Report provides extensive analysis of the government’s achievements; Highlights include 11 Crore Farmers benefiting from PM Kisan and a staggering 7350% increase in pulses procurement at MSP.
The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organization representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across the States of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc. convened a seminar today at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi – Ensuring Farmer Livelihoods: Enhancing Farmer Incomes Through Sustainable Farming Practices.
During the seminar, FAIFA released a Report titled – TRANSFORMATION IN INDIA’S AGRICULTURE which highlighted key achievements in the agriculture sector in the last decade. The Report also put forward strategies to enhance farmer incomes in a sustainable manner. The seminar was graced by Sh. GVL Narasimha Rao, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. The Key Speakers in the seminar were Prof MV Ashok, Senior Adviser BAIF Research and Development Foundation Pune and Former Chief General Manager, NABARD and Dr JP Tandon, Former Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The Report conducted an extensive analysis of the government’s achievements, providing a wealth of facts and figures. Some noteworthy highlights provided in the document include:
A remarkable 300 percent plus increase in budget allocation for agriculture over the span of 9 years
Over 11 crore farmers benefited from the PM Kisan scheme
A massive 7350 percent increase in pulses procurement at MSP
Production of over 330.5 million metric tons of food grains in the fiscal year 2022-23
Creation of 4.60 lakh Seed Villages and production of over 102 million metric tons of seeds
Recognition of over 7,000 Agri and allied start-ups in the agricultural sector
Coverage of 76 lakh hectares under the Per Drop More Crop (Drip Irrigation) initiative since 2015
Achievement of 221.06 million metric tons of milk production, marking a 51 percent increase over 9 years
Coverage of over 11 lakh hectares under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2016, among various other notable accomplishments.
The FAIFA Report put the spotlight on the term “Jai Kisan,” emphasising that the diverse fabric of India’s agricultural economy has been a consistent aspect of its identity throughout history. It acclaimed the farmers or the Annadaatas and stated that they have earned the foremost access to opportunities without question. The FAIFA Report commended the government’s decade-long efforts, acknowledging a comprehensive approach that has borne fruit. From initiatives supporting farmers’ income, agricultural insurance schemes and expanded irrigation coverage to promoting organic farming, empowering women farmers, bolstering infrastructure and digitizing services, the government has embraced a holistic strategy in championing the cause of the farmers.
Javare Gowda, President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) on the release of the Report said, “The strides made by the government in the agriculture sector and for farmers are commendable. Efforts are being tirelessly invested in augmenting farmer income and ensuring their security, aiding our invaluable ‘Annadata’ in feeding our nation and the world too. Key policy initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have played pivotal roles in extending financial and income support to farmers. For instance, the PM-KISAN Samman Yojana annually provides direct financial assistance to lakhs of farmers, including marginal and small farmers, totaling over Rs 2.80 lakh crore disbursed so far. Also, crop insurance coverage has been extended to 4 crore farmers under PMFBY.”
