Page 29 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026

recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission,
crops are being purchased at MSP with a 50% profit
margin on the total cost, and in some cases, even
more than 50% profit is being given. Sometimes, state
governments are lax in procurement; therefore, the
central government has also decided that if state gov-
ernments purchase less or none of the tur, masoor,
and urad crops, the central government will purchase
them directly through agencies like NAFED, ensuring
farmers receive a fair price.
Between 2004 and 2014, the total quantity of Kharif
crops purchased at MSP was only 46 Crore 89 Lakh In Tamil life, Pongal is like a joyful experience.
metric tons, while under PM Modi’s leadership, the It embodies the hard work of the food provider
central government has purchased 81 Crore 86 Lakh and a sense of gratitude towards the earth and
metric tons. Similarly, previously, 23 Crore 2 Lakh the sun. This festival also shows us the way to
metric tons of Rabi crops were purchased, while the maintain balance in nature, family, and society.
current central government has purchased 35 Crore At this time, there is also enthusiasm for Lohri,
40 Lakh metric tons. Previously, 47,75,000 metric tons Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and other festivals
of oilseeds were purchased, while the current gov- in different parts of the country.
ernment has purchased 1 Crore 28 Lakh metric tons. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
Only 6 Lakh metric tons of pulses were purchased
in the previous 10 years, while now 1 Crore 89 Lakh
metric tons have been purchased. MSP crop procure- in agriculture. The government has increased the
ment rose from ₹741,000 crore over the past decade budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture
to ₹2,449,000 crore now. and Farmers Welfare from ₹21,933.50 crore in the
2013-14 budget estimates to ₹1,27,290.16 crore in
GST 2.0 AND FARMERS the 2025-26 budget estimates, a six-fold increase. The
Just before Diwali in 2025, GST 2.0 has benefited biggest beneficiaries of this increased budget have
every farmer and livestock owner by reducing their been small farmers. For example, fertilizer subsidies
expenses. Tractors have become even cheaper. With rose from ₹5 lakh crore (2004–2014) to over ₹13 lakh
the new reforms, there is a direct saving of approxi- crore (2014–2024).
mately ₹40,000 on the purchase of a tractor. GST has To increase farmers’ income, alternatives beyond
also been significantly reduced on other agricultural traditional farming are being provided. Therefore,
machinery used by farmers. For example, there is a emphasis is being placed on animal husbandry,
saving of ₹15,000 on paddy transplanters. Similarly, fisheries, and beekeeping for additional income. This
there is a saving of ₹10,000 on power tillers and up to has empowered small farmers and landless families.
₹25,000 on threshers. GST has also been drastically Farmers across the country are benefiting from this.
reduced on drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation The comprehensive initiatives undertaken in the
equipment, and harvesting machines. last 11 years for the agriculture sector and farmer
welfare prove that such schemes are only possible
A GOLDEN VISION OF INDIA FOR 2047 when there is a government at the center that thinks
PM Modi, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, discussed about and cares for the interests of farmers. The
the four strong pillars of a developed India. Farmers central government is building new systems, from
constitute one of these strong pillars. For the past seed to market, from farm to barn, with a new ap-
11 years, the central government has consistently proach, which is becoming the cornerstone for the
strived to empower farmers and increase investment realization of the vision of a developed India. n

February 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 27