1. Major Central Government Agricultural Schemes
PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi)
Direct income support of ₹6,000 per year (in 3 instalments of ₹2,000) to all eligible farmer families. Over 11 crore farmers are registered. Funds are transferred directly to bank accounts via DBT.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Crop insurance scheme covering yield losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Farmers pay a premium of 1.5–5%; the rest is subsidized by central and state governments. Over 5.5 crore farmers enrolled annually.
PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
"Har Khet Ko Pani, More Crop Per Drop" — aims to expand irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency. Includes Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) and Watershed Development components.
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
Online trading platform connecting 1,361 mandis across 23 states. Enables farmers to sell produce at transparent prices without middlemen. Over 1.76 crore farmers and 2.5 lakh traders registered.
Soil Health Card Scheme
Provides farmers with a card containing information on soil nutrient status and fertilizer recommendations. Over 23 crore soil health cards issued. Helps reduce fertilizer overuse and improve crop yields.
2. Recent Central Policy Developments
Union Budget 2025–26: Agriculture Allocation Increased to ₹1.52 Lakh Crore
The Union Budget 2025–26 has allocated ₹1,52,000 crore for agriculture and allied sectors, a 12% increase over the previous year. Key highlights include ₹20,000 crore for natural farming promotion, ₹15,000 crore for digital agriculture infrastructure, and enhanced funding for PM-KISAN and PMFBY.
Cabinet Approves MSP Hike for Kharif Crops 2025–26
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Minimum Support Prices for 14 Kharif crops for 2025–26. Paddy MSP increased by ₹117/quintal to ₹2,300; Maize by ₹135/quintal to ₹2,225. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring at least 50% return over cost of production for all MSP crops.
Digital Agriculture Mission Launched with ₹2,817 Crore Outlay
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the Digital Agriculture Mission to create a digital public infrastructure for agriculture. Key components include AgriStack (farmer registry and crop sown registry), Krishi Decision Support System, and Soil Profile Mapping. The mission aims to provide personalized advisory services to 10 crore farmers by 2027.
3. Agricultural Export Policy
- India's agricultural exports reached USD 53.1 billion in 2024–25, a record high.
- Top export commodities: Rice (USD 10.4 billion), Spices (USD 4.2 billion), Marine Products (USD 7.8 billion).
- APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) supports export promotion.
- New export incentives announced for organic produce, millets, and value-added products.
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with UAE, Australia, and UK open new markets for Indian farm produce.