In Budget 2025, the Indian government has launched a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector. These programs are designed to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable practices, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country. From boosting cotton productivity to repositioning India Post as a catalyst for the rural economy, these initiatives mark a significant shift towards a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector. In this article, we delve into the details of these groundbreaking programs and explore their potential impact on India’s agricultural landscape
1. Prime Minister Dan Danya Krishi Yojana
The Prime Minister Dan Danya Krishi Yojana is a flagship program aimed at transforming the agricultural sector in India. The program focuses on developing a robust agricultural ecosystem in partnership with state governments. Initially, the program will be implemented in 100 districts with low agricultural productivity, benefiting approximately 1.7 crore farmers. It aims to enhance agricultural productivity, adopt sustainable practices, and improve irrigation facilities.
- Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience
The Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting rural prosperity and resilience. The program focuses on addressing underemployment in rural areas through skilling, investment, and technology integration.
Key objectives of the program include:
– Generating ample opportunities in rural areas, making migration an option rather than a necessity.
– Focusing on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families.
– Promoting rural entrepreneurship and innovation through training and capacity-building programs.
– Enhancing rural infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and markets.
- Athma Nirbaratha in Pulses
The Athma Nirbaratha in Pulses program is a national mission aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils. The program focuses on promoting the production of edible oil seeds and pulses.
The program aims to:
– Implementing a national mission for edible oil seeds to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils.
– Central agencies, such as the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, will procure pulses from registered farmers.
– Promoting the production of high-yielding varieties of pulses and edible oil seeds.
– Enhancing the productivity of pulses and edible oil seeds through the adoption of modern farming techniques and technologies.
- Comprehensive Program for Vegetables & Fruits
The Comprehensive Program for Vegetables & Fruits is an initiative aimed at promoting the production, processing, and marketing of vegetables and fruits. The program focuses on enhancing the productivity and quality of vegetables and fruits.
Goals of the program are;
– Promoting the production of high-yielding varieties of vegetables and fruits.
– Enhancing the productivity of vegetables and fruits through the adoption of modern farming techniques and technologies.
– Establishing efficient supply chains for vegetables and fruits to reduce losses and improve quality.
– Promoting the processing and value addition of vegetables and fruits to enhance their shelf life and market value.
- Makhana Board in Bihar
The Makhana Board in Bihar is an initiative aimed at promoting the production, processing, and marketing of makhana (fox nuts). The program focuses on enhancing the productivity and quality of makhana.
The objectives include;
– Establishing a board to promote the production, processing, and marketing of makhana.
– Providing training and capacity-building programs for farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in makhana production and processing.
– Promoting the value addition and processing of makhana to enhance its shelf life and market value.
– Enhancing the marketing and branding of makhana to promote its domestic and international trade.
- National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds
The National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds is an initiative aimed at promoting the development and dissemination of high-yielding varieties of seeds. The program focuses on enhancing the productivity and quality of crops.
Objectives of the program include:
– Strengthening the research ecosystem for the development of high-yielding varieties of seeds.
– Promoting the production and dissemination of high-yielding varieties of seeds.
– Enhancing the productivity and quality of crops through the adoption of high-yielding varieties of seeds.
– Promoting the commercial availability of high-yielding varieties of seeds.
- Unlocking India’s Marine Potential
The Unlocking India’s Marine Potential program is an initiative aimed at promoting the sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian exclusive economic zones. The program focuses on enhancing the productivity and quality of marine products.
Core objectives of the scheme includes;
– Introducing an enabling framework for the sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian exclusive economic zones.
– Promoting the production and processing of high-quality marine products.
– Enhancing the marketing and branding of Indian marine products to promote their domestic and international trade.
– Providing training and capacity-building programs for fishermen and entrepreneurs engaged in marine product production and processing.
- Mission for Cotton Productivity
This 5-year mission aims to boost cotton productivity and sustainability by promoting extra-long staple cotton varieties. Farmers will receive science and technology support to enhance their yields and adopt eco-friendly practices
- Kisan Credit Card
The Kisan Credit Card scheme will provide short-term loans to 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. The loan limit will be increased from 3 lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees under the modified interest subvention scheme. This will help farmers meet their agricultural needs and improve their livelihoods.
- Urea Production and Supply
To address the urea shortage, dormant urea plants in the eastern region will be reopened, and a new plant will be set up in Assam. This new plant will have an annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes, ensuring a steady supply of urea to farmers.
- India Post: Catalyst for Rural Economy
India Post will be repositioned to act as a catalyst for the rural economy. With 1.5 lakh rural post offices and the India Post Payment Bank, farmers will have access to financial services, markets, and other essential services. This initiative will help bridge the rural-urban divide and promote rural development.
Conclusion
The comprehensive initiatives launched by the Indian government herald a new era of growth, sustainability, and prosperity for the agricultural sector, transforming the lives of millions of farmers and rural communities. By addressing complex challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering rural development, these programs are poised to unlock the full potential of India’s agricultural sector, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security for the nation, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
