Govt OKs ‘Strengthening Agricultural Education’ scheme, 6 others worth Rs 14,235 crore to help farmers

NEW DELHI: With a total outlay of Rs 14,235 crore, the Union cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved seven schemes on September 2 in order to help farmers, of which the plan to strengthen agricultural education has been granted Rs 2,291 crore. The scheme aims to help agriculture students and researchers in India face the current challenges in farming.

The scheme – Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management and Social Sciences – will prepare students as per:

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• Modern agricultural research and education

• New Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• Usage of the latest technology (Digital DPI, AI, big data, remote)

• Including natural farming and climate resilience

The scheme was approved along with six others – digital agriculture mission, crop science for food and nutritional security, sustainable livestock health and production, sustainable development of horticulture, strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and natural resource management.

The outlay for the other six schemes are:

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Digital Agriculture Mission, other schemes

The other schemes aim to modernise agriculture with the use of technology, prepare farmers for climate resilience, enhance food security, support sustainable farming practices, and increase farmer's income through horticultural plans.

Leading from the front is the Digital Agriculture Mission which aims to use technology in order to help farmers with the current agricultural challenges. This apart, in an effort to cut the influence of middlemen, the scheme also aims to connect farmers directly with buyers.