Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a significant allocation of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors for the fiscal year 2024-25. Highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, the Finance Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at transforming the sector.
One of the key announcements was the introduction of 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops for cultivation. Additionally, over the next two years, 10 million farmers will be trained in natural farming practices, supported by certification and branding efforts. To bolster these initiatives, the government plans to establish 10,000 need-based bio-resource centers.
To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will enhance the storage and marketing ecosystem for these crops. Furthermore, a digital public infrastructure for agriculture will be developed in partnership with states, integrating 6 crore farmers and their land into a digital registry.
Other notable announcements include the launch of a digital crop survey for Kharif using the digital public infrastructure in 400 districts and the issuance of Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards in five states. Financial support will also be provided for setting up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for Shrimp Broodstocks.
In addition, a National Cooperation Policy will be framed to fast-track the growth of the rural economy and generate employment opportunities. These measures collectively aim to enhance the resilience and productivity of India’s agricultural sector, ensuring its sustainable growth and development.