The Union Cabinet of India has approved 7 pivotal schemes with a combined outlay of Rs 14,235.30 crore aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and increasing their incomes.
The initiatives span across various sectors of agriculture, from digital transformation to sustainable horticulture and livestock management.
Digital Agriculture Mission
With a total investment of Rs 2,817 crore, the Digital Agriculture Mission will use technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to modernize Indian agriculture.
The mission is structured around two foundational pillars:
- Agri Stack: This includes a Farmers Registry, Village Land Maps Registry, and Crop Sown Registry, forming the backbone of a comprehensive digital infrastructure for agriculture.
- Krishi Decision Support System: This system will utilize geospatial data, weather and satellite information, and models for crop yield and insurance to enhance decision-making for farmers. The mission will also integrate soil profiles, digital crop estimation, and provide a digital interface for crop loans and market connections.
Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security
To ensure food security by 2047 and prepare farmers for climate resilience, the government has allocated Rs 3,979 crore to enhance crop science research.
The initiative will focus on genetic improvement of food, fodder, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops, alongside research on insects, microbes, and pollinators.
Strengthening Agricultural Education and Research
With an investment of Rs 2,291 crore, this initiative aims to modernize agricultural education and research under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The program will align with the New Education Policy 2020, integrating digital technologies, natural farming, and climate resilience into the curriculum.
Sustainable Livestock Health and Production
The Cabinet has earmarked Rs 1,702 crore to increase farmers’ incomes through enhanced livestock and dairy production.
The program will focus on animal health management, veterinary education, dairy technology development, and improving animal genetic resources and nutrition.
Sustainable Development of Horticulture
To further increase farmers’ income, Rs 1,129.30 crore has been allocated for the sustainable development of horticulture.
The initiative will cover a wide range of crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate horticulture, as well as root, tuber, bulbous, and arid crops.
Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
The Cabinet has also approved Rs 1,202 crore to strengthen the network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country.
These centers play a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge and technologies to farmers.
Natural Resource Management
Lastly, Rs 1,115 crore has been allocated for the sustainable management of natural resources, focusing on soil health, water conservation, and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
These initiatives collectively aim to transform Indian agriculture, making it more resilient, technology-driven, and sustainable, while significantly enhancing farmers’ incomes and securing food and nutritional security for the nation.
