Farmers get AI boost: Govt unveils plans to globalize cashews, cocos & amp animal husbandry

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In her budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attempted to revitalize the country's rural economy. Opening the treasury for farmers, livestock farmers, and villagers, the government placed special emphasis on increasing the income of small and marginal farmers. The Finance Minister clarified that the government is committed to integrating agriculture with modern technology and creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.

'Bharat-Vistaar' AI tool will make farmers smarter

Taking a major step towards making agriculture high-tech, the government has launched the "Bharat-VISTAAR" program. This will be a multilingual artificial intelligence (AI) tool that will provide farmers with information in their own language. This technology will enable farmers to make better and more accurate decisions regarding crops and weather, directly increasing their productivity and making farming profitable.

Loan subsidy in animal husbandry and booster dose for fish farming

The government has announced a loan-based subsidy program for livestock farmers. This program will modernize livestock enterprises and promote livestock farmer producer organizations. To accelerate the Blue Revolution, integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars will be undertaken. There are plans to strengthen the fisheries value chain in coastal areas, increasing fishermen's income and providing them with better markets.

Cashew and coconut will become global brands, emphasis on the return of sandalwood.

Special announcements have been made to give a new identity to agriculture in coastal and hilly areas. Dedicated programs will be launched to establish Indian cashews and cocoa as major brands globally. A "Coconut Promotion Scheme" will be implemented to increase the competitiveness of coconut production. Furthermore, work will be done in collaboration with state governments to restore the former glory of Indian sandalwood. Special programs are also proposed for hilly areas to increase walnut and almond production.

Startups and women power will get market

To empower rural women and startups, initiatives have been launched to connect them directly to the market. Women-led groups will benefit from market linkages, allowing their products to reach consumers directly. The budget also focuses on empowering the disabled to bring them into the mainstream of society.