Centre approves Rs 13,966 crore schemes to improve farmers’ livelihood

New Delhi, Sep 02: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved seven key schemes aimed at improving the lives and incomes of farmers, with a total outlay of Rs 13,966 crore.

These schemes are designed to modernise agriculture, enhance food security, and support sustainable farming practices across the country keeping in view the sustainable, and profitable products for farmers

Sustainable Development of Horticulture: With a budget of Rs 860 crore, this measure aims to increase farmers income from horticultural activities. It focuses on the development of various crops, including tropical, subtropical, temperate horticulture, root, tuber, bulbous, arid crops, vegetables, floriculture, mushrooms, and plantation crops such as spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants.

Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): With an outlay of Rs 1,202 crore, this scheme will bolster the network of KVKs across the country, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest agricultural technologies and practices.

Natural Resource Management: Allocated Rs 1,115 crore, this initiative aims to promote sustainable farming practices and effective management of natural resources, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences: Allocated Rs 2,291 crore, this program aims to equip agriculture students and researchers with the skills needed to address current challenges.

The initiative, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), will modernise agricultural research and education in line with the New Education Policy 2020, incorporating advanced technologies and emphasising natural farming and climate resilience.

Sustainable Livestock Health and Production: With Rs 1,702 crore earmarked for this initiative, the goal is to boost farmers' income from livestock and dairy. The scheme includes: Animal health management and veterinary education, dairy production and technology development, animal genetic resource management and improvement and animal nutrition and small ruminant production

Digital Agriculture Mission: With an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore, this mission will leverage technology to enhance farmers lives through the development of Digital Public Infrastructure. The mission comprises two core components:

Agri Stack: Includes a farmers' registry, village land maps, and crop sown registry.

Krishi Decision Support System: Utilizes geospatial data, weather and satellite information, groundwater data, and crop yield modelling to support decision-making. The mission also incorporates modern technologies like AI, Big Data, and mobile connectivity to bring new knowledge directly to farmers.

Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security: With a budget of Rs 3,979 crore, this initiative focuses on preparing farmers for climate resilience and ensuring food security by 2047. The key areas include Research and education, genetic improvement of food, fodder, pulse, oilseed, and commercial crops and research on insects, microbes, and pollinators.