In a bid to enhance productivity and address climate change challenges, the Union Budget has unveiled a series of initiatives, including a review of the current agricultural research setup, the release of climate-resilient crop varieties, the establishment of large-scale vegetable clusters, and improvements in the production, storage, and marketing of pulses and oilseeds.
Introduction of digital public infrastructure to the agricultural sector, supported by a substantial ₹1.52 lakh crore investment for overall development and productivity enhancement, holds significant potential for uplifting a sector that provides livelihood to over 40% of the country’s population.
Some of the highlights are:
Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture:
Building on the success of a pilot project, the government, in collaboration with states, will implement Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture to cover farmers and their lands within three years. Presenting the Budget for 2024-25, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that a digital crop survey for Kharif will be conducted in 400 districts this year. The details of 6 crore farmers and their lands will be incorporated into farmer and land registries. Additionally, the issuance of Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be enabled in five states.
Missions for Pulses and Oilseeds: To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will bolster their production, storage, and marketing. Smt. Sitharaman outlined a strategy to attain ‘atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) for oilseeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower, as announced in the interim Budget.
Vegetable Production & Supply Chains:
Large-scale vegetable production clusters will be developed closer to major consumption centers. The government will promote Farmer-Producer Organizations, cooperatives, and startups to enhance vegetable supply chains, including collection, storage, and marketing.
Shrimp Production & Export:
Financial support will be provided to establish a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for Shrimp Broodstocks. Financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export will be facilitated through NABARD.
Productivity and resilience in agriculture are the foremost priorities among the nine priority areas announced in the Union Budget. With a provision of ₹1.52 lakh crore for the agriculture and allied sector, the government is focusing on ‘Annadata’ (the farmer) as one of the four major groups requiring attention. The government recently announced higher Minimum Support Prices for all major crops, ensuring at least a 50% margin over costs. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has been extended for five years, benefiting more than 80 crore people. Many industry experts believe these measures will help the country achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural products that still require support.
