Agriculture gets a Budget boost; Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to help 1.7 crore farmers

The government has announced a slew of measures to help improve farmers’ income and crop productivity, including an emphasis on sustainable farming. The government will undertake a ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states. 

Terming ‘Agriculture as the 1st Engine’ of growth, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters. The programme will work through the convergence of existing schemes and specialized measures.

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It aims to enhance agricultural productivity, adopt crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block level, improve irrigation facilities, and facilitate the availability of long-term and short-term credit. 

This programme is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.

The finance minister also announced an increase in Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) loan limits. KCC facilitates short-term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. The loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme will be enhanced from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for loans through the KCC.

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Cotton Farmers

For the benefit of cotton-growing farmers, the finance minister announced a ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’. 

This five-year mission will facilitate significant improvements in the productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties. 

By providing science and technology support to farmers, the mission will help to increase farmers' income and ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector.

Makhana Board and Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

The government announced the formation of a Makhana (fox nut) Board in Bihar to improve the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana. The Board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of government schemes. The people engaged in these activities will be organized into FPOs.

It will also launch a comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers in partnership with states. Institutional mechanisms for the participation of farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives will be set up.

The government will launch a six-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor.

Central agencies NAFED and NCCF will be ready to procure these three pulses, as much as offered during the next four years. This will be applicable to farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.

Building Rural Prosperity

A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states. This will address underemployment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy.

This will also generate ample opportunities in rural areas to reduce migration. The programme will focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families.

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