New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a series of significant measures for the agricultural sector in her 2024-25 budget speech. Emphasizing natural farming and self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government aims to bolster farmers’ income and resilience against climate change.
Key Announcements for Farmers:
- Natural Farming and Bio-Input Centers:
- Over the next two years, 1 crore farmers will receive support to transition to natural farming.
- 10,000 bio-input centers will be established to provide diverse support to farmers.
- Self-Sufficiency and Crop Production:
- Focus on achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds.
- Formation of clusters to enhance supply chains.
- Development of 109 varieties of 32 types of crops to improve yield and income.
- Emphasis on crops such as mustard, groundnut, sunflower, and soybean.
- Vegetable Production and Digital Infrastructure:
- Increased focus on vegetable production, storage, and marketing.
- Expansion of digital public infrastructure for farmers in collaboration with state governments to boost income.
- Agricultural Research and Climate-Resilient Crops:
- Enhancement of agricultural research to develop climate-resilient crops.
- Introduction of new crop varieties suited to changing weather patterns.
- Land Registry and Kisan Credit Cards:
- Integration of information for 6 crore farmers into the Land Registry.
- Distribution of new Kisan Credit Cards in five states.
Previous Schemes and Ongoing Initiatives:
- Nano DAP and Dairy Farmers: Announced in the interim budget earlier this year, including a comprehensive program for dairy farmers.
- Matsya Sampada Yojana: Continued focus on self-sufficiency in oilseeds and implementation of the Matsya Sampada Yojana, with plans to establish five aqua parks.
- Crop Insurance and Skill Development: Over 4 crore farmers benefited from the crop insurance scheme in the 2023 budget. The PM Kisan Sampada Yojana benefited 38 lakh farmers and created 10 lakh employment opportunities. 1.4 crore farmers benefited from the Skill India Mission.
- Investment in Agriculture: Promotion of public and private investment to support farmers.
The 2024-25 budget outlines a robust plan for the agricultural sector, focusing on natural farming, crop research, and self-sufficiency in critical food sectors. By enhancing digital infrastructure and providing comprehensive support through bio-input centers and new credit schemes, the government aims to significantly improve farmers’ livelihoods and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
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