NEW DELHI: A total of 96 FM Transmitters of All India Radio will broadcast area specific agricultural programmes. The 30 minute radio transmission will take place six days a week in the evening, as part of the mass media initiative of the Agriculture Ministry.

Under the "Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension" funded by the Ministry, audio and Video Spots and success stories are being aired through All India Radio, Doordarshan and Private Channels operating at the National and Regional Level.

The Mass Media Support focuses on dissemination of modern agricultural techniques by involving experts from various fields like insurance, banking, credit for farmers, State Government schemes on agriculture/ fisheries/veterinary science/water and soil conservation/social forestry etc.

Even as details are being worked out by Prasar Bharati in consultation with the stakeholders for a Krishi channel as outlined by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget, no definite timeframe has been fixed for the start of the channel.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources said this will depend on availability of resources and manpower after the details have been worked out.

Jaitley had announced in his budget speech on 10 July that a sum of Rs 100 crore would be allocated for this channel. However, the budget for I & B Ministry shows an allocation of Rs 90 crore for this in the year 2014-15.

Meanwhile, the Krishi Darshan programmes of Doordarshan are being telecast under the "Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension" funded by the Agriculture Ministry. A programme 'Mera Gaon Connection’ telecast at prime time on DD National also introduces modern agricultural techniques to the viewers.

Focused Advertisement Campaigns which cut across all the Divisions of the Ministry have been continuing since July 2010.

The campaigns are being launched through print as well as electronic media to create awareness about the assistance available under various schemes of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.