Govt committed to furthering farmer welfare: PM Modi

New Delhi, Jan 1: On the first day of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting that approved several major decisions aimed at enhancing the welfare of farmers.

Among the key measures were the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) until 2025-26, with a total outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore.

The cabinet also extended a one-time special package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser beyond the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) of Rs 3500 per metric ton, ensuring affordable availability for farmers.

In a post on X, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to farmers, saying: “Ours is a government fully committed to furthering the welfare of farmers. We are proud of all our farmer sisters and brothers who work hard to feed our nation. The first cabinet of 2025 is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for our farmers. I am glad that key decisions have been taken in this regard.”

The Extension of PMFBY and RWBCIS schemes will continue until 2025-26 to provide risk coverage for crops against non-preventable natural calamities.

A Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) worth Rs 824.77 crore was approved to enhance transparency and streamline claim settlement.

Initiatives like Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) and Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) will see broader implementation across states to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Officials said that the cabinet approved the extension of the special package on DAP fertiliser, with an additional financial implication of Rs 3850 crore for 2025.

The package aims to maintain the affordability of DAP for farmers despite global price volatility.

The official statement said that these decisions would ensure affordable fertilisers and comprehensive risk coverage for farmers, particularly in regions affected by climate change. States in the Northeast will receive enhanced support, with 90 percent of the premium subsidy under the PMFBY shared by the Centre.

Since 2024, over Rs 6475 crore has been allocated for DAP subsidies, ensuring its stable supply during critical agricultural seasons.

Technology-based yield estimation would gradually replace traditional methods, ensuring faster and more reliable claim settlements.

Automatic Weather Stations and rain gauges would be installed at the block and panchayat levels under WINDS, significantly increasing weather data density to aid precision farming.