New Schemes for Farmers

The union cabinet has approved seven new schemes for farmers’ welfare and livelihood. Read here to learn about them in detail.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, approved seven schemes to improve farmers’ lives and increase their incomes at a total outlay of Rs 14,235.30 Crore.

India has implemented several schemes to improve farmers’ lives and increase their incomes. These initiatives focus on various aspects such as crop insurance, financial support, technological assistance, and market access.

New Schemes for Farmers

The new initiatives focus on research and education, climate resilience, natural resource management, and digitization in agriculture, along with promoting the growth of livestock and horticulture.

The primary objective is to equip farmers for climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Digital Agriculture Mission

It is based on the structure of Digital Public Infrastructure; the Digital Agriculture Mission will use technology to improve farmers’ lives.

The Mission has a total outlay of Rs 2,817 crores.

It comprises two foundational pillars:

Agri Stack

1. Farmers registry
2. Village land maps registry
3. Crop Sown Registry

Krishi Decision Support System

1. Geospatial data
2. Drought/flood monitoring
3. Weather/satellite data
4. Groundwater/water availability data
5. Modelling for crop yield and insurance

The Mission has provisions for:

• Soil profile
• Digital crop estimation
• Digital yield modelling
• Connect for crop loan
• Modern technologies like AI and Big Data
• Connect with buyers
• Bring new knowledge on mobile phones

Crop science for food and nutritional security

This comes with a total outlay of Rs 3,979 crore. The initiative will prepare farmers for climate resilience and provide for food security by 2047.

It has the following pillars:

1. Research and Education
2. Plant genetic resource management
3. Genetic improvement for food and fodder crop
4. Pulse and oilseed crop improvement
5. Improvement of commercial crops
6. Research on insects, microbes, pollinators etc.

Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management and Social Sciences

It has a total outlay of Rs 2,291 Crore and the measure will prepare agriculture students and researchers for current challenges and comprises the following:

1. Under the Indian Council of Agri Research
2. Modernising agri research and education
3. In line with the New Education Policy 2020
4. Use the latest technology like Digital DPI, AI, big data, remote, etc
5. Include natural farming and climate resilience

Sustainable livestock health and production

With a total outlay of Rs 1,702 crore, the decision aims to Increase farmers’ income from livestock and dairy.

It comprises the following:

1. Animal health management and veterinary education
2. Dairy production and technology development
3. Animal genetic resource management, production and improvement
4. Animal nutrition and small ruminant production and development

Sustainable Development of Horticulture

With a total outlay of Rs 1129.30 crore, the measure is aimed at increasing farmers’ income from horticulture plants.

It comprises the following:

1. Tropical, sub-tropical and temperate horticulture crops
2. Root, tuber, bulbous and arid crops
3. Vegetable, floriculture, and mushroom crops
4. Plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants

Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra

With an outlay of Rs 1,202 crore. As of 2023, over 700 KVKs are operating in India, covering almost all districts. They are instrumental in enhancing the agricultural productivity and income of farmers, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are agricultural extension centres established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to provide various services to farmers. They play a critical role in the dissemination of agricultural knowledge and technologies to farmers across India.

Key Functions and Objectives of KVKs:

• Technology Assessment and Demonstration: KVKs assess agricultural technologies and their suitability to local conditions. They demonstrate these technologies on farmers’ fields to showcase their benefits and practicality.
• Training Programs: KVKs conduct training programs for farmers, farm women, rural youth, and extension workers. These trainings focus on various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and agroforestry.
• On-Farm Trials (OFTs): KVKs carry out on-farm trials to validate the performance of new technologies in real-world farming conditions. This helps in identifying the most effective and sustainable practices for the local agro-climatic conditions.
• Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs): The KVKs conduct frontline demonstrations on proven technologies to show their potential to farmers and extension personnel. These demonstrations are crucial for transferring research findings to the field level.
• Advisory Services: KVKs offer advisory services through different platforms, including mobile apps, helplines, and farm visits. They address issues related to pest management, crop diseases, soil health, and market linkages.
• Resource Centers: KVKs act as resource centres for supplying quality seeds, planting materials, bio-fertilizers, and other critical inputs to farmers.

Natural Resource Management

With an outlay of Rs 1,115 crore.

It is the sustainable use of natural resources to meet current needs while ensuring future generations can meet their own needs.

Other schemes for farmers’ welfare

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

• Objective: To provide financial support to small and marginal farmers.
• Under this scheme, the Government of India provides direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to farmers in three equal instalments. This helps farmers meet the expenses related to agriculture and allied activities.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• Objective: To provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure.
• PMFBY aims to stabilize the income of farmers by providing insurance against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It also encourages farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

• Objective: To enhance water use efficiency in agriculture.
• PMKSY focuses on expanding the coverage of irrigation and improving water management practices to ensure that more agricultural land gets access to water, thereby increasing productivity and income.

e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

• Objective: To create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• e-NAM is an online trading platform that integrates existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the country, allowing farmers to sell their produce at better prices by removing the need for intermediaries.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

• Objective: To provide timely credit to farmers at low interest rates.
• The KCC scheme provides farmers with credit for crop production, post-harvest expenses, and other farm-related activities. The credit is provided at a subsidized interest rate, reducing the financial burden on farmers.

Soil Health Card Scheme

• Objective: To improve soil fertility and productivity.
• This scheme provides farmers with soil health cards that contain information on the nutrient status of their soil, along with recommendations on the appropriate dosage of fertilizers. This helps farmers make informed decisions, leading to better yields and income.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

• Objective: To promote organic farming.
• PKVY encourages farmers to adopt organic farming practices, which not only improve soil health and biodiversity but also fetch better prices in the market, thereby enhancing farmers’ income.

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

• Objective: To ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
• PM-AASHA aims to provide price support to farmers for selected crops through schemes like the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS).

Gramin Bhandaran Yojana

• Objective: To enhance the storage capacity of agricultural produce.
• Details: This scheme provides financial assistance for the construction and renovation of rural godowns, enabling farmers to store their produce safely and sell it when market prices are favourable.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

• Objective: To promote sustainable agriculture practices.
• NMSA focuses on climate-resilient farming techniques, soil health management, and efficient water use, all aimed at increasing productivity and farmer income while reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion

These schemes collectively aim to enhance the income and well-being of farmers in India by addressing various challenges they face, from financial constraints to market access and environmental sustainability.

Related articles:

• Indian agriculture
• Farmers’ Suicide in India
• E-technology in the aid of farmers

-Article by Swathi Satish