Cabinet Approves Rs 13,966 Crore for Seven Major Schemes to Improve Farmers' Lives and Livelihoods

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved seven major schemes totalling nearly Rs 14,000 crore, aimed at the holistic growth of the agriculture and allied sectors. These initiatives are designed to significantly enhance farmers' incomes and improve their overall quality of life.

In a press briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that these major schemes focus on critical areas such as research and education, climate resilience, natural resource management, and the digitization of the agriculture sector. The outlay of Rs 13,966 crore underscores the government's commitment to advancing the agricultural sector through innovation and sustainable practices. 

1. Digital Agriculture Mission: With an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore, this mission aims to leverage technology to enhance farmers' lives. It will utilize Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for agriculture. The project is built on two foundational pillars—Agri Stack and the Krishi Decision Support System—and includes advanced technologies like AI, Big Data, and real-time weather monitoring.

2. Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security: Allocating Rs 3,979 crore, this initiative prepares farmers for climate resilience and aims to ensure food security by 2047. The program is structured around six pillars, including research and education, plant genetic resource management, and genetic improvement for food, fodder, pulses, and oilseed crops, as well as research on insects, microbes, and pollinators.

3. Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences: With a budget of Rs 2,291 crore, this scheme aims to modernize agricultural research and education under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The program aligns with the New Education Policy 2020 and incorporates the latest technologies, including AI, Big Data, and digital DPI, while promoting natural farming and climate resilience.

4. Sustainable Livestock Health and Production: This scheme, with an outlay of Rs 1,702 crore, seeks to enhance farmers' income through improved livestock and dairy production. It includes animal health management, veterinary education, dairy production technology, and animal genetic resource management.

5. Sustainable Development of Horticulture: With Rs 860 crore allocated, this initiative aims to increase farmers' income through horticulture. It covers a wide range of crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate crops, as well as root, tuber, bulbous, vegetable, floriculture, and medicinal plants.

6. Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra: An outlay of Rs 1,202 crore has been approved for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which play a crucial role in transferring agricultural technology to farmers.

7. Natural Resource Management: With an allocation of Rs 1,115 crore, this scheme focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources to ensure long-term agricultural productivity.