New Delhi:Budget 2024-25 allocates Rs 1.27 lakh crore to agriculture, aligning with Sanatan Dharma principles
In the Interim Budget, the allocation for the Agriculture Ministry for the fiscal year 2024–25 has been earmarked at Rs1.27 lakh crore, marking an increase from the revised estimates of Rs1.16 lakh crore in 2023–24 and the budget estimates of Rs 1.15 lakh crore for the same period. The budget reaffirms a commitment to enhance various initiatives aimed at value addition in the agricultural sector, empowering women, and augmenting the incomes of farmers.
Over the past decade, the government has provided direct financial assistance to 118 million farmers through the PM-Kisan Samman Yojana, a cash handout programme for every landholding agricultural family. These advancements are a result of farmer-centric policies, income support, risk coverage through price and insurance support, and the promotion of technologies and innovations facilitated by start-ups.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agriculture sector has witnessed nearly 4% growth, reflecting a positive trajectory for inclusive development and increased productivity. The increase in the agricultural budget can be symbolically connected to the principles of Sanatan Dharma, the eternal and universal values inherent in Hinduism. Sanatan Dharma emphasises the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment, fostering an attitude of reverence and responsibility towards nature. Increasing the allocation for agriculture reflects a commitment to supporting farmers, who are integral to the cycle of life and contribute significantly to the well-being of society. The budgetary focus on agriculture acknowledges the importance of nurturing the land, providing a livelihood for farmers, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment—an embodiment of the principles embedded in Sanatan Dharma.
In the vast tapestry of Bharat's cultural heritage, the philosophical connection between Sanatan Dharma and agriculture emerges as a thread that weaves through centuries, nurturing not just crops but a way of life deeply rooted in harmony, sustainability and spiritual understanding. Sanatan Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is not just a religious system; it is a way of life that encompasses diverse facets, including the intimate relationship with nature and agriculture. Sanatan Dharma and agriculture share a timeless bond, exploring the spiritual, cultural and ecological dimensions that have shaped this symbiotic relationship.
A Timeless Bond Nurturing Harmony
At the core of Sanatan Dharma lies a deep respect for nature, considering it not merely as a resource but as a manifestation of the divine. The reverence for the Earth as "Bhudevi" and the acknowledgement of plants, animals and natural elements as integral parts of the cosmic order emphasises the spiritual significance attributed to agriculture. The concept of "Yajna," a ritualistic offering with roots in Vedic literature, symbolises the sacred reciprocity between humans and nature. Agriculture, viewed as a form of Yajna, becomes a spiritual act where farmers are considered custodians entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing the earth.
Cultural Festivals Mirroring Agrarian Cycles
The cultural landscape of Bharat is adorned with festivals and rituals intricately tied to agriculture, mirroring the agrarian cycles and seasons. Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Baisakhi mark the harvesting season, celebrating the abundance of nature and expressing gratitude through rituals and festivities. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata incorporate narratives of agricultural practices, with Lord Rama cultivating the barren land and Arjuna spending years in disguise as a farmer. These stories not only embed agricultural wisdom but also highlight the humility and dedication associated with the act of farming. Traditional agricultural practices, such as organic farming and crop rotation, align with ecological sustainability principles that were deeply ingrained in ancient agricultural wisdom.
Government Initiatives in Harmony with Sanatan Dharma
In recent years, the Government of India has embarked on a transformative journey to promote organic farming, drawing inspiration from the timeless principles embedded in Sanatan Dharma. This paradigm shift reflects a commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and a holistic understanding of agriculture deeply rooted in the country's cultural and spiritual heritage.
The government has been promoting organic farming as a priority in the country since 2015-16 through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). Both schemes stress providing end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming, i.e., from production to processing, certification, and marketing and post-harvest management training and capacity building, which are integral parts of the scheme.
Under PKVY, states and UTs of the country are provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000/ha for 3 years, out of which Rs 31,000/ha for 3 years is provided directly to farmers through DBT for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs. Financial assistance of Rs. 8,800/ha for 3 years is provided for marketing, packaging, branding, value addition and other marketing initiatives. Apart from this, Rs 2,700/ha for 3 years is provided for certification and residual analysis. Under the scheme, assistance is also provided at Rs. 7,500/ha for 3 years for training and capacity building.
Under MOVCDNER, the assistance of Rs 46,575/ha for 3 years is provided for the creation of FPO, support to farmers for organic inputs, quality seeds and planting material, training, handholding, and certification. Financial assistance of Rs 32,500/ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off-farm or on-farm organic inputs under the scheme. The government has also developed a web portal, www.Jaivikkheti.in/, as an online marketing platform for the direct sale of organic produce by farmers to consumers to help them achieve better price realisation. A total of over 6.09 lakh farmers have been registered under the Jaivik Kheti portal.
The National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), a subordinate office of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), has been organising various training and capacity-building programmes, namely a 30-day certificate course, field demonstration and training, an extension officer training programme, and a 7-day online or offline training course on various aspects of organic farming.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agriculture (ICAR) is involved in providing need-based training to farmers and extension agents and giving technical support to state agencies for the promotion of organic farming. Scientists at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) organise regular training programmes for farmers and extension personnel on organic agriculture, including the production and use of organic inputs. Under Soil Health Card (SHC) schemes, the government is also promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through the judicious use of chemical fertilisers in conjunction with bio-fertilisers and organic manures for improving soil health, fertility, and productivity.
Prioritising Farmer Welfare
Traditional agricultural practices, often found in ancient texts like the Vedas and Puranas, emphasised the importance of working in harmony with nature. The use of natural fertilisers, crop rotation, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals were integral to these practices, fostering a sustainable approach that resonates with the principles of organic farming. Farmers are encouraged to view their work as a service to the environment, promoting a sense of responsibility and reverence for the land.
Sanatan Dharma places significant emphasis on the welfare of all individuals, and the government's push for organic farming aligns with this principle by prioritising the well-being of farmers. By integrating cultural and spiritual values into agricultural practices, Bharat aims to not only secure a healthier and more sustainable future but also to honour the timeless wisdom embedded in its cultural heritage.
This timeless bond between Sanatan Dharma and agriculture exemplifies a holistic worldview where spirituality, culture, and ecology converge harmoniously. As we navigate the challenges of modern agriculture and environmental concerns, revisiting the principles embedded in our cultural heritage can offer valuable insights into sustainable and ethical farming practices. In preserving and promoting this profound connection, we not only safeguard our agricultural traditions but also contribute to a more harmonious coexistence with the Earth—a timeless legacy that transcends generations.
(The author is a member of Rajya Sabha; views are personal)