New Delhi: To enhance productivity and resilience in agriculture, the Union Budget 2024-25 has introduced several initiatives, focusing on agricultural research, the promotion of natural farming, and a national cooperation policy.
Transforming Agricultural Research
In her budget speech, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced a comprehensive review of the agricultural research setup. The goal is to improve productivity and develop climate-resilient crop varieties. The government will provide funding through a challenge mode, including to the private sector, with oversight from domain experts both from within and outside the government. The Budget also unveiled plans to release 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation.
Welcoming focus on transforming agricultural research, Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India and Chairman, CropLife India, said, “The Union Budget 2024-25 is a refreshingly no-frill budget that addresses the present realities and challenges of the agriculture sector. The announcement of releasing 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation marks a significant step forward in advancing agriculture. Collaborative research of public institutions with the private sector for the development of newer climate-resilient varieties and farm practices for the various agro-climatic zones in the country would help farmers navigate and manage the emerging challenges in coming years.”
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Terming the decision to release climate-resilient varieties a landmark initiative, Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD, Savannah Seeds said, “This landmark initiative will address the detrimental effects of droughts and floods on agriculture, safeguarding farmers from crop losses and ensuring food security and stable incomes. Introducing these resilient crop varieties will support farmers through innovative agricultural practices.”
Natural Farming
The Finance Minister revealed that over the next two years, one crore farmers across India will be introduced to natural farming, supported by certification and branding. This initiative will be implemented through scientific institutions and willing gram panchayats, with the establishment of 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centres.
Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals, said, “IPL Biologicals is committed to developing advanced biological products that support resilient and sustainable farming practices. The initiative of the government to develop 1 crore ‘natural’ farms, supported by certification and branding, will pave the way for a more eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural landscape. This, coupled with the establishment of 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centres, will provide a robust support system for farmers transitioning to natural and organic farming methods.
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With a similar opinion, Dr. Renuka Diwan, CEO, BioPrime Agrisolutions said, “The focus on sustainability by encouraging natural farming, accelerating climate-resilient seed varieties and backing up with convenient access to infrastructure is welcoming. The vision of doubling farmers’ income will get a boost with industry and farmers moving towards climate-proof yields. Biologicals will be instrumental in realising crucial tasks. We expect the state governments to promote the sustainability cause and continue to create a conducive environment for the business.”
National Cooperation Policy
The Union Minister also announced the introduction of a National Cooperation Policy aimed at the systematic, orderly, and comprehensive development of the cooperative sector. The policy will focus on accelerating the growth of the rural economy and generating large-scale employment opportunities.
