Union Cabinet Approves Rs 13,966 Crore for Revolutionary Agricultural Schemes

The Union Cabinet has approved seven key agricultural schemes with a total financial outlay of Rs 13,966 crore, targeting sustainability, income enhancement, and climate resilience. These initiatives leverage modern technology and focus on digital agriculture, food security, livestock health, and horticulture development.

In a significant move aimed at transforming the agricultural sector, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned seven major schemes with a combined financial outlay of Rs 13,966 crore. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare highlighted that these initiatives are crafted to tackle various agricultural challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability, income enhancement, and climate resilience.

Leading the charge is the Digital Agriculture Mission, backed by Rs 2,817 crore. This pioneering initiative seeks to harness modern technology to uplift farmers' lives, leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and geospatial tools are set to revolutionize agricultural practices. Key features include the Agri Stack, a comprehensive digital database of agricultural information, and the Krishi Decision Support System for enhanced crop monitoring and decision-making.

Another vital scheme, Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security, has received Rs 3,979 crore. This program aims to bolster food security and improve the nutritional profile of crops by 2047. Focus areas include genetic enhancement, resource management, and augmenting agricultural research and education. To further support these efforts, Rs 2,291 crore has been allocated for Strengthening Agricultural Education, aligning with the New Education Policy 2020 to arm future agricultural professionals with cutting-edge skills.

The Cabinet's approval also extends to the Sustainable Livestock Health and Production scheme, earmarked at Rs 1,702 crore. This initiative encompasses animal health management, veterinary education, and dairy production technologies. Similarly, the Sustainable Development of Horticulture scheme, with Rs 860 crore, aims to diversify farmers' incomes by promoting the cultivation of varied horticultural crops.

Additionally, Rs 1,202 crore has been set aside for fortifying Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), aiming to disseminate knowledge and innovative practices to farmers nationwide. Lastly, the Natural Resource Management scheme, supported by Rs 1,115 crore, focuses on maintaining the sustainability of agricultural practices by promoting responsible resource management to protect the environment for future generations.

(With inputs from agencies.)