The Budget 2024-25 has made a provision of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors.

Here’s an elaboration on the Budget 2024 highlights for the agricultural sector in India:

1. PMGKAY Extended:

-The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been extended for five years.

-This program aims to benefit more than 80 crore people by providing essential food supplies to vulnerable populations.

-It ensures that those in need have access to nutritious food during challenging times.

2. Higher Minimum Support Prices (MSPs):

-The government has announced higher MSPs for all major crops.

-These MSPs guarantee at least a 50 percent margin over the cost of production.

-This move supports farmers and ensures fair prices for their agricultural produce.

3. Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties:

-New 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be released.

-These varieties are designed to enhance productivity, adaptability, and sustainability.

-Farmers will benefit from improved crop yields and resilience to changing environmental conditions.

4. Natural Farming Initiative:

-Over the next two years, one crore farmers will be initiated into natural farming practices.

-Certification and branding will support this transition.

-Scientific institutions and willing Gram Panchayats will play a crucial role in implementing this initiative.

5. Bio-Input Resource Centers:

-The establishment of 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centers is planned.

-These centers will promote sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

-Farmers will have access to essential resources and knowledge for better agricultural outcomes.

6. Self-Sufficiency in Pulses and Oil Seeds:

-The government aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oil seeds.

-Strategies will be implemented to strengthen the production, storage, and marketing of oil seeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower.

-Large-scale vegetable production clusters will be developed near major consumption centers.

-Farmer producer organizations, cooperatives, and startups will be promoted for efficient vegetable supply chains.

7. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture:

-The government will collaborate with states to establish DPI for agriculture.

-DPI will cover farmers and their lands for three years.

-A digital crop survey for Kharif crops using DPI will be conducted in 400 districts.

-Details of six crore farmers and their lands will be included in the farmer and land registry.

-Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be enabled in five states.

8. Support for Shrimp Production and Export:

-Financial support will be provided to set up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centers for shrimp broodstocks.

-Financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export will be facilitated through NABARD.

9. Promotion of Weekly Haats:

Building on the success of the PM Swanidhi scheme for street vendors, the government plans to promote 100 weekly haats in select cities over the next five years.

10. National Cooperation Policy for Cooperative Sector Development:

-A National Cooperation Policy will focus on the systematic, orderly, and all-round development of the cooperative sector.

-The goal is to fast-track rural economic growth and create employment opportunities.

-The budget allocates Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors.

-Enhancing productivity and resilience in agriculture is a top priority among the nine areas announced in the Union Budget.

11. Rural Infrastructure and Land-Related Actions:

The government has allocated Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural development, including infrastructure.

Key land-related actions include:

-Unique Aadhaar for All Lands: Each land parcel will be assigned a unique Aadhaar-like identifier.

-Digitization of Terrestrial Maps: Maps of rural lands will be digitized for better management and planning.

-Land Survey: A comprehensive survey of lands will be conducted.

-Land Registry: An official land registry will be established to maintain accurate records.

12. Labor-Related Reforms:

-The government aims to provide a range of services for labor, focusing on employment and skilling.

-These reforms are designed to enhance opportunities and support the workforce.

Our take on UnionBudget2024 for Agriculture Sector-

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting rural livelihoods. Overall, the budget emphasizes sustainable practices, research, and support for farmers.🌾🚜🌿