The Modi government has introduced several transformative initiatives over the past decade, redefining India’s rural landscape. From women-led drone operations to advanced food processing by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and the launch of Kisan Kavach, Bharat’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit, these efforts have empowered farmers and modernized agriculture.
On the occasion of Kisan Diwas, here’s a list of key initiatives:
Namo Drone Didi
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme (2024–26), with an outlay of Rs 1,261 crore, aims to empower 15,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural rental services, including fertilizer and pesticide application. The scheme offers 80% Central Financial Assistance for the cost of drones, accessories, and ancillary charges, capped at Rs 8 lakh per unit. As of December 3, 2024, Rs 141.41 crore has been released for promoting Kisan drones.
Soil Health Card Scheme
Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme focuses on improving soil health and promoting efficient fertilizer use. Over 24.60 crore cards have been issued since its inception, with 36.61 lakh cards generated in 2023-24. By 2025-26, the government plans to test 5 crore soil samples to create a detailed soil fertility map.
Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs
Introduced in 2020 with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore, this initiative has established 9,411 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), involving 26.17 lakh farmers. The scheme enhances collective farming practices and provides better market access to farmers.
Kisan Kavach
On December 17, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Kisan Kavach, India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit. This innovation shields farmers from harmful pesticide exposure, marking a significant step in farmer safety. The first batch of suits was distributed during the launch event.
Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
Approved on August 9, 2024, with an outlay of Rs 1,765.67 crore, the CPP aims to improve horticulture productivity by providing disease-free planting materials. It promotes the adoption of climate-resilient and high-yield crop varieties.
Digital Agriculture Mission
The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved on September 2, 2024, with a budget of Rs 2,817 crore (Rs 1,940 crore as the central share), seeks to support digital agriculture initiatives. These include creating Digital Public Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and other technology-driven interventions.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF)
Launched on December 16, 2024, this scheme offers a Rs 1,000-crore corpus for post-harvest financing. Farmers can pledge produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)-accredited warehouses, backed by electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs), to access credit.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
With an outlay of Rs 10,103 crore, NMEO-Oilseeds was approved on October 3, 2024. The mission aims to enhance domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils over a seven-year period (2024-31).
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Launched on November 25, 2024, as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme, NMNF has a total budget of Rs 2,481 crore (Rs 1,584 crore as the central share). It promotes chemical-free, natural farming practices across India.
These achievements in foodgrain production, infrastructure development, and digital innovation lay a strong foundation for a resilient agricultural ecosystem.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the Kisan Samman Diwas and Farmers and Rural Development Beneficiaries Conference at the Council of Agricultural Research – Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, on this occasion. Let us continue empowering our ‘Annadatas’—the backbone of India’s growth and development.
