The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently approved seven transformative schemes aimed at improving farmers' lives and increasing their incomes, with a combined outlay of Rs 14,235.30 crore. These schemes are part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture, enhance food security, and promote sustainable farming practices across the country. Here's a closer look at these key initiatives:
1. Digital Agriculture Mission (Rs 2,817 crore)
The Digital Agriculture Mission, built on the foundation of Digital Public Infrastructure, is designed to leverage cutting-edge technology to uplift farmers' livelihoods. The mission is anchored by two main pillars:
-
Agri Stack: This will include a Farmers Registry, Village Land Maps Registry, and Crop Sown Registry to create a comprehensive digital profile of India's agricultural landscape.
-
Krishi Decision Support System: Utilizing geospatial data, weather and satellite information, groundwater data, and crop yield models, this system will provide farmers with real-time insights for better decision-making. It also integrates AI and Big Data to connect farmers with buyers, facilitate crop loans, and deliver new knowledge directly to mobile devices.
2. Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security (Rs 3,979 crore)
To address the challenges of climate change and ensure food security by 2047, this initiative focuses on the following areas:
-
Research and Education: Enhancing the scientific foundation of agriculture.
-
Plant Genetic Resource Management: Preserving and improving genetic resources for food and fodder crops.
-
Crop Improvement: Advancing pulse, oilseed, and commercial crops.
-
Insect and Microbe Research: Fostering innovation in pest management and pollinator health.
3. Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences (Rs 2,291 crore)
This scheme aims to modernize agricultural education in line with the New Education Policy 2020. It will incorporate the latest technologies, including AI, Big Data, and remote sensing, into agricultural research and education. The initiative also emphasizes natural farming and climate resilience to equip the next generation of agricultural professionals with the skills needed to tackle contemporary challenges.
4. Sustainable Livestock Health and Production (Rs 1,702 crore)
With a focus on enhancing farmers' income from livestock and dairy, this initiative will improve animal health management, veterinary education, and dairy production technologies. It also aims to advance the management and improvement of animal genetic resources, nutrition, and small ruminant production.
5. Sustainable Development of Horticulture (Rs 1,129.30 crore)
This scheme is designed to boost farmers' income from horticulture by supporting the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, root, tuber, bulbous, arid, vegetable, floriculture, and mushroom crops, as well as plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants.
6. Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Rs 1,202 crore)
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) play a crucial role in the transfer of agricultural technology from the lab to the field. This scheme aims to strengthen KVKs to enhance their effectiveness in supporting farmers with the latest innovations and best practices.
7.Natural Resource Management (Rs 1,115 crore)
This initiative focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring that agriculture remains productive while preserving the environment for future generations.
These seven schemes collectively represent a significant step towards modernizing Indian agriculture, making it more resilient, productive, and sustainable.
