"Cabinet Sanctions ₹14,000 Crore for 7 Key Agricultural Schemes"

In a significant move to enhance India's agricultural sector, the Union Cabinet recently approved seven major schemes with a combined investment of ₹13,966 crore. This decision follows the recent announcement by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw of the approval of 12 industrial smart cities across 10 states, valued at ₹28,602 crore.

The newly approved schemes aim to consolidate government efforts in the farm sector and rural economy under seven key areas: digital technology adoption, food and nutritional security, agricultural research, livestock management, horticulture, soil health management, and agricultural extension through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

During a media briefing after the Cabinet meeting, Vaishnaw highlighted that these programs are designed to increase farmers' income. He noted that while some new initiatives may be introduced under these broad categories, the government has already announced a ₹2,817-crore digital agriculture mission.

The allocation includes ₹3,979 crore for crop science to ensure food and nutritional security, ₹2,291 crore for strengthening agricultural education, ₹1,702 crore for sustainable livestock health and production, ₹1,129 crore for the sustainable development of horticulture, ₹1,202 crore for enhancing KVKs, and ₹1,115 crore for natural resource management. The entire amount is expected to be utilized by 2025-26.

The schemes are also intended to support climate-resilient crop science and food security by 2047. Additionally, funds will be used to modernize agricultural research and education in alignment with the New Education Policy 2020. The initiatives will promote the use of advanced technology, including Digital DPI, AI, big data, and remote sensing, as well as natural farming and climate resilience.

Under the livestock scheme, the focus will be on animal health management, veterinary education, dairy production and technology development, animal genetic resource management, and animal nutrition.

With a ₹1,129.30 crore allocation for horticulture, the government aims to increase farmers’ income by promoting the cultivation of various crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate horticultural crops, as well as vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants.

Sources from the agriculture ministry have also indicated that the government will soon release the National Oilseeds Mission, as previously announced by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Parliament. The focus on KVKs has intensified under Chouhan's leadership, with an emphasis on improving basic infrastructure and ensuring that senior-level agriculture scientists regularly visit and assess each KVK.

HBL