The Indian agricultural sector, a cornerstone of India’s economy and livelihood, has received a significant boost with the launch of innovative policies by the Narendra Modi Govt. Recognizing agriculture as a State subject, the Union Government has unveiled a series of transformative initiatives designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and ensure financial security for farmers. These landmark measures aim to modernize agricultural practices, foster resilience, and propel the sector toward self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Clean Plant Programme: Ensuring Disease-Free Horticulture/ Indian Agriculture
On August 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with a financial outlay of ₹1,765.67 crore. This initiative is a game-changer for India’s horticulture sector, focusing on the production and distribution of disease-free planting material. By introducing climate-resilient varieties and increasing yield, CPP is poised to revolutionize fruit and vegetable farming. Farmers can expect healthier crops, higher productivity, and increased income as a direct result of this program, laying the foundation for a robust horticulture industry.
Digital Agriculture Mission: Ushering in a Tech-Driven Era
The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved on September 2, 2024, with a substantial allocation of ₹2,817 crore (₹1,940 crore from the central government), represents a giant leap toward integrating technology into farming. The mission will establish a comprehensive digital infrastructure for agriculture, encompassing initiatives like the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES). By leveraging artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and big data analytics, this program will empower policymakers, researchers, and farmers to make data-driven decisions. With increased transparency and efficiency, this mission aims to optimize resource utilization, minimize waste, and improve crop forecasting accuracy.
Progressive Expansion of Indian Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
To address the need for robust agricultural infrastructure, the government has expanded the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), an initiative initially launched to support the creation of post-harvest facilities and community farming assets. Approved on August 28, 2024, the expanded scope now includes viable projects for building community farming assets and integrated processing projects. By converging with the PM-KUSUM scheme, this initiative will enable farmers to harness solar power for agricultural operations. This forward-thinking policy ensures the development of modern agricultural infrastructure, promoting storage, processing, and value addition, which are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds: Marching Toward Self-Reliance
India’s heavy dependence on imported edible oils has prompted the government to launch the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds). Approved on October 3, 2024, with a budget of ₹10,103 crore, this mission aims to boost domestic oilseed production over seven years (2024–2031). Through research, subsidies, and farmer training, the mission intends to increase productivity and encourage sustainable practices. Achieving self-reliance in edible oils will not only strengthen India’s food security but also reduce its import bill significantly.
National Mission on Natural Farming: Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices
The approval of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on November 25, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for sustainable agriculture in India. With a total budget of ₹2,481 crore (₹1,584 crore from the central government and ₹897 crore from state governments), this initiative advocates chemical-free farming methods, leveraging natural resources like biofertilizers and traditional seeds. By reducing input costs and enhancing soil health, NMNF aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity while ensuring farmers’ economic stability.
Complementary Initiatives: A Holistic Approach
In addition to these flagship programs, the government has introduced a series of supplementary initiatives during 2024–25 to further bolster the agricultural sector:
- National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS): A real-time pest monitoring system to safeguard crops from infestations, ensuring timely intervention.
- AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Startups & Rural Enterprises: A funding platform to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, fostering rural development and job creation.
- Krishi Nivesh Portal (Phase-I): A centralized platform for farmers and investors to access resources and opportunities for agricultural projects.
- Krishi-DSS Portal: A geospatial platform that integrates satellite data for precision farming and resource planning.
- Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM): Encouraging sustainable practices by allowing farmers to trade carbon credits, this initiative aligns agriculture with environmental sustainability goals.
Impact on Farmers and the Economy
These policy measures collectively aim to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Indian farmers, including fluctuating incomes, climate vulnerabilities, and outdated practices. By focusing on technology, sustainability, and infrastructure, these initiatives promise to improve Indian agriculture productivity and profitability. Furthermore, they will create employment opportunities, attract private investments, and enhance India’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets.
The emphasis on digital Indian agriculture and natural farming practices reflects the government’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. The introduction of climate-resilient crops and pest monitoring systems will safeguard farmers against unpredictable weather and pest-related risks. Additionally, initiatives like AgriSURE and the Krishi Nivesh Portal underscore the government’s resolve to empower rural entrepreneurs and promote inclusive growth.
The agricultural policies unveiled in 2024 represent a visionary approach to transforming the sector. By prioritizing technology, infrastructure, and self-reliance, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. With effective implementation and collaboration between the central and state governments, these measures have the potential to elevate the livelihoods of millions of Indian farmers while ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.
As these policies take root, the future of Indian agriculture looks promising, brimming with opportunities for growth and innovation. Farmers, the backbone of the nation, stand at the forefront of this transformation, equipped with the tools and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
