The Indian government has implemented several measures to encourage and support farmers, focusing on boosting agricultural productivity, improving incomes, and ensuring sustainable farming practices. These initiatives span financial support, infrastructure development, technology adoption, and market access. Here’s an overview:
Key Government Initiatives for Farmers
1. Financial Support and Subsidies
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):
- Provides ₹6,000 annually in three installments to small and marginal farmers.
- Interest Subvention Scheme:
- Offers subsidized loans to farmers at lower interest rates for crop cultivation and related activities.
- Crop Insurance through PMFBY:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides affordable insurance against crop loss due to natural calamities.
2. Infrastructure Development
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
- Aims to expand irrigation and promote efficient water use through micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- Grameen Agricultural Markets (GrAMs):
- Establishes and upgrades rural markets to improve farmer access to fair pricing and reduce dependency on middlemen.
- Agri-Infrastructure Fund:
- Provides medium- and long-term financing for building infrastructure like warehouses, cold storages, and primary processing units.
3. Technology and Modernization
- Soil Health Card Scheme:
- Helps farmers understand soil quality and nutrient needs for better crop yields.
- Digital Agriculture:
- Encourages the use of AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimize farming.
- Initiatives like the Kisan Suvidha app provide weather updates, market prices, and pest control advice.
- Mechanization Subsidies:
- Promotes the adoption of modern equipment like tractors, harvesters, and seed drills.
4. Market Reforms and Support
- e-NAM (National Agriculture Market):
- An online trading platform that integrates existing mandis to create a unified market for farmers.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP):
- Ensures farmers receive guaranteed prices for key crops, reducing the risk of market fluctuations.
- Agri-Export Policies:
- Promotes agricultural exports and supports farmers in producing export-quality goods.
5. Sustainable Agriculture
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- Promotes organic farming practices and certification to increase sustainability and market opportunities.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
- Focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, water conservation, and agroforestry.
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):
- Encourages chemical-free farming techniques with minimal external input costs.
6. Skill Development and Awareness
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs):
- Provide training and technology transfer to farmers for modern and sustainable practices.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
- Encourages farmers to collaborate as a collective to improve bargaining power and reduce costs.
Recent Steps to Encourage Farmers
- PM-PRANAM: Incentivizes states to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by promoting biofertilizers.
- Millet Promotion: Declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, with subsidies and campaigns to promote millet cultivation.
- Kisan Drone Scheme: Encourages the use of drones for crop monitoring and pesticide application with financial assistance.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While these initiatives have significantly benefited farmers, challenges like small landholdings, climate change, and market volatility persist. Future strategies involve:
- Scaling precision farming and smart agriculture.
- Expanding access to high-quality seeds and bio-fertilizers.
- Enhancing rural connectivity for better market linkages.