Skip to main content
Loading page, please wait…
HomeCurrent AffairsEditorialsGovt SchemesLearning ResourcesUPSC SyllabusPricingAboutBest UPSC AIUPSC AI ToolAI for UPSCUPSC ChatGPT

© 2026 Vaidra. All rights reserved.

PrivacyTerms
Vaidra Logo
Vaidra

Top 4 items + smart groups

UPSC GPT
New
Current Affairs
Daily Solutions
Daily Puzzle
Mains Evaluator

Version 2.0.0 • Built with ❤️ for UPSC aspirants

Biotech‑KISAN Scheme Expands: DBT Boosts Farmer‑Centric Biotechnology Across India

Biotech‑KISAN Scheme Expands: DBT Boosts Farmer‑Centric Biotechnology Across India
The Biotech-KISAN scheme is highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Economics) and GS Paper II (Government Schemes). It exemplifies the application of biotechnology in improving rural livelihoods and aligns with the national goal of doubling farmers' income and achieving sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) related to food security and gender equality.
The Biotech-KISAN (Krishi Innovation Science Application Network) is a flagship, farmer-centric initiative launched in 2017 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Following a 'Lab-to-Land' philosophy, the scheme aims to connect the scientific community with farmers to identify and solve local agricultural problems through innovative biotechnological solutions. The program operates through a 'Hub-and-Spoke' model, where Biotech-KISAN Hubs are established across India's diverse agro-climatic zones. These hubs function as centers for demonstration, technical training, and enterprise incubation. To date, over 50 hubs across 25 States and UTs have been established, benefiting more than one lakh farmers. Key outcomes include yield improvements ranging from 15% to 37%, the promotion of residue-free cultivation, and the adoption of precision farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A significant component is the empowerment of women via the 'Mahila Kisan Fellowships', which integrates gender-sensitive technology transfer in rural settings.
  1. Home
  2. Prepare
  3. Current Affairs
  4. Biotech‑KISAN Scheme Expands: DBT Boosts Farmer‑Centric Biotechnology Across India
Login to bookmark articles
Login to mark articles as complete

Overview

gs.gs476% UPSC Relevance

Full Article

The Biotech-KISAN (Krishi Innovation Science Application Network) is a flagship, farmer-centric initiative launched in 2017 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Following a 'Lab-to-Land' philosophy, the scheme aims to connect the scientific community with farmers to identify and solve local agricultural problems through innovative biotechnological solutions. The program operates through a 'Hub-and-Spoke' model, where Biotech-KISAN Hubs are established across India's diverse agro-climatic zones. These hubs function as centers for demonstration, technical training, and enterprise incubation. To date, over 50 hubs across 25 States and UTs have been established, benefiting more than one lakh farmers. Key outcomes include yield improvements ranging from 15% to 37%, the promotion of residue-free cultivation, and the adoption of precision farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A significant component is the empowerment of women via the 'Mahila Kisan Fellowships', which integrates gender-sensitive technology transfer in rural settings.
Read Original on pib

Biotech‑KISAN expands, linking labs to farms and empowering women farmers.

Key Facts

  1. Biotech‑KISAN was launched in 2017 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
  2. The scheme follows a Hub‑and‑Spoke model with over 50 Biotech‑KISAN hubs operational in 25 states/UTs by 2026.
  3. More than 1 lakh farmers have benefited, witnessing yield improvements ranging from 15% to 37%.
  4. Key interventions include residue‑free cultivation, precision farming, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  5. The Mahila Kisan Fellowships component specifically empowers women farmers through gender‑sensitive technology transfer.
  6. Biotech‑KISAN aligns with the ‘Doubling Farmers’ Income’ goal and SDG‑2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG‑5 (Gender Equality).

Background & Context

The scheme operationalises the ‘Lab‑to‑Land’ philosophy, linking India’s scientific ecosystem with its agrarian base. It exemplifies how targeted S&T interventions can boost productivity, promote sustainable practices, and address gender disparities—core themes of GS‑3 (Science & Technology) and GS‑2 (Government Schemes).

UPSC Syllabus Connections

GS3•Developments in science and technology and their applicationsEssay•Science, Technology and Society

Mains Answer Angle

In GS‑3, candidates can discuss Biotech‑KISAN as a model for technology transfer and agricultural innovation; in GS‑4, they may evaluate its gender‑focused approach and ethical implications of biotech in rural livelihoods.

Analysis

Practice Questions

GS1
Easy
Prelims MCQ

Biotech‑KISAN scheme objectives

1 marks
4 keywords
GS3
Medium
Mains Short Answer

Technology transfer from labs to fields

5 marks
5 keywords
GS4
Hard
Mains Essay

Impact on agricultural productivity and livelihoods

20 marks
6 keywords
Related:Daily•Weekly

Loading related articles...

Loading related articles...

Tip: Click articles above to read more from the same date, or use the back button to see all articles.

Quick Reference

Key Insight

Biotech‑KISAN expands, linking labs to farms and empowering women farmers.

Key Facts

  1. Biotech‑KISAN was launched in 2017 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
  2. The scheme follows a Hub‑and‑Spoke model with over 50 Biotech‑KISAN hubs operational in 25 states/UTs by 2026.
  3. More than 1 lakh farmers have benefited, witnessing yield improvements ranging from 15% to 37%.
  4. Key interventions include residue‑free cultivation, precision farming, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  5. The Mahila Kisan Fellowships component specifically empowers women farmers through gender‑sensitive technology transfer.
  6. Biotech‑KISAN aligns with the ‘Doubling Farmers’ Income’ goal and SDG‑2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG‑5 (Gender Equality).

Background

The scheme operationalises the ‘Lab‑to‑Land’ philosophy, linking India’s scientific ecosystem with its agrarian base. It exemplifies how targeted S&T interventions can boost productivity, promote sustainable practices, and address gender disparities—core themes of GS‑3 (Science & Technology) and GS‑2 (Government Schemes).

UPSC Syllabus

  • GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
  • Essay — Science, Technology and Society

Mains Angle

In GS‑3, candidates can discuss Biotech‑KISAN as a model for technology transfer and agricultural innovation; in GS‑4, they may evaluate its gender‑focused approach and ethical implications of biotech in rural livelihoods.

Explore:Current Affairs·Editorial Analysis·Govt Schemes·Study Materials·Previous Year Questions·UPSC GPT
Biotech‑KISAN Scheme Expands: DBT Boosts F... | UPSC Current Affairs