Prof B N Tripathi
The Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated an impressive amount of Rs. 1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to elevating Indian agriculture. Over the past five years, the agriculture sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.18 per cent, underscoring its resilience and importance to the Indian economy. Additionally, livestock and fisheries have shown remarkable promise, with the former growing at a CAGR of 7.38 per cent, and the latter at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9 percent between 2014-15 to 2022-23, respectively. These figures highlight the dynamic nature of India’s agricultural landscape.
One of the budget’s key initiatives is to enhance agricultural productivity and promote climate-resilient farming practices. As part of a 100-days program, the government will release 109 new seed varieties across 32 field and horticulture crops. This initiative is crucial for increasing crop yields and ensuring resilience against climate change. By prioritizing these aspects, the government aims to make Indian agriculture more robust and capable of meeting future challenges.
A significant thrust will be given to natural farming, with plans to facilitate the adoption of natural farming practices by one crore farmers over the next two years. This initiative includes support for certification and branding and the establishment of 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centers. By promoting natural farming, the government seeks to reduce dependency on chemical inputs, improve soil health, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices.
India currently imports around 14.5 million metric tons (MMT) of oilseeds, including palm, soybean, and sunflower oils. The government aims to reduce this dependency by boosting domestic production, particularly of mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. Encouraging domestic production of these oilseeds will help stabilize prices, ensure a steady supply, and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. To enhance vegetable production and distribution, large-scale clusters will be established near major consumption centers. These clusters will strengthen supply chains, ensuring a steady supply of vegetables across the country and stabilizing prices for consumers. This move is expected to improve both efficiency and productivity in vegetable farming, addressing the growing demand in urban areas.
In order to strengthen the cooperative sector, a new national cooperation policy is announced for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness. This will enhance the role of cooperatives in improving the agricultural economy. Strengthening cooperatives is essential for improving resource management, collective bargaining, and ensuring fair prices for farmers.
The budget also focuses on promoting shrimp farming and brood stock development. The Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Card will be launched in five states, financed through NABARD, to support shrimp farming and export. Resources will be directed towards establishing a comprehensive network of Nucleus Breeding Centers focused on Shrimp Broodstocks. This initiative aims to boost the aquaculture sector, increase exports, and provide a sustainable livelihood for coastal communities.
In a bid to modernize agriculture, the government plans to digitize the details of six crore farmers and their lands over the next three years. A digital crop survey will be undertaken in 400 districts starting from the current Kharif season. This initiative will enhance data accuracy and improve planning and implementation of agricultural schemes, ensuring better resource allocation and support for farmers.
In the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, recent initiatives reveal significant advancements in agricultural policy planning. The Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), encompassing 29 projects, is set to transform the agricultural landscape in the region. The Development of Seed and Seed Multiplication Chain in PPP mode focuses on enhancing seed quality and availability through public-private partnerships, leading to increased crop yields. The promotion of niche crops and vegetables, including exotic varieties under open and hi-tech protected cultivation, seeks to diversify agricultural production through high-value crops. Strengthening the Agri-Marketing System will facilitate better market access and higher income for farmers. The promotion of medicinal/aromatic plants and bee-keeping on a commercial basis aims to tap into niche markets, adding a new revenue stream for farmers. Technological interventions in Sericulture and the Promotion of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) will support traditional farming practices, while introducing modern techniques for better output.
Farm Mechanization & Automation and the promotion of mushroom cultivation and oilseeds are designed to improve efficiency and productivity. The formulation of 300 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will empower farmers through collective action. Adoption of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) and development of rain-fed areas will ensure sustainable agricultural practices. The promotion of commercial floriculture and alternate agriculture systems will enhance the profitability and sustainability of farming. Sensor-based Smart Agriculture and initiatives to minimize pesticide use will introduce cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly practices. The J&K Soil & Land Resource Information System and innovative approaches in agriculture extension will provide vital data and knowledge transfer to farmers. Production of designer plants and the UT-level food processing program will boost high-density planting and value addition to agricultural products. Dairy development, self-sufficiency in mutton production, and the roadmap for poultry development will enhance livestock sectors. Technological interventions for fish feed and trout production, promotion of wool/pelt processing, and development of fodder resources will support diverse agricultural activities. Finally, support to human resource development will ensure the availability of skilled professionals to drive the sustainable and accelerated transformation of agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir. These comprehensive projects collectively aim to transform the agricultural landscape, ensuring higher productivity, sustainability, and profitability for farmers in the region.
Another project, the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (JKCIP), was recently launched to revolutionize J&K’s agriculture sector with a value of Rs 1800 crore. The project will be implemented across 90 blocks in 20 districts, aiming to benefit 300,000 households.
The Union Budget 2024-25 lays a comprehensive roadmap for the future of Indian agriculture. By focusing on productivity, sustainability, and self-reliance, the government aims to transform the sector, making it more resilient and capable of meeting the demands of a growing population. These initiatives reflect a balanced approach, addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth and stability in Indian agriculture. Agriculture in J&K needs to be strengthened for facing new challenges amid climate aberrations.
(The author is Vice Chancellor Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
