Government Approves ₹13,966 Crore Schemes to Enhance Farmers' Lives and Livelihoods

The Indian government has announced a major new initiative to boost the lives and livelihoods of farmers across the country. The package includes seven schemes totaling ₹13,966 crore, and is aimed at addressing some of the key challenges facing the agriculture sector, such as low incomes, climate change, and lack of access to technology.

Key features of the package include:

• Digital Agriculture Mission (₹2,817 crore): This mission will provide farmers with access to digital tools and services, such as weather forecasts, market information, and soil testing. It will also help to create a digital public infrastructure for the agriculture sector.
• Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security (₹3,979 crore): This initiative will support research and development into new crop varieties that are more resilient to climate change and provide better nutrition. It will also help to improve the efficiency of agricultural production.
• Strengthening Agriculture Education, Management, and Social Science (₹2,291 crore): This scheme will provide training and education to farmers and agricultural professionals, as well as support research into agricultural policy and management.
• Sustainable Livestock Health and Production (₹1,702 crore): This initiative will promote the sustainable production of livestock, such as dairy and poultry, and improve the health and welfare of animals.
• Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization (₹1,379 crore): This scheme will provide subsidies to farmers who purchase modern agricultural equipment, such as tractors and harvesters. This will help to increase the efficiency of agricultural production and reduce labor costs.
• Integrated Value Chains for Farmers (₹998 crore): This initiative will help farmers to connect with buyers and markets, and to develop value-added products. This will help to increase farmers' incomes and reduce their dependence on middlemen.
• Research on Insects, Microbes, Pollinators, etc. (₹800 crore): This scheme will support research into new and innovative ways to control pests and diseases, and to improve pollination. This will help to increase agricultural productivity and reduce the use of harmful chemicals.

The government has said that the package is expected to benefit millions of farmers across India. It is also expected to help to modernize the agriculture sector and make it more resilient to climate change.

Additional details and information:

• The package was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 2, 2024.
• The package is part of the government's larger efforts to double farmers' incomes by 2022.
• The government has said that it is committed to providing all the necessary support to farmers to help them take advantage of the new schemes.

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Impact of the package:

The package is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Indian farmers. It will help to increase farmers' incomes, improve their access to markets, and make them more resilient to climate change. It is also expected to help to modernize the agriculture sector and make it more competitive.

Quotes from government officials:

• "This is a major step forward in our efforts to transform the lives of Indian farmers," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We are committed to providing them with the support they need to succeed."
• "This package will help to create a more prosperous and equitable agriculture sector," said Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. "It will also help to ensure food security for the country."