Modi 3.0 Prioritizes Agriculture and Rural Development for Economic Growth

Source: The post Modi 3.0 prioritizes agriculture and Rural Development for Economic Growth has been created, based on the article “Ashok Gulati writes: Giving farms their due” published in “Indian Express” on 16th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Agriculture

Context: The article discusses the Modi government’s policies in its third term, focusing on agriculture and rural development. It highlights schemes like PM-KISAN, agricultural digitalization, rural housing, and roads to boost the economy, especially benefiting farmers and rural areas.

What Has Modi 3.0 Prioritized in Agriculture and Rural Development?

Agricultural Initiatives: Modi 3.0, under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has continued the PM-KISAN scheme, committing Rs 20,000 crore to provide Rs 6,000 yearly to eligible agricultural households. Despite expectations for an inflation adjustment, the amount remains unchanged. Additionally, the government approved seven new schemes related to agriculture, with a budget of Rs 14,000 crore. These include:

1. Digitalization of agriculture (e.g., land records and farmer identity cards)
2. Crop science for food and nutrition security
3. Horticulture for nutrition and profitability
4. Livestock health and production
5. Natural resource management for climate resilience
6. Agriculture education for skilled Human Resources
7. Expansion of Krishi Vigyan Kendras for farmer outreach

Why is digitalization of agriculture important?

Digitalization involves identifying farmers, particularly distinguishing owner-operators from tenants. Current data shows only 17% tenancy, but micro-surveys suggest it could be 25-30%. Tenant farmers often borrow at high interest rates, making agriculture unprofitable. Digitalization will enable better access to institutional credit and government benefits like PM-KISAN.

How can data triangulation improve agriculture?

Linking various data sets, such as soil health cards and fertilizer purchases, can lead to savings and more efficient public spending. For example, a rice farmer may not need free rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Investments in digitalization could yield returns over 10 times the initial cost, benefiting the agricultural sector.

What are the rural development plans?

The government has committed to building 20 million houses in rural areas, which will create jobs and improve living conditions for the poor. The PM-Gram Sadak Yojana will invest Rs 75,000 crore in rural roads, boosting agriculture, reducing poverty, and increasing access to markets.

Question for practice:

Discuss how digitalization of agriculture is expected to benefit farmers and improve public spending according to the Modi 3.0 policies.