion forums for teachers, students, and education professionals can enhance interaction and exchange of ideas. Polls and surveys can gather feedback and insights on key educational topics.
Timely Updates & Alerts Push notifications and email alerts for breaking educational news can keep the audience informed instantly.
Integration with Research & Academia Linking educational news with academic journals, research papers, and policy analysis can provide deeper insights. Partnering with universities and institutions can help disseminate valuable knowledge.
Daily writing prompt
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.
New Delhi, Feb. 18 – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially dissolved the UGC-CARE (Consortium for Research and Academic Ethics) list, which previously served as a benchmark for faculty publications. In its place, the commission has introduced a set of suggestive parameters to assist faculty members in selecting peer-reviewed journals for research publication.
The newly formulated parameters, developed by a panel of academicians and subject experts, have been made available for public feedback. The UGC has invited suggestions via email at journal@ugc.gov.in, with the deadline set for February 25.
Introduced in 2018, the UGC-CARE list was intended to recognize credible journals for research publication, faculty promotions, and funding applications. However, it faced criticism over concerns of over-centralization, procedural delays, and the inadvertent inclusion of predatory journals. The exclusion of research journals in Indian languages also remained a key point of contention.
The newly proposed parameters have been categorized under eight broad criteria, including Journal Preliminary Criteria, Journal Visibility, and Research Ethics. The UGC has advised Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to adopt and refine these parameters according to their academic and research priorities. Institutions may also set up internal committees to periodically assess and enhance the framework to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Explaining the rationale behind this decision, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar pointed to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which criticized excessive regulation in academia and called for greater institutional autonomy. “By discontinuing the UGC-CARE list, we are shifting the responsibility to HEIs, allowing them to develop their own credible evaluation mechanisms for research publications,” he said.
He further cautioned that without a robust institutional framework, HEIs run the risk of recognizing faculty publications in dubious journals, which could harm their academic reputation. Emphasizing the role of mentorship, he noted that senior faculty members must guide young researchers in distinguishing credible journals from predatory ones.
With this shift, the UGC aims to strike a balance between academic freedom and quality assurance, encouraging institutions to take a proactive role in upholding research integrity while reducing bureaucratic constraints.
14th February is globally recognized as Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love, affection, and companionship. Couples express their emotions through gifts, roses, and heartfelt gestures. However, in India, this day is not just about love; it also carries a painful memory that turned it into a Black Day for many.
For some, it symbolizes love, while for others, it reminds them of an immense sacrifice. So, is 14th February a day of romance or remembrance? Let’s explore both perspectives.
Valentine’s Day: The Celebration of Love
Valentine’s Day originates from the story of Saint Valentine, who was believed to have secretly helped lovers unite. Over time, this day became a global festival dedicated to expressing love.
Why is Valentine’s Day Special?
Expression of emotions: Couples confess their feelings and strengthen their relationships.
A festival for the youth: Youngsters celebrate it with excitement, exchanging gifts and planning special outings.
Beyond romance: It’s not just for lovers; it also symbolizes love for friends, family, and humanity.
Shayari on Love: “Love is not just a moment, it’s a lifetime of care, It’s found in every smile, in every silent prayer.”
14th February: The Black Day of India
While the world celebrates love on this day, for India, 14th February is also a day of mourning and remembrance due to a tragic event.
(A) The Pulwama Attack (2019)
On 14th February 2019, a deadly terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, shook the entire nation.
A suicide bomber targeted a CRPF convoy, killing 40 brave soldiers and leaving the country in grief.
Since then, many Indians have started observing 14th February as a Black Day to honor the martyrs.
Shayari for the Martyrs: “They gave their today for our tomorrow, We remember them not just in pain but in pride and sorrow.”
(B) Cultural and Social Resistance
In India, traditional values and modern love celebrations often clash.
Many groups believe that Valentine’s Day is against Indian culture and have protested against its celebration.
Some organizations have declared this day as “Parents’ Worship Day”, urging youth to respect their elders instead.
Shayari on Values: “Love is pure, love is divine, But never forget where your roots entwine.”
Love vs. Remembrance: Finding the Balance
The debate around 14th February continues—should we celebrate love or mourn the loss of our heroes?
The Ideal Approach
Respecting sentiments: Those celebrating Valentine’s Day should also acknowledge and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.
A day for both: Love and sacrifice can coexist—one should not overshadow the other.
True love is beyond one day: Instead of limiting love to one date, we should practice compassion and gratitude every day.
Final Shayari: “Love is not just about roses and wine, It’s found in sacrifice, in the stars that shine. Honor the love, cherish the brave, Let 14th February be a tribute, not just a wave.”
Conclusion
14th February carries two different meanings—one of love and another of sacrifice. While some celebrate relationships, others remember the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.
Whether you see it as a day of love or a Black Day, what matters most is respecting both perspectives and ensuring that love, in any form, is never forgotten.
Final Thought:
“Love is eternal, and so is the sacrifice of the brave. May we always find a way to honor both.”
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