The government’s sixteen point agenda aims to revive agriculture sector with just a 3% increase in budget allocation. Indian agriculture sector received much attention from a series of new schemes introduced in the budget 2020 presented on 1st February.
Comparison to Previous Allocations
Though the government aims to double farmers income by 2022, it has increased budgetary allocation by 3% only. Allotment to agriculture sector for this years budget stands at Rs 1.43 lakh crore as compared to Rs 1,51,518 crore allocation in 2019-20. The budget allocation in 2019-20 was almost double compared to 2018-19. Besides, the government tweaked the quantum of the PM-Kisan Scheme.
Sixteen Point Agenda
Finance, Connectivity and Production Capacities
Sixteen point agenda for agriculture includes finance, connectivity and increasing production capacity. The government announced Krishi Udaan scheme by Civil aviation ministry to facilitate agriculture produce transportation to international and domestic routes. Moreover, under the Krishi Rail scheme, the Indian railways will facilitate cold storage transportation of perishable commodities under PPP mode.
Besides, the government has increased target for agricultural credit to Rs 15 lakh crore from Rs 12 lakh crore. Further, the government has raised the target of fish production to 200 lakh tonnes by 2022-23. In addition, the government aims to double milk production capacity by 2025.
Irrigation, Solar Power, and Natural Farming
Sixteen point agenda also includes expansion of irrigation, use of solar power and pesticide free farming. Solar powered pumps as a way to increase farmers income. Now, farmers will get financial assistance to set up solar power plants. Further, the government will assist around 20 lakh farmers to set up standalone solar pumps to address a lack of irrigation. Budget includes comprehensive measures for 100 water-stressed districts in the budget with an allocation of Rs 2.83 lakh. Also, the government focused on the balanced use of fertilizers and adopting sustainable cropping patterns with zero budget natural farming. Also, the FM encouraged states to seek proper implementation of Agriculture marketing reforms.
Disappointments
Agricultural experts have expressed their disappointment with the allocation (agriculture) for 2020. Former union agriculture secretary, Siraj Hussain, stated that there is nothing substantive for farmers in the budget. This shows that the government is not confident in taking major reforms.
In all, the budget 2020 depicted an evident thrust of the Modi government on agriculture.