Rs 1.52 billion has been allocated for agriculture and allied sectors

Efforts are also being made to promote a Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture in partnership with the states. This digital framework will provide farmers with access to key information such as weather forecasts, crop advisory services and market prices

Calcutta: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday did not mince her words, saying agriculture would be one of the top nine priorities of the Modi 3.0 government.

Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2024 on Tuesday, announced a significant allocation of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors in fiscal 2025. The finance minister added that in the next two years, 10 million farmers will be introduced to natural farming practices. The shift towards natural farming aims to promote sustainable farming practices and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Natural farming improves soil health and biodiversity, while reducing the cost of cultivation for farmers, thereby increasing their profitability.

The Union Finance Minister also revealed the Centre’s plan to promote large-scale vegetable production clusters. These clusters will be strategically established to increase production and ensure steady supply of vegetables across the country.

Efforts are also underway to promote a Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture in partnership with the states. This digital framework will provide farmers with access to key information such as weather forecasts, crop advisory services and market prices.

“Digital crop survey for Kharif will be conducted in 400 districts in fiscal 2025. Issuance of Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be enabled in five states. Financing for shrimp farming, processing and export will be facilitated through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD),” she said.

The Centre has drawn up plans to launch Jan Samarth-based Kissan Credit Card, which is to be rolled out in five states, to begin with. That’s not all. The government will provide funding for shrimp farming and marketing.

Large-scale vegetable production will be developed closer to the main consumption centers. “We will promote agricultural producer organizations, cooperatives and startups for vegetable supply chains,” the minister said.

To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the Centre will strengthen its Grain production, storage and marketing. A strategy is being implemented to achieve Atmanirbharata in oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, sesame, soya and sunflower.

In the next two years, crore farmers across the country will be introduced to organic farming, supported by certification and branding. The implementation will be through scientific institutions and willing Gram Panchayats. As many as 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centres will be set up.

To undertake a comprehensive review of the structure of agricultural research to focus on improving productivity and developing climate-resilient varieties. Funding will be provided on a demanding basis, including to the private sector, experts in the field, both within and outside government, and will oversee the conduct of such research.

The Minister informed that 109 new, high-yielding and climate change-resistant varieties of 32 cultivated and horticultural plants will be introduced to the market on farms.

“The Budget has laid emphasis on structural changes to unlock the value chain in agriculture and allied areas. Emphasis on R&D in partnership with industry through PPP mode can significantly increase productivity and bring much-needed innovation to the sector. Secondly, a clear difference in this Budget is the clear focus on sustainable production driven by promotion of natural farming in the sector. Despite being a leading producer of several crops, India lags behind in global agri-exports. To tap the potential, the Budget has laid significant emphasis on promoting cluster development in horticultural products, which can significantly increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy,” said Soumyak Biswas, Partner, Food and Agribusiness, Management Consulting, BDO India.

Given the preponderance of small and marginal farmers in the country who lack scale, the announcement of the National Cooperative Policy aims to address the issues of scaling, collectivisation and streamlining the value chain. The emphasis on increasing self-sufficiency is reflected in the announcement on pulses and oilseeds, which can help reduce the import bill.

Last but not least, implementing digital public infrastructure can bring much-needed efficiencies across the value chain – providing the country’s Annadata with access to resources, advice and financial support as they build a globally competitive food industry,” he added.