Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households with reference to the agricultural year July 2018- June 2019 has shown that the Farmers’ Monthly Income has jumped almost two times compared to the year 2012-13.
The Survey was conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation. A similar survey was also conducted during the 70th round by NSO and a comparative study of the two has revealed the jump.
The Survey says “The Average Monthly Income for the period 2012-13 (70th Round) was Rs 6,426 and the same became Rs 10,218 in the (77th Round) during 2018-19.” This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
Tomar also listed various new initiatives launched by the government towards the goal of doubling farmers’ income in the Parliament.
He said that the Government has fixed MMSP for 22 mandated agricultural crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), after considering the views of State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments concerned and other relevant factors.
To realize the objectives of MSP Policy, the Government extends price support for paddy and wheat through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State Agencies. Under this policy, whatever food grains are offered by farmers within the stipulated period & conforming to the specifications prescribed by Government are purchased at MSP by the State Government agencies including FCI for Central Pool.
Additionally, Oilseeds, pulses and copra of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) are procured from registered farmers under Price Support Scheme under Umbrella Scheme of PM-AASHA, as per its guidelines at MSP in consultation with the concerned State Government as and when market price of these produce falls below the MSP. Cotton and Jute are also procured by the Government at MSP through Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and Jute Corporation of India (JCI), respectively.
The Minister also mentioned Supplementary income transfers under PM-KISAN, Crop insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY), Better access to irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), and Special attention for creation of infrastructure through Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with a size of Rs. 100,000 crores,
Some of the other schemes announced by the Minister included Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) offering production loans to even dairy & fishery farmers besides agricultural crops. Formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs was another highlight of his reply. Adoption of drone technologies in agriculture was yet another scheme which has a potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture.
Benefits accruing under Bee-Keeping, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Blue Revolution, Interest Subvention Scheme, agroforestry, restructured bamboo mission, implementation of new generation watershed guidelines, etc were also crucial in achieving this goal.