PM Modi has always recognized and cherished the pivotal role of our dedicated farmers in the nation’s growth and well being and has, accordingly, implemented a range of welfare measures to uplift the agricultural sector. The initiatives aim to ensure the financial status and enhance the lives of the farmers throughout the country.
One significant step has been introduction of PM -KISAN (Padhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) in 2019 under which small and marginal farmers receive direct income support of Rs. 6000 per year in three equal instalments in order to provide financial assistance to farmers and ensure a steady income for them. Further the Government launched the Pardhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme, to protect the farmers from crop losses due to natural calamities, pests and diseases.
To enhance agricultural productivity, the Modi Government introduced the Soil Health Card Scheme under which farmers receive detailed information about the health of their soil including nutrient status and suggestions for appropriate use of fertilizers. Under this scheme, farmers receive a Soil Health Card that provides information about the health of their soil and recommendations on the appropriate nutrients and fertilizers to improve its quality.
The card contains essential details such a nutrient status of the soil, crop wise recommendations and corrective measures to be taken for balanced nutrition. By educating farmers about the specific needs of their soil, the scheme helps to optimize the use of fertilizers and enhances crop productivity in a significant and sustainable manner. The Scheme also thus promotes soil conservation practices and enables farmers to make considered decisions about crop selection and fertilizer usage, leading to an increase in yield and income.
Moreover, the government has focused on the development of agricultural information through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which aims at ensuring the efficient use of water resources in agriculture. The government has also started the eNAM scheme (National Agriculture Market), which is an online trading portal that connects agricultural produce markets across the country.
This enables farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers eliminating intermediates and ensuring better price for their crops. The eNAM aims create a unified national market for agricultural produce by integrating the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the country. Through eNAM, farmers can showcase their produce online, traders and buyers can bid for the products and transactions can be conducted electronically.
This platform helps farmers get better prices for their produce by enabling them to access a wider market attracting multiple buyers. It promotes transparency in trade and ensures a fair and competitive price discovery process. eNAM also simplifies the trading process by providing online payment and quality testing facilities. It enhances efficiency in agricultural trading and reduces the dependency of farmers on local ‘mandis’ allowing them to explore markets beyond their region.
The Government has been investing generously in agricultural research and extension services to promote the adoption of advanced farming techniques, high yield varieties and efficient agricultural practices. The government has established various agricultural research institutes and universities across the country.
These institutions focus on agricultural sciences, crop research, animal husbandry and related fields, contributing significantly to research and development efforts. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) comprises of agricultural research organizations and institutions working at the national, state and district levels.
The Modi government has been actively supporting and coordinating these institutions to ensure cohesive efforts in agricultural research. The government has been encouraging collaboration between public research organisations and also with international research organisations to promote research and innovation in order to help leverage resources and expertise in order to foster technological advancements.
Several research grants, scholarships and fellowships are granted to research agricultural studies and research. To encourage sustainable and eco friendly agricultural practices, the government has been promoting organic farming and various incentives and solutions are being provided to farmers who adopt organic methods of cultivation. Research institutes focus on eco friendly farming methods, organic inputs and conservation of natural resources.
Moreover, in the last few years, there has been a tremendous investment in training and capacity building programs for researchers, scientists and agricultural professionals in order to enhance skills, knowledge and expertise in various agricultural disciplines.
The Modi Government has been stressing on use of modern agricultural machinery and equipment to enhance productivity. Subsidies and financial assistance are provided to farmers for purchasing agricultural machinery.
The Government has been developing cold storage and cold chain infrastructure, which is crucial for post harvest losses and ensuring that perishable products remain fresh for a longer duration. The government has further been conducting training programmes and workshops to educate farmers about the best practices, new technologies and market trends. These measures assist farmers to improve their agricultural practices.
All these steps reflect the untiring efforts of the Modi Government to uplift the agricultural sector to ensure better livelihood for farmers and ensure food security for the nation. These are clearly a testament to the Modi Government’s dedication to the farmers. By providing direct income support, offering crop insurance, promoting sustainable practices and enhancing market accessibility, the Government has created a comprehensive framework aimed at uplifting the lives of farmers.
Consequently, the agricultural sector, which forms the back bone of the Indian economy, will continue to grow stronger and ensure food security and stability for the nation. Through these unstinted and concerted efforts, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of the farmers, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the prosperity of the nation.
The author is a former Chairman, Haryana Public Service Commission. His views are personal.