Why in News?

• The Union Minister for Agriculture took a review meeting of the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE):

• It was established in the Ministry of Agriculture in December, 1973.
• It coordinates agricultural research & education in the country.
• It is the nodal agency for International Cooperation in the area of agricultural research and education in India.
• It has the following four autonomous bodies under its Administrative Control:

1. 1.Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
2. 2.Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal
3. 3.Dr.Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar
4. 4.Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, UP

The Major Functions of DARE:

• To look after all aspects of the agricultural research and Education involving coordination between the central and state agencies.
• To attend all matters relating to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• To attend all matters concerning the development of new technology in agriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resources Management, Animal Science and Marketing and Fisheries.
• International co-operation in the field of agricultural research and education
• Fundamental, applied and operational research and higher education including coordination of Such Research.

Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan:

• It was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers’ welfare in June 2018 to assist and advice farmers on how to improve their farming techniques and raise Their Incomes.

Implementation:

• It is undertaken in 25 Villages with more than 1000 population each in Aspirational Districts identified in consultation with Ministry of Rural Development as per directions of NITI Ayog.
• In districts where number of villages (with more than 1000 population) is less than 25, all villages will be covered.

3 Phases of KVKs:

• So far two phases of Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan have been completed in which 11.05 lakh farmers were trained by KVKs.
• In the third phase of KKA training of about 17 lakh farmers on diversified farming practices for doubling farmers’ income is planned