Budget 2024: Rs 1.52 lakh crore allocated for agriculture sector, new cluster scheme to boost vegetable production

Union Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive budget for the financial year 2024-25, with a strong focus on farming. The FM allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture sector and announced a new cluster scheme to boost vegetable production. Additionally, a digital Kharif crop survey will be conducted in 400 districts, and a mission will be launched to expand the production of pulses and oilseeds through certification and branding.

The Finance Minister also announced the use of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to conduct digital surveys of Kharif crops in 400 districts. Public support-based Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) will be issued in five states, and financial assistance will be provided to establish a network of centralized breeding centers for shrimp, fish, and broodstock.

The government's focus is on achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds. To promote the marketing, storage, and production of oilseeds, 10,000 requirement-based bio-input centers will be established. 

The development of the agriculture sector is a top priority, with 1 crore farmers being encouraged to adopt natural farming, promoted through certification and branding. Additionally, 109 new crop varieties will be launched for 32 crops, and the government will fund the private sector, experts, and others to develop climate-friendly seeds.