Under the Farmer Welfare Mission, the new budget introduces initiatives aimed at financially empowering farmers. A provision of Rs 19,208 crore has been allocated for subsidies to agricultural consumers. Additionally, the state is taking steps to provide solar energy pumps to farmers. By utilizing solar energy, farmers will reduce their electricity expenses, and any surplus solar energy generated can be fed into the grid. This initiative will enable farmers to not only continue as food producers but also emerge as energy suppliers. To support this, the Prime Minister Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana has been launched with a budget provision of Rs 447 crore.
= Government to Incentivize Crop Diversification
The state government has also made provisions to encourage crop diversification. Under the Chief Minister Farmer Welfare Scheme, Rs 5,220 crore has been allocated for providing Rs 6,000 annually to farmers. Furthermore, a new scheme, Chief Minister Krishak Unnati Yojana, will be launched. This scheme will incentivize farmers growing one or two crops to diversify by encouraging them to plant ecological balance-supporting crops. The government will provide special financial incentives for such diversification efforts.
= Promoting Agricultural Research
The state government is preparing to promote research in agriculture, with specific focus on climate change and pest management. To encourage research in these critical areas, Rs 40 crore has been allocated to Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University in Jabalpur and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior. Additionally, the National Mission on Edible Oil and Oilseeds has seen a significant increase, with Rs 183 crore allocated—double the amount from last year.
= Government Incentives to Boost Milk Production
To enhance milk production and strengthen the economic condition of livestock farmers, the Chief Minister Dairy Development Scheme has been introduced. Under this initiative, farmers will receive Rs 5 per liter as an incentive for milk collection. The scheme has an allocated budget of Rs 50 crore. In addition, the government has increased the grant for animal feed in cowsheds from Rs 20 to Rs 40 per animal. Similarly, Rs 145 crore has been earmarked for the Chief Minister Fishermen Prosperity Scheme.
= Agriculture Sector Allocation of Rs 58,257 Crore
The new budget has allocated a substantial Rs 58,257 crore for the agriculture sector, which is Rs 13,409 crore more than the previous budget. This reflects the growing importance of agriculture, with its contribution to the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied services rising from 34% to 46%. The state’s contribution to the national agricultural sector has also significantly increased, from 6% to 12.5%.
