Farmer Scheme: In the last ten years, the various schemes announced by the central government budget for farmers have brought about significant changes in the Indian agriculture sector. These schemes have provided farmers with financial security, market expansion and increased productivity while moving from traditional farming practices to modern, technology-based and sustainable agriculture.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is an important scheme of this era. Crop insurance coverage at low premiums provided relief to farmers against losses due to natural calamities, unseasonal rains or drought.

Simultaneously, irrigation facilities were extended under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) under the concept of ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’, which increased production through efficient use of water.

The National Agricultural Market i.e. e-NAM, a digital platform, enabled farmers to get information about market prices across the country and facilitated direct online transactions.

This reduced the role of middlemen and helped the farmers to get fair prices. The Operation Greens scheme improved storage and supply chain for crops like tomato, onion, potato, which reduced large price fluctuations.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has supported the daily needs of the eligible farmers as financial assistance is deposited directly into their accounts. The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund enabled the construction of warehouses, cold storage and processing centres, while the PM-FME scheme promoted micro-food processing industries.

Apart from this, the Natural Farming Program promoted eco-friendly farming by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Millets or Shree Anna Mission increased production of low-water staples and opened up new markets to farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana has emphasized on planned agricultural development at the district level.

Overall, these ten schemes have taken significant steps towards increasing farmers’ incomes, reducing risks and making the agriculture sector more viable.