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The Union Budget 2024 allocated a substantial Rs 1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture sector, building upon prior initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission. This significant investment underscores the government's commitment to modernizing and strengthening the backbone of the Indian economy.
As we anticipate the Union Budget 2025, several key areas demand focused attention. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure is paramount. Investments in cold storage, warehousing, and efficient supply chain management are crucial to minimize post-harvest losses, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Furthermore, addressing the challenges of water scarcity and climate change is imperative. Promoting micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and developing climate-resilient crop varieties will enhance water use efficiency and safeguard agricultural productivity in the face of increasing climate variability.
Financial support for farmers remains a critical aspect. Improvements to crop insurance schemes, including wider coverage and timely claim settlements, are crucial to provide a safety net for farmers during times of crop loss. Additionally, easing access to credit through lower interest rates and simplified loan procedures will empower farmers to invest in their farms and enhance their livelihoods.
The dairy sector also necessitates focused attention. Enhancing breed improvement programs, bolstering veterinary services, and incentivizing the modernization of dairy infrastructure will boost milk production and improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers.
Budget 2025 presents a unique opportunity to catalyze a transformative shift in Indian agriculture. By prioritizing these key areas, the government can empower farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. (ETNOW)
Odisha coal mining project faces legal scrutiny: NGT orders review
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Indian and Odisha governments, along with Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), a joint venture between the governments of India and Telangana, over concerns about a proposed coal mining project in Angul district, Odisha.
The project, located in Chhendipada tehsil, has faced opposition from local residents who have filed a petition alleging that the environmental and social impact assessments have been inadequate and that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
This legislation aims to protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities, including the right to forest resources and the right to prior informed consent for any development projects that may impact their livelihoods.
The petition, filed by Jharana Dehury and eight other residents, highlights the significant environmental impact of the project, which necessitates the felling of over 105,092 trees in Chhendipada Reserve Forest and numerous others in surrounding areas.
The petitioners argue that the project approval process has failed to adequately address the concerns of local tribal communities and that their rights have been disregarded.
The NGT, taking cognizance of these serious allegations, has issued notices to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Odisha Forest and Environment department, the Angul district administration, and SCCL.
The tribunal has directed these entities to respond to the petition and demonstrate compliance with all relevant environmental and social laws, including the Forest Rights Act.
The NGT's intervention underscores the importance of ensuring environmental and social safeguards are in place for large-scale development projects, particularly those impacting ecologically sensitive areas and affecting the livelihoods of local communities.
This case will be closely watched as it highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing the need for economic development with environmental protection and the rights of indigenous populations. (The New Indian Express)
Delhi floods in 2023: Inaccurate forecast attributed to Yamuna congestion, govt tells NGT
The Indian government has informed the NGT that the 2023 flood forecast for Delhi issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC) was inaccurate due to significant congestion in the River Yamuna.
In response to an NGT inquiry initiated following a newspaper report, the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the CWC stated that the high discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage, coupled with obstructions in the Yamuna's flow within Delhi, led to severe flooding in the city last year.
These obstructions included the partial closure of the ITO Barrage, the accumulation of silt, the presence of trees in the riverbed, and debris from construction activities along the river.
The government acknowledged that the CWC's flood forecasts rely on assumptions of free-flowing water channels. However, the presence of these obstructions significantly altered the river's flow dynamics, rendering the forecast inaccurate.
Consequently, Delhi experienced one of its worst flood situations in recent years, with over 25,000 people requiring evacuation from inundated areas.
A committee headed by the CWC chairperson has recommended that the relevant authorities in Delhi take corrective measures to address these issues and improve the accuracy of future flood forecasts. These measures may include dredging the riverbed to remove silt, clearing vegetation, and ensuring the proper functioning of all river barrages. (Business Standard)
Moving towards a unified national agriculture market: A new policy framework
The Indian government has released a draft policy framework aimed at creating a unified national market for agricultural produce, a significant step towards reforming the sector. This move comes nearly three years after the repeal of the controversial farm laws.
Key policy suggestions include streamlining market entry for traders through a single licensing/registration system, allowing private entities to establish wholesale markets, and enabling direct farm-gate purchases by processors, exporters, and retailers. The framework also emphasizes the need for a single market fee across the country and the integration of digital technologies like blockchain and AI to enhance transparency and efficiency in the agricultural supply chain.
The draft policy emphasizes the need for a "unified national market" to provide farmers with better pricing options and reduce barriers to trade. To facilitate inter-state cooperation and drive the implementation of these reforms, the government proposes the establishment of an "empowered agricultural marketing reform committee."
The overarching goal is to "build a vibrant marketing ecosystem" where farmers can freely choose their markets and realize the best prices for their produce. The draft also emphasizes the development of an improved e-NAM platform and the creation of a robust digital infrastructure to support the new market dynamics.
Successful implementation of this policy will require significant collaboration between the central and state governments, as well as the active participation of farmers and other stakeholders. (The Times of India)
NGT orders investigation into "Forever Chemicals" in Chennai's drinking water
The NGT has taken suo moto cognizance of a news report revealing the presence of high levels of "forever chemicals" (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - PFAS) in Chennai's water bodies, including the Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, and Chembarambakkam Lake.
A study conducted by IIT Madras highlighted the concerning levels of these persistent pollutants, which have been linked to serious health issues such as liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and cancer.
The NGT has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prescribe standards for PFAS in drinking water and to develop standardized sampling and analysis methods. The CPCB has acknowledged the increasing levels of PFAS in drinking water and the urgent need for regulatory measures.
The tribunal has also impleaded the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the Chennai Collector/District Magistrate, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board to address this critical issue.
The matter will be further heard by the NGT on April 29, 2025. This action by the NGT underscores the growing concern over the presence of PFAS in the environment and the need for proactive measures to protect public health. (India Legal)
UP Government and Google Cloud launch AI-Powered Agri Network
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step towards modernizing agriculture by partnering with Google Cloud to launch the "Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture." This innovative platform, powered by Google's Gemini AI and Beacon technology, aims to empower millions of farmers in the state by providing them with a centralized hub for critical information and services.
Through this network, farmers will gain access to a wide range of resources, including timely and accurate weather forecasts, expert crop recommendations, and guidance on pest management. Furthermore, the platform will facilitate access to credit and financial services tailored to the specific needs of farmers. By connecting farmers with markets and enabling them to sell their produce more efficiently, the network aims to significantly improve their incomes.
This initiative is designed as a "digital public infrastructure" that will not only benefit farmers but also foster a more inclusive and dynamic agricultural ecosystem. It will allow various stakeholders, such as input suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies, to participate and offer their services to farmers. This collaborative approach will empower entrepreneurs to develop and deliver innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of different farming communities.
The launch of this AI-powered agricultural network marks a significant milestone in the digitalization of agriculture in India. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmer livelihoods, and drive sustainable agricultural growth in the state. (Hindustan Times)
This is a roundup of important policy updates from the 1st January 2025 to 15th January 2025. Also view our news updates here.