Reaction on Budget 2023 for agriculture sector. The budget for this year made by the Honorable Union Finance Minister is a well-thought-out strategy of the government for India’s Amrit Kaal, a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy. Focus on green growth has laid out the roadmap for achieving sustainable development goals.
The announcements made for the agriculture sector will augment production, promote science and tech-led agriculture, encourage cooperative societies for farmers and provide better-decentralized storage facilities. The hike in agriculture credit target to Rs 20 lakh crore will provide necessary financial aid to the farmers.
What makes this budget promising for farmers is the thrust of the government to incorporate technology in agriculture at various levels. Hon’ble Finance Minister’s announcement of creating Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture will be a strong enabler of inclusive farmer-centric solutions and help improve access to farm inputs, market intel, and support for the agriculture industry, and start-ups.
“Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Program” and Global Hub for Millets: ‘Shree Anna’ will further boost India’s global leadership position in this crop segments and Industry is eager to participate in these programs.
Agri input Industry is looking forward to participating in the Public-Private Partnership for “enhancing productivity of cotton crop” announced in the budget.
The budget announcement of “Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres”, is well aligned with global developments and will go a long way in developing a sciencebased ecosystem for promoting biological solutions which is getting greater attention globally.
These interventions, along with Sahakaar Se Samruudhi, Saptarishi Plan, Agriculture Accelerator Fund, will make farming and the agri sector more resilient.
Mr Sanjiv Lal, MD & CEO, Rallis India
