New Agricultural Scheme Launched to Support Farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a new comprehensive scheme aimed at supporting farmers across the country. The initiative, named "Sustainable Farming Initiative," will provide financial assistance to farmers for purchasing modern equipment and implementing sustainable farming practices.

Under this scheme, farmers will receive subsidies of up to 50% on the purchase of advanced farming equipment such as drip irrigation systems, solar-powered tools, and organic fertilizer production units. Additionally, training programs will be conducted to educate farmers about sustainable farming techniques that can increase yield while reducing environmental impact.

"This scheme represents our commitment to the agricultural sector and our farmers who are the backbone of our economy," said the Agriculture Minister during the launch event. "By promoting sustainable farming practices, we aim to ensure food security while also protecting our natural resources for future generations."

The scheme will be implemented in phases, with the first phase covering 100 districts across the country. Farmers can apply for the scheme through the official portal or by visiting their nearest agricultural extension center.

Key features of the scheme include:

• Financial assistance for purchasing modern farming equipment
• Subsidies for implementing sustainable farming practices
• Training programs on advanced agricultural techniques
• Support for organic farming certification
• Market linkage assistance for organic produce

The government has allocated a budget of ₹5,000 crores for this scheme for the current financial year. Officials expect that over 10 million farmers will benefit from this initiative in the first year alone.

Farmer organizations have welcomed this move, stating that it addresses many of the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers. "This scheme will help farmers adopt modern techniques without bearing the full financial burden," said the president of a leading farmers' association.

Applications for the first phase of the scheme will open on June 1, 2025. Farmers are advised to keep their land records, Aadhaar cards, and bank account details ready for the application process.