Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology (Photo: PTI)
To boost India’s agriculture sector, the Union Cabinet on Monday approved seven major projects with a combined investment of Rs 13,966 crore. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a press conference, where she highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting agricultural research, digital agriculture and sustainable practices.
This announcement comes a week after Vaishnaw revealed the approval of 12 smart industrial cities in 10 states worth Rs 28,602 crore.
Crop Science for Food and Nutrition Security: Rs 3,979 crore
The government has allocated Rs 3,979 crore for crop science for food and nutrition security. This project will focus on five areas:
- Research and education: Improving academic and research capabilities in agriculture.
- Plant genetic resources management: conservation and use of genetic resources for crop improvement.
- Genetic improvement of food and forage crops: focus on legumes, oilseeds and cash crops.
- Research on insects, microbes, pollinators, etc.: addressing issues that affect crop health and productivity.
Agricultural education, management: Rs 2,291 crore
Rs 2,291 crore has been allocated for strengthening agricultural education, management and social sciences under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This initiative aims to modernise agricultural education in line with the New Education Policy 2020, Vaishnaw said.
It will incorporate the latest technologies such as digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), big data and remote sensing. The curriculum will also include natural farming techniques and climate resilience measures.
Digital Agriculture Mission: Rs 2,817 crore
The government has introduced the Digital Farming Mission, for which Rs 2,817 crore has been allocated. This mission aims to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data into the farming process to improve decision making and efficiency. The project has two main pillars:
Agricultural battery:
- Farmers Register: A comprehensive database of farmers.
- Village Land Map Registry: Digitized maps for accurate land ownership and use.
- Crop Planting Record: Tracking the types of crops planted in various regions.
Krishi Decision Support System:
- Geospatial data: using satellite images for precision agriculture.
- Drought and flood monitoring: tools to assess and mitigate climate-related risks.
- Meteorological and satellite data: integrating real-time data to inform agricultural practices.
- Groundwater data and water availability: ensuring sustainable water use.
- Crop Yield Modeling and Insurance: Using data for accurate yield predictions and insurance calculations.
Sustainable livestock health and production: Rs 1,702 crore
The Cabinet allocated Rs 1,702 crore for sustainable livestock production and health. This project focuses on:
- Animal health management and veterinary education: improving animal health care and veterinary education.
- Dairy production and technology development: improving dairy production capacities.
- Animal genetic resources management: management and improvement of animal genetics.
- Animal nutrition and small ruminant production: Development of sustainable practices for animal nutrition and small ruminant production.
Sustainable development of horticulture: Rs 860 crore
To boost the horticulture sector, Rs 860 crore has been allocated for Sustainable Horticulture Development. This initiative will cover a wide range of horticultural activities including cultivation of tropical, subtropical and temperate crops as well as root crops, tubers, bulbs and arid plants. The project will also focus on vegetables, floriculture, mushrooms and plantation development, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra and natural resource management
Finally, the Cabinet has approved Rs 1,202 crore for strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Rs 1,115 crore for natural resource management. These projects aim to provide farmers with the knowledge and tools to manage their resources effectively and sustainably.
First published: September 2, 2024 | 15:44 IS
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