Government Boosts Farmer Welfare with New Initiatives
The Government of India is ramping up its support for farmers through a series of enhanced budget allocations and innovative schemes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and income. The budget for the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has surged from ₹21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to an impressive ₹1,22,528.77 crore for 2024-25. This significant increase underscores the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.
Key Schemes to Enhance Farmer Income
The Indian government has introduced several key initiatives designed to bolster farmers’ incomes and ensure their welfare. Among these is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), which provides financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmer families. This scheme, operational since December 1, 2018, has already disbursed over ₹3.68 lakh crore to beneficiaries as of March 5, 2025. The funds are transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts in three installments, helping them manage agricultural and domestic expenses.
Another significant program is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY), which aims to provide a pension to small and marginal farmers. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offers crop insurance to protect farmers against losses due to natural calamities. These initiatives, along with the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), are part of a broader strategy to enhance the agricultural sector’s resilience and profitability.
Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices
In a move to promote sustainable agriculture, the Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on November 25, 2024. This initiative, with a proposed outlay of ₹2,481 crore, aims to encourage chemical-free farming practices that integrate livestock and diversified crop systems. The mission is designed to improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and reduce input costs for farmers.
The NMNF is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with the Government of India contributing ₹1,584 crore and states providing ₹897 crore. The operational guidelines for this mission were issued on December 26, 2024, marking a significant step towards promoting environmentally friendly farming methods rooted in traditional Indian practices.
Success Stories and Future Prospects
The Indian Council on Agricultural Research (ICAR) has compiled a book showcasing the success stories of 75,000 farmers who have doubled their incomes through various government initiatives. These stories highlight the effectiveness of the government’s programs in transforming the agricultural landscape and improving the lives of farmers.
As the government continues to implement these schemes, it remains focused on ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to thrive. The ongoing commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability reflects a broader vision for a prosperous and resilient agricultural sector in India.
This information was shared by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a recent Lok Sabha session, emphasizing the government’s dedication to farmer welfare and agricultural development.
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