In a landmark move to revolutionize India’s agricultural sector, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday, approved a comprehensive package of seven major schemes to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and boost their incomes. With a significant total outlay of Rs 13,966 crore, these schemes are designed to address various challenges the agricultural community faces, leveraging technology and sustainable practices to create a more resilient and productive sector.
Recognizing the critical role of digitalization in modern agriculture, The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DAFW) has already spearheaded a digital transformation in the agricultural sector using innovative IT initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and service delivery to farmers nationwide. These initiatives, structured around four key themes, have been further elaborated by the Union Cabinet while announcing the package, playing a crucial role in the comprehensive digitalization of agriculture.
India’s Digital Transformation in Agriculture: Focus on Four Key Themes
- Building a Robust Digital Public Infrastructure: The Agri Stack Initiative
The Agri Stack initiative aims to create a comprehensive Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture by integrating data sources like farmers’ registries, village land maps, and crop registries. This unified framework enhances collaboration between central and state governments, supports data-driven decision-making, and improves resource allocation and market access for farmers. - Leveraging GIS and Remote Sensing for Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring
The government utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies through the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS). This system provides real-time insights into agricultural conditions, using satellite imagery and weather data to assist in planning and risk management, ultimately enhancing the sector’s resilience to climate change. - Re-engineering Business Processes for Efficient Service Delivery
The Ministry has re-engineered business processes to improve efficiency, automating key functions and digitizing farmer-centric services. The Krishi Mapper tool aids in standardizing data collection and analysis, reducing data silos, and supporting better policy formulation and implementation for more effective agricultural governance. - Enhancing Efficiency in Systems and Service Delivery
The government is leveraging digital tools and platforms to transform agricultural governance and service delivery. These initiatives streamline processes, foster efficiency and accountability, and make it easier for farmers to access resources, information, and market opportunities, thereby boosting productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
A Comprehensive Approach to Agricultural Transformation
The approval of these seven schemes by the Union Cabinet represents a comprehensive approach to transforming India’s agricultural sector.
The government is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future by integrating modern technology, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing market access.
These seven key schemes, with a total outlay of Rs 13,966 crore, are a testament to improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods and ensuring food security and sustainable development in the face of changing climatic conditions and global market dynamics.
1) Digital Agriculture Mission: Transforming Agriculture with Technology
At the forefront of these initiatives is the Digital Agriculture Mission, which has been allocated Rs 2,817 crore. This mission is based on the framework of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and aims to harness the power of technology to improve the lives of farmers. The Digital Agriculture Mission comprises two key components: the Agri Stack and the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS).
The Agri Stack is a pivotal initiative designed to create a comprehensive digital database of all agricultural resources in the country. This includes a farmers’ registry, a village land maps registry, and a crop sown registry.
By consolidating this information, Agri Stack facilitates better decision-making and planning for both farmers and policymakers. The digital infrastructure supports a more targeted approach to agricultural development, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Complementing Agri Stack is the Krishi DSS, which leverages geospatial data, weather and satellite data, and groundwater availability data to monitor agricultural conditions across the country. This system also includes modeling for crop yield and insurance, providing farmers with accurate predictions and assessments to help them manage risks and optimize their farming practices. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI and Big Data, the Digital Agriculture Mission aims to connect farmers directly with buyers, provide new knowledge through mobile platforms, and improve access to crop loans.
2) Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security: Preparing for Future Challenges
With an allocation of Rs 3,979 crore, the Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security scheme focuses on preparing Indian agriculture for future challenges, particularly climate change. This initiative is geared towards achieving food security by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term vision for sustainable development.
The scheme emphasizes research and education to develop climate-resilient crops, manage plant genetic resources, and improve food and fodder crops. It also includes efforts to enhance the genetic traits of pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops, thereby increasing their resistance to pests and diseases. By fostering innovation in crop science, this initiative aims to ensure a stable and sustainable food supply for the nation.
3) Strengthening Agricultural Education and Research: Building Future-Ready Agri-Professionals
Recognizing the need to modernize agricultural education and research, the government has dedicated Rs 2,291 crore to the Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences initiative. This scheme, developed under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), aims to align agricultural education with technological advancements and the New Education Policy 2020.
The initiative seeks to incorporate digital DPI, AI, Big Data, and remote sensing technologies into the agricultural curriculum, ensuring that future agri-professionals are well-equipped to tackle the evolving challenges of the sector.
It also promotes natural farming practices and climate resilience, preparing students and researchers to take charge of sustainable agriculture.
4) Boosting Livestock Productivity: Sustainable Livestock Health and Production
To enhance income from livestock and dairy farming, the Sustainable Livestock Health and Production scheme has been approved with an outlay of Rs 1,702 crore. This initiative focuses on animal health management, veterinary education, dairy production technology, and animal genetic resource management.
The scheme aims to increase livestock productivity and ensure sustainable livestock management by improving animal nutrition and promoting small ruminant production. The emphasis on veterinary education and research ensures that farmers have access to the latest knowledge and practices, ultimately leading to increased income from livestock.
5) Promoting Horticultural Development: Sustainable Growth in Horticulture
The government has also approved the Sustainable Development of Horticulture scheme, with a budget of Rs 860 crore. This initiative aims to increase farmers’ income by cultivating horticultural crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate fruits, root and tuber crops, vegetables, floriculture, and plantation crops.
The scheme seeks to provide farmers with additional income streams and enhance agricultural productivity by promoting diverse horticultural practices. The initiative also supports the cultivation of spices and medicinal and aromatic plants, further diversifying the agrarian landscape.
6) Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras: Enhancing Extension Services
With an outlay of Rs 1,202 crore, the government has committed to strengthening the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). These centers are instrumental in disseminating knowledge and providing technical support to farmers nationwide. By bolstering these centers, the government aims to improve the reach and impact of agricultural extension services, ensuring that farmers have access to modern techniques, tools, and advice.
7) Managing Natural Resources: Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Finally, the Natural Resource Management scheme, with an allocation of Rs 1,115 crore, focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources. This initiative promotes practices that naturally conserve soil and water, manage pests and diseases, and improve land productivity. By emphasizing sustainable practices, the scheme aims to create a more resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
A Holistic Approach to Agricultural Development
The approval of these seven schemes reflects the government’s commitment to transforming India’s agricultural sector through a holistic approach that integrates modern technology, sustainable practices, and efficient resource management. These initiatives are expected to improve farmers’ livelihoods and incomes and ensure food security and sustainable development for the future.
As India moves towards a digital and sustainable future, these agrotech initiatives will be crucial in shaping the agricultural landscape, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth in rural areas. The government’s proactive approach to agricultural development demonstrates its dedication to creating a prosperous and resilient agricultural sector that benefits all stakeholders.
