Cabinet okays seven schemes for farmers worth ₹14235 crore

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated04/09/2024

The Union Cabinet on Monday (September 2, 2024) approved the Digital Agriculture Mission along with a host of other agriculture-related decisions.

On September 2, 2024, the Union Cabinet made a series of significant decisions aimed at transforming India's agricultural landscape.
These approvals include the much-anticipated Digital Agriculture Mission and several other key initiatives designed to bolster food security, agricultural education, livestock health, and sustainable horticulture.
The total estimated expenditure for these programs stands at approximately ₹13,966 crore, reflecting the government's commitment to modernizing and enhancing the agricultural sector.

The centerpiece of the Cabinet's decisions is the Digital Agriculture Mission. With an outlay of ₹2,817 crore, this mission aims to revolutionize Indian agriculture through the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and geospatial data systems.
The mission is structured around two primary components:
Agri Stack: This includes a comprehensive farmers' registry, village land maps, and a crop registry. By creating a centralized digital database, the Agri Stack will enable precise and efficient management of agricultural resources, ensuring that farmers have access to accurate and timely information.
Krishi Decision Support System: Leveraging geospatial data, weather and satellite information, drought and flood monitoring systems, and groundwater availability data, this system will provide real-time insights to farmers.
It will facilitate digital crop estimation, yield modeling, and soil profiling, thereby enhancing crop insurance, loan access, and overall farm productivity.
The Digital Agriculture Mission represents a strategic move towards data-driven agriculture, empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to optimize their yields and navigate challenges such as climate change.

In addition to the Digital Agriculture Mission, the Cabinet has allocated ₹3,979 crore to the Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security program.
This initiative focuses on advancing research and education in agricultural sciences, particularly in areas such as plant genetic resource management, genetic improvement of food, fodder, pulse, oilseed, and commercial crops.
The program aims to secure India's food and nutritional needs by fostering innovation and development in crop sciences, ensuring that agricultural practices are sustainable and resilient to environmental changes.

Another major approval involves the allocation of ₹2,291 crore for the Strengthening of Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
This initiative aligns with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and seeks to modernize agricultural education and research across the country.
By integrating contemporary educational practices and management techniques, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with the skills necessary to drive the sector forward.

Recognizing the critical role of livestock in the agricultural economy, the Cabinet has earmarked ₹1,702 crore for Sustainable Livestock Health and Production.
By promoting sustainable practices in livestock farming, the program aims to increase productivity while ensuring the welfare of animals, contributing to the overall resilience of the agricultural sector.

Sustainable Development of Horticulture: With an allocation of ₹860 crore, this initiative will support the growth of horticultural practices that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendra: Allocated ₹1,202 crore, this program will enhance the capabilities of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in providing agricultural extension services and promoting innovative farming techniques.
Natural Resource Management: With a budget of ₹1,115 crore, this initiative will focus on the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring that agricultural practices are aligned with environmental conservation goals.