Govt unveils major agricultural reforms focused on farmer welfare

New Delhi: The government has unveiled a series of sweeping reforms and initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the sector and enhancing farmer welfare. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently shed light on these developments, marking significant progress in the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.

At the heart of this agricultural revolution lies the newly approved Digital Agriculture Mission, boasting a substantial outlay of ₹2,817 crore. This project seeks to create a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, introducing a digital identity for farmers akin to the Aadhaar system. With plans to issue digital IDs to 11 crore farmers by 2026-27, the government is paving the way for a new era of streamlined access to services and benefits for India’s farming community.

The digital push doesn’t stop there. The launch of the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) on August 15, 2024, marks a significant leap in digital pest management. In just a short span, over 16,000 farmers have embraced this technology, downloading the app and conducting more than 22,000 surveys across 61 crops. This initiative promises to revolutionize how farmers identify and manage crop pests, potentially saving millions in crop losses.

On the production front, the government’s efforts are bearing fruit. The total food grain production for 2023-24 is estimated at a staggering 332.2 million tonnes, marking a 2.6 million tonne increase from the previous year. This boost in production is attributed to favorable yields in rice and wheat.

Looking ahead, the release of 109 climate-resilient crop varieties is set to be a game-changer. These specially developed varieties are designed to withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses, including pests, diseases, drought, and extreme temperatures, offering farmers a shield against the increasingly unpredictable climate.

“The Prime Minister had dedicated new seeds of 109 varieties of 65 crops to the farmers, which are climate-friendly, pest resistant and high yielding,” Chouhan explained, highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable and resilient agriculture.

Financial support for farmers remains a key focus. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has expanded its reach, with over 25 lakh new farmers added in recent months. Complementing this, the government has green-lit the continuation of the PM-AASHA scheme with a substantial budget of ₹35,000 crore. This initiative aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers while also keeping a check on price volatility, striking a balance between farmer welfare and market stability.

Addressing the issue of production costs, Chouhan stated, “As important as it is to increase production, it is equally important to reduce the cost of production.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to providing affordable fertilizers, noting, “A bag of urea costs Rs 2366. We make it available to farmers for Rs 266.”

Infrastructure development has received a significant boost through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). With ₹48,500 crores sanctioned for 76,400 projects, the AIF is not just modernizing agricultural infrastructure but also creating an estimated 8.25 lakh employment opportunities in rural areas. These projects span a wide range of facilities, including warehouses, cold storage units, and processing centers, addressing critical gaps in the agricultural supply chain.

The government’s vision extends to empowering women and youth in agriculture. The innovative Krishi Sakhi program is training rural women as para-extension workers, creating a cadre of skilled agricultural workers at the grassroots level. These Krishi Sakhis, after undergoing rigorous 56-day training in key agricultural practices, are poised to earn over ₹50,000 annually, fostering economic independence among rural women.

Youth engagement in agriculture is being prioritized through the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). In the last 100 days alone, KVKs have trained over 65,000 farmers and youth, with a near-equal split between male and female trainees. This initiative focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship in agriculture, aiming to make the sector more attractive and viable for the younger generation.

Moreover, government is planing to establish Modern Kisan Chaupal – Lab to Land in October in which scientists will provide direct information to the farmers. “We are trying to increase the production of horticultural crops along with traditional crops. We are setting up 9 modern centers to achieve this goal,” said Chauhan. He also highlighted that the government has on boarded 7757 FPOs on the ONDC network. 

The government is also making strides in promoting sustainable farming practices. Research and evaluation of natural farming methods are ongoing, and a graduate-level course has been developed to deepen understanding in this area. In a massive outreach effort, over 1 lakh farmers were trained through 2,476 programs, and 7,592 demonstrations were organized by 425 KVKs on natural farming techniques. The Government of India has also initiated the Clean Plant Program with an investment of Rs 1767.67 Crores.

“We have a six-point strategy for the welfare of farmers and development of agriculture,” Chouhan summarized, encapsulating the government’s comprehensive approach to agricultural reform.