Empowering Indian Agriculture: A Comprehensive Vision for 2024-25
In her recent budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at revitalizing India’s agriculture sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and resilience. The budget for 2024-25 allocates a substantial Rs 1.52 lakh crore towards agriculture and allied sectors, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering growth and self-sufficiency in this crucial domain.
A cornerstone of the budget’s agricultural strategy is the enhancement of research and development capabilities. Sitharaman highlighted the imperative for a robust review of the agricultural research framework, emphasizing the need to elevate productivity and develop climate-resilient crop varieties. This initiative will be bolstered by challenge-based funding mechanisms and greater involvement of the private sector, ensuring that cutting-edge research translates into tangible benefits for farmers nationwide.
Recognizing the critical role of crop diversification in securing India’s food security, Sitharaman announced plans to introduce 109 new high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties across 32 field and horticulture crops. Specialized missions focusing on pulses and oilseeds aim to fortify production, storage, and marketing infrastructure, paving the way for enhanced self-sufficiency in key agricultural commodities.
In parallel, the government is spearheading a transformative agenda for sustainable farming practices. An ambitious initiative seeks to transition 1 crore farmers to natural farming methods over the next two years, complemented by rigorous certification and branding efforts. This holistic approach underscores the commitment to environmentally conscious agriculture, ensuring long-term viability while meeting growing global demand for sustainably sourced produce.
Modernizing agricultural infrastructure is another pivotal aspect of the budget’s agenda. Sitharaman outlined plans for the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture, an ambitious program aimed at digitally integrating farmers and their lands. By leveraging DPI, the government aims to conduct comprehensive digital crop surveys and establish farmer and land registries across the country within three years, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing transparency.
The budget also includes targeted initiatives to bolster ancillary sectors crucial to agricultural success. Provisions for developing large-scale vegetable production clusters near major consumption centers, promoting Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs), and nurturing startups in the agricultural supply chain are poised to stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities in rural India.
Furthermore, the fisheries sector receives a significant boost through financial support for establishing nucleus breeding centers for shrimp production and export, alongside tariff reductions on essential inputs for aquaculture. These measures are set to catalyze growth in an industry pivotal to both domestic nutrition security and international trade competitiveness.
In conclusion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget for 2024-25 charts a transformative course for Indian agriculture, underpinned by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. By prioritizing research excellence, sustainable farming practices, digital integration, and sectoral diversification, the government aims to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and secure India’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse in the years to come.
