Third pillar of Budget 2021: Agriculture

Amid the ongoing farmers’ protests against the three farm laws, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman affirmed that her government is committed to the welfare of farmers.

While on one hand the Opposition raised slogans against the farm laws in the Parliament, the Finance Minister reiterated Modi government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.

Here are the major points highlighted in the budget speech pertaining to the agriculture sector:

Agriculture and allied sectors:

— Operation Green Scheme will be expanded and will take into account 22 perishable crops.

— 1,000 more mandis to be integrated with E-NAM market place.

— APMCs can receive agricultural infrastructure funds to tweak their infrastructure.

— MSP has been increased to 1.5 times

Wheat procurement:

— Rs 33,874 crore was paid to wheat farmers in 2013-14.

— This value increased to Rs 62,804 crore in 2019-20.

— The amount was further pushed to Rs 75,050 crore in 2020-21.

Paddy procurement:

— A total of Rs 53,928 crore was paid for paddy in 2013-14.

— In 2019-20, this amount increased to Rs 1.41 lakh crore.

— The amount is estimated to increase to Rs 1.72 lakh crore in 2020-21.

Pulses:

— Rs 236 crore was paid to farmers in 2013-14.

— In 2019-20, this amount increased to Rs 8,285 crore.

— In 2020-21 as of January 27, Rs 25,974 crore was paid

Cotton:

— Rs 90 crore was paid in 2013-14 to cotton farmers

— Rs 25,974 crore has been paid in 2020-21 as of January 27.

Five major fishing harbours – Chennai, Kochi, Paradip, Petuaghat and Visakhapatnam will be developed into fishing hubs to boost economic activity.

G) A multipurpose seaweed park will be set up in Tamil Nadu to promote seaweed farming.

H) Agri infra cess on fuel:

— Rs 2.50 cess per litre petrol

— 4.00 cess per litre diesel

The cess will be applicable from February 2.