Science-enabled schemes to boost rural economy

The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has launched two new schemes Biotech-KISAN and Cattle Genomics in order to apply science to boost rural economy. The intent of these programmes is to form a network to farmers directly with the scientists and experts.

Thus they seek to empower farmers, especially women farmers. Biotech-KISAN (Krishi Innovation Science Application Network) Scheme Its purpose is to connect farmers, scientist and science institution across country. Under it, fellowship will be given to women farmers for training and education in farm practice. Under it scientists will spend time on farms and link communication tools to soil, water seed and market.

The main aim of the scheme is to understand individual problems of the small holding farmers and provide ready solutions. It will be implemented in 15 agro-climatic zones of India in phased manner with objective of linking new technology to farm by understanding problem of local farmer. Cattle Genomics Scheme The scheme aims at boosting selective breeding of the native livestock more accurately to ensure high-yielding, disease-resistant, resilient livestock.

Under it, government will undertake an ambitious project of genome sequencing of 40 registered indigenous cattle breeds of India. Besides, a high-density DNA chips will be developed under this scheme to reduce the cost and time interval of breeding of the native livestock. Genome selection will use information on variations in DNA sequences between animals to predict the breeding value more accurately. Thus, help to transform livestock breeding.