Government's Big Gift to Farmers: Modi Cabinet Approves These 7 Key Decisions

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved seven key schemes aimed at improving the lives of farmers and increasing their incomes. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided details of these decisions on Monday, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure and support. The total financial outlay for these initiatives is approximately ₹14,000 crore.

Key Initiatives Approved by the Cabinet:

1. Digital Agriculture Mission: The Cabinet has approved the Digital Agriculture Mission with an investment of ₹2,817 crore. This initiative aims to develop digital public infrastructure for agriculture, enabling better data management and digital solutions in the farming sector.

2. Crop Science for Food and Nutrition Security: The government has allocated ₹3,979 crore for a dedicated program focusing on food and nutrition security through advanced crop science. This program aims to improve the nutritional quality of crops, ensuring better health outcomes for the population.

3. Strengthening Agricultural Education and Management: A sum of ₹2,292 crore has been approved to enhance agricultural education and management. This initiative will focus on improving educational institutions and management practices within the agriculture sector.

4. Sustainable Livestock Health: The Cabinet has approved a ₹1,702 crore scheme aimed at improving livestock health through sustainable practices. This will help in maintaining the health and productivity of livestock, which is crucial for the agriculture economy.

5. Horticulture Development: An allocation of ₹860 crore has been made for the development of horticulture. This initiative aims to boost the production and quality of fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural products.

6. Support for Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): The government has approved ₹1,202 crore for the support and development of Krishi Vigyan Kendras. KVKs play a vital role in disseminating agricultural knowledge and best practices to farmers across the country.

7. Natural Resource Management: The Cabinet has sanctioned ₹1,115 crore to strengthen natural resource management. This initiative focuses on sustainable management of natural resources like soil, water, and forests, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

Other Major Approvals:

• Semiconductor Unit in Gujarat: The Cabinet has approved a proposal by Canes Semicon Pvt. Ltd. to set up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of ₹3,300 crore. The unit will produce 6 million chips per day, catering to sectors like automotive, consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and mobile phones.

• New Railway Line Between Mumbai and Indore: A new 309-kilometer railway line has been approved, which will connect the commercial hubs of Mumbai and Indore through the shortest possible route. This project, costing ₹18,036 crore, will connect unlinked areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and is expected to be completed by 2028-29. The construction phase will generate around 10.2 million person-days of direct employment.

These decisions reflect the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen India's agricultural infrastructure, improve farmer welfare, and boost economic growth in the sector.