India Boosts Agricultural Support with Increased Budget and New Initiatives
The Government of India is ramping up its support for the agricultural sector, significantly increasing budget allocations to enhance farmers’ welfare. Starting from a budget of Rs. 21,933.50 crore in 2013-14, the allocation for the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has surged to an impressive Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This substantial investment is reflective of the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.
Launch of New Initiatives for Farmers
In line with this increased financial support, the DA&FW has introduced a series of new schemes aimed at benefitting farmers and advancing the agricultural sector. Among these initiatives are:
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
- Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
- Formation of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
- National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
- Digital Agriculture Mission
- And many more.
These schemes are specifically designed to uplift farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers, thereby enhancing their income and fostering agricultural development.
Success Stories from Farmers
The Indian Council on Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently documented remarkable success stories showcasing how farmers have benefited from these programs. It revealed that 75,000 farmers have significantly increased their income, in many cases more than doubling it through the combined effects of various DA&FW initiatives and related government programs.
Increase in Farmer Income
Statistics from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) show promising trends in agricultural household incomes. According to a recent assessment, the average monthly income for agricultural households rose from ₹6,426 in 2012-13 to ₹10,218 in 2018-19. This reflects robust growth over recent years, highlighting the positive impact of government schemes on farmers’ economic conditions.
Comparison of Consumption Expenditure
The NSSO’s Survey on Household Consumption Expenditure for the period 2023-24 also provides insightful data comparing average monthly per capita consumption expenditure across rural and urban sectors. The findings reveal a significant increase, with rural households spending an average of ₹4,122, up from ₹1,430 in 2011-12, thereby emphasizing the enhanced purchasing power among rural communities.
This information was shared in a written reply by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, during a session in Lok Sabha, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector and improving the welfare of farmers nationwidePIB
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