The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved seven major schemes aimed at improving the lives of farmers and increasing their incomes, with a total financial outlay of Rs 14,235.30 crore.
These initiatives are designed to address various aspects of agriculture, ranging from digital technology integration to crop science, education, livestock management, and natural resource conservation.
One of the key schemes is the Digital Agriculture Mission, which is structured around Digital Public Infrastructure. With an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore, this mission will leverage technology to enhance farmers’ lives. It includes foundational components like AgriStack, which involves a farmers registry, village land maps registry, and Crop Sown Registry.
The mission also introduces the Krishi Decision Support System, which will utilize geospatial data, drought and flood monitoring, weather and satellite data, and groundwater availability information.
Additionally, the mission will focus on soil profiling, digital crop estimation, yield modeling, crop loans, and connections with buyers. The use of modern technologies such as AI and Big Data will bring new knowledge directly to farmers via mobile platforms.
Another significant scheme is focused on Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security, with an outlay of Rs 3,979 crore. This initiative aims to prepare farmers for climate resilience and ensure food security by 2047. It will support research and education, plant genetic resource management, and the genetic improvement of food, fodder, pulse, oilseed, and commercial crops. The scheme will also invest in research on insects, microbes, and pollinators.
The cabinet also approved measures to Strengthen Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences, with an outlay of Rs 2,291 crore. This scheme, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, will modernize agricultural research and education, aligning it with the New Education Policy 2020. It will incorporate the latest technologies, including Digital Public Infrastructure, AI, Big Data, and remote sensing, while emphasizing natural farming and climate resilience.
The Sustainable Livestock Health and Production scheme, with an allocation of Rs 1,702 crore, aims to increase farmers’ income from livestock and dairy. This initiative will focus on animal health management, veterinary education, dairy production, animal genetic resource management, and the development of small ruminants and animal nutrition.
The Sustainable Development of Horticulture scheme, with an outlay of Rs 1,129.30 crore, is designed to boost farmers’ income from horticulture. It will cover a wide range of crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, root, tuber, bulbous, and arid crops, as well as vegetables, floriculture, mushrooms, plantation crops, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants.
In addition, the cabinet has approved the strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras with an outlay of Rs 1,202 crore. These centers will play a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge and practices at the grassroots level.
Finally, the Natural Resource Management scheme, with a budget of Rs 1,115 crore, aims to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources in agriculture. This initiative will support efforts to maintain soil health, water resources, and biodiversity, thereby contributing to long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability.
These seven schemes reflect the government’s commitment to transforming Indian agriculture through modernization, technology, education, and sustainable practices, ultimately aiming to improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.