Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?

PRID=2146942

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Goal of Doubling Farmers’ Income

Posted On: 22 JUL 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has adopted the vision of Doubling Farmers lncome. An inter-ministerial committee
was constituted on 13th April, 2016 to recommend comprehensive strategies for achieving the goal.

The Government of lndia has identified the following seven sources for enhancing growth of farmers:
-

i. lncrease in crop productivity

ii. lncrease in livestock productivity

iii. Resource use efficiency - reduction in cost of production

iv. lncrease in cropping intensity

v. Diversification to high value agriculture

vi. Remunerative prices on farmers' produce

vii. Shift of surplus manpower from farm to non-farm occupations

To achieve the above seven objectives, Government of lndia supplements the efforts of States through
appropriate policy measures and budgetary support and various schemes/ programmes. The
Government has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) from Rs. 21,933.50 crore during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore in
2025-26.

The various schemes/programmes of the Government of India are meant for the Welfare of farmers
by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers is at Annexure.

As per EU website (agriculture.ec.europa.eu), Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of European

Union is linked to farmed area and conditionality for compliance with EU rules. Indian system is
broad and inclusive, as per national priorities of farmers welfare and self sufficiency in food grains.
Besides PM KisanSammanNidhi, Government fixes Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for mandated
crops based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP)
after considering the views of concerned State Governments and Central Ministries/ Departments.
The Union Budget for 2018-19 had announced the pre-determined principle to keep MSPs at levels of
one and half times of the cost of production. Accordingly, Government had consistently increased

1 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:12 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146942

MSPs for all mandated Kharif, Rabi and other Commercial crops with a minimum margin of 50
percent over all India weighted average cost of production from the year 2018-19 onwards.

Integrated Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) strengthens
implementation of MSP and acts as a tool for market price stabilisation. PM-AASHA has components
of Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Market Intervention
Scheme (MIS).

PSS is implemented on the request of the State Govt./ UT that agrees to exempt from levy of Mandi
tax on the procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds and copra and make arrangements like booking of
scientific storage facility, identification of procurement centres, arrangement of gunny bags etc.. It is
implemented within the stipulated period as and when the market prices of agricultural commodities
fall below the notified MSP during peak harvesting period to provide the remunerative price to the
farmers. From the procurement year 2024-25, the sanction for the procurement of notified Pulses,
Oilseeds and Copra under PSS is given to the States/UTs initially upto a maximum of 25% of the
production of the State for that particular season. Subsequently, if the State/UT achieves the overall
procurement against sanctioned quantity and further intends to procure more beyond the sanctioned
quantity, the proposal for the procurement under the PSS is considered upto a maximum of 25% of
the national production. In order to incentivize the farmers contributing in enhancement of domestic
production of pulses and to reduce the dependence on imports, the Government has allowed the
procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur under PSS equivalent to 100% of the estimated production of
the State till 2028-29.

PDPS envisages the direct payment of the price difference between the MSP and the selling / modal
price in notified market upto 15% of MSP value (including 2% administrative cost) by the Central
Government to the pre-registered farmers selling the oilseeds upto 40% of its production with
prescribed Fair Average Quality (FAQ) in the notified market yard through a transparent auction
process within the stipulated period. However, the States/UTs have the option to implement either
PSS or PDPS for the notified oilseeds for the particular year/season. If any State is willing to cover
quantities beyond 40%, it can do so from its resources.

MIS further enhances the diversity by supporting the perishable and horticulture crops that are not
covered under above price stabilisation measures. MIS offers both physical as well as price difference
payment along with a provision for storage and transportation of TOP (Tomato, Onion and Potato)
crops.

This integrated approach leads to the prevention of distress sale by farmers, ensuring remunerative
prices for their produce. It also facilitates the creation of buffer stock to address market volatility.
Overall, these measures strengthen farmer confidence in market operations due to the assurance of
price support.

Precision farming enhances the productivity of agriculture, efficiency of water use and farmers
income on sustainable basis without any adverse impact on environment. The crop yields are reported
to increase substantially. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) has provision
for establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in public sector for demonstration of latest

2 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:12 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146942

technologies, including precision farming. The technical support for these CoEs, for specific crops
and technology is provided by research institutes and through bilateral cooperation with other
countries.

Digital Agriculture Mission which enables a robust digital agriculture ecosystem in the country for
driving innovative farmer-centric digital solutions and making available timely and reliable crop-
related information to farmers. The Mission envisages the creation of Digital Public Infrastructure for
Agriculture such as Agristack, Krishi Decision Support System, Comprehensive Soil Fertility &
Profile Map, and other IT initiatives undertaken by Central Government/State Governments.
Agristack project is one of the major components of this Mission, which consists of three
foundational registries or databases in the agriculture sector, i.e., the Farmers' Registry, Geo-
referenced village maps, and the Crop Sown Registry, all created and maintained by the State
Governments/Union Territories. This system aims to enhance interoperability and convergence of
efforts, fostering the development of applications in the agricultural sector using emerging digital
technologies.

Under National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) program, which is a component under
Digital Agriculture Mission, funding is given to State Governments for Digital Agriculture Projects
using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Internet of
Things (IOT), Block chain etc.

Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), support is extended to cold storages in agri-export
clusters, at farm gate level, for small and marginal farmers as well as big businesses, APMCs/mandis
to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers' returns. Entrepreneurs, cooperatives, PACS, and
SHGs are actively availing AIF support for establishing cold chain logistics, often integrated with
grading, sorting, and packaging units. Till 30.06.2025, 2454 cold storage projects have been
sanctioned under AIF with sanctioned amount of ₹8258 crore.

Besides, under the MIDH, for holistic development of horticulture sector, including reducing of
harvest and post-harvest losses, financial assistance is provided for various horticulture activities.
These include setting up of Pack Houses, Integrated Pack House, cold storages, Reefer Transport,
Ripening Chamber etc. The component is demand/entrepreneur driven for which Government
assistance in the form of credit linked back ended subsidy is available at the rate of 35% of the project
cost in general areas and at the rate of 50% of the project cost in hilly and scheduled areas through
respective State Horticulture Mission(s) (SHMs).

As of now, there is no proposal to develop agricultural models like those in the Netherlands and Israel
in metropolitan areas.

Annexure

Various Schemes/Programmes of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

1. Pradhan MantriKisanSammanNidhi (PM-KISAN)

2. Pradhan MantriKisanMaanDhanYojana (PM-KMY)
3. Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance

3 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:12 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146942

Scheme (RWBCIS)
4. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
6. Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
7. National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
8. Namo Drone Didi
9. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
10. Pradhan MantriAnnadataAaySanraksHanAbhiyan (PM-AASHA)
11. Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)
12. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
13. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
14. ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojana (PKVY)
15. Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
16. Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
17. Agroforestry
18. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
19. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
20. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
21. National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
22. Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
23. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
24. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
25. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
26. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
27. Digital Agriculture Mission
28. National Bamboo Mission

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

********

RC/KSR/AR/420

(Release ID: 2146942)

Read this release in: Hindi

4 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:12 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146939

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Initiatives to Promote Organic and Climate Smart

Farming
Posted On: 22 JUL 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

Organic farming is being promoted through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in all the
States/UTs except North Eastern States and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North
Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) for the North Eastern States. Both schemes stress on end-to-end
support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and
marketing. Primary focus of the schemes is to form organic clusters, with preference to small and
marginal farmers, to create a supply chain. Both schemes are also promoting natural resource based
integrated and climate resilient sustainable farming systems, natural resource conservation and on-
farm nutrient recycling. Both the schemes are implemented through States /UT Governments.

Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha in 3 years is provided for promotion of organic farming.
Out of this, assistance of Rs. 15,000 per ha is provided to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer for
on- farm /off –farm organic inputs including organic compost.

Under MOVCDNER, assistance of Rs. 46,500/ha in 3 years is provided for creation of Farmers
Producer Organizations, support to farmers for organic inputs etc. Out of this, assistance @ Rs.
32,500/ ha is provided to farmers for off -farm /on –farm organic inputs such as bio-fertilizers,
vermicompost, and organic pesticides including Rs. 15,000 as Direct Benefit Transfer to the farmers.
Farmers can avail assistance for maximum 2 ha area under both the schemes.

Yield index based Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) and weather index based Restructured
Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) introduced in the country from Kharif 2016
season, is available for all States/UTs and is voluntary for the States as well as farmers. States/UTs are
free to subscribe under the scheme keeping in view their risk perception and financial considerations
etc. The PMFBY is designed to cover those crops where past yield data of requisite number of years
based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), is available and the State Government has the capacity
to conduct requisite number of CCEs to assess the yield of the crop to calculate claims.

For the crops not meeting the aforesaid conditions, the concerned State Government is free to notify
them for coverage under Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) under
which claims payment are structured on the basis of weather index parameters.

Under PKVY, financial assistance of Rs. 4,500/ha for 3 years is provided for marketing, packaging,

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:12 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146939

branding, value addition etc. Rs. 3,000/ha in 3 years is provided for certification and residue analysis.
Assistance is also provided @Rs. 9,000/ha in 3 years for training, awareness & capacity building.
Under MOVCDNER, financial assistance of Rs 4000 per ha in 3 years is provided for value chain
marketing at state level, financial assistance of Rs 10000 per ha in 3 years is provided for activities of
ICS management, training and certification.

To ensure market linkage States organize seminars, workshops, buyer-seller meetings, exhibitions and
organic festivals either within their own region or in key markets of other states. Additionally, Farmer
Producer Organisations have been onboarded on GeM platform and Open Network for Digital
Commerce for digital market linkage and e-commerce.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

********

RC/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2146939)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:12 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146937

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Implementation of National Mission on Natural

Farming
Posted On: 22 JUL 2025 6:08PM by PIB Delhi

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is implemented in 15,000 natural farming clusters
covering 7.5 Lakh Ha area across the country. Each cluster is of contiguous areas of about 50 Ha and
with approximately 125 farmers.

Scientists, Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs) and trained Community Resource Persons (CRPs)
undertake awareness generation, training, on-field demonstration and provide continuous handholding
support to farmers. For this, more than 3900 Scientists, FMTs & Government officials have been
trained on Natural Farming and about 28,000 CRPs have been identified under the Mission. Also, 806
training institutions, i.e., KrishiVigyanKendras, Agricultural Universities and Local Natural Farming
Institutions have been involved by States/UTs.

Till date 1,100 Natural Farming Model Farms have been developed in KrishiVigyanKendras,
Agricultural Universities and on fields of practicing natural farming farmers for the training of
Community Resource Persons and farmers.

An output based incentive of ₹4000/- per acre per year per farmer for 2 years (up to 1 acre per farmer)
is provisioned in the scheme for farmers to practice natural farming, training, upkeep of livestock,
preparation of natural farming inputs etc. Till date, more than 10 lakh farmers have been enrolled
under the Mission.

Further, farmers are being supported by a simple certification system for increased market access. The
Natural Farming Certification System is under implementation by National Centre for Organic &
Natural Farming (NCONF), Ghaziabad under Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) - India.

An online portal (https://naturalfarming.dac.gov.in/) has been developed for real-time monitoring of

the progress of implementation of NMNF.

A Bio-input Resource Centre (BRC) is a cluster level enterprise that provides ready to use Natural
Farming bio-inputs to local farmers who may not themselves be making on-farm inputs. BRC will
also disseminate knowledge, training and demonstration on these natural farming bio Inputs to
farmers. BRCs identified are 7934, of which 2045 BRCs have been set up. BRCs may be set up by
practicing natural farming farmers, Primary Agriculture Credit Society/ Farmer Producer
Organizations, Self Help Groups, local rural entrepreneurs etc.

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:13 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146937

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

********

RC/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2146937)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:13 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146924

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture

Posted On: 22 JUL 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has released a total of 2900 varieties during last 10
years (2014-2024), out of which, 2661 varieties are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic
stresses. Under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, 298 climate
resilient varieties tolerant to drought/flood/ heat in 11 crops were demonstrated involving 11,835
farmers, across the 448 villages in 151 climatically vulnerable districts across the country. About
5278 tribal and smallholder farmers in 72 drought-prone districts under NICRA project received
tolerant seeds of different crops for undertaking field demonstrations.

Government of India is implementing Sub Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP) from the
year 2014-15 to promote production and multiplication of quality seeds of agricultural crops to make
availability of required quantities of seed to farmers across the country. SMSP has now been merged
with National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) from 2023-24. During 2024-25, an
amount of Rs. 270.90 crore was allocated under the seed scheme of SMSP (now merged with
NFSNM) wherein an amount of Rs. 206.86 crore had been released to the States/UTs out of which
141.46 crore has been provided under Seed Village Programme.

Capacity building for establishing village level seed banks and community nurseries is being
undertaken under NICRA project that enable availability of seeds in the adopted villages. Drought
and flood tolerant climate-resilient varieties of rice, wheat, soybean, mustard, chickpea, sorghum,
gram, and foxtail millet were demonstrated in several NICRA villages. Besides, training programmes
are conducted under Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) on various issues of
agricultural practices including the awareness of using quality seeds among the farmers.

To mitigate the impacts of adverse weather on agriculture, under the GraminKrishiMausamSewa

(GKMS) scheme, medium range weather forecast for next 5 days at district and block are generated
by IMD. Based on rainfall and other weather parameters along with weather forecasts issued by IMD,
130 Agromet Field Units prepare Agromet Advisories in English as well as in the regional language
for dissemination through multiple channels. Also, farmers access weather information including
alerts and related agromet advisories specific to their districts through the mobile App viz.,
‘Meghdoot’ launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences which is available in English and 13 regional
languages. These weather details are also accessible to farmers through ‘Mausam’ App of IMD.The
Panchayat-level weather forecast information is accessible through multiple digital platforms,

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:13 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146924

including: eGramSwaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), ‘Gram Manchitra’ Application of MoPR

(https://grammanchitra.gov.in/gm4MVC), ‘Meri Panchayat’ Mobile App and Mausamgram web
portal of IMD (https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in/).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

********

RC/KSR/AR/368

(Release ID: 2146924)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:13 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146922

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Promotion of Agriculture through Artificial

Intelligence Technology
Posted On: 22 JUL 2025 6:00PM by PIB Delhi

The government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods and IoT-enabled systems to
improve crop productivity, sustainability and farmer livelihoods, and to address various challenges in
the agricultural sector to aid farmers, etc. Some initiatives are given below:

I. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ is a voice-based AI-powered chatbot developed to assist farmers with

responses to their queries on the PM KisanSammanNidhi scheme. This solution supports 11
regional languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs. At present, it
handles over 20,000 farmer queries daily and so far, more than 95 lakh queries have been
answered.

II. The National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change,
utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely
intervention for healthier crops. This tool, currently used by over 10,000 extension workers,
allows farmers to capture images of pests to help them mitigate pest attacks and reduce crop
losses. At present, it supports 61 crops and over 400 pests.

III. AI-based
analytics using field photographs for satellite-based crop mapping being used in
Crop-weather matching monitoring of crops sown.

Further, in order to promote the use of drones in agriculture, under SMAM, financial assistance @
100% of the cost of drone up to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakhs per drone is provided for its purchase and
demonstration on the farmers' fields by the institutes under Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR), Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). State
Agriculture Universities (SAUs), State and other Central Government Agricultural Institutions/
Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of the Government of India States/district in the
country engaged in agricultural activities. The Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) are provided
grants up to 75% of the cost of the Kisan Drone for its demonstrations on the farmers' fields. In order
to make available drone services to farmers on rental basis, financial assistance @ 40% up to a
maximum of Rs. 4.00 lakhs are provided for purchase of drones by CHCs under Cooperative Society

1 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:14 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146922

of Farmers, FPOs and Rural entrepreneurs. Agriculture graduates establishing CHCs are eligible to
receive financial assistance @50% of the cost of drone up to a maximum of Rs.5.00 lakhs per drone.
For the purchase of drones on an individual ownership basis, the Small and Marginal, Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe, Women and North Eastern State farmers are provided financial assistance @
50% of the cost up to a maximum of Rs. 5,00 lakhs and other farmers @ 40% up to a maximum of
Rs. 4.00 lakhs per drone.

The Government has approved 'Namo Drone Didi' as Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of Rs.
1261 Crores for a period of 3 years (2023-24 to 2025-26) with the major aims and objectives
promoting advance technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield and
reduced cost of operation and to empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) as drone service
providers for increasing their income and providing livelihood support to them. Under the Namo
Drone Didi scheme, the target is to provide 15,000 Drones to Women SHGs. 1094 drones have been
distributed to SHGs by the Lead Fertilizer Companies in 2023-24 by utilizing their internal resources.
Distribution of 14,500 drones has been targeted by the Department for which the Government will
provide 80% subsidy on drone' package (max 8.0 lakhs per SHG). The balance 20% is to be borne by
the SHGs. They may also take a loan under Agri Infra Financing (AIF) with 3% interest subvention.

1094 drones have been distributed to SHGs by the Lead Fertilizer Companies in 2023-24,
utilizing their internal resources. Out of these 1094 drones, 500 drones have been distributed to SHGs
under the Namo Drone Didi scheme. The details of drones distributed state-wiseare given at
annexure.

Annexure

State-wise Numbers of Drones approved /distributed under Sub-Mission on Agricultural

Mechanization and Namo Drone Didi

Sr.No State Drones approved/distributed Drones distributed Total

under SMAM (Individual/ under Namo Drone

CHCs) Didi by LFCs ( In
Numbers)
( In Numbers)

1. Andhra Pradesh 1475 96 1571

2. Arunachal 2 0 2
Pradesh

3. Assam 0 9 9

4. Bihar 5 5 10

2 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:14 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146922

5. Chhattisgarh 50 12 62

6. Gujarat 0 18 18

7. Haryana 0 22 22

8. Himachal 0 4 4
Pradesh

9. Jharkhand 0 1 1

10. Karnataka 24 82 106

11. Kerala 24 2 26

12. Madhya 300 34 334

Pradesh

13. Maharashtra 25 30 55

14. Manipur 4 0 4

15. Nagaland 2 0 2

16. Punjab 0 23 23

17. Rajasthan 0 19 19

18. Telangana 0 72 72

19. Odisha 0 12 12

20. Tamil Nadu 10 17 27

21. Uttar Pradesh 158 32 190

22. Uttarakhand 34 3 37

3 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:14 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146922

23. West Bengal 4 7 11

24. Puducherry 5 0 5

Total 2122 500 2622

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

********

RC/KSR/AR/279

(Release ID: 2146922)

Read this release in: Hindi

4 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:14 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145267

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

India-Argentina holds 2nd Joint Working Group

Meeting on Agriculture Cooperation

India-Argentina Meeting Marks Key Milestone in Bilateral

Agricultural Cooperation
Posted On: 16 JUL 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

The 2ndJoint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture between India and Argentina was held
yesterday, with the Indian Co-chair, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture &
Farmers’ Welfare, joining the session virtually. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Sergio Iraeta,
Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, from the Argentina side. Both sides underscored the
significance of the meeting as a key milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of
agriculture and allied sectors.

Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, highlighted that Argentina is a crucial partner for India. He said that the
partnership between both the countries is rooted in a spirit of collaboration—sharing knowledge,
technologies, and best practices that benefit both the nations. He emphasized that opportunity exists
in areas such as agricultural mechanization, pest control, climate-resilient agriculture, and joint
research.

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:15 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145267

Mr. Sergio Iraeta, underscored Argentina’s commitment to strengthening its valued partnership with
India. He highlighted Argentina’s strong interest in deepening cooperation in key areas such as
agricultural mechanization, genome editing, and plant breeding technologies among others. He
further emphasized that both countries, with their rich agricultural experience, have the potential to
complement each other in enhancing productivity, promoting mechanization, and improving farmers’
welfare.

Shri Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), DA&FW, provided an overview of the
agriculture and allied sectors, emphasizing India’s remarkable agricultural achievements. He
highlighted a series of innovative initiatives launched by the government to strengthen the agricultural
sector, which included the use of digital solutions, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices,
risk mitigation, and credit to the farmers.

Both sides discussed key issues related to cooperation in Horticulture, Value chain of Oilseed and
Pulses cultivation, Mechanization, Precision Agriculture, Carbon Credit for Farmers, Biopesticide,
Locust Control & Management, New breeding Technologies and market access among other issues.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,
the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and
the Ministry of External Affairs.

******

RC/AR

(Release ID: 2145267)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Marathi , Tamil , Malayalam

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:15 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145267

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:15 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145147

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Cabinet approves the Prime Minister Dhan-

Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Fast tracking development in agriculture and allied sectors in

100 districts
Posted On: 16 JUL 2025 2:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the “Prime
Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” for a period of six years, beginning with 2025-26 to cover
100 districts. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s
Aspirational District Programme and first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied
sectors.

The Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and
sustainable agricultural practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels,
improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. It is in
pursuance of Budget announcement for 2025-26 to develop 100 districts under “Prime Minister
Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”. The Scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing
schemes across 11 Departments, other State schemes and local partnerships with the private sector.

100 districts will be identified based on three key indicators of low productivity, low cropping
intensity, and less credit disbursement. The number of districts in each state/UT will be based on the
share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings. However, a minimum of 1 district will be
selected from each state.

Committees will be formed at District, State and National level for effective planning,
implementation and monitoring of the Scheme. A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will
be finalized by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will also have progressive farmers as
members. The District Plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation
of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of
natural and organic farming. Progress of the Scheme in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be monitored
on 117 key Performance Indicators through a dashboard on monthly basis. NITI will also review and
guide the district plans. Besides Central Nodal Officers appointed for each district will also review
the scheme on a regular basis.

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:16 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145147

As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts will improve, the overall average against key
performance indicators will rise for the country. The scheme will result in higher productivity, value
addition in agriculture and allied sector, local livelihood creation and hence increase domestic
production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). As the indicators of these 100 districts
improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory.

*****

MJPS/BM

(Release ID: 2145147)

Read this release in: Tamil , Urdu , Hindi , Marathi , Bengali-TR , Punjabi , Gujarati , Malayalam

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:16 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

"We will take forward the success of the Viksit

Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan; this campaign will not
stop" – Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh
Chouhan

“In the interest of farmers, KVKs will be made the nodal

agency in every district as a team” – Shri Shivraj Singh

“KVK scientists will visit farms and interact with farmers three
days a week” – Union Minister Shri Chouhan

“As Agriculture Minister, I myself will visit farms and interact

with farmers two days a week,” announces Shri Shivraj Singh
Chouhan

“Each state will have a nodal officer from ICAR who will
coordinate with a scientific approach” – Shri Chouhan

“We will continue efforts to improve agriculture and enrich

farmers by reaching out to the fields” – Shri Shivraj Singh
Chouhan

“Teams of 2,170 scientists have directly interacted with over

1.34 crore farmers in more than 1.42 lakh villages”

“We will try to bridge the gap in knowledge, research, and

capabilities” – Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

“Effective action will be taken against substandard seeds and

1 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

pesticides” – Union Minister Shri Chouhan

“The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will be launched again for

the Rabi crop” – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,

extraordinary work has been done in agriculture in the past
11 years” – Shri Shivraj Singh
Posted On: 18 JUN 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh
Chouhan, lauded the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a highly impactful initiative that has achieved
widespread success across the country. He emphasized that the campaign is not a one-time effort, it
marks the beginning of a sustained movement to modernize Indian agriculture and enhance farmers'
prosperity through direct field-level engagement. As part of the campaign, 2,170 teams comprising
scientists, officials, and agricultural experts visited over 1.42 lakh villages, directly interacting with
more than 1.34 crore farmers. The initiative witnessed active participation from Chief Ministers, Union
Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and a large number of grassroots
representatives.

2 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

The Union Agriculture Minister, while addressing the media, announced a series of immediate
measures to enhance agricultural development and farmer welfare. He emphasized the need to bridge
existing gaps in knowledge, research, and institutional capacities to ensure tangible benefits for
farmers. Highlighting the critical role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the Minister stated that
KVKs will be designated as nodal agencies in every district. These will operate as coordinated teams
dedicated to addressing farmers’ needs. Efforts will also be undertaken to bring uniformity and
structural strengthening to the KVK system across the country. To ensure direct engagement with
farming communities, KVK scientists will now be mandated to spend at least three days a week in the
field. Reaffirming his personal commitment, Shri Chouhan added that he himself will visit farms two
days a week to connect with farmers on the ground and understand their issues first-hand.

3 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

Shri Chouhan stressed that true understanding of agricultural challenges cannot be achieved by sitting
in air-conditioned office. Therefore, field engagement will become a core operational priority for all
agricultural personnel. At the national level, Shri Chouhan underlined the need for greater
coordination among all institutions working towards progressive agriculture and farmer prosperity. To
streamline efforts, he announced the establishment of a centralized coordination mechanism to align
the functioning of key stakeholders. Additionally, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) will appoint a State-wise Nodal Officer for agriculture. This officer will be responsible for
overseeing scientific trials, identifying state-specific challenges, offering expert advice, and
maintaining close communication with state governments. The objective is to ensure that scientific
insights and policy responses are tailored to the unique needs of each region.The Minister also
assured that he, along with senior officials, will hold regular consultations with state governments to
align strategies and deliver regionally relevant agricultural solutions.

4 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

Shri Chouhan flagged two pressing concerns highlighted during the campaignsubstandard seeds and
pesticides. In response, the Ministry will take strong measures to strengthen the Seed Act and ensure
stringent quality control mechanisms, so that only certified, high-quality inputs reach farmers. “This
campaign aimed to fill up the gap between the research labs and the agricultural fields. We’ve seen
remarkable work happening, but challenges persist. Our focus must now be on increasing
productivity, reducing input costs, and ensuring that agriculture becomes a profitable and
sustainable livelihood for every farmer,” he added.

He praised the efforts of ICAR and the Ministry of Agriculture for the successful execution of the

5 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

campaign and announced that it will be relaunched during the Rabi season. Additionally, targeted
follow-up actions will commence with a dedicated Action Plan for Soybean. A stakeholder
consultation for soybean will be held on June 26 in Indore, followed by similar missions on cotton,
sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds, the Minister informed. A national-level meeting in hybrid mode
is scheduled on June 24 at the Pusa Institute, where scientists, agricultural officers, and state
agriculture ministers will review campaign outcomes. Nodal officers will present comprehensive
reports on state-wise agricultural conditions, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts between
the Centre and states. The meeting will also explore future research priorities and structural reforms.

Shri Chouhan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, food grain
production has risen by 40% in the last 11 years, a result of consistent and strategic policy
implementation. “Our mission is to ensure food security, nutritional availability, and profitable
farming while preserving soil health for future generations. India must emerge as a global food
basket, he said.

Shri Chouhan outlined the vision of “One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team,” emphasizing the
need for an integrated platform where farmers, scientists, institutions, and policymakers collaborate to
achieve the common goal of developed agriculture and farmer prosperity.

The campaign emphasized inclusive outreach, with special focus on underserved regions:

• In 177 tribal districts, over 8,000 programs were conducted across 1,024 blocks, reaching
around 18 lakh farmers.
• In 112 aspirational districts, teams visited approximately 6,800 villages and engaged with 15
lakh farmers.
• Nearly 100 border districts and vibrant villages were also covered to ensure outreach to
remote and strategic regions.

A key highlight of the campaign was the Kisan Chaupals, which facilitated direct and meaningful
dialogues between scientists and farmers. Discussions included agro-climatic suitability of crops,
seed varieties, soil health, and pest management. Two significant insights emerged:

1. Localized research is critical—research priorities must be informed by ground realities, not

just central directives.
2. Farmers as innovators—many farmers demonstrated indigenous innovations tailored to local
needs, surprising even seasoned scientists.

Several farmers also raised policy-related concerns, such as:

• The need for an integrated climate change action plan.

• Simplifying organic farming certification.
• Formulating a comprehensive fodder policy.
• Making Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) more practical and effective.

Highlighting the importance of farmer-driven policymaking and demand-driven research, Shri

Chouhan stated that these recommendations will be integral for future policy development. He also
said that ‘the field is the most authentic laboratory, and the farmer’s voice must guide our path.’ The

6 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137397

press conference was also attended by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary (MoA&FW) and Dr. M.L.
Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR).

*******

PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2137397)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

7 of 7 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137439

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

India-Ukraine 1stJoint Working Group Meeting

on Agriculture Held

Technology Transfer & Knowledge Sharing in Agriculture

Sector Discussed

India highlights innovative initiatives launched by the

Government
Posted On: 18 JUN 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

The first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture was held between India and Ukraine
today in virtual mode. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (IC),
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfares and Ms. Oksana Osmachko, Deputy Minister of
Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Officials from both countries emphasized that the meeting
marks an important milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.

Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu provided an overview of the agriculture and allied sectors emphasizing

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137439

India’s remarkable agricultural achievements. He highlighted a series of innovative initiatives

launched by the government to strengthen the agricultural sector, which includedthe use of digital
solutions, promotingclimate-resilient agricultural practices, risk mitigation, and credit initiatives of
the government. Other noteworthy programs mentioned by him included the National Mission on
Edible Oils Oilseeds, National Food Security Mission Pulses, and e-NAM, which aims to foster
growth in the agriculture sector and rural development.

Ms. Oksana Osmachko, emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening its valued partnership
with India. She expressed Ukraine’s strong interest in deepening cooperation in key areas such as
food processing, agricultural mechanisation, digital agriculture, genome editing, plant breeding
technologies, soil fertility, and soil mapping. She further emphasized that both countries, with their
rich agricultural experience, have the potential to complement each other in enhancing productivity,
promoting mechanisation, and improving farmers’ welfare.

Both sides discussed key issues related to cooperation in horticulture, technology transfer, knowledge
sharing, capacity building, research collaboration and market access among other issues.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137439

Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Ministry of External Affairs.

***

PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2137439)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2133591

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

9 'Clean Plant' Projects to be Launched across

the Country, 3 of which to be in Maharashtra:
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan

India’s first International Agri Hackathon Concludes in Pune

in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri.
Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Posted On: 03 JUN 2025 5:53PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai/Pune, 3 June 2025

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the concluding session of
India’s first International Agri Hackathon in Pune.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the agriculture sector is
facing many problems in the backdrop of current climate change and the use of modern
technology is the only solution. He also expressed the need to incubate useful technologies
from the Pune Agri Hackathon and take them directly to farmers. He expressed his belief
that if this revolution in the field of agricultural technology is taken forward, it will increase
the productivity of agriculture.

1 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2133591

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
commended the innovation and enthusiasm demonstrated by the participants and
applauded Maharashtra’s significant contributions to horticultural excellence.

"Maharashtra has emerged as a horticulture hub of the country. The combined efforts of the
Government and the hard work of its farmers have set an example for the rest of the
nation," said Shri Chouhan. He also congratulated Maharashtra for its record production of
grapes, pomegranates, oranges, chickpeas and various vegetables.

There is no guarantee whether the plants available for cultivation in the horticulture sector
are disease-free and productive or not. To solve this problem, the Union Minister stated that
the Central Government will launch the 'Clean Plant' program. This program will ensure that
the plants available to farmers are disease-free, he said. 9 'Clean Plant' projects will be
started across the country, out of which 3 projects will be set up in Maharashtra at a cost of
Rs 300 crore. Under this, Shri Chouhan further added, projects will be started in Pune for
grapes, in Nagpur for oranges and in Solapur for pomegranates. Along with these projects,
he informed that modern nurseries will also be set up. Those who use technology for
agriculture will be supported by these nurseries. Rs 3 crore will be provided for large
nurseries and Rs 1.5 crore for medium-sized nurseries. Through these nurseries, 8 crore
disease-free seedlings will be available to farmers every year. The Minister therefore
expressed confidence that Maharashtra's horticulture will be able to compete with the world.
Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also said that cooperation from countries like Israel and the
Netherlands will also be taken to implement this program.

2 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2133591

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reiterated the resolution of a
developed India presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he said that this
resolution cannot be realized in reality without developed agriculture and prosperous
farmers. He also mentioned that measures are necessary to increase the production per
hectare, reduce the cost of production, get fair prices for agricultural products and
compensation for losses for farmers to benefit from agriculture.

Elaborating further, the Minister stated, scientists work in laboratories to produce good
seeds, increase production and diagnose diseases. However, their research does not reach
the farmers in a timely manner. To bridge this gap, the Government is trying to bring
scientists and farmers together through 'Lab to Land'. For this, he said, the Central
Government has taken an important decision that sixteen thousand scientists from across
the country will come out of the laboratories and work directly with the farmers and with
the Agriculture Department of the Central Government. He expressed his belief that if
science and farmers come together and they get the support of the Government and
Agricultural Universities, miracles will happen in the agricultural sector.

3 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2133591

Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also said that there is a misconception that the youth do not
want to enter the agricultural sector. However, he appealed to the youth to use their skills
and enter the agricultural sector and initiate start startups. He also expressed the need to
develop seed varieties that are adaptable to climate change to avoid damage. He assured
that the government will leave no stone unturned to solve every problem of the farmers.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also put
forth the resolve to export the country’s agricultural products all over the world after
satisfying the needs of the citizens of India and to make India a food bank of the world. He
said that Maharashtra will play an important role in this. He appealed to the farmers to
develop their agriculture and contribute to the journey of a developed India.

During the event dignitaries presented awards to the winners among the participating
startups, agri-innovators, and enterprising farmers. These winners were recognized under
categories such as Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Soil and Irrigation Management, Soil
Health Management, Farm Mechanization, Fertigation and Pest-Disease Management, Post-
Harvest Technologies and Residue Management, Agri-Economics and Market Linkages, and
Other Agricultural Innovations.

4 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2133591

***

PIB Mumbai | NJ/ ST/ DR

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PI

BMumbai /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2133591)

Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , Tamil

5 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:18 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128630

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Jan Seva Hi Prabhu Seva” a guiding principle for

public service: ICAR DG Dr. M L Jat

Senior Officers’ Training Programme under ‘Rashtriya

Karmayogi’ inaugurated
Posted On: 14 MAY 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) DG and Department of Agricultural Research and
Education (DARE) Secretary Dr.M.L Jat inaugurated the training programme for Deputy Secretary
(DS)/Director level officers from various Ministries and Departments (MDOs) as part of the
‘Rashtriya Karmayogi – Large Scale Jan Seva Programme’ ,here today. Addressing the participants,
Dr. Jat emphasized the profound significance of "Jan Seva Hi PrabhuSeva", stating that it is not
merely a sentence but a guiding principle that encapsulates the essence of public service. He urged
officials to internalize this philosophy for the realization of a Vikshit Bharat by 2047.

"A Vikshit Bharat cannot be achieved without the development of agriculture. All four pillars of
Vikshit Bharat are intrinsically aligned with agriculture. We are fortunate to contribute to this sector,
directly supporting the Prime Minister Shri NarendraModiji’s vision of a developed India," he
remarked.

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128630

The Director General highlighted the importance of fostering respect, shared vision, and collective
action within organizations. He noted that becoming a Karmayogi starts with developing respect for
others and nurturing a genuine connection with society and the nation. "True Karmayogi emerges
from within. It does not come from mere lectures but from experiencing joy in one’s work. Until we
enjoy our work, we cannot become true Karma yogis," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. R. C. Agarwal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education),
ICAR, informed that ICAR/DARE has been recognized as the top-performing organization under this
programme. He stressed that while knowledge, skill development, and motivation are crucial for any
training programme, fostering interpersonal connections is equally essential for meaningful outcomes.
Earlier, Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General (HRD), ICAR, delivered the welcome address
and outlined the objectives and achievements of the programme.

The Rashtriya Karmayogi – Large Scale Jan Seva programme, launched by the Capacity Building
Commission (CBC) on 12th September 2024, aims to strengthen the sense of purpose (Svadharma)
among officials. The initiative seeks to reawaken the values of SevaBhaav in their professional roles,
enhancing citizen-centric service delivery, fostering inter-departmental collaboration, and improving

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128630

officials' sense of fulfillment at work.

***

PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2128630)

Read this release in: Tamil , Urdu , Hindi

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126802

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh

Chouhan Announces Two Genome-Edited Rice
Varieties Developed in India
India Becomes the First Country in the World to Develop
Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

The new genome varieties hold the potential for revolutionary

changes in higher production, climate adaptability, and water
conservation
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

Key Highlights:

• "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has achieved a historic
milestone in scientific research," said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• "Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, agricultural research has been given a new
direction," added Shri Chouhan.
• "This is a golden opportunity for the agriculture sector," stated Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• "These new varieties will play a leading role in heralding the second Green Revolution,"
emphasized Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced the
development of two genome-edited rice varieties, in India, at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam
Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. This marks a new beginning in the field of scientific
research and innovation. A large number of scientists and farmers attended the event.

1 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126802

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister
Modi, India’s vision for a developed nation is being realized, and farmers are moving towards
prosperity. Today’s achievement will be written in golden letters. During the Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav, Prime Minister Modi had called upon farmers to adopt modern techniques to overcome
agricultural challenges. Inspired by his words, ICAR scientists have made exceptional achievements
in the field of agriculture with the creation of these new varieties."

2 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126802

He further said that the development of these new crops will not only enhance production but will
also yield positive results in environmental terms. It will save irrigation water and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, thereby lowering environmental pressure. This is a classic example of getting both
benefits – increased production and environmental conservation.

Shri Chouhan emphasized that in the coming times, there is a need for ensuring food security,
increasing nutritious production, and providing food for both India and the world, while making India
the food basket of the world. He stated, "We are proud that our efforts have led to the export of
48,000 crore worth of Basmati rice annually."

The Minister also urged the need to take further steps to increase production of soybean, arhar, tur,
lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses.

Shri Chouhan also introduced the "Minus 5 and Plus 10" formula, explaining that it involves reducing
the area of rice cultivation by 5 million hectares while increasing rice production by 10 million tons in
the same area. This would free up space for the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.

He urged the farmers, especially the young farmers, to adopt advanced farming techniques. Shri
Chouhan said, "We need to take agricultural research to the farmers. When agricultural scientists and
farmers come together, miracles will happen."

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, virtually
congratulated the scientists.

Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, DA&FW, MoEF&CC, highlighted that the new varieties
announced by ICAR today could be a game-changer for Indian agriculture:

Dr. M.L Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), emphasized the importance of demand-
driven research, highlighting the need to gather feedback from farmers about their specific
requirements. This approach will ensure that research outcomes are tailored to meet the needs of
farmers and effectively reach them with the right solutions.

3 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126802

On this occasion, the Minister honored the scientists who contributed to the research of the two
varieties. Dr. Vishwanathan C, Dr. Gopal Krishnan S, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Shivani Nagar, Dr.
Archana Vats, Dr. Soham Ray, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh and Dr. Pranjal Yadav, were honored for their
work on Pusa DST Rice 1. Dr. Satyendra Kumar Mangruthia, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Dr. R. Abdul
Fiyaz, Dr. C.N. Neerja, and Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad were honored for their contribution to the
development of of DRR Rice 100 (Kamla).

Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General, (Crop Science) ICAR, Dr. R.M. Sundaram,
Director, ICAR-Indian Rice Research Institute, Hyderabad, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Former
Director, ICAR, and Dr. C.H. Srinivas Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI also addressed the event.

Background:

ICAR has developed India’s first genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa
DST Rice 1. These varieties have the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in terms of
higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation.

These new varieties were developed using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas, which
makes precise changes in the organism's genetic material without adding foreign DNA. Genome
editing of SDN 1 and SDN 2 types of genes has been approved under India's biosafety regulations for
general crops.

In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba
Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund. The outcome of this
research is the two advanced varieties that offer the following benefits:

• A 19% increase in yield.

• A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• A saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.

4 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126802

• Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses.

The DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) variety was developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, based on Samba
Mahsuri (BPT 5204). Its objective is to increase the number of grains per panicle and it matures 20
days earlier (~130 days). Due to its shorter duration, it helps save water and fertilizers and reduces
methane gas emissions. Its stalk is strong and does not fall. The rice quality is similar to the original
variety, Samba Mahsuri.

The second variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, was developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, based on MTU
1010. This variety can increase yields by 9.66% to 30.4% in saline and alkaline soils, with the
potential for up to 20% increase in production.

These varieties have been developed for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).

The development of these varieties is a significant step toward India’s goal of becoming a developed
nation and promoting sustainable agriculture. In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India
allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops. ICAR has already initiated genome-
editing research for several crops, including oilseeds and pulses.

*****

PSF/SRK/A

(Release ID: 2126802)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Marathi , Tamil

5 of 5 22-07-2025, 10:20 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2127181

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Stakeholder Consultation in the Medicinal Plant

Sector to promote medicinal plants
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 9:42PM by PIB Delhi

A Stakeholder Consultation under the Co-Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Agriculture and

Farmers Welfare, MoA&FW and Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH was held on Monday at Krishi
Bhawan, New Delhi to promote the cultivation and use of medicinal plants across the country,
observing participation from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH,
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Plant Medicinal Board (NPMB), State Horticulture
Missions (SHMs), ICAR, State Medicinal Plant Boards, progressive farmers and leading private
players from Medicinal Plant industry.

In his opening remarks, Shri. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, highlighted that there is a scope to increase domestic production of medicinal plants as
inter-state trade and export of medicinal plants. He highlighted the need for better convergence
between Ministry of AYUSH and Agriculture departments and collaboration with State Medicinal

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:21 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2127181

Plant Boards, to promote medicinal plants at national level. He also mentioned that important
medicinal plants have been included under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
(MIDH) scheme, DA&FW. He stressed that there is a need for a mission-mode program for medicinal
plant cultivation, identifying good practices of cultivation, efficient techniques, etc., which will help
in the upliftment of the sector.

Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH highlighted that there is a huge
possibility of growth in the sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown by 8 times in the last
10 years and has vast export potential. The sector has enormous economic opportunities, and
especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for AYUSH products including medicinal
plants has grown immensely.

Key objectives of the session majorly focussed on:

• Exploring avenues for developing region-specific medicinal plant clusters.

• Facilitating partnerships between farmers and industry players for assured procurement and
end-to-end value chain development.
• Discussing the establishment of dedicated mandis and marketing platforms to ensure fair prices
for farmers.
• Promoting research, training, and extension services to build capacity among stakeholders.

During the meeting, various participants and stakeholders suggested identifying crop-specific areas
for the establishment of clusters dedicated to medicinal plants. These clusters would focus on area
expansion, production, industry partnerships, farmer training and marketing through setting up
specialised mandis for these crops ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), emphasized the need to
identify policy interventions and financial incentives to encourage farmers to take up the cultivation
of medicinal plants.

*****

PSF/ SRK/AR

(Release ID: 2127181)

Read this release in: Urdu , Bengali

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:21 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112396

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

SCHEMES FOR AGRI RELATED TOURISM

ACTIVITIES
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare does not have any ‘Scheme for Agri Related Tourism
Activities’. However, Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including
rural tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT)
Administration. The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan
(SD)’, ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and
‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ complements the efforts of
tourism infrastructure development in the country by extending financial assistance to the State
Governments/UT Administrations. Rural Circuit has been identified as one of the thematic circuits
under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0)
with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a destination
& tourist-centric approach.

Ministry of Tourism has also formulated national strategies for development of rural tourism and
promotion of rural homestays in India."

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2112396)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali

1 of 1 22-07-2025, 10:23 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112397

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

STUBBLE BURNING
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is primarily supporting the efforts of
States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi for combating paddy stubble burning
under the Crop Residue Management Scheme being implemented from 2018-19, focusing on both in-
situ and ex-situ management of paddy straw.

Under this scheme, financial assistance @ 50% of the cost of machine is provided to the farmers for
purchase of crop residue management machinery and @ 80% for the projects costing up to Rs. 30
lakhs is provided to Rural Entrepreneurs (Rural youth & Farmer as an entrepreneur), Cooperative
Societies of farmers, Registered Farmers Societies, Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs) and
Panchayats for establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) of crop residue management
machines. The scheme promotes the usage of machines and equipments such as Super Straw
Management System, Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, Smart Seeder, Surface Seeder, Zero Till Seed cum
Fertilizer Drill etc. for in-situ management of crop residue and Balers & Straw Rakes for collection of
straw for further ex-situ utilization.

With a view to enable efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw generated in these States,
provisions have been made to establish projects for paddy straw supply chain with financial
assistance @ 65% on the capital cost of machinery costing up to Rs. 1.50 crores. The intervention
aims at establishing a robust supply chain of paddy straw for various end user industries in biomass
power generation and biofuel sectors.

Under this scheme, during the period from 2018-19 to 2024-25 (as on 28 February 2025), an amount
of Rs. 3698.45 Crore have been released to these States and Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR). The States have established more than 41,900 CHCs of crop residue management machines
and more than 3.23 lakh crop residue management machines have been supplied to these CHCs and
individual farmers of these States.

As per the reports released by the Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and
Modeling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory, Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR – Indian
Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, the paddy straw burning events between 15th September
to 30th November during the last year in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were 42962,
which have been reduced to 18457 events during 2024 for the same period, which indicates 57
percent reduction in paddy straw burning over the last year.

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112397

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2112397)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112401

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

DRIP AND SPRINKLER IRRIGATION

THROUGH PMKSY
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:05PM by PIB Delhi

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme is being implemented since
2015-16. The Scheme focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro
Irrigation, namely, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. From 2015-16 to 2021-22, the Scheme was
implemented as a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). From 2022-23,
the scheme is being implemented under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY).

From 2015-16 till date, 96.97 lakh ha has been covered under micro irrigation through PDMC
scheme, which includes 46.37 lakh ha under drip irrigation and 50.60 lakh ha under sprinkler
irrigation.

Under PDMC Scheme, financial assistance is provided to farmers for installation of micro irrigation
systems @ 55% and 45% of the unit cost to small & marginal farmers and other farmers respectively.

NITI Aayog conducted an evaluation study of PDMC scheme in the year 2020. The study revealed
that the scheme is relevant in achieving national priorities such as improving on-farm water use
efficiency, enhancing crop productivity, generating employment opportunities, overall income
enhancement of farmers etc.

Central Assistance of Rs. 5711.55 crore has been released/sanctioned till date under PMRKVY to the
States during current financial year, which includes Rs. 2232.30 crore for PDMC scheme.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2112401)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112401

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112402

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF EXTREME

CLIMATE
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

As per the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), the primary responsibility for disaster
management, including disbursal of relief assistance on ground level, rests with the State
Governments concerned. The State Governments undertake relief measures in the wake of natural
calamities, from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) already placed at their disposal, in
accordance with Government of India's approved items and norms. The Central Government
supplements the efforts of the State Governments and provides requisite logistics and financial
support. Additional financial assistance is provided from the National Disaster Response Fund
(NDRF), as per laid down procedure, in case of disaster of 'severe nature', which includes an
assessment based on the visit of an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

Further, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) along with weather index based Restructured
Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) provide a comprehensive insurance cover against
failure of the crop to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen natural calamities.

The PMFBY/RWBCIS scheme is being implemented on Area Approach basis and claims are worked
out as per designated formula based on the season end yield data submitted by the concerned State
Government irrespective of reasons of crop loss/ claims. Claims are required to be paid within 21
Days from calculation of claims on NCIP irrespective of whether Insurance Companies have raised
the demand for 2nd or final tranche of premium subsidy and whether the verification and Quality
Check has been completed by Insurance Companies. Failing which, penalty shall be auto calculated
and levied as per relevant provisions through NCIP.

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme improves water use efficiency through Micro Irrigation
technologies i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme
focuses on Integrated Farming System (IFS) for enhancing productivity and minimizing risks
associated with climatic variability. Under RAD, crops/ cropping system is integrated with activities
like horticulture, livestock, fishery, agro-forestry, apiculture etc. to enable farmers, not only in
maximizing farm returns for sustaining livelihood but also to mitigate the impacts of drought, flood or
other extreme weather events. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH),
Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also aim to increase climate resilience in agriculture.

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112402

The Government has set up National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008, which
provide an overarching policy framework for climate action in the country. The NAPCC outlines a
national strategy to enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance ecological
sustainability. One of the National Missions under NAPCC is the National Mission for Sustainable
Agriculture (NMSA) which evolves and implements strategies to make agriculture more resilient to
the changing climate.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a flagship network project namely
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). The project conducts studies on the
impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries and also
develops and promotes climate resilient technologies in agriculture for vulnerable areas of the
country. The outputs of the project help the regions to cope with extreme weather conditions like
droughts, floods, frost, heat waves, etc. During last 10 years (2014-2024), a total of 2593 varieties
have been released by ICAR, out of these 2177 varieties have been found tolerant to one or more
biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Risk and vulnerability assessment of agriculture to climate change has
been carried out at district-level for 651 predominantly agricultural districts as per Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) protocols. Out of 310 districts identified as vulnerable, 109 districts
have been categorized as 'very high' and 201 districts as 'highly vulnerable. District Agriculture
Contingency Plans (DACPs) for these 651 districts have also been prepared to address weather
aberrations and recommending location specific climate resilient crops and varieties and management
practices for use by the State Departments of Agriculture. For enhancing the resilience and adaptive
capacity of farmers to climate variability, the Concept of "Climate Resilient Villages" (CRVs) has
been initiated under NICRA. Location-specific climate resilient technologies have been demonstrated
in 448 CRVs of 151 climatically vulnerable districts covering 28 states/UTs for adoption by farmers.
ICAR through its NICRA project, creates awareness about impact of climate change in agriculture
among farmers. Capacity building programmes are being conducted to educate the farmers on various
aspects of climate change for wider adoption of climate resilient technologies.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2112402)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112407

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

CROPS UNDER MSP

Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

Government fixes minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 mandated agricultural crops on the basis of
the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), after considering
the views of State Governments and Central Ministries/ Departments concerned. The details of
increase in the cost of production and comparative details of the increase in cost of production and
increase in MSP of various crops covered under MSP in the last five years is enclosed at Annexure-I.

Government procures cereals and coarse cereals through Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other
designated State Agencies to provide price support to the farmers.

The estimates for procurement of wheat and paddy are finalized by Government of India (GoI) in
consultation with State Governments and Food Corporation of India, before the commencement of
each marketing season based upon estimated production, marketable surplus and agricultural crop
pattern.

States are allowed to procure coarse grains from farmers at MSP under central pool subject to the
prior approval of GOI on the detailed procurement plan prepared by State Governments in
consultation with FCI.

Procurement of pulses, oilseeds and copra is done under Price Support Scheme under Umbrella
Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Anna data AaySanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), in consultation with
the concerned State Government as and when market price of these produce fall below the MSP.
Procurement agencies under PM-AASHA Scheme are National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and National Co-operative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd.
(NCCF). The overall quantity of procurement by Central Government will be restricted to 25% of All
India production of the commodity for that particular season/year.

Cotton and Jute are also procured by Government at MSP through Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)
and Jute Corporation of India (JCI), respectively. There is no maximum quantity limit of purchase of
produced jute and cotton from farmers.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

1 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112407

MG/KSR

Annexure-I

All India Cost of Production and MSP all Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2020-21 &
2024-25

Sl. A B C D=C-B E F G=F-E

No.
Kharif Crops Cost MSP

2020-21 2024-25 Difference 2020-21 2024-25 Difference

1 Paddy Common 1245 1533 288 1868 2300 432

2 Jowar 1746 2247 501 2620 3371 751

3 Bajra 1175 1485 310 2150 2625 475

4 Ragi 2194 2860 666 3295 4290 995

5 Maize 1213 1447 234 1850 2225 375

6 Tur(Arhar) 3796 4761 965 6000 7550 1550

7 Moong 4797 5788 991 7196 8682 1486

8 Urad 3660 4883 1223 6000 7400 1400

9 Groundnut 3515 4522 1007 5275 6783 1508

10 Sunflower 3921 4853 932 5885 7280 1395

11 Soyabean(Yellow) 2587 3261 674 3880 4892 1012

12 Sesamum 4570 6178 1608 6855 9267 2412

13 Nigerseed 4462 5811 1349 6695 8717 2022

2 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112407

14 Cotton(Medium 3676 4747 1071 5515 7121 1606

Staple)

(In Rs./Qtl.)

All India Cost of Production and MSP all Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2021-22 & 2025-26

Sl. Rabi Crops Cost MSP

No.

2021-22 2025-26 Difference 2021-22 2025-26 Difference

1 Wheat 960 1182 222 1975 2425 450

2 Barley 971 1239 268 1600 1980 380

3 Gram 2866 3527 661 5100 5650 550

4 Masur (Lentil) 2864 3537 673 5100 6700 1600

5 Rapeseed & 2415 3011 596 4650 5950 1300

Mustard

6 Safflower 3551 3960 409 5327 5940 613

(in Rs./Qtl.)

All India Cost of Production and MSP of Copra (Milling) for Marketing Season 2021 & 2025.

(In Rs./Qtl.)

Sl. Crop Cost MSP

No.

2021 2025 Difference 2021 2025 Difference

3 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112407

1 Copra (Milling) 6805 7721 916 10335 11582 1247

All India Cost of Production and MSP of Jute for Marketing Season 2021-22 & 2025-26.

(in Rs./Qtl.)

Sl. Crop Cost MSP

No. 2021-22 2025-26 Difference 2021-22 2025-26 Difference

1 Jute 2832 3387 555 4500 5650 1150

****

(Release ID: 2112407)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

4 of 4 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112409

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

ENCOURAGING FARMERS TO PARTICIPATE

IN e-NAM PLATFORM
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:12PM by PIB Delhi

Many initiatives have been undertaken in order to encourage small and marginal farmers to
participate in National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) for better realization of prices. Facility of online
registration through e-NAM portal and through mobile app (available on Android and iOS platform)
is provided. Training programmes are conducted in Agricultural Produce Market Committees
(APMCs) and toll-free number (18002700224) to assist farmers in registration & trading process.

As agro produce of small and marginal farmers may be less on individual basis, collectivizing them as
Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) provides economies of scale. FPOs aggregate produce of
member farmers and can access e-NAM through FPO trading module.

As on 28.02.2025, 4392 FPOs have been on-boarded on e-NAM platform.

Additionally, by using the farm gate module a farmer can offer his produce without physically
travelling to the APMC.

Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) are regulated by the Agricultural Produce Market
Committee Act of the respective state. For online inter-state trade, enabling provisions to recognize
the trading licenses of other states is required.

Considering logistics challenges in promotion of Inter-State and Inter-mandi trade under e-NAM,
Government has taken a decision to upgrade e-NAM platform as e-NAM 2.0, which will facilitate the
onboarding of various logistic service providers. The objective of this initiative is to overcome
logistic gaps and enable faster trade, reduced wastage and better farmer incomes.

Based on requests received from State Government Departments/ State Agri. Marketing Boards, the
tradable parameters for respective commodities are finalized. As on 28th Feb, 2025, tradable
parameters for 231 commodities were finalized for online auction on the e-NAM platform.

It has been decided to upgrade the existing e-NAM platform to make it more efficient, robust, user-
friendly, inclusive, scalable and open-network compliant. The main features of e-NAM 2.0 would be
bank account validation, eKYC features using Aadhaar and onboarding of assaying, logistics and
other value added service providers.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112409

Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2112409)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali , Telugu

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:24 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113714

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

STEPS TO ADDRESS DECLINE IN ORGANIC

CARBON IN SOIL
Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

A total of 24.84 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs) have been generated till date. SHCs are issued to
farmers to give status of pH, electrical conductivity, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium,
Sulphur, micro-nutrients (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese & Boron) including Organic Carbon in the
soil. Advisories are given to the farmers on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). INM guides the
farmers for judicious use of chemical fertilizers including secondary and micro nutrients along with
organic manures & bio-fertilizers, for improving soil organic carbon and soil health. Farmers are also
made aware of SHC recommendations through demonstration, training and melas. Around 7 lakh
demonstrations, 93,781 farmer’s training programmes and 7,425 farmer’s mela have been organized
on the balanced use of fertilizers to improve soil quality. Advisories are issued to farmers through
Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). In
addition, 70,002 Krishi Sakhis are trained to support farmers in understanding SHCs among other
issues.

Government is promoting organic farming through the scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
(PKVY), which provides end-to-end support to organic farmers i.e. from production to processing,
certification and marketing in cluster based approach. The primary focus of the scheme is to form
organic clusters in a cluster where preference is given to small and marginal farmers to help them to
create a supply chain. Farmers are provided financial assistance in organic clusters for on farm & off
farm organic inputs, there by encouraging sustainability in agriculture in these areas.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR/RN

(Release ID: 2113714)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Tamil

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113714

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113717

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

OPERATION OF BEEKEEPING AND HONEY

MISSION
Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme for promoting
scientific beekeeping for holistic growth of beekeeping sector to enhance agriculture production.

The NBHM has sub-schemes – Mini Mission I, II and III. Under Mini Mission-I projects for
production and productivity improvement of various crops through pollination assisted by adoption of
scientific bee keeping are given; under Mini Mission - II post harvest management of bee keeping is
supported and under Mini Mission - III research and technology generation is provided.

The financial assistance is provided as per the scheme guidelines. Some projects are individual and
some serve the bee keeper community, value chain and research, so producer wise data is not
maintained, but project, year wise and State wise data is as under :

Sl. States / UTs 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Total

No.

1. Andhra Pradesh -- -- 1 -- -- 01

2. Arunachal Pradesh -- 1 1 3 3 08

3. Assam 1 2 7 3 4 17

4. Bihar 2 -- 1 1 2 06

5. Chhattisgarh -- 2 2 -- 3 07

6. Gujarat 3 4 -- 1 2 10

7. Haryana -- 4 -- 3 3 10

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113717

8. Himachal Pradesh 2 2 2 -- 3 09

9. Jammu & Kashmir 7 -- 4 1 6 18

10. Jharkhand -- -- -- 11 1 12

11. Karnataka 7 5 3 2 3 20

12. Kerala -- 4 -- -- 1 05

13. Madhya Pradesh -- 4 2 2 2 10

14. Maharashtra 2 -- 2 1 9 14

15. Manipur -- 1 2 1 1 05

16. Meghalaya -- -- -- -- 2 02

17. Mizoram -- -- -- -- -- --

18. Nagaland -- -- -- 2 4 06

19. Odisha -- 1 -- 1 1 03

20. Punjab -- 3 1 -- 5 09

21. Rajasthan 2 2 1 -- 10 15

22. Sikkim -- 1 -- -- 1 02

23. Tamil Nadu 5 -- 2 1 1 09

24. Telangana -- 1 4 4 4 13

25. Tripura -- 1 -- -- 2 03

26. Uttar Pradesh 3 3 12 2 10 30

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113717

27. Uttarakhand 2 8 5 1 7 23

28. West Bengal -- 1 1 3 11 16

29 Andaman & -- -- -- -- 1 01
Nicobar Islands

30. National/Central 5 2 6 1 -- 14
Level Agencies

Grant Total 41 52 59 44 102 298

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR/RN

(Release ID: 2113717)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Tamil

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113719

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

SUBSIDIES FOR STORAGE FACILITIES

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

To create awareness on various scheme for subsidy for storage among the farming community, the
Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension scheme is being implemented through Doordarshan,
DD Kisan, and All India Radio to telecast and broadcast sponsored agriculture and allied sector
programs. Under the scheme, a Krishi Darshan program of 30 minutes is telecast three days a week
through 18 regional Doordarshan Kendras. Additionally, three programs, namely Krishi Darshan,
Hello Kisan, and Choupal Charcha, are aired three days a week on DD Kisan. On AIR, two
programs are broadcast: i) Kisanvani program three days a week through 96 Rural AIR FM Radio
Stations, and ii) Kisan Ki Baat three days a week through the AIR FM Gold Channel in Delhi
(NCR).

In addition to the above, a Focused Publicity & Awareness Campaign through audio-video spots is
also being broadcast/telecast through DD, AIR and private TV and radio channels operating at the
national and regional levels for the benefit of the farming community. Furthermore, publicity and
awareness campaigns are conducted through outdoor advertising as well as print advertisement in
leading newspapers across the country. In light of the growing spread of mobile and internet usage in
rural areas, social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Linkedin,
WhatsApp, and Public App are also being utilized for publicity and awareness.

Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing Mission for Integrated Development
of Horticulture (MIDH) for holistic development of horticulture in the country. Under the scheme,
assistance was envisaged @ 50% of total cost of Rs. 1.75 lakh per unit for low-cost onion storage
structure having capacity of 25 MT.

In view of the increase in input cost of various components during the last 10 years, MIDH
guidelines alongwith cost norms have been revised wherein the cost of low cost onion storage has
been increased upto Rs. 10,000/MT for the maximum capacity of 25 MT wherein subsidy is
provided @ 50% of eligible project cost. Apart from this, for increasing the storage capacity of
onion in the country, necessary provisions have also been made for promotion of low-cost onion
storage with higher capacities i.e. upto a maximum capacity of 1000 MT.

All the perishable crops horticulture crops are covered under MIDH scheme. However, Ministry of
Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is also implementing the Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain,
Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure as one of the components of Pradhan Mantri Kisan

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113719

Sampada Yojana with the objective of reducing post-harvest losses of horticulture and non-
horticulture produce and providing remunerative price to farmers for their produce.

Apart from the above, activities for development of perishable crops including horticulture can be
carried out under other various Government schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY),
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Paramparagat Krishi
Vikas Yojana (PKVY) etc.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR/RN

(Release ID: 2113719)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Tamil

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113720

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

REVERSE MIGRATION TO AGRICULTURE

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

The number of worker added to the rural workforce is not centrally maintained. However, as per
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of
Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the percentage of workers in the usual status
engaged in agriculture and allied sector is given below:

PLFS Survey year Percentage of workers engaged in Agriculture

2020-21 46.5

2021-22 45.5

2022-23 45.8

Source: Annual Reports, Periodic Labour Force Survey, MoSPI. (2019-20 to 2022-23)

As per ‘NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS)’ conducted by National Bank
for Agriculture & Rural Development(NABARD), the percentage of agriculture households in
reference agriculture year 2016-17 were 48% which increased to 56.7% in year 2021-22.

Agriculture is a State subject and Government of India supports the efforts of States through
appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes. The various
schemes/ programmes of the Government of India are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing
production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Major schemes/programmes
initiated by DA&FW to enhance overall income of farmers and remunerative returns in the
agriculture sector are as under:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance
Scheme (RWBCIS)

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113720

4. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

6. Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)

7. National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

8. Namo Drone Didi

9. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

10. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

11. Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (Agri SURE)

12. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

13. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)

14. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

15. Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)

16. Rainfed Area Development (RAD)

17. Agroforestry

18. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)

19. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)

20. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)

21. National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)

22. Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)

23. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

24. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm

25. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds

26. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

27. Digital Agriculture Mission

28. National Bamboo Mission

The Government is also implementing Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) with the objective to
impart short term skill training (seven days duration) to rural youths and farmers in agriculture and
allied sectors for upgradation of their knowledge and skills and promote wage/self-employment in
rural areas. The component aims at providing short duration skill based training programs to rural
youth including women farmers on agri-based vocational areas for creating a pool of skilled
manpower. Recently, the STRY programme has been subsumed under Agriculture Technology

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113720

Management Agency (ATMA) cafeteria.

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (Agri Infra Fund) helps to expand agro-based industries in
villages by providing financial support and low-interest loans for developing infrastructure such as
cold storage, warehouses, and processing units. The fund supports modem agricultural practices and
technology adoption, boosting productivity and promoting diversification into various agro-based
sectors aiming to transform rural agriculture, enhance market access, and improve the livelihoods of
farmers. It encourages entrepreneurship among farmers, FPOs, and start-ups, creating job
opportunities.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR/RN

(Release ID: 2113720)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Marathi

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:25 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113721

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

MEASURES TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON

MIDDLEMEN UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI
ANNADATA AAY SANRAKSHAN ABHIYAN (PM-
AASHA)
Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India is administering the integrated Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay
Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) comprising Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency
Payment Scheme (PDPS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and Price Stabilisation Funds (PSF).
Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) implements PSS, PDPS and MIS whereas
Department of Consumer Affairs implements PSF. The integrated scheme of PM-AASHA is aimed to
bring-in more effectiveness in the implementation of procurement operations that would not only help
in providing remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce but also control the price volatility
of essential commodities by ensuring their availability at affordable prices to consumers.

Price support Scheme (PSS) a component of PM-AASHA is implemented as and when the market
prices of notified pulses and oilseeds & copra fall below the notified MSP during peak harvesting
period to provide the remunerative price to the farmers. The procurement of the notified pulses,
oilseeds and copra conforming to the prescribed Fair Average Quality (FAQ) is undertaken by the
Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) like National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of
India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Co-operative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) through
the State level agencies at the MSP directly from the pre-registered farmers having legitimate land
record to eliminate possibility of middlemen taking advantage of the scheme.

Further, in order to incentivize the farmers for their contribution for the enhancement of domestic
production of pulses and to reduce the dependence on import, the existing procurement ceiling of
25% on Tur, Urad and Masur under PSS had been lifted for the year 2023-24 and it has been extended
further for the year 2024-25 also.

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) a component of PM- AASHA is implemented on the request of
the State/UT Government for the procurement of various perishable agricultural/horticultural
commodities such as Tomato, Onion and Potato etc. for which Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not
fixed and there is a fall in prices in the market by atleast 10% over the rates of previous normal
season in the States/UTs so that the farmers are not constrained to make distress sales of their

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113721

produce. It is implemented if the States/UT is willing to share the total loss in the ratio of 50:50
between the State and Centre whereas in case of North-Eastern States, the losses to be shared between
the Centre and State on 75:25 basis. The procurement is undertaken by the State designated agency
upto 25% of the State’s production of the particular crop of the prescribed FAQ at a fixed Market
Intervention Price (MIP) as determined by MIS Committee plus permitted overheads expenses, which
is 25% of MIP so that the farmers are not constrained to make distress sale of their produce. However,
States/UTs have also an option to make the differential payment between the MIP and Sale Price to
the farmers especially where adequate infrastructure for storage of perishable commodities is not
available. Further , in the interest of farmers, in special cases, if there is a price difference of TOP
crops (Tomato, Onion and Potato) between the producing and consuming states, the operational costs
incurred by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) like NAFED and NCCF in storing and transporting the
crops from the producing state to the consuming states will be reimbursed by the Government.

The Govt. of India in September 2024 approved the continuation of integrated PM AASHA scheme
broadening its scope. The notified pulses and oilseeds & copra for which MSP is announced are
covered under Price Support Scheme (PSS) component of PM-AASHA. Procurement of pulses and
oilseeds under Price Support Scheme has been allowed upto a maximum of 25% of the National
production with approval of CoS. To support Oilseed farmers , the coverage under Price Deficit
Payment Scheme (PDPS) has been enhanced from existing 25% of the production of the State to 40%
of state production of the particular oilseed wherein direct payment of the price difference between
the MSP and the selling / modal price in notified market upto 15% of MSP value is made to the
farmers.

Further, all the agricultural / horticultural commodities for which MSP is not fixed and are perishable
in nature are covered under MIS component of integrated scheme of PM-AASHA. The Government
is covering perishable crops like Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) and many other crops like Apple,
Ginger, Chilli etc. under MIS for which Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not fixed to mitigate the
hardship to the farmers when there is a reduction of prices in the market by atleast 10% over the rates
of previous normal season in the States/UTs so that the farmers are not constrained to make distress
sale of their produce. Govt. has introduced a new component of PDPS under Market intervention
scheme (MIS) for direct payment of the price difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP)
and the selling price to the farmers of perishable crops.

For making effective procurement and providing maximum benefits of MSP to the farmers under
PM-AASHA, procurement centers are opened by respective State Government Agencies and Central
Nodal Agencies like NAFED, NCCF etc. after taking into account the production, marketable surplus,
convenience of farmers and availability of other logistics / infrastructure such as storage and
transportation etc. large number of the purchase centers in addition to the existing mandis and depots/
godowns are also established at key points for the convenience of farmers.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

******

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113721

MG/KSR/RN

(Release ID: 2113721)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113722

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-YIELDING,
CLIMATE-RESILIENT AND BIOFORTIFIED
CROPS BY ICAR
Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 5:04PM by PIB Delhi

During 2014-2024, National Agricultural Research System (NARS) including ICAR Institutes and
State/Central Agricultural Universities (CAU/SAU) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) has developed 2900 location specific improved field crop varieties/ hybrids
including 1380 of cereals, 412 of oilseeds, 437 of pulses, 376 of fibre crops, 178 of forage crops, 88
of sugarcane, and 29 of other crops. Out of these 2900 varieties, 2661 varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds
368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) are tolerant to
one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Of these 537 varieties have been developed specially for
extreme climate using the precision phenotyping tools. During this period 152 biofortified varieties of
rice (14), wheat (53), maize (24), millets (26), oilseeds (21), pulses (9) and grain amaranth (5) have
been released. Similarly, in Horticultural crops, during the last ten years (2014-2024), a total of 819
varieties have been released and notified comprising of perennial spices (60), seed spices (49), potato
& tropical tuber crops (71), plantation crops (26), fruits crops (123), vegetable crops (429), flowers &
other ornamental plants (53) and medicinal and aromatic plants (8); 19 of which are biofortified
varieties.

Systematic efforts have been undertaken to produce breeder and quality seeds of these varieties as per
the indents received from different agencies. Breeder seed production in sufficient quantity has been
planned from Rabi 2024-25 and processing for Kharif 2025 for expediting delivery of seed to the
farmers. All breeder seed production/ variety developers centres have been instructed to share the
available breeder/stock seed with the seed production agencies like National Seed Corporation Ltd.
(NSCL), State Seed Corporations, Public Sector Undertaking, Private Sector, FPOs and other
agencies for faster downstream multiplication of foundation and certified seed for making seed of
these varieties available to the farmers. The seed production is also undertaken at farmers’ fields
through Farmers’ Participatory Seed Production Programme for faster multiplication.

All possible efforts are made for creating awareness about these varieties among the seed production
agencies and farmers through Doordarshan channels, All India Radio, print, electronic and social
media. Frontline demonstrations of these improved crop cultivars are regularly conducted throughout
the country by ICAR institutions and SAUs. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) demonstrate these

1 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113722

improved crop cultivars to farmers. Seeds of these improved crop cultivars are also provided to the
farmers under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and North East Himalaya (NEH) region
programmes.

The Government of India is implementing Seed Village Programme component of the Sub-Mission
on Seed & Planting Material (SMSP) under National Food Security & Nutrition Mission. The
objective of this scheme is to make available the seeds of climate resilient, biofortified and high-
yielding varieties to the farmers at the village. Under this programme, the financial assistance for
distribution of foundation/ certified seeds is 50% of seed cost in cereals and 60% in oilseeds, fodder
and green manure crops for production of quality seeds for one acre per farmer. National Mission on
Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) has been approved for boosting domestic oilseed production and
achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils during 2024-25 to 2030-31. Pattern of
assistance under NMEO-OS is enclosed at Annexure

Pattern of assistance/ patterns of fund sharing under NMEO-OS

Sl. No. Pattern of sharing

(GOI:State)
Component Assistance

1 Purchase of breeder seed 100% 100% cost of seed

2 Seed Distribution in 60:40/90:10 100% cost of seed in value chain

Clusters clusters

3 CFLD / FLD / Special 100% Rates for FLD/ CFLD/ Block

Demonstrations (TRFA Demonstration for various oilseeds
and Intercropping) crops to be declared by the
DA&FW periodically
4 State Level 60:40 / 90:10
Demonstrations

5 Seed hubs and 100% Seed hubs:

Storage units
• Rs.50 lakhs for infrastructure
• Rs.100 lakhs in revolving funds

Storage units:

• Rs.100 lakhs per Storage unit

2 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113722

6 Farmer Trainings and 60:40 / 90:10 Rs. 30,000 per batch of 30 Farmers
Farmer Field Schools
1 FFS per 1000 ha @

Rs. 35,000 per ha

7 Management and 60:40 / 90:10 @1.5% of Training and Seed

Outreach Assistance for distribution cost
VCPs

8 Post-Harvest 60:40 / 90:10 33% of the project cost upto a

Infrastructure Support maximum of `Rs. 9,90,000

9 Flexi Fund 60:40 /90:10 As per the KY guidelines

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath
Choudhary a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

******

MG/KSR/RN

(Release ID: 2113722)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

3 of 3 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114889

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

DIGITAL CROP SURVEY

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

Digital Crop Survey (DCS) System has been established to collect crop-sown details via a mobile
interface, ensuring data is captured directly from the field. This database provides accurate, real-time
crop area information for every agricultural plot, which will help to arrive at accurate production
estimation.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has developed the Agri Stack in accordance with
the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other IT laws of the country. AgriStack ensures
complete privacy of farmers' data by ensuring that farmers' data is collected only with their consent.
Farmers have full control over their data, which is only shared with authorized entities based on their
consent for a specific purpose. Moreover, Agri Stack has been developed in a federal manner so that
states have control over the entire data. The Government of India also ensures robust data security in
the Agri Stack, which is fully compliant with the cyber security guidelines of the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response
Team (CERT-In). Agri Stack sends farmers' information in a secret code so that only the designated
system can read it. Secure APIs and token-based authentication govern all data exchanges, ensuring
controlled access to data. In addition, the government conducts security audits of all these IT systems
and monitors risks.
Although internet penetration has increased in rural areas, additional steps have been taken to ensure digital inclusion of
farmers who do not have mobile phones, they can use existing support structures like Farmer Producer Organizations
(FPOs), Krishi Sakhis, and Common Service Centres (CSCs), to get them registered on Agristack and access services and
benefits. Further, states are organizing the camps so that no farmer is left out from getting the benefits of Agristack. The
Government is providing administrative and technical support to all the states for implementation of the Mission.

The State Farmer Registry under the Digital Agriculture Mission covers all the land holders’ farmers,
including women farmers. Farmers Registry application also has the provision to onboard the tenant
and lessee farmers. A State can decide to include such farmers in the Farmers Registry as per the
state’s policy.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/RN/KSR

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114889

(Release ID: 2114889)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114895

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

BUDGET ALLOCATION
Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

Government of lndia is deeply committed to the well-being of farmers across the nation, which is
evident through its remarkable increase in budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare. The budget allocation for Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has been
increased from Rs 1,32,469.86 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 1,37,756.55 crore in 2025-26.

As regard Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) it is informed that on account of several
interventions by Government of India (GoI), the premium rates charged by the Insurance Companies
under the scheme have significantly reduced and hence the premium liability of GoI has reduced. In
2023-24 premium rate was 10.8% as compared to 15.9% in 2020-21. It may be further noted that
Revised Estimates (2024-25) has been increased to Rs.15,864 crore as compared to Rs.14,600 crore
at Budget Estimates stage (2024-25). Further, Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 01.01.2025 has
approved exemption from 10% mandatory allocation in North Eastern Region (NER) heads due to
which funds which were surrendered in earlier years have been made available for utilisation for non-
NER States which will significantly reduce past liabilities. Keeping in mind the above, BE 2025-26
has been kept at Rs.12,242 crore. Further, the Union Cabinet in the meeting held on 01.01.2025 has
also approved an increased outlay of Rs.69,515.71 crore under the scheme for the period 2021-22 to
2025-26. Therefore, sufficient funds are available for additional allocation.

Majority of the claims are settled within the stipulated timelines under the Operational Guidelines of
the scheme by the insurance companies. However, during the implementation of PMFBY, some
complaints against insurance companies about non-payment and/or delayed payment of claims; under
payment of claims on account of incorrect/delayed submission of insurance proposals by banks;
discrepancy in yield data & consequent disputes between State Government and insurance companies,
delay in providing State Government share of funds, non-deployment of sufficient personnel by
insurance companies etc., were received in the past which were suitably addressed as per the
provisions of the scheme.

Since the scheme is implemented by the State Government, therefore, in order to resolve the
grievances/complaints including those related to claims of insured farmers, provision of Stratified
Grievance Redressal Mechanism viz. District Level Grievance Redressal Committee (DGRC), State
Level Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) has been made in the Revised Operational Guidelines
of the Scheme. These committees have been given the detailed mandate as outlined in the Operational

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114895

Guidelines for hearing the complaints/ grievances and to dispose them as per the stipulated procedure.

To further improve the grievance redressal mechanism, Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (KRPH)
has been developed. A single Pan-India toll free number 14447 has been deployed and linked to the
insurance companies database, where farmers can raise their grievances/issues. Timelines to resolve
these grievances/issues has also been fixed.

Department is regularly monitoring the functioning of insurance companies by various methods,

including timely settlement of claims through weekly video conferences of all stakeholders, one to
one meeting as well as National Review Conferences.

Based on the experience gained, views of various stakeholders and with a view to ensure better
transparency, accountability, timely payment of claims to the farmers and to make the scheme more
farmer friendly, Government has periodically revised the Operational Guidelines of the PMFBY
comprehensively to ensure that the eligible benefits under the scheme reach the farmers timely and
transparently.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri Ramnath
Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/RN/KSR

(Release ID: 2114895)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114891

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY MISSION

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:06PM by PIB Delhi

During 2024-25, the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) has been renamed as National
Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing NFSNM for increasing production of pulses, nutri cereals,
rice, wheat and coarse cereals in the country. Under NFSNM, the incentives are provided to
the farmers, through the States/UTs, on crop production and protection technologies,
cropping system based demonstrations, production & distribution of certified seeds of newly
released varieties/hybrids, integrated nutrient and pest management techniques, capacity
building of farmers through trainings during cropping season etc.

Further, the Government of India also provides flexibility to the states for state specific
needs/priorities under Pradhan Mantri-Rashtirya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). The states
may promote coarse cereals and millets (Shree Anna) under PM-RKVY with approval of
State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) headed by Chief Secretary of the State.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

MG/RN/KSR

(Release ID: 2114891)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Tamil

1 of 1 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116212

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Agricultural Sector

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in
the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:

1. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with
responses to queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports
multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs. At present,
it handles over 20,000 farmer queries daily and so far, more than 92 lakh queries have
been answered.

3. The National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate
change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues,
enabling timely intervention for healthier crops. This tool, currently used by over 10,000
extension workers, allows farmers to capture images of pests to help them mitigate pest
attacks and reduce crop losses. At present, it currently supports 61 crops and over 400
pests with approx. 1 lakh uploaded images.
4. AI-based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health
monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crops.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

****

PSF/KSR/3211

(Release ID: 2116212)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Tamil

1 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116212

2 of 2 22-07-2025, 10:26 pm
Press Release:Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116216

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Establishment of Second National Gene Bank

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has announced the establishment of the second National Gene Bank to conserve 10
lakh crop germplasm for future food and nutritional security. This announcement is one of the
initiatives under the theme “Investing in innovations” of Union Budget 2025-26.

The National Gene Bank (NGB) at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
(NBPGR), New Delhi is the second largest Gene Bank globally with 4,71,561 accessions of 2157
species. The plant genetic resources conserved in the NGB are available for use by both public and
private sector agencies involved in crop improvement and management of genetic resources in the
country. Establishment of the Second Gene Bank with state-of-art infrastructure with the capacity of
conserving 10 lakh germplasm is aimed at strengthening India’s position as a leader in global
biodiversity conservation.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri
Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

****

PSF/KSR/3220

(Release ID: 2116216)

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi

1 of 1 22-07-2025, 10:27 pm