ICAR signs Tripartite Non-Financial MoU with MoRD and RCRC

25^th September, 2020, New Delhi

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Rural Development and Rapid Rural Community Response (RCRC - a consortium of Civil Society Organizations) signed a Tripartite Non-Financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. The MoU aims to bring about the economic transformation in rural areas of 100 Districts in the country.

The three agencies, ICAR through its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras; MoRD with the resources available under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) - National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and its other programmes on economic empowerment, livelihood, skilling etc.; and RCRC coalition of CSOs with their mobilization and communication skills, capacity to reach out to the far-flung areas can provide a strong edifice of driving the economic transformation in rural areas.

The ICAR through its KVKs has come forward to offer the latest technologies developed (production and post-harvest) in ICAR Institutes for Women Farmers and Entrepreneurs, training and capacity building of farmers, Community Resource Persons (CRPs), SRLM and NGO functionaries using its infrastructure. The Council has also initiated the creation of the village level farm innovation hub for learning and came forward to provide need-based diagnostic, advisory services and localized solutions to the farmers.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Union Minister of State for Rural Development applauded the initiative of the three partners for developing the farm-based livelihoods in the 100 Districts with rural community and other stakeholders’ active participation.

Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, MoRD indicated that the Department through the DAY-NRLM, intends to bring in the extension arms (Krishi Sakhi, Pashu Sakhi, etc.); social capital in the form of mobilizations like SHGs, etc.; experience in promotion of diversified livelihoods with women from small and marginal farmhouses, etc. He also emphasized that the Department aims to establish the credit linkages for livelihood promotion; resources for training and capacity building and promotion of entrepreneurship, besides dovetailing the financial resources.

Shri Sanjay Singh, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR) highlighted the presence of the KVKs, DAY-NRLM and CSOs at the overlapping Districts. He emphasized on integrating the joint actions at the District level through the setting-up of a District Level Integration Unit, initially, in the identified 100 Districts that may be further expanded in the other Districts with mutual consent.

The other senior officials from the MoRD, ICAR and RCRC were also present during the occasion.

(Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi)