The Union Cabinet has announced seven new schemes aimed at boosting agriculture and related sectors, with a total budget of nearly Rs 14,000 crore. These initiatives focus on key areas like research, education, climate resilience, and digital advancements in agriculture. Notable projects include a digital agriculture mission worth Rs 2,817 crore and a Rs 3,979 crore initiative for crop science, targeting food and nutritional security. Additionally, there are plans to enhance agriculture education under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and improve livestock health and production. The schemes also promote sustainable horticulture, aiming to increase farmers’ income through diverse crop options. Overall, these efforts seek to modernize agriculture in line with climate challenges and technological advancements.
The Union Cabinet has unveiled seven new agriculture schemes with a remarkable budget of nearly Rs 14,000 crore, aimed at enhancing the agriculture and allied sectors. This announcement, made on Monday, emphasizes research, education, climate resilience, and digital advancements in agriculture. It also aims to boost livestock and horticulture growth, preparing farmers for the challenges posed by climate change.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav highlighted that among the key initiatives is a Rs 2,817 crore Digital Agriculture Mission and a Rs 3,979 crore Crop Science Scheme. The Crop Science Program, which focuses on food and nutritional security, is built on six foundational pillars. These include advancing research and education, managing plant genetic resources, enhancing food and fodder crops, and improving knowledge on pests, microbes, and pollinators.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved Rs 2,291 crore for strengthening agriculture education under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to align with the New Education Policy 2020. The initiative will modernize agri-research using cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data, and remote sensing, while promoting natural farming practices.
Furthermore, a scheme valued at Rs 1,702 crore has been allocated to enhance livestock health and production, focusing on animal health management, dairy production, and nutrition, thereby aiming to increase farmers’ income from livestock. The Cabinet has also approved an Rs 860 crore program dedicated to sustainable horticulture development, tailored to boost farmers’ income from various horticultural crops.
In its commitment to reinforcing agricultural initiatives, the Cabinet has also sanctioned Rs 1,202 crore for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and an additional Rs 1,115 crore for Natural Resource Management. With over 700 KVKs operational nationwide, these schemes are set to make a significant impact on the agricultural landscape of the country.
This strategic move reflects the government’s dedication to not only supporting farmers but also advancing the agriculture sector through innovation and sustainability.
Tags: Agriculture, Union Cabinet, Digital Agriculture Mission, Crop Science, Livestock, Horticulture, Climate Resilience, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, KVKs, Sustainable Development.
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What are the new schemes introduced for farmers?
The government has launched seven new schemes to help improve farmers’ income. -
How much money is allocated for these schemes?
The government has set aside Rs 14,000 crore for these new initiatives. -
Who will benefit from these schemes?
Farmers across the country will benefit from these schemes aimed at increasing their earnings. -
What is the main goal of these schemes?
The main goal is to support farmers and help them earn more money from their crops and other activities. - When will these schemes start?
The schemes are expected to be implemented soon, but the exact start date may vary.
