Budget 2024: Focus on 'atmanirbharta' in agriculture, FM unveils plans to strengthen oilseed, pulses cultivation; promote natural farming
Neeraj Mohan
New Delhi, July 23
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2024-25, the first budget of the NDA government, emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving ‘atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in agriculture.
Highlighting several key initiatives, Sitharaman underscored the critical role of agriculture in India’s economic growth and the welfare of farmers.
She outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering India’s agricultural sector and rural economy. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in oilseed and pulses cultivation, the FM unveiled a slew of initiatives designed to enhance productivity, support farmers, and boost the rural economy.
“To cut down on imports and strengthen our self-reliance, we will significantly enhance oilseed and pulses cultivation. A total of 109 new high-yielding varieties will be released to increase the productivity of agriculture and horticulture, directly benefiting the income of our farmers,” announced Sitharaman.
She also asserted to provide natural farming assistance to two crore farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the nation.
In a bid to modernise the agricultural landscape, the Finance Minister revealed plans to digitize land records for six crore farmers, ensuring more efficient and transparent management of agricultural land. Additionally, agricultural research will be transformed to focus on raising productivity and developing climate-resilient crop varieties.
Sitharaman highlighted the introduction of the Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Card in five states, aimed at providing streamlined credit facilities to farmers.
The government will also finance shrimp farming and marketing, acknowledging the sector’s potential in boosting rural incomes and employment.
The Finance Minister underscored the policy goal of fast-tracking the growth of the rural economy and creating employment opportunities.
Large-scale clusters for vegetable production will be developed closer to major consumption centers, promoting farmer producer organizations, cooperatives, and start-ups involved in vegetable supply chains, including collection, storage, and marketing.
Sitharaman reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the production, storage, and marketing of pulses, ensuring a robust supply chain and improved farmer incomes.
“The government’s policy goal is to fast-track the growth of the rural economy and create employment opportunities, ensuring holistic development of our agrarian landscape,” said the Finance Minister, wrapping up her ambitious agricultural agenda.
