Farmer Associations’ Report reveals 300 percent surge in Agriculture Budget Allocation over past 9 Years
15 May 2024, Mumbai: The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organization representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across the States of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc. convened a seminar at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi – Ensuring Farmer Livelihoods: Enhancing Farmer Incomes Through Sustainable Farming Practices.
During the seminar, FAIFA released a Report titled – TRANSFORMATION IN INDIA’S AGRICULTURE which highlighted key achievements in the agriculture sector in the last decade. The Report also put forward strategies to enhance farmer incomes in a sustainable manner. The seminar was graced by Sh. GVL Narasimha Rao, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. The Key Speakers in the seminar were Prof MV Ashok, Senior Adviser BAIF Research and Development Foundation Pune and Former Chief General Manager, NABARD and Dr. JP Tandon, Former Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
While addressing the audience during the seminar Chief Guest Sh. GVL Narasimha Rao, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha said, “With my extensive experience in the agriculture sector including the dairy sector, I understand the challenges confronting farmers. So I can say with some conviction that farmers must unite and collaborate to address these challenges collectively. Through initiatives such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or cooperatives, they can harness the strength of the collective organization to better their circumstances and secure a brighter future for themselves.”
The FAIFA Report put the spotlight on the term “Jai Kisan,” emphasizing that the diverse fabric of India’s agricultural economy has been a consistent aspect of its identity throughout history. It acclaimed the farmers or the Annadaatas and stated that they have earned the foremost access to opportunities without question. The FAIFA Report commended the government’s decade-long efforts, acknowledging a comprehensive approach that has borne fruit. From initiatives supporting farmers’ income, agricultural insurance schemes and expanded irrigation coverage to promoting organic farming, empowering women farmers, bolstering infrastructure and digitizing services, the government has embraced a holistic strategy in championing the cause of the farmers.
Mr. Javare Gowda, President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) on the release of the Report said, “The strides made by the government in the agriculture sector and for farmers are commendable. Efforts are being tirelessly invested in augmenting farmer income and ensuring their security, aiding our invaluable ‘Annadata’ in feeding our nation and the world too. Key policy initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have played pivotal roles in extending financial and income support to farmers. For instance, the PM-KISAN Samman Yojana annually provides direct financial assistance to lakhs of farmers, including marginal and small farmers, totaling over Rs 2.80 lakh crore disbursed so far. Also, crop insurance coverage has been extended to 4 crore farmers under PMFBY.”
Mr. Ather Matheen, Vice-President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), “The MSP initiatives by the government have been a tremendous relief for farmers across the country. The significant increase in Minimum Support Prices for various crops has provided much-needed stability and assurance to farmers, enabling them to invest confidently in their agricultural endeavors. We also earnestly appeal to the government to continue this commendable work and further promote digital platforms for the benefit of farmers. Platforms like e-NAM hold immense potential to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by facilitating seamless online trading of agriculture and horticulture commodities, empowering farmers with greater market access and fairer prices. Moreover, initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund will play a pivotal role in boosting farmer incomes in the long run, fostering sustainability and prosperity within the agricultural sector.”
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