Which new policy was implemented? Which new methods were adopted?
In 2024, the Indian government introduced a set of severe reforms and initiatives in agricultural reform with an aim toward introducing high technologies, productivity growth, and mitigation of climate adversities along with the concept of sustainability. The modernization of Indian agriculture shall make farmers’ economic positions much better. Let’s try to understand them elaborately.
1. Digital Agriculture and Technological Integration
The government has been concentrating on digital technology for transforming agriculture as follows:Digital infrastructure development: In addition to this, the government also launched a three-year programme with the objective of digitizing all the agricultural activities. As a part of this initiative, digital survey of Kharif crops was provided in 400 districts along with centralizing data over more than six crore farmers in order to create an effective centralized digital registry which can give smooth access of all agricultural services and planning.
Drone Technology: Namo Drone Didi Scheme-The drone would be given to the self-help group of women so that the agricultural purposes could be covered by it. Those drones will help in monitoring of the crops, fertilizer as well as pesticides spray on them, and even to collect critical data regarding improving efficiency in farming.
2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Sustainability
A lot of steps were taken taking into consideration the climate Impacts climate Resilient Seeds: It released 109 new high-yielding climate resilient varieties of 32 crops. These seeds have resilience to maintain their yield capacity in the face of adverse weather conditions to ensure better harvests to the farmer.
Natural Farming: It intends to enroll one crore farmers under the ambit of natural farming within the next two years through a process that demands less dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and more on organic means.
3. More Production and Less Import Dependence
Improving production and reducing import dependency was another area that had the focus:Oilseed Production: Large investments in increasing oilseed production, storage and marketing including mustard, soybean, and sunflower, have been made to be self-reliant. This is also in alignment with the greater self-reliant India, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Vegetable Clusters: The state is focusing on large clusters close to consumption centers for producing vegetables. This is to create an efficient supply chain, so fresher produce will reach the urban markets better.
4. Cooperatives and Rural Development
Rural economic growth was addressed through improved cooperative systems:National Cooperation Policy: The policy provides for orderly expansion of cooperatives and farmer-producer organizations. This way, the farmer can experience improved access to markets and productive resources and collectively raise more crops while also gaining stability in rural economies.
5. Fisheries and Livestock Development
In addition to crops, there were important reforms in other agriculture areas as well.Fisheries Support: Shrimp broodstock nucleus breeding center network has been funded. This will be helpful in improving shrimp culture and, in turn, improve exports. This benefits the aquaculture farmer.
6. Research and Development (R&D)
Agricultural R&D investment addresses both old and new issues:New seed programs are focused on development, able to produce high yields, resistance to climate change, and other improved methods of farming. There will be research conducted into climate-friendly practices in farming that will decrease the influence of climate.
7. Allocations and Fund Sanctions
Agriculture and allied sectors together received an amount of ₹1.52 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2024-25, with the upgrading of infrastructure, R&Ds, and supply chains. ₹2.66 lakh crore additional funds have been added to keep all-rounded progress in rural development.
Conclusion
These measures reflect that the government is adopting an integrated approach to modernize the agriculture of India. In this context, the present reforms will empower farmers with technology, sustainability, and strengthening cooperative systems, thus giving a boost to resilience in agriculture and rural economies. Self-reliance and innovation also speak about a long-term vision in terms of a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural landscape.
This framework explicitly demarcates in clear detail that all these initiatives ought to support the cause of bringing Indian agriculture on par with international standards while being sure to support farmers and rural development.