New Delhi – In a significant move to enhance the prosperity of farmers across India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced key decisions taken by the first cabinet of 2025. The union cabinet’s commitment towards the agricultural sector was showcased through the continuation of vital schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the restructured weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme, set to be extended until December 31, 2025. Additionally, a one-time special package on di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) will provide farmers with affordable fertilizers, reaffirming the government’s dedication to improving their welfare.
Cabinet Decisions Signal Strong Commitment to Farmers
On Wednesday, PM Modi expressed pride in the government’s unwavering focus on farmers, emphasizing their hard work in nourishing the nation. “Ours is a Government fully committed to furthering welfare of farmers. We are proud of all our farmer sisters and brothers who work hard to feed our nation. The first Cabinet of 2025 is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for our farmers,” Modi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The cabinet’s recent decisions are aimed at ensuring that farmers have access to essential resources and support, thereby nurturing the agricultural sector in India.
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate beyond the National Buffer Stock (NBS) subsidy, allowing for its availability from January 1, 2025, to support farmers in obtaining DAP at affordable prices. This initiative will require an estimated budget of approximately Rs 3,850 crore. Such measures are vital, considering the rising costs of agricultural inputs, which often burden farmers and diminish their profit margins.
The continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme until the 2025-26 fiscal year is also a notable achievement. The overall financial outlay for this initiative is projected to be Rs 69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26, providing farmers with crucial risk coverage against non-preventable natural calamities.
Technological Advancements in Agricultural Insurance
In a bid to further enhance the effectiveness of these schemes, the Union Cabinet has authorized the establishment of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT). With a substantial corpus of Rs 824.77 crore, the fund will be dedicated to technological initiatives that will increase transparency and improve claim calculations and settlements.
Among the key technological advancements being pursued is the Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH), which integrates remote sensing technology for yield estimation. Currently, nine major states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, are implementing this system. It aims to phase out traditional Crop Cutting Experiments, making the process more efficient and reliable. As per the report by the[Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com), Madhya Pradesh has even adopted a 100% technology-based yield estimation model for its agricultural needs, reflecting the government’s commitment to innovation in the sector.
Another significant initiative is the Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) project, which proposes the establishment of automatic weather stations at the block level and automatic rain gauges at the panchayat level. This project is poised to increase the current network density of weather data collection by five times, enabling farmers to access hyper-local weather information. As of now, several states, including Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, are in the process of implementing WINDS.
Dedicated Focus on Northeastern States
The government’s efforts are not just limited to the larger northern and western states; it also emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers in the northeastern regions. While the schemes are voluntary and the gross cropped area in these states is relatively low, the government has provided flexibility in fund allocation to ensure that development projects can continue to support farmers effectively. The emphasis on saturating all farmers in the northeastern states with these initiatives underlines the government’s inclusive approach to agricultural development.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the cabinet’s decisions as a testament to the central government’s commitment to the development of agriculture and the welfare of farmers. He stated that the decisions would significantly impact farmers by providing them financial security against crop loss due to natural disasters, alongside ensuring a stable supply of fertilizers, which is essential for increasing agricultural productivity.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the cabinet decisions would bolster farmers’ confidence and enhance food security across the nation. The accessibility of affordable fertilizers is expected to contribute to higher agricultural yields, a goal that is crucial for sustaining India’s massive population.
A Bright Future for Indian Agriculture
As India looks toward the future, the agricultural sector remains vital not only for the economy but also for ensuring food security for its burgeoning population. With these key initiatives undertaken by the first cabinet of 2025, the government seeks to lay the groundwork for a thriving agricultural ecosystem where farmers are empowered with the necessary resources and technology.
The commitment shown by Prime Minister Modi’s government reflects a broader understanding of the challenges facing farmers. With the integration of innovative technologies and supportive schemes, there is hope for a more sustainable and prosperous future in the agricultural landscape of India.
As the government continues these initiatives, it sets a precedent for the prioritization of agrarian interests, marking a significant stride towards a more robust agricultural framework that is responsive to the needs of the farming community. The path laid out today could very well shape the future of Indian agriculture, ensuring that it not only thrives but also adapts to the changing climatic and economic landscapes.