India, April 2 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The Department of Biotechnology has been implementing the Biotech‑KISAN (Krishi Innovation Science Application Network) Scheme since 2017 as a flagship farmer‑centric programme. The scheme has made notable progress in bridging the gap between laboratories and agricultural fields by establishing hubs across diverse agro‑climatic zones. These hubs serve as demonstration units, training centres, and enterprise incubators, ensuring that scientific innovations are adapted to local farming challenges and directly reach rural communities. The program has directly reached over one lakh farmers, delivering yield improvements of 15 to 37 percent in demonstration plots. It has empowered women through Mahila Kisan Fellowships, fostered rural biotech enterprises, and strengthened market linkages. Farmers have adopted residue-free cultivation, precision farming, and integrated pest management, thereby enhancing both productivity and sustainability.
To date, the Department has implemented over 50 Biotech KISAN Hubs across 25 States and Union Territories, covering diverse agro-climatic zones including arid, semi-arid, coastal, hill, tribal, and North Eastern regions. At present, 5 Biotech KISAN Hubs are operational.
The following biotechnological interventions successfully transferred to rural farmers:
The measurable impact of these technologies in restoring soil health and increasing the yield of pulse and oilseed crops is as follows:
The capacity building initiatives under Biotech KISAN have specifically targeted women farmers. More than 5,000 women have been trained in biofertilizer use, seed production, mushroom cultivation, and kitchen garden models. Over 1,200 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed or strengthened, leading to women-led enterprises in food processing, aquaculture, and floriculture. The Department has also introduced Mahila Biotech Fellowships to promote women-led innovation, and ICT-enabled advisories such as the mobile application "Mushroom Mentor" have provided timely guidance to women farmers.
Complementing these efforts, the National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants implemented by DBT has integrated capacity-building as a key component to strengthen grassroots adoption of biotechnology interventions. Nearly 70% of the staff employed in tissue culture production facilities is women, underscoring their central role in biotechnology-driven agriculture. Through structured on-the-job training and continuous exposure to standardized procedures, these women workers acquire practical knowledge of basic biotechnology applications, which allows them to contribute directly to sustainable agricultural practices.
Together, these programmatic initiatives highlight a comprehensive approach where women are not only beneficiaries but also leaders in biotechnology-led agricultural transformation. They gain skills, entrepreneurial opportunities, and recognition, while simultaneously advancing sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth across rural communities.
This information was submitted by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April 2026.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
