In a significant move, the Union Cabinet unveiled seven new schemes on Monday, earmarking nearly Rs 14,000 crore to bolster the agriculture and allied sectors. These initiatives aim to enhance research and education, improve climate resilience, manage natural resources, and advance digitalization within agriculture, while also fostering growth in livestock and horticulture. The overarching goal is to equip farmers with the tools needed for climate-resilient farming.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav highlighted that among the approved projects is a Rs 2,817 crore Digital Agriculture Mission and a Rs 3,979 crore initiative dedicated to crop science. The crop science program, which focuses on food and nutritional security, is built on six core pillars: research and education, plant genetic resource management, genetic enhancements for food and fodder crops, pulse and oilseed crop improvements, studies on insects, microbes, and pollinators, and the advancement of commercial crops.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 2,291 crore to enhance agriculture education, management, and social sciences, which will be managed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. This initiative seeks to modernize agricultural research and education in line with the New Education Policy 2020, incorporating advanced technologies such as Digital DPI, AI, big data, and remote sensing, and promoting natural farming and climate resilience.
The Digital Agriculture Mission, with an investment of Rs 2,817 crore, will be supported by two foundational elements: the Agri Stack and the Krishi Decision Support System. Additionally, a Rs 1,702 crore scheme has been sanctioned to promote sustainable livestock health and production, aimed at increasing farmers’ income from livestock and dairy. This scheme will focus on animal health management, veterinary education, dairy production and technology development, animal genetic resource management, and nutrition.
Another major initiative, with an outlay of Rs 860 crore, is geared towards sustainable horticultural development. This program aims to boost farmers’ income from horticulture and covers a diverse range of crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, root, tuber, bulbous, arid, vegetable, floriculture, mushroom, plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants.
Finally, the Cabinet approved Rs 1,202 crore for the strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Rs 1,115 crore for Natural Resource Management. There are over 700 KVKs spread across the country, and these investments are expected to significantly enhance their effectiveness and impact.