“The Government’s effort towards giving special focus on the rural economy is a welcome step. The Agriculture sector is expected to grow at 4.6% in 2017-18 over the previous year and Rs 10 lakh crores as credit to farmers will fuel this growth which is good news for the agri and allied sector players. The flagship program of PM Shri Narendra Modi for farmers – Fasal Bima Yojna is a major step to secure farmers against natural calamities. Fasal Bima Yojana coverage is to be increased from current 30% to 40% in 17-18 and 50% in 2018-19. Setting up of soil testing labs in KVKs is another boost for the agriculture sector. These labs would help farmers to assess the actual nutritional requirements for their farmland and limit unnecessary expenditure on fertilizer. Additionally the micro-irrigation fund will benefit lakhs of farmers to proper and systemic irrigation facilities.
The Government’s commitment to double farmer’s income in five years will improve farmer’s financial condition. Allocation of Rs. 23000 crore for PM Awas Yojna, setting up dairy processing infrastructure fund & plans to make 50000 gram panchayats poverty free by 2019 clearly demonstrate government’s thrust for agriculture & rural development.”
