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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made these announcements after a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI data map)
A Rs 2,291-crore scheme for strengthening agricultural education and management has been approved, the minister said, adding that a Rs 1,702-crore scheme for sustainable livestock health and its production has also been approved
The Center on Monday announced seven mega schemes for comprehensive development of agriculture and allied sectors with a total outlay of nearly Rs 14,000 crore aimed at improving farmers' income.
The Union Cabinet approved seven big projects related to the agriculture sector, including the Digital Agriculture Mission at a cost of Rs 2,817 crore and the Crop Science Program at a cost of Rs 3,979 crore.
“The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved seven schemes to improve farmers' livelihood and increase their income, with a total outlay of Rs 13,966 crore,” an official statement said.
Briefing reporters here, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that these comprehensive schemes are aimed at improving farmers' income.
The plans will focus on research and education, climate resilience, natural resource management and digitalization of the agricultural sector, with an emphasis on the growth of horticulture and livestock.
The Cabinet approved the Crop Science for Food and Nutrition Security Scheme with a total expenditure of Rs 3,979 crore. The plan consists of six pillars focused on preparing farmers for climate change-resilient crop science and food security by 2047.
The six pillars are – research and education; management of plant genetic resources; genetic improvement of food and feed crops; improvement of legumes and oilseed crops; improved cash crops; and research on insects, microorganisms and pollinators.
The cabinet also approved an allocation of Rs 2,291 crore for strengthening agricultural education, management and social sciences. The program will be run by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The aim is to modernize agricultural research and education in line with the New Education Policy 2020.
The Cabinet also approved a digital agriculture mission with a total investment of Rs 2,817 crore. The project has two fundamental pillars – Agri Stack and Krishi Decision Support System.
The minister said a Rs 1,702-crore scheme for sustainable livestock health and production has also been approved. The scheme aims to increase farmers' income from livestock and dairy products.
Under the plan, focus will be on animal health management and veterinary education; dairy production and technology development; animal genetic resources management, production and improvement; and animal nutrition and small ruminant production and development.
Another major plan approved by the Cabinet involves the sustainable development of horticulture. “The measure, with a total outlay of Rs 860 crore, aims to increase farmers' income from horticulture plants.” The scheme includes tropical, subtropical and temperate horticultural crops; roots, tubers, bulbs and dry crops; vegetables, flowers and mushroom crops ;The Union Cabinet also approved a Rs 1,202-crore scheme for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and a Rs 1,115-crore natural resource management plan.
There are more than 700 KVKs across the country.
(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)
