India’s Comprehensive Agricultural Development Proposals: A Roadmap for Growth

the government aims to empower farmers, address the underemployment in rural areas, and create a more resilient agricultural economy. Below are the key agricultural proposals and programs being rolled out to boost productivity, infrastructure, and rural development in India.

1. Prime Minister Dan Dan Krishi Yojana: Revamping Agriculture Districts

Building on the success of the Aspirational District Program, the government is launching the Prime Minister Dan Dan Krishi Yojana, which targets 100 agricultural districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters. The program is designed to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage crop diversification, and improve post-harvest storage and irrigation facilities.

The initiative will focus on:

• Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: By adopting advanced techniques, high-yielding seeds, and sustainable farming practices.
• Promoting Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to adopt a variety of crops that are both financially and environmentally sustainable.
• Post-Harvest Storage: The development of storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels, which will reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better prices for farmers.
• Improving Irrigation: Enhancing water management to ensure efficient irrigation.
• Credit Access: Providing both long-term and short-term credit to farmers to increase their financial stability and ability to invest in improvements.

This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers, helping build rural prosperity and resilience. The focus will also be on empowering rural women, youth, marginal farmers, and landless families, and creating ample employment opportunities within rural India to curb migration by offering sustainable livelihoods.

2. Comprehensive Multi-Sectoral Rural Prosperity Program

A new multi-sectoral rural prosperity program will focus on addressing underemployment in agriculture through skill development, technological interventions, and increased investment in rural economies. The program will aim to generate employment opportunities in rural areas, making migration a choice rather than a necessity.

The initiative will target marginalized groups such as women, young farmers, smallholders, and landless families. The program will be supported by both domestic best practices and global best practices, incorporating the expertise of multilateral development banks to provide financial and technical assistance.

3. National Mission for Edible Oils and Pulses

India has faced challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils, but with rising incomes, the government is now determined to bridge this gap. The National Mission for Edible Oilseeds aims to increase domestic production by leveraging existing capabilities. The government’s earlier success in pulses cultivation is being used as a model for this mission. Farmers are encouraged to grow more oilseeds like soybean, sunflower, and groundnut to meet the rising domestic demand and reduce dependency on imports.

Furthermore, the government will launch a mission specifically targeting the production of pulses such as Toor, Urad, and Masoor. By providing procurement support and remunerative pricing, the government aims to ensure that these pulses are made available to the public at affordable rates.

4. Comprehensive Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Program

As India’s population becomes more health-conscious, the demand for vegetables and fruits continues to rise. To meet this demand, the government is launching a comprehensive program to promote the production of fruits, vegetables, and Shri Anna (millets). The program will focus on the entire value chain, from production to processing, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices while also improving food security and nutrition across the country.

A key element of this program is the establishment of a Makana Board in Bihar, aimed at promoting the production and processing of Makana (fox nuts). The board will focus on training farmers, ensuring they receive government benefits, and promoting the value addition of these products.

5. National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds

To improve agricultural productivity, India will launch a National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds. This mission will:

• Strengthen the Research Ecosystem: By focusing on developing pest-resistant, climate-resilient seeds.
• Targeted Seed Development: The government will promote over 100 high-yield seed varieties to ensure consistent and increased productivity.
• Commercial Availability: The program will ensure that high-quality seeds are made available to farmers at affordable prices, especially in areas with high demand for improved agricultural output.

6. Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Resource Utilization

India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is set to receive a boost through a new framework designed for sustainable fisheries. With India being the second-largest global producer of fish, the government will target unlocking untapped potential in the marine sector, especially in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. This will include both sustainable fishing practices and improved fishery management to ensure that the benefits of the sector reach local communities while preserving marine resources for future generations.

7. Cotton Productivity Mission

India is one of the largest producers of cotton globally. To further boost cotton farming, the government is launching a 5-year Cotton Productivity Mission to enhance the sustainability and productivity of cotton farming. The program will also focus on developing extra-long staple cotton varieties, which are in high demand in the textile sector.

The mission will provide science and technology support to farmers, promoting advanced practices that ensure a steady supply of quality cotton while increasing the incomes of cotton-growing farmers. This aligns with the broader 5F vision (Farm to Fibre to Fabric to Fashion to Foreign) aimed at rejuvenating India’s traditional textile industry.

8. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and Financial Support for Farmers

To ensure greater financial inclusion for farmers, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme will be expanded. The loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme will be raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC. This will empower 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, enabling them to access necessary funds for agricultural operations, particularly short-term loans.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Agricultural Development

These comprehensive proposals represent a multi-dimensional strategy aimed at revolutionizing India's agricultural sector. From enhancing productivity to improving post-harvest management and providing financial support, the government's agricultural initiatives are designed to build resilience and prosperity in rural India. By focusing on crop diversification, infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and skill development, the government hopes to create a more self-sufficient and prosperous rural economy, empowering farmers and ensuring food security for millions. The success of these programs could mark a transformative shift in India's agricultural landscape, benefiting not only farmers but the entire rural economy.