Union Cabinet approves 7 schemes worth Rs 14,235.30 crore to boost farmers’ livelihoods

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved seven schemes to enhance the lives and livelihoods of farmers. These initiatives, with a combined financial outlay of Rs 14,235.30 crore, are part of the government’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector and increasing farmers’ incomes.

One of the key initiatives is the Digital Agriculture Mission, which focuses on leveraging technology to benefit farmers. This mission is structured around Digital Public Infrastructure and has an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore. The mission includes two foundational pillars: the Agri Stack and the Krishi Decision Support System. The Agri Stack encompasses essential components such as a farmers’ registry, village land maps registry, and crop sown registry. 

The Krishi Decision Support System integrates geospatial data, drought and flood monitoring, weather and satellite data, groundwater and water availability data, and modelling for crop yield and insurance. Additionally, the Digital Agriculture Mission features provisions for soil profiling, digital crop estimation, yield modelling, and the use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. It aims to connect farmers with buyers, provide new knowledge on mobile phones, and support crop loans.

Another significant scheme is focused on crop science for food and nutritional security. With an outlay of Rs 3,979 crore, this initiative aims to prepare farmers for climate resilience and ensure food security by 2047. The scheme emphasizes research and education, plant genetic resource management, genetic improvement for food and fodder crops, pulse and oilseed crop improvement, and the enhancement of commercial crops. It also includes research on insects, microbes, and pollinators to bolster the agricultural ecosystem.

The government has also allocated Rs 2,291 crore to strengthen agricultural education, management, and social sciences. This scheme is designed to equip agriculture students and researchers with the skills needed to tackle current challenges. It aligns with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the New Education Policy 2020, promoting the use of the latest technologies such as Digital DPI, AI, big data, and remote sensing. The initiative also emphasizes natural farming and climate resilience.

To increase farmers’ income from livestock and dairy, the Cabinet has approved a scheme for sustainable livestock health and production with an outlay of Rs 1,702 crore. This scheme focuses on animal health management, veterinary education, dairy production, technology development, animal genetic resource management, and animal nutrition. It also addresses small ruminant production and development to diversify income sources for farmers.

Horticulture, another vital sector for farmers, will also receive support through a scheme aimed at sustainable development with a total outlay of Rs 1,129.30 crore. This initiative will focus on tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate horticulture crops, as well as root, tuber, bulbous, and arid crops. It also promotes vegetable, floriculture, and mushroom crops, as well as plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants, to increase farmers’ income.

The strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, with a financial allocation of Rs 1,202 crore, is another approved measure. This initiative seeks to enhance the functioning of these centers, which play a crucial role in imparting knowledge and innovations to farmers.

Lastly, a scheme for natural resource management, with an outlay of Rs 1,115 crore, aims to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture. This initiative will promote efficient resource management to support long-term agricultural productivity.