1. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Cluster Front Line Demonstration on Pulses crops :
Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) on pulses is a government-funded initiative in India to boost pulses production and improve farmer income through on-farm demonstration of the latest agricultural technologies. The program, run by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), aims to bridge the gap between potential yield and actual yield in farmers’ fields.
- Cluster Front Line Demonstration on Oilseeds crops :
Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) on oilseeds is an initiative by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to increase oilseed production and farmer income. Conducted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the program demonstrates new, high-yielding oilseed varieties and a complete package of improved crop technologies directly on farmers’ fields.
- Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia :
The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) is a large-scale, international research-for-development project aimed at sustainably increasing the productivity of cereal-based cropping systems and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Asia. It has been active in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal since 2009.
The project is led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and collaborates with other international research organizations, national partners, and local stakeholders.
2. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
- Short Term Research Project :
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme does not typically fund academic-style “research projects” conducted by individuals. Instead, it uses a participatory, farmer-centric approach that funds applied, adaptive research and validation of technologies to address local problems. These short-term, practical research activities are initiated based on a district-level strategic plan and often executed in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other local research centers.
- Skill Development Training :
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme offers a wide range of skill development and capacity-building trainings for farmers, farm women, and rural youth. These trainings are designed to make the agricultural extension system more farmer-friendly and promote the adoption of modern technologies and good farming practices.
ATMA operates at the district level, with support from state-level training institutes like the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) in West Bengal. A key feature is the “bottom-up” planning approach, where local needs guide the training and extension programs.
3. Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI)
- Skill Development Training :
The Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) offers a wide range of skill development training programs across the entire agriculture and allied sectors. These courses are aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and are delivered through a network of training partners.
4. MANAGE
- Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) :
DAESI is a diploma program in India called the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers. The program trains agricultural input dealers—who supply seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers—to become “para-extension professionals”. This helps them provide better, scientifically sound advice to farmers and strengthens the country’s agricultural extension system.
The program is managed by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) and operates across multiple Indian states.
5. Fertilizer Association of India (FAI)
- Certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management (CCINM) :
The Certificate Course on Integrated Nutrient Management (CCINM) offered by the Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) is a training program for fertilizer dealers, typically organized in collaboration with agricultural research and extension institutes. FAI works with various partners, such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), to provide the training.
The course is designed to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, for issuing fertilizer dealership licenses, which mandate an agricultural diploma, degree, or a certified 15-day course.