During the pre-budget consultation, the farmers also pushed for a more comprehensive approach to tackling climate change’s impact on agriculture. They highlighted the vulnerability of the sector to extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns. The farmers called for increased funding for climate-resilient agricultural practices and technologies, as well as incentives for sustainable farming methods that could help reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture.
They also expressed concerns over the inadequate implementation of existing government schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which aims to improve irrigation infrastructure. Farmers urged the government to fast-track irrigation projects and ensure timely disbursement of funds to prevent delays in execution.
Another significant demand was for stronger safeguards against land acquisition for industrial or infrastructural development, which often displaces farmers. The farmers requested that the government protect the interests of agricultural landowners, ensuring that land acquisition laws are implemented fairly and that the compensation provided is adequate.
The issue of agricultural education and research also came up during the discussions. Farmers stressed the need for increased investment in agricultural research and innovation, especially to develop drought-resistant crop varieties, pest-resistant seeds, and techniques for reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. They also sought more support for skill development in rural areas, particularly for young farmers, to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to adapt to modern farming practices.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the multiple challenges faced by the agricultural community and assured the delegation that these issues would be closely looked at in the budgetary allocations. She reiterated the government’s commitment to boosting the sector’s growth while ensuring farmers’ welfare.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that the proposed reforms and demands would be carefully considered ahead of the final budget presentation. Farmers expressed optimism that their concerns would be addressed, while the government stressed that the agriculture sector would remain a top priority in the upcoming budget.