Initiatives to Support Farmers

Initiatives to Support Farmers

The government implements various schemes to strengthen the agricultural supply chain, create alternative marketing channels, and mitigate market volatility to ensure remunerative prices to farmers. These measures include the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) scheme, direct market access through Open Network for Digital Commerce, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM), and price support under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).

Marketing Research and Information Network (MRIN), a sub-scheme of ISAM, provides daily updates on agricultural commodity prices and arrivals. The scheme covers 3,771 market yards, tracking over 300 commodities. The information is disseminated through digital platforms such as the Agmarknet portal, e-NAM portal, Kisan Suvidha, etc.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) evolves and implements strategies to make agriculture resilient to the changing climate. Under NMSA, Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme improves water use efficiency through micro-irrigation technologies, and Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme focuses on Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) to increase productivity and reduce risks of climate variability. The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also work to enhance climate resilience.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) along with weather index based Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) provide a comprehensive insurance cover against crop failure. These schemes provide financial support to farmers affected by crop loss or damage due to natural calamities.

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms” implemented across 739 districts in 28 states and 5 Union Territories. The scheme provides decentralised farmer-friendly extension through different activities like farmers training, demonstrations, exposure visits, etc. Indian Council of Agricultural Research through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) disseminates latest technologies in agriculture and allied sectors, among the farmers. KVK also support on farm training & location specific technology & farming systems. The Government engages with farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural policy formulation from time to time.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ram Nath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.