The Union Budget 2017-18 was a landmark step in bolstering India’s agriculture and rural economy. With a strong focus on farmers’ welfare, rural development, and inclusive growth, the budget introduced several measures aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes, improving rural infrastructure, and ensuring food security. Here’s a detailed look at how Budget 2017-18 gave a much-needed push to agriculture and rural India.
1. Record Allocation for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
The budget allocated Rs 10 lakh crore for agricultural credit to support farmers in meeting their financial needs. This was a significant increase, ensuring easier access to credit, especially for small and marginal farmers. The government also announced an enhanced target for farm loans, further strengthening agricultural finance.
2. Expansion of Irrigation Facilities
To address water scarcity and improve irrigation, the government expanded the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). The goal was to bring 10 million hectares under assured irrigation, thus reducing farmers’ dependence on monsoon rains. Additionally, the Long-Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) received an allocation of Rs 40,000 crore, ensuring sustained irrigation infrastructure development.
3. Market Reforms and MSP Support
The budget focused on strengthening the e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) platform, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. It also assured higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops to provide better income security to farmers. Moreover, the government aimed to reduce post-harvest losses through better warehousing and cold storage facilities.
4. Rural Electrification and Infrastructure Development
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) saw increased funding to ensure 100% village electrification by May 2018. Road connectivity was also prioritized under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with an allocation of Rs 19,000 crore to construct new roads in rural areas, significantly boosting rural connectivity.
5. Doubling Farmers’ Incomes by 2022
The government reiterated its commitment to doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022 through various initiatives such as soil health cards, organic farming promotion, and a strong push towards farm mechanization. The budget also encouraged contract farming and cluster-based organic farming to enhance agricultural productivity.
6. Strengthening the Rural Economy
The budget allocated Rs 1,87,223 crore for rural, agricultural, and allied sectors, focusing on rural employment generation and poverty alleviation. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a record allocation of Rs 48,000 crore was made to provide employment opportunities in rural areas.
7. Focus on Dairy and Allied Sectors
To boost the dairy sector, the government initiated a Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund with an initial allocation of Rs 8,000 crore. Fisheries, animal husbandry, and horticulture also received increased attention to diversify income sources for farmers.
8. Rural Housing and Sanitation
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin), the government aimed to build 1 crore houses for the rural poor by 2019. Additionally, the Swachh Bharat Mission received a major push with a target to make rural India open-defecation-free (ODF) by October 2019.
Conclusion
Budget 2017-18 marked a decisive step towards strengthening India’s agricultural sector and improving the quality of life in rural India. By focusing on irrigation, credit availability, infrastructure, and farmers’ welfare, the government aimed to build a resilient and self-sustaining rural economy. These measures set the foundation for higher agricultural productivity, increased rural employment, and overall economic growth, ensuring that India’s villages thrive in the years to come.