The Government has promulgated the Agriculture Information System Network (AGRISNET) in the country. AGRISNET envisages promotion of e-Governance in agriculture sector by use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT).

The objective of the programme is to provide IT enabled services to farmers and also for computerization of various offices in the States in agriculture & allied sectors. Funds under AGRISNET are provided to the State Governments/Union Territories on the basis of specific project proposals submitted by them.

Regular follow-up is being done with the States by writing letters and telephonic conversations. Discussions have been held and the States have also been advised to adopt standard packages developed by NIC instead of doing everything ab-initio. Proposals under AGRISNET Scheme from the States, which have not yet availed assistance under this Scheme, have also been sought.

This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The States are given funds for software development, hardware (including system software) and other genuine ICT needs of the State upto district level. Requirements of hardware/software below district level are considered as per justification given by the States in their proposal.

Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry, Punjab, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand. States have so far availed funds under AGRISNET Project The projects are at various stages of implementation in these States.