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PM Narendra Modi
The Indian cabinet has approved a Rs.13,966 crore package comprising seven projects to improve the lives and livelihoods of farmers in the nation, the central government said in a press statement.
The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
"Today, seven major decisions have been taken in the cabinet meeting for improving the lives of farmers and increasing their income," said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a media briefing.
Agristack Database
According to the statement, the union cabinet also announced the launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission, an initiative aimed at improving the lives of farmers using technology, with an outlay of Rs. 2,817 crore.
Under the Digital Agriculture Mission, the government will create an Agristack which contains the Farmers Registry, Crop Sown Registry, and Village Land Map Registry.
Agristack will act as a crucial database which contains all information about farmers, land usage and crop patterns.
Krishi Decision Support System
Under the Digital Agricultural Mission, the government will also create the Krishi Decision Support System.
To improve the agricultural landscape in India, this system will give valuable insights into geospatial data, drought and flood monitoring, weather and satellite data, and groundwater availability.
The Central government believes that such a system which provides information about these crucial things will help farmers make informed decisions.
Additionally, the cabinet also allocated Rs. 3,979 crore for crop science initiatives, aimed at ensuring food security in the nation.
Under the crop science initiative, investments will be made in the field of agricultural research and education.
Moreover, the cabinet allocated Rs. 2,291 crore to modernize agri-research and education in the country, while Rs. 1,702 crore was given to promote sustainable livestock production.
Additionally, the government also granted Rs. 860 crore for sustainable horticulture development.
The cabinet also decided to allocate Rs. 1,202 crore to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendra in the nation.
