“It is my dream that everyone in India should have a smartphone, a drone in every field and prosperity in every home”
- PM Narendra Modi
The emerging generation or the Amrit Peedhi, is exemplifying how technology can be harnessed to uplift India's annadatas. The government's proactive measures in key sectors have not only propelled the Agri-tech industry but have also given rise to a surge in agri-startups. These startups are instrumental in unlocking the full potential of the agricultural sector and supporting the livelihoods of those who feed the nation. The government has initiated various measures, both direct and indirect, to boost farmers' incomes, facilitate the connection of their produce with markets, both domestic and international, and empower them to sustain their livelihoods while becoming job creators. This article delves into the depth of such government endeavours aimed at fostering the prosperity of the nation's annadatas.
The Rise of Agri Startups
The Agriculture Accelerator Fund announced in the budget FY 2O22- 23 with an outlay of Rs 2,200 crore until the financial year 2028-29 has been instrumental in bringing on board new-age ventures and innovations in the field of agriculture. As of March 2023, a total of 1,138 agricultural startups have received backing through the program, securing financial assistance amounting to over Rs. 70 crores. Startups are provided with both technical and financial support to propel their products, services, business platforms, etc., into the market. The aim is to facilitate their growth, enabling them to scale up their products and operations to achieve business viability. These agricultural startups, supported at various stages from conception to scaling and growth, are engaged in diverse areas within agriculture and allied sectors. Their focus spans improving farming practices, including precision agriculture, farm mechanisation, agri logistics & supply chain, waste to wealth, organic farming, animal husbandry, dairy & fisheries, and more.
Within the Accelerator Fund program, several activities have been outlined for implementation during 2023-24. These include the establishment of institutional mechanisms and operational guidelines, the identification of problem statements within agriculture and allied sectors, the selection of impactful and innovative agri-startups, and the provision of technical and financial support to foster the growth of chosen agri-startups. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives are also planned as part of the program.
Moreover, to boost the number of startups in the agriculture sector and to further the number of agri-business ventures, a new segment called "Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development" was introduced within the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) during the fiscal year 2018-19. The primary goal is to boost innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by offering financial aid and fostering the incubation ecosystem. This initiative encourages start-ups to utilise inventive technologies to address challenges encountered in agriculture and related fields. The program has identified and supported a total of 1,176 start-ups across various agricultural and allied sectors. Financial assistance is provided through Knowledge Partners and Agri-Business Incubators appointed by the Department for the effective execution of this initiative.
Leveraging Innovation and Agri-tech for Farmers' Prosperity
The government has given impetus to the use of drones for farming especially for the application of pesticides and nutrients. Financial support is also offered to make drone technology accessible to farmers. Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and State Agricultural Universities get 100% assistance (up to Rs. 10.00 lakhs) for purchasing agricultural drones. For FPOs, 75% of support is provided for demonstrations on farmers' fields. For drone services in agriculture, existing and new Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) receive 40% assistance (up to Rs. 4 lakhs), and general category farmers get 50% support (up to Rs. 5 lakhs), while SC/ST/women/small and marginal farmers and agriculture graduates receive 50% assistance. The NAMO Drone Didi scheme is helping women become integral stakeholders in their local farming supply chains and rural prosperity. The program strives to offer drone technology to 15,000 women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rent to farmers. This comprehensive initiative not only brings modernisation to farming techniques but also empowers rural women by giving them access to state-of-the-art technology, making them integral contributors to the agricultural transformation. Additionally, it opens up opportunities for emerging startups to explore the untapped possibilities within drone technology.
Soil Health Cards provide farmers with details about the nutrient levels in their soil, along with suggestions on the right amounts of nutrients to enhance soil health and boost productivity. Through government aid, several trainings for soil testing have been conducted in labs that have been set up. Numerous annadatas are benefitting from 23.58 crore Soil Health Cards. Since 2014-15, a total of 8,272 soil testing laboratories have been set up nationwide. These include 1,068 static soil testing labs, 163 mobile soil testing labs, 6,376 mini soil testing labs, and 665 village-level soil testing labs.
Efficient technology is closing the gap between farms and markets, particularly benefiting small-scale farmers involved in producing perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and fish. Initiatives like the Kisan Rail and Krishi Udan Air Services are playing a pivotal role in connecting these farmers with markets both within Indian cities and internationally. Small-scale farmers can now access broader market opportunities and enhance their reach. Since the launch of Kisan Rail service in August 2020 and upto January 2023, the Indian Railways have operated around 2,359 Kisan Rail services on 167 routes, transporting approximately 7.9 lakh tonnes of perishables. The rail services which were connecting the country are now connecting agricultural markets.
In another effort to transport perishable food items and agricultural produce, the Krishi Udan Scheme was introduced in August 2020, aiming to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products on both national and international routes. This initiative was designed to enhance the value realisation of farmers' produce. Subsequently, Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0 was declared on October 27, 2021, with a primary emphasis on transporting perishable food items from hilly regions, the North Eastern States, and tribal areas. As of December 2023, the scheme covers 25 airports in the North Eastern, Hilly, and Tribal regions, along with an additional 33 airports in other regions and areas.
Farmer Producer Organizations Empowering Annadatas
Small farmers and cooperatives in rural and urban areas are benefitting from the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations. In 2020, the government introduced an initiative for the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with a budget of Rs. 6,865 crore. As of December 2023, 7,597 FPOs have been registered in 34 States/Union territories. The goal has been to empower farmers by helping them join together in groups called Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The benefit of this collaboration is that it allows farmers to negotiate better prices, benefit from cost savings due to larger-scale operations, and ultimately increase their incomes. The scheme also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable incomes for farmers. Various measures have been taken to enhance the current PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies), involving offering fair prices for their products and establishing essential connections to markets at the district, state, and national levels. This government initiative also aims to encourage diversification in PACS's economic activities, helping them create reliable and additional income sources.
In conclusion, India's agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with a focus on technological innovation, empowerment of farmers, and efficient market linkages. The government's initiatives, such as the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, Krishi Udan Scheme, and Farmer Producer Organisations, showcase a commitment to revolutionising farming practices and ensuring a prosperous future for farmers. As we witness the rise of agri-startups, the integration of drone technology, and the strengthening of cooperative societies, it becomes evident that these multifaceted efforts are shaping the path toward a sustainable and thriving agricultural sector in the country. Through these initiatives, India is not only embracing modern agricultural practices but also fostering an inclusive and empowered community of farmers who are at the forefront of the nation's growth and progress.
