The Union Cabinet has approved seven new schemes with a combined outlay of nearly ₹14,000 crore to boost the agriculture and allied sectors. These initiatives target research and education, climate resilience, natural resource management, and the digitisation of the agriculture sector. The schemes also aim to enhance livestock and horticulture growth, preparing farmers for climate-resistant agriculture.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of a ₹2,817 crore Digital Agriculture Mission and a ₹3,979 crore scheme focused on crop science. The Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security program, with six key pillars, includes research and education, plant genetic resource management, genetic improvement for food and fodder crops, and research on insects, microbes, and commercial crops.
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Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹2,291 crore to strengthen agriculture education, management, and social sciences under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. This program seeks to modernise agri-research and education in line with the New Education Policy 2020, promoting the use of advanced technologies like AI, big data, and remote sensing, along with a focus on natural farming and climate resilience.
