PIB Summaries 18 December 2024

Content :

1. Doubling the Income of Farmers
2. Namo Didi Drone Scheme

Doubling the Income of Farmers

Context

• Agriculture is a State Subject, but the Government of India supports states through policy measures, budgetary allocations, and various schemes/programmes.

Relevance : GS 3( Agriculture )

• The focus is on:
  • Enhancing production
  • Providing remunerative returns
  • Income support to farmers
  • Old-age security

Strategies to Increase Farmers’ Income

• Improving Crop Productivity: Use of advanced technologies and better farming practices.

• Reducing Cost of Production: Promoting modern and rational use of inputs.

• Agricultural Diversification: Shifting to high-value crops, horticulture, and allied activities.

• Adaptation to Climate Change:Sustainable agriculture practices to address environmental challenges.

• Compensation for Farmers’ Losses: Crop insurance and relief schemes.

Budgetary Enhancements

• The budget allocation of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW):
  • 2013-14: ₹21,933.50 crore
  • 2024-25: ₹1,22,528.77 crore

Government Schemes and Programmes

Income Support and Financial Security

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

Risk Management

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)

Credit and Financial Assistance

• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Agricultural Diversification and Sustainability

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
• National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
• National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)
  • Oil Palm
  • Oilseeds

Farmer Empowerment and Modernization

• Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
• Digital Agriculture Mission
• Soil Health Card (SHC)

Infrastructure Development

• Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
  • e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
  • Other initiatives
• National Bamboo Mission
• Rainfed Area Development (RAD)

Allied Sectors and Regional Initiatives

• National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

• Objective: Address infrastructure gaps and mobilize investments in agriculture.

• Features:
  • Medium- to long-term debt financing facility.
  • Focused on post-harvest management and community farming assets.

• Key Projects Approved under AIF (2024):
  • 18,606 Custom Hiring Centres
  • 16,276 Primary Processing Units
  • 13,724 Warehouses
  • 3,102 Sorting and Grading Units
  • 1,909 Cold Storage Projects
  • 21,394 Other post-harvest projects

Success Stories

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
  • Documented 75,000 farmers who have doubled their income through convergence of various schemes.

Conclusion

• The Government of India has adopted a multi-pronged approach to enhance farmer incomes through policy, financial assistance, infrastructure, and modern farming practices.

Namo Didi Drone Scheme

Context : A Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Relevance : Government schemes

• Implementation Period: 2023-24 to 2025-26.

• Budget Allocation: ₹1,261 crores.

• Target: Supply 15,000 drones.
  • 2023-24: First 500 drones procured and distributed by Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
  • 2024-25: Target to distribute drones to 3,090 SHGs in the first phase.

Implementing Bodies and Convergence

• The scheme is implemented through collaboration among:
  • Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW)
  • Department of Rural Development (DoRD)
  • Department of Fertilizers (DoF)
  • Women SHGs under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission)
  • Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs)

Role of State-Level Committee

A committee at the State level oversees the following:

• Cluster Selection: Identifying clusters suitable for drone usage.

• Selection of SHGs: Progressive Women SHGs under DAY-NRLM are chosen for drone distribution.

• Training:
  • Drone pilot training and additional agriculture-specific training for SHG members.
  • Drone assistant training for other SHG members or their family members.

• Needs Assessment:
  • Evaluate district-wise drone usage, gaps, availability, and future requirements.

• Business Coordination:
  • Ensure business opportunities for SHGs in coordination with LFCs and pesticide companies.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Drones as Packages:
  • Includes mandatory pilot training and agriculture-specific training.

• Livelihood Support:
  • Drones are used by SHGs to offer rental services for:
    • Spraying liquid fertilizers.
    • Spraying pesticides.

• Promotion of Nano Fertilizers:
  • LFCs encourage the use of Nano fertilizers to generate business for SHGs.

• Operational Guidelines:
  • Issued by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in October 2024.

Expected Outcomes

• Business and Livelihood Support:
  • SHGs generate income by renting drones to farmers.

• Agricultural Modernization:
  • Efficient application of fertilizers and pesticides using drones.

• Women Empowerment:
  • SHGs gain technical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.

• Sustainable Agriculture:
  • Promotes precision farming and environmentally friendly practices (e.g., Nano fertilizers).

Significance of the Scheme

• Bridges the gap in drone technology adoption for small and marginal farmers.
• Encourages women-led businesses in rural areas.
• Supports the modernization of agriculture through innovative tools.