In the Interim Budget presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the welfare of farmers and boosting rural demand.
Describing farmers as ‘Annadata’ (providers of food), Sitharaman highlighted the regular increments in Minimum Support Prices for their agricultural produce.
Emphasizing the dedication to the agricultural sector, she stated that annually, through the PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana, direct financial aid reaches 11.8 crore farmers, encompassing both marginal and small-scale farmers. Additionally, crop insurance is extended to 4 crore farmers under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
These initiatives, coupled with other programs, seek to assist farmers in cultivating food for both the domestic and international markets, while free ration provisions extend benefits to 80 crore people.
The interim budget pledges to enhance value addition in agriculture, with a specific focus on increasing farmers’ income.
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Sitharaman committed to promoting both private and public investments in post-harvest activities, encompassing aggregation, modern storage, supply chains, processing, and branding. She envisioned inclusive growth and productivity, facilitated by policies centered around farmers, providing income support, risk coverage, and promoting technology through start-ups.
Emphasizing effective programs, Sitharaman brought up the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Yojana, which has positively impacted 2.4 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 60,000 individuals.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, credited with benefiting 38 lakh farmers and generating 10 lakh employment opportunities, along with the Electronic National Agriculture Market, which integrated 1361 mandis, were also praised for their significant contributions.
The Minister, while focusing on the rural economic landscape, mentioned that these initiatives, combined with the provision of essential commodities, have elevated actual income in rural areas. This addresses economic requirements, stimulates growth, and generates employment opportunities.
She also cited the Atma Nirbhar Oil Seeds Abhiyan, an initiative aimed at achieving self-reliance in oilseeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. She emphasized that this program will encompass research for high-yielding varieties, modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance.
Building on the success of Nano Urea, Sitharaman announced the expanded application of Nano DAP on various crops across all agro-climatic zones, reinforcing the government’s commitment to innovation and sustainable agriculture.
