In a comprehensive address, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the transformative agricultural policies undertaken by the Indian government, emphasizing the commitment to making farming more profitable and sustainable. The President expressed the government’s vision to reduce farming costs while increasing overall profits, outlining key initiatives and achievements over the past decade.
“For the first time,” President Murmu stated, “my government has given priority to over 10 crore small farmers in the country’s agricultural policy and schemes.” This commitment to prioritizing the needs of small-scale farmers reflects a pivotal shift in India’s agricultural approach.
Underlining the success of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, President Murmu revealed that farmers have received over Rupees 2 lakh 80 thousand crore to date. The President also highlighted the threefold increase in easy loans for farmers from banks over the past 10 years, showcasing the government’s dedication to supporting farmers financially.
The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been instrumental in providing farmers with financial security. President Murmu noted that farmers paid a premium of Rupees 30 thousand crore, and in return, they received a claim of Rupees 1.5 lakh crore. The decade also witnessed a substantial increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy and wheat crops, amounting to nearly Rupees 18 lakh crore.
President Murmu celebrated the government’s initiation of the Agricultural Export Policy, which led to agricultural exports reaching up to Rupees 4 lakh crore. This policy shift has significantly contributed to the growth of the agricultural sector on the global stage.
In addition to financial support, the government has focused on infrastructure development in the agriculture sector. President Murmu highlighted the establishment of more than 1.75 lakh Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra and the promotion of over 8,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The introduction of the Ministry of Cooperation underscores the commitment to fostering cooperative efforts in agriculture.
A groundbreaking initiative is the launch of the world’s largest Grain Storage plan in the cooperative sector, aimed at ensuring food security for the nation. Moreover, President Murmu detailed the establishment of 2 lakh cooperative societies in villages without such entities, emphasizing the government’s dedication to grassroots development.
The fisheries sector has witnessed significant growth, with schemes worth more than Rupees 38 thousand crore being implemented, leading to a doubling of fish production and exports. President Murmu highlighted the inclusion of livestock farmers and fishermen in the Kisan Credit Card initiative, a milestone achievement for financial inclusion.
The President concluded by acknowledging the substantial progress in the livestock sector, with a 40 percent increase in per capita milk availability. The ongoing free vaccination campaign for animals against foot and mouth diseases, with over 50 crore doses administered, reflects a forward-looking approach to ensuring the health and well-being of livestock.
In summary, President Droupadi Murmu’s address serves as a testament to a decade of transformative policies and initiatives that have not only elevated the agricultural landscape but also contributed significantly to the overall well-being of farmers and stakeholders in India’s agri-allied sectors.
