Sitharaman Announces 11-Point Agenda To Boost Agriculture Sector

By FnF Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 15, May 2020, 19:08 pm IST | UPDATED: 30, May 2020, 20:10 pm IST

Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday rolled out the final tranche of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package that was announced by Prime Minister in the wake of Coronavirus crisis in the country. Sitharaman announced 11 measures focussing on agriculture and allied activities, of which 8 related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics, while the rest 3 pertained to governance and administrative reforms.

Here are the key highlights:

Government to immediately create a Rs 1 lakh crore Agri-Infrastructure Fund for farm gate infrastructure for farmers
During Covid lockdown period, the demand for milk reduced by 20-25%. A new scheme to provide interest subvention at 2% per annum to dairy cooperatives for 2020-21. The scheme will unlock Rs 5000 cr additional liquidity, benefit to 2 cr farmers.
Government introduces a Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE); the scheme promotes PM's vision of 'Vocal for Local with global outreach.
Govt to launch the Rs 20,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for development of marine and inland fisheries. 55 lakh people expected to get employment from this program
To help Fisheries sector, operations of Marine Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture has been relaxed to cover Inland Fisheries
National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis launched with a total outlay of Rs 13,343 cr
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund of Rs 15,000 crores will be set up.
Rs 4000 crore allocated for promotion of herbal cultivation; 10,00,000 hectare will be covered in the next 2 years. National Medicinal Plants Board will bring 800-hectare area by developing a corridor of medicinal plants along the banks of river Ganga.
Government to implement a Rs 500 crore scheme of infrastructure development related to integrated beekeeping development centres, collection,marketing & storage centres, post-harvest and value addition facilities; this will lead to an increase in income of 2 lakh bee-keepers.
In a major announcement, Government extends Operation Greens from Tomatoes, Onion and Potatoes (TOP) to all fruits and vegetables
Government to amend the Essential Commodities Act to enable better price realisation for farmers; agriculture products including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions, and potatoes to be de-regulated.
A central law will be formulated to provide adequate choices to the farmers to sell produce at an attractive price, barrier-free interstate trade and framework for e-trading of agricultural produce.
A facilitative legal framework will be created to enable farmers for engaging with processors, aggregators, large retailers,exporters in a fair and transparent manner.