Department of Biotechnology

Ministry of Science & Technology,

Government of India
(Plant Biotechnology and International Cooperation (IC-I) Division)

Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (BiotechKISAN)

Indias Farmers Partner with Indian and Global Best in Science for Indias Future
1. INTRODUCTION:
Scientists work on problems that interest them. The world faces enormous challenges with
large populations, diminishing resources and the consequences of climate change. Scientist are
eager to address these problems and find implementable solutions but need to develop a close
connect with society for the best solutions to emerge. One very difficult challenge is sustainable
food security for all. Over the years, agriculture productivity of the country has been severely
affected in both quality and quantity. The main reasons affecting productivity are:
1. Water: drought, flood, availability and poor quality are major issues.
2. 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,
3. Seed: lack of availability of quality agricultural planting material at affordable cost to small and
marginal farmers,
4. 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
The problems faced by the Indian farmer 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.
There is a need for direct linkage between science laboratories and farms; it is now imperative
that the Indian scientist understand the problems of the local farmer and provide solutions to
those problems. Likewise, it is necessary to expose farmers to the scientific solutions available by
bringing him to the scientific environment/laboratory. This close interaction and need based
research will allow innovative solutions and technologies to be developed and applied at farm
level.
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2. 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:
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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.

3. COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME

The scheme will provide support for following three components:
A. 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. Each Hub will create
a network by developing strong linkages with top quality scientific institutions / State
Agricultural Universities (SAUs) / Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) / existing state agriculture
extension services / system and other Farmers organizations in the region as well as linkages
with leading international institutions / organizations. Biotech-KISAN Hub will have a tinkering
laboratory. The core activities of the Hub will include:

Understanding the problems of the local farmer;

Scouting for available technologies and solutions to problems of farmers in the region;
Demonstration and scale-up programmes for implementing the solutions to the problems
of farmers addressing water, soil, seed and marketing issues;
Creation of strong Scientists-Farmers Interaction Platform and connectivity; training
programmes for the farmer and immersion programmes for scientists;
Communication set up through radio and TV and connectivity through social media;
Individual thematic fellowship programmes for selected farmers in the zone at high-tech
science laboratories;
Special solution-driven thematic fellowships to women farmers (Mahila Kisan Biotech
Fellowship) to develop them as leaders and grass root scientists.

The hub and its facilitator will partner with at least 3 institutions / KVKs etc. and should
enter into agreement with each of the collaborating partner / institution with defined
contribution for achieving the envisaged objectives. For each partner Institute, it will be
mandatory to participate with the hub and its activities and for this a separate budget would
be provided for each of them.
B. Partnering Institutes: The activities of the partnering institute will include:
i. Conduct training programmes for farmers in laboratories of scientific research
institutions

Expose farmers to leading science laboratories to develop them as scientific leaders

at grass root level;
Provide solution and support to agriculture problems related to water, soil, seed,
diseases and marketing issues in respective areas;
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The subject and scope of training programme will include good agriculture
practices;
The duration of the training will be 5 to 10 days;
The small and marginal farmers having qualification of high school / intermediate,
preferably in science subjects will be eligible for training. The actual cost of the
training programme will be decided based on the number of trainees and the
subject areas.

ii. Training programmes for scientists in agricultural farms

The training programme or immersion of scientists in agricultural farms with a view

to better understand the problems of farmers at ground level and address /
implement solutions.
The subject and scope of training programme will include study on the problems
being faced by farmers in their farms related to water management, nutrient and
pest / disease management, storage and marketing issues and their linkages with
already available possible solutions in science laboratories, on-farm innovative
ideas and research being practiced by farmers for their agriculture problems at
grass root level and their validation etc.
The duration of the training may be 10 to 15 days.
The scientists working in scientific institutions / State Agriculture Universities
(SAUs) / KVKs will be eligible for training.

C. 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. The proposal will be considered by
the relevant Expert Committee / Task Force of the scheme and based on the genesis of the
project and the solution hypothesised, additional funds may be provided.
D. International Training:

Short-term Training (STT) Programmes will be developed by DBT in partnership with

international organisations / 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.

4. WHO CAN APPLY:

i) 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.
ii) The scheme is intended for those institutions having substantial infrastructure and
commitment to undertake farmers oriented outreach programmes.
iii) 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
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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.
5. NATURE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
A. The Hub will get financial assistance for initially 2 years of ` 60 lakhs per year and on the
basis of a review for additional 3 years as detailed below
A. Non-recurring
1. Minor equipment items /
infrastructure
B. Recurring
1. Recurring cost of tinkering
laboratory
2. Cost for implementing one activity
at farmers level @` 5.00 lakhs for
each activity (minimum 4 activities
in each year)
3. Fellowship programmes for farmers
(including special fellowships for
women farmers)
4. Travel cost
5. Farmers Training / Workshop /
Awareness Programme / Kisan
Melas etc.
6. Contingencies
7. Communication Cell

10.00 Only minor equipment items and essential

infrastructure to be supported
0.00
10.00 Includes cost for manpower, consumables,
plastic wares, etc.
20.00 Includes cost for technology dissemination,
demonstration trials,

6.00 Fellowship @` 10,000/- to be provided for a

minimum 5 farmers including women farmers
2.00 Includes travel cost of manpower of laboratories
for visit to farms
5.00 Includes cost for training of farmers, conducting
Farmers Workshop, Awareness Programmes,
Kisan Melas etc.
2.00 Includes cost for stationary, publicity, printing etc.
5.00 Includes cost for radio, TV communication,
internet, laptop, mobile sets etc.

B. For each partnering institute: Budget for each collaborating institution / KVKs etc. ` 5.00
lakhs per year for each specific activity as defined in the application. In addition, the following
will also be provided.
For Training Programmes:
Farmers Training Programme:
Budget for each Farmers Training Programme will be as follows:
S. No. Head
1.
2.
3.
4.
Total:

Amount (` in lakhs)
0.50
Honorarium for each Scientist / Trainer @` 5,000/- per day for 5
days (a minimum of 2 Scientists / Trainers)
Travel cost of farmers and trainers including exposure visits to
demonstration farms (minimum 10 farmer trainees and 2
Scientists / Trainers)
Training cost for each activity @` 50,000/- (minimum 4 activities
to be included in the training programme)
Contingencies (including stationaries, printing etc.)

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0.50
2.00
0.50
3.50

Scientists Training Programme:

Budget for each Scientists Training Programme will be as follows:
S. No. Head

Amount (` in lakhs)
0.05
Honorarium for each Scientist Trainee @` 1,000/- per day for 5 days

1.
2.
3.

Travel cost of one scientist trainee

4.
Total:

Training cost for each activity in farm @` 10,000/- (minimum 4

activities to be included in the training programme)
Contingencies (including printing etc.)

0.20
0.40
0.10
0.75

6. HOW TO APPLY:
Eight copies of duly filled proforma forwarded through head of institute should be sent to the
DBT.
7. Mode of Selection:
Applications will be screened by an Expert Committee and site visit, if required, will be
undertaken to arrive at final decision. Decision of Peer Committee will be final.
8. Parameters to Measure Successful application
Application will be judged on the following parameters:

The Facilitator: competence as judged by track record.

The expertise of partner institutes.
Capacity and capability of the hub and the institutes to work together towards the
proposed activities.

Complete postal address with email ID and phone/mobile numbers of Principal and
coordinator for the program should be mentioned in A5 & A11 column
Consolidated proposal having details of Hub and partners should be submitted.
The pages should be numbered and the proposal format should be in Times New Roman,
Font Size 12 with single spacing.
There should be no colour photographs in the proposal. The proposals should be in spiral
binding as hard bound proposal is not required. The proposal should be printed back to
back to save paper.
Two hardcopies of duly filled proforma, (printed on both side and should not be hard
bound) along-with a soft copy (in MS Word format) should be sent to any of the following:
Dr. Mohd. Aslam
Adviser (Scientist 'G')
Plant Biotechnology Division,
Department of Biotechnology,
Ministry of Science & Technology,
6-8th Floor, Block 2, CGO Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003

Dr. Shailja V. Gupta

Director (Scientist F)
International Cooperation (IC-I) Division,
Department of Biotechnology,
Ministry of Science & Technology,
6-8th Floor, Block 2, CGO Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003

Email: aslam@dbt.nic.in

Email: shailja.dbt@nic.in

The last date for submission of applications in the prescribed proforma is 15th November,
2016.
Incomplete applications shall not be entertained.
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*****

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Proforma for submission of Application for Biotech-KISAN

SECTION-A: GENERAL INFORMATION

A-1 Name of Agro-Climatic Zone:
A-2 Name of the organization proposed as Hub:
A-3 Nature of the organization (Government / private
institution / NGOs etc.) proposed as Hub:
A-4 Please enclose documentary evidence in case of
private institution / NGOs etc.:
A-5 Complete Postal Address with Pin-Code:

A-6 Name of the Facilitator

Telephone No. with STD Code
Mobile number
Fax No.
E-mail
Website (URL)
A-7 Name(s) and address(es) of the Principal
Investigators (PIs) and the partner Institutions:

1.
2.
3.
4
..
..

A-8 Name of Hub Facilitator/ Coordinator:

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Designation:
Complete Address:
Phone:
Email:
Mobile No:

SECTION-B: TECHNICAL DETAILS

B.1. Brief introduction to the Hub (not more than one page; relevant web links may be provided
for more details, if needed)
B.2. Brief regarding the partnering Institute (one para, not more than 120 words, each with
relevant web links for related activities to be provided)
B.3. Activities to be carried out with timelines (details of the year wise activity)
B.4. Activities proposed for each of the partnering institute with timelines
B.5. Training programme calendar (for farmers at the institutes)
B.6. Training programme calendar (for scientists at the farms)
B.7. Total number of farmers to be covered under the programme (women farmers / men
farmers)
B.8. Total scientists involved
B.9. The detailed CVs of Facilitator and all the PIs of partner institutions associated with the
programme should be annexed with the proposal.
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SECTION-C: BUDGET REQUIREMENTS

C-1. Budget for the HUB:
Sl. No.
Non-recurring:
Minor equipment items /
infrastructure
Recurring:
Recurring cost of tinkering
laboratory
Cost for implementing one activity

Amount (` in lakhs)
Year Year
Total
Year Year Year
Total
I
II (I+II Years) III
IV
V (III to V Years)

at farmers level @` 5.00 lakhs for

each activity (minimum 4
activities in each year)
Fellowship programmes for
farmers (including special
fellowships for women farmers)
Travel cost
Farmers Training / Workshop /
Awareness Programme / Kisan
Melas etc.
Contingencies
Communication Cell
Total

C.2. Budget for Each Partnering Institute not more than ` 5 lakhs for each activity, breakup
maybe provided for the following not exceeding ` 5 lakhs; if more than one please
clearly defined in the proposal:
Sl. No.
Recurring:
Consumables
Travel
Contingencies
Travel cost
Total

Year
I

Year
II

Total
(I+II Years)

Year
III

Year
IV

Amount (` in lakhs)
Year
Total
V
(III to V Years)

C.3. Budget for Training Programmes: Budget maybe calculated as per the participation
number and as per the provision detailed in 5B
C.3.1. Budget for Farmers Training Programme:
Head

Amount (` in lakhs)
Year Year
Total
Year Year Year
Total
I
II (I+II Years) III
IV
V (III to V Years)

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Head
Honorarium for each Scientist /

Amount (` in lakhs)
Year Year
Total
Year Year Year
Total
I
II (I+II Years) III
IV
V (III to V Years)

Trainer @` 5,000/- per day for 5 days

(a minimum of 2 Scientists / Trainers)
X numbers*
Travel cost of farmers and trainers
including exposure visits to
demonstration farms (minimum 10
farmer trainees and 2 Scientists /
Trainers) X numbers*
Training cost for each activity
@` 50,000/- (minimum 4 activities to
be included in the training
programme) X numbers*
Contingencies (including stationaries,
printing etc.)
Total
* Number of Farmers Training Programmes to be organized in each year along with timelines should
be indicated in the application.

C.3.2. Budget for Scientists Training Programme:

Head
Honorarium for each Scientist Trainee

Amount (` in lakhs)
Year Year
Total
Year Year Year
Total
I
II (I+II Years) III
IV
V (III to V Years)

@` 1,000/- per day for 5 days X

numbers*
Travel cost of one scientist trainee X
Numbers*
Training cost for each activity in farm
@` 10,000/- (minimum 4 activities to
be included in the training
programme) X Numbers *
Contingencies (including stationaries,
printing etc.)
Total:
Grand Total A+B+C:
* Number of Scientists Training Programmes to be organized in each year along with timelines
should be indicated in the application.

Signature of Executive Authority

of the Institution / organization with Seal

Signature of Programme
Coordinator with Seal

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Place:
Date:

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