Ministry Of Agriculture And Farmers’ Welfare: A Pillar Of India’s Agricultural Transformation – IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

Riya Rawat

Introduction

India, home to one of the largest agricultural economies in the world, depends on farming not just for food security but as a vital source of livelihood for over half its population. Often referred to as the backbone of the nation, agriculture sustains nearly 58% of the population and contributes significantly to the GDP. Beyond being an economic activity, farming remains a cultural cornerstone of the country. Recognizing its critical role, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) serves as the central body driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in the sector.

The ministry plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, advancing farmer welfare, and modernizing agricultural practices through its expansive portfolio of policies, programs, and schemes. With a vision to empower farmers and foster sustainable practices, the MoA&FW has evolved to address the challenges of a dynamic agricultural landscape while ensuring equitable resource distribution and promoting innovation. This article explores the ministry’s historical evolution, structure, divisions, flagship schemes, and the emerging challenges in agriculture, highlighting its comprehensive approach to shaping India’s agrarian future.

Historical Background

The history of agricultural governance in India dates back to 1871, during the British era, with the establishment of the Department of Revenue, Agriculture, and Commerce. Post-independence, agriculture became central to India’s development strategy, especially during the transformative Green Revolution of the 1960s, which elevated the nation from a food-deficient state to self-reliance. Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in sustaining the nation’s burgeoning population and diversifying economy, the Government of India established the Ministry of Agriculture to align policies with the growing needs of the agricultural sector and its stakeholders.

In 2015, the ministry was restructured and renamed the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), reflecting a renewed focus on farmer-centric programs alongside agricultural development. Today, the ministry serves as a nodal agency for implementing flagship schemes, facilitating agricultural research, and coordinating efforts with state and district administrations to address India’s multifaceted agrarian challenges. Through its initiatives, the ministry continues to uphold its mission of empowering farmers, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Structure and Divisions of the Ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) operates through a vast and decentralized network to effectively implement agricultural policies, programs, and schemes. Its operations are structured to address diverse aspects of the agricultural ecosystem, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient delivery of its expansive mandate.

Key Departments

The MoA&FW is composed of two primary departments, each playing a critical role in advancing agricultural development and farmer welfare:

1. Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW):
   This department is responsible for implementing farmer-centric policies and programs aimed at improving productivity, enhancing market access, and mitigating risks.
   • Flagship initiatives under this department include the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016 to protect farmers against crop losses, and the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), a digital platform for improving market access.
   • DA&FW also coordinates with state governments to ensure equitable resource distribution and oversees welfare programs to boost farmers’ livelihoods.

Below is the organizational chart of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW):

This structure ensures seamless collaboration between divisions, attached offices, and subordinate agencies. It allows for program implementation at national, state, and district levels, covering the breadth of India’s diverse agricultural landscape.

2. Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE):
   • DARE facilitates research, higher education, and technological advancements in agriculture through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
   • Its functions include developing climate-resilient crops, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing the research ecosystem to address emerging challenges.
   • It also works towards building a skilled agricultural workforce through capacity-building initiatives and education programs.

Organizational Reach

The ministry’s organizational framework is designed to deliver its objectives effectively across the country. It comprises:

• 28 divisions: Specializing in areas like crop production, horticulture, mechanization, marketing, and pest management.
• 5 attached offices: Acting as nodal agencies for coordination.
• 21 subordinate offices: Facilitating program implementation at the grassroots level.
• 9 autonomous bodies and 10 cooperative organizations: Extending support to farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives.

Divisions of the Ministry

The MoA&FW operates through 28 divisions, each addressing a specific facet of agriculture. These divisions play a pivotal role in policy implementation, scheme monitoring, and overall agricultural development. Below is a comprehensive description of each division:

1. Administration Division
Manages administrative functions such as staffing, promotions, pensions, and service records. This division also oversees logistics and infrastructure to support smooth operations within the ministry.

2. Agriculture Census Division
Responsible for conducting periodic agriculture censuses to gather critical data on land use, irrigation, tenancy, and cropping patterns. These insights guide policymaking and program implementation at various levels.

3. Agricultural Marketing Division
Oversees market reforms aimed at ensuring competitive pricing and market access for farmers. Key initiatives include:

• e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): A digital platform connecting farmers directly with buyers.
• Promoting agricultural infrastructure under the Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF).

4. Crop Insurance and Credit Division
Administers key financial schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to mitigate risks and provide credit access to farmers.

5. Soil and Water Management Division
Implements the Soil Health Card Scheme to promote efficient use of nutrients and improve soil fertility. It also focuses on irrigation projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

6. Integrated Nutrient Management Division
Promotes the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers to maintain soil health and enhance agricultural productivity.

7. Horticulture Division
Focuses on boosting the production and profitability of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and medicinal plants.

8. Plant Protection Division
Manages pest control measures and ensures the safe use of pesticides. This division also regulates plant quarantine to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases.

9. Cooperation Division
Supports farmer cooperatives by strengthening their institutional framework and promoting collective farming and marketing practices.

10. Extension Division
Facilitates knowledge dissemination and capacity building through initiatives like Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which provide training to farmers and extension workers.

11. Rainfed Farming System Division
Promotes sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in rainfed and arid regions, which are particularly vulnerable to climate variability.

12. Mechanization and Technology Division
Encourages the adoption of advanced agricultural machinery and mechanization to improve productivity and reduce labor dependency.

13. Economic Administration Division
Manages the ministry’s financial resources, including budget allocations, audits, and expenditure monitoring.

14. Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES)
Compiles and analyzes agricultural statistics, which serve as a basis for policy decisions and program evaluation.

15. Information Technology Division
Oversees the digitization of agricultural processes, including the development and management of e-governance initiatives like e-NAM.

16. Policy and Planning Division
Formulates policies and strategies to align agricultural practices with national development goals and global sustainability standards.

17. Plant Breeding and Genetics Division
Focuses on the development of high-yield and climate-resilient crop varieties through advanced research and breeding techniques.

18. Bio-Technology Division
Promotes the application of biotechnology in agriculture to improve crop resistance, enhance productivity, and develop bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides.

19. Seed Division
Ensures the availability and quality of certified seeds to farmers, a critical factor for improving agricultural productivity.

20. International Cooperation Division
Facilitates collaboration with international organizations and foreign governments for knowledge exchange, trade, and technology transfer in agriculture.

21. Organic Farming Division
Promotes organic farming practices, which emphasize sustainable use of natural resources and reduce dependency on chemical inputs.

22. Animal Husbandry and Dairying Division
Addresses allied sectors such as livestock management, dairy production, and veterinary services, contributing significantly to rural incomes.

23. Agri-Business and Agri-Exports Division
Encourages entrepreneurship in agriculture and supports farmers in accessing export markets for their produce.

24. Agro-Forestry Division
Promotes the integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase farmers’ incomes.

25. Fisheries Division
Focuses on the development of inland and marine fisheries, ensuring livelihood support and nutritional security.

26. Agricultural Education Division
Enhances the quality of agricultural education and training through initiatives led by agricultural universities and ICAR.

27. Women in Agriculture Division
Empowers women farmers by promoting gender-inclusive policies and programs, acknowledging their critical role in agricultural activities.

28. Disaster Management Division
Coordinates relief measures and risk mitigation strategies for farmers affected by natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.

Key Schemes and Programs:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) implements numerous flagship schemes and programs designed to address the diverse needs of Indian farmers. These initiatives focus on mitigating risks, improving productivity, ensuring equitable market access, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Below is a comprehensive overview of the ministry’s key schemes:

1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Launched in 2016, PMFBY is India’s largest crop insurance program, aimed at safeguarding farmers from financial losses caused by crop failures due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

Key Features:
Farmers pay nominal premiums of 1.5% for rabi crops and 2% for kharif crops, while the scheme covers risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages.

Technological Advances:
The scheme leverages digital innovations such as:

• CROPIC: A satellite imagery-based tool for real-time yield assessment.
• DIGI-Claim: An automated system ensuring timely claim settlements directly into farmers’ accounts.

Impact:
Over 5 crore farmers are insured annually under PMFBY, with claims exceeding ₹10,000 crore in 2022-23. The program has significantly reduced the financial vulnerability of farmers.

Critical Analysis:
While PMFBY has insured 56.96 crore applications and paid out over ₹1.54 lakh crore in claims since its inception, the adequacy and impact of these claims are mixed. The removal of premium capping ensures that farmers receive full claim amounts without reductions, improving coverage compared to previous schemes. However, some farmers report that the claims disbursed often do not fully cover the losses incurred due to localized disasters, such as hailstorms or post-harvest losses.

The integration of technologies like CROPIC and YES-TECH has facilitated more accurate yield assessments, but delays in claim settlements have occasionally been noted. Despite the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) improving accessibility and transparency, ensuring that all farmers, especially those in remote areas, benefit from these innovations remains an ongoing challenge.

https://www.pmfby.gov.in/adminStatistics/graphicalDashboard

2. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Launched in 2020, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) aims to enhance post-harvest infrastructure across the country. The fund focuses on projects that build storage capacity, processing units, and cold storage facilities.

• Key Features: The AIF allows farmers, cooperatives, and agri-entrepreneurs to access low-interest loans to construct or upgrade infrastructure such as warehouses, cold storage, and agro-processing units.
• Impact: By 2022, over ₹14,118 crore was sanctioned under AIF, which led to the establishment of numerous cold storage units and agro-processing units across India. This initiative has significantly reduced post-harvest losses, especially for fruits, vegetables, and perishable items like milk and meat, allowing farmers to store produce during market gluts and sell when prices are more favorable. Additionally, rural entrepreneurs are now better equipped to process agricultural produce, thereby increasing farmers’ earnings through value addition.
• However, the success of the AIF is contingent on the ability of local cooperatives and farmers to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and access the funds. There is a need for further outreach and training to ensure that smaller farmers benefit from the fund.

3. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)(2016)

The e-NAM is a digital platform aimed at creating a unified national market for agricultural commodities by linking existing APMC mandis across India.

• The platform integrates over 1,260 wholesale markets, offering farmers direct access to buyers, reducing dependence on intermediaries. It supports transparent pricing, cashless transactions, and ensures that farmers receive competitive prices for their produce.
• Technological Integration: e-NAM leverages mobile applications and online portals to enable real-time price discovery, traceability, and secure payments.
• Impact: The initiative has significantly improved market access for farmers, especially those in remote rural areas. Farmers can now access broader markets beyond their local mandis, which helps them achieve better prices. However, the adoption of e-NAM has been slow in certain states due to limited internet penetration and digital literacy among farmers. The scheme’s success depends on improving infrastructure, expanding internet access, and educating farmers on using these platforms effectively.

4. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

Launched in 2007, the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) aims to increase food grain production, particularly in areas that are facing production deficits. The mission’s components include rice, wheat, pulses, and nutri-cereals.

• Key Components: NFSM focuses on enhancing productivity through improved seed distribution, better crop management practices, and the introduction of sustainable techniques like System of Rice Intensification (SRI) for rice cultivation.
• Impact: NFSM has significantly boosted food grain production across India, helping meet the demand of the growing population. In 2021-22, India reached a food grain production of 315.72 million tonnes. This program has made India more self-sufficient in its food needs and is central to the government’s food security goals. However, the program’s success also hinges on overcoming regional disparities in infrastructure, extension services, and availability of quality inputs.

5. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

The ministry has prioritized the formation and promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by 2027 to enhance the collective bargaining power of small and marginal farmers.

• Benefits:
  • Facilitates aggregation of produce, enabling farmers to access larger markets.
  • Strengthens farmers’ financial inclusion by connecting them with institutional credit.
  • Provides access to shared resources and better price realization.
    FPOs represent a transformative model for empowering farmers and integrating them into a more organized supply chain.
• While Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aim to empower farmers collectively, these organizations often face operational inefficiencies due to insufficient funding, weak farmer mobilization, and inadequate training in governance and market linkages. To address these issues, systemic reforms are needed to ensure direct market access, improve last-mile connectivity for schemes, and strengthen financial literacy to equip farmers with tools for long-term sustainability.

6. Soil Health Card Scheme

Introduced in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme aims to provide farmers with detailed reports on the health of their soil, promoting sustainable and efficient farming practices.

• Farmers receive a Soil Health Card with personalized recommendations on fertilizers and nutrient management, based on soil testing.
• Impact: The scheme has been instrumental in reducing the overuse of chemical fertilizers and improving soil fertility. Over 23 crore soil health cards have been distributed, enabling farmers to adopt scientifically-backed nutrient management practices. This has resulted in better yields, reduced input costs, and a move toward organic farming practices in several regions. However, challenges remain in ensuring regular soil testing and improving farmer adherence to recommended practices. Increased training for extension workers and awareness programs for farmers will help sustain the scheme’s success.

7. Crop Diversification Program (CDP)

The Crop Diversification Program is a strategic initiative aimed at encouraging farmers, especially in water-stressed regions, to transition from water-intensive crops like paddy to more sustainable alternatives such as oilseeds, pulses, and nutri-cereals. This program not only tackles the critical issue of water conservation but also strengthens resilience against the impacts of climate change.

By offering both financial assistance and technical support, the scheme facilitates the shift to alternative crops, thereby reducing dependence on water-heavy crops. It promotes the cultivation of crops like sorghum, lentils, and mustard, which contribute to better water management, foster biodiversity, and enhance soil fertility. Furthermore, this diversification opens up new income opportunities for farmers, enabling them to reduce their reliance on a single crop and thereby improve the economic sustainability of their agricultural practices.

Emerging Challenges and Solutions

The agricultural sector in India, despite its pivotal role in the economy, faces a myriad of challenges that hinder its potential for sustainable growth. From the impacts of climate change to structural inefficiencies, these challenges demand robust and multi-dimensional solutions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) has been working to address these issues through a combination of technological interventions, infrastructure development, and policy reforms.

Challenges

1. Climate Change and Its Regional Impacts
   India’s agricultural sector faces severe disruptions from climate change, manifesting through erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. Regions like Bundelkhand frequently experience prolonged droughts, leading to water scarcity and reduced crop yields. Conversely, states such as Assam are prone to devastating floods, which destroy standing crops and displace farming communities. These climatic extremes not only hinder agricultural productivity but also exacerbate soil degradation and nutrient loss.
   Key Case: In 2018, the Kerala floods submerged over 57,000 hectares of agricultural land, causing widespread crop loss and displacement. Similarly, Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu uprooted over 50 lakh coconut trees and caused extensive damage to crops like paddy and pulses, illustrating the vulnerability of coastal farming to cyclonic storms.
2. Post-Harvest Losses
   Nearly 15-20% of agricultural produce is wasted annually due to insufficient storage facilities, inadequate cold chains, and inefficient transportation. These losses are particularly severe for perishable crops like fruits, vegetables, and milk, which have limited shelf lives. The lack of proper post-harvest infrastructure disproportionately impacts small and marginal farmers who lack access to modern storage and processing facilities.
3. Farmer Indebtedness and Financial Stress
   Many small-scale farmers remain trapped in cycles of debt due to high input costs, lack of institutional credit, and crop failures. In states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, recurring droughts have further aggravated indebtedness, leading to increased farmer suicides. Informal credit systems often exploit these farmers, charging exorbitant interest rates and perpetuating financial distress.
4. Soil Degradation and Nutrient Imbalance
   Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and poor irrigation practices have led to declining soil fertility in states like Punjab and Haryana. Coastal regions, such as Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam, face additional challenges from soil salinization due to seawater intrusion following cyclones. This severely hampers crop productivity and renders large tracts of land unsuitable for cultivation.
5. Access to Institutional Support and Market Exploitation
   Farmers in remote areas often struggle to access government schemes and institutional credit. Market exploitation, including unfair pricing by middlemen and delayed payments, further undermines farmers’ incomes. Despite initiatives like e-NAM, many farmers remain disconnected from formal markets, relying instead on exploitative intermediaries.

Solutions

Addressing the challenges facing Indian agriculture requires a multi-faceted approach that combines regional specificity, technological innovation, infrastructure development, and policy reform. The following strategies are essential for ensuring resilience and sustainability in the agricultural sector:

1. Regional Climate Adaptation Strategies

Tackling climate-related challenges requires localized and targeted interventions:

• Drought Management in Bundelkhand: Establishing rainwater harvesting systems and constructing check dams can significantly improve water availability for irrigation. The introduction of drought-tolerant crop varieties such as millet, sorghum, and pulses can help farmers adapt to prolonged dry spells. Additionally, promoting micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation can enhance water efficiency.
• Flood Mitigation in Assam: Strengthening embankment systems, improving drainage capacity, and adopting floating agricultural practices can help minimize the damage caused by frequent floods. Encouraging farmers to grow flood-resistant crops like deepwater rice can further mitigate risks. Establishing community-led disaster preparedness programs can also ensure faster recovery from flood-related losses.

2. Post-Harvest Infrastructure Development

Investing in post-harvest infrastructure is critical for reducing wastage and ensuring better income for farmers:

• The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) can be utilized to build cold storage facilities, modern warehouses, and food processing centers across agricultural hubs. These facilities will preserve the quality of produce and extend its shelf life, particularly for perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) should be incentivized to manage these facilities collectively. For example, FPO-managed warehouses can store produce until market prices are favorable, helping farmers avoid distress sales.
• Setting up rural transportation hubs and introducing refrigerated trucks can improve market connectivity, ensuring that produce reaches consumers efficiently and without significant loss.

3. Strengthening Financial Inclusion

Expanding access to institutional credit and improving crop insurance schemes are crucial for alleviating farmer indebtedness:

• Simplifying the application process for Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), especially through mobile applications and regional centers, can encourage greater adoption among small and marginal farmers. Outreach campaigns can further raise awareness of the benefits and procedures for availing KCC loans.
• Increasing government subsidies for crop insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and ensuring faster claim settlements can make the program more impactful. Streamlining the compensation process by integrating satellite-based assessments and direct benefit transfers can eliminate delays and inefficiencies.
• Creating a farmer credit monitoring system can help prevent over-indebtedness by tracking loans and repayment patterns, ensuring farmers do not fall into exploitative informal credit traps.

4. Soil and Water Management

Restoring soil health and ensuring efficient water use are essential for sustainable agriculture:

• Promoting precision farming techniques, which involve the use of sensors, drones, and data analytics, can help farmers apply fertilizers and water precisely where and when they are needed. This not only reduces input costs but also enhances productivity.
• Encouraging the adoption of organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and green manures can improve soil fertility and reduce dependency on chemical inputs.
• In coastal areas like Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam, tackling soil salinization caused by seawater intrusion requires innovative approaches. This includes cultivating salt-tolerant crop varieties, applying gypsum to neutralize salinity, and implementing large-scale soil reclamation programs.

5. Policy Reforms and Market Integration

Building stronger market linkages and reducing exploitation by intermediaries are vital for increasing farmer incomes:

• Expanding digital platforms like e-NAM to connect more farmers with national and international markets can ensure fair pricing and eliminate middlemen. Providing extensive training programs for farmers on using digital tools and platforms will empower them to access markets directly.
• Enforcing strict regulations to curb exploitative practices by middlemen, coupled with timely payments through direct benefit transfers (DBTs), will safeguard farmers’ interests.
• Introducing dynamic minimum support prices (MSPs) based on real-time production costs and market demand can offer farmers greater financial stability.

6. Climate-Smart Agriculture

Promoting climate-smart practices can help build resilience against climatic uncertainties:

• Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems can improve soil quality, enhance biodiversity, and provide additional income from non-timber forest products.
• Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Systems: Investing in advanced meteorological technologies to deliver real-time weather updates via mobile platforms will enable farmers to make informed decisions about sowing, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Supporting research into climate-resilient crops such as heat-tolerant wheat and flood-resistant rice can provide long-term solutions to climate-related vulnerabilities.

The Ministry’s Comprehensive Approach

To address these challenges holistically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare integrates technology, policy, and infrastructure interventions across its programs. While climate change necessitates innovation in crop varieties and farming techniques, improving market linkages and credit access ensures farmers can adapt and thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.

Selected References and Links

1. Organizational History of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (2017): An overview of the ministry’s historical development and structure. Read more here.
2. Introduction to RKVY Scheme: Detailed guidelines and objectives of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Access the document.
3. Operational Guidelines for PM-KISAN: A comprehensive guide to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme. View the guidelines.
4. PM-KMY Operational Guidelines: Explains the objectives and framework of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana. Explore here.
5. National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Official website with information on the mission’s goals and achievements. Visit NFSM.
6. Nutri Cereals Portal: Focused on promoting nutritious cereals under government initiatives. Discover more.
7. Special Plan for Crops: Guidelines and implementation strategies for crop-specific initiatives. Read the document.
8. A3P Guidelines: Details on the Accelerated Pulses Production Program (A3P) for improving pulse production. Access here.
9. Crops Overview: An overview of India’s major crops and related policies. View details.
10. Revamped Operational Guidelines of PMFBY (2020): Explains changes to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Learn more.
11. PMFBY Dashboard: A statistical overview of PMFBY’s performance and impact. Explore the dashboard.
12. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Guidelines (2024): Framework for utilizing the AIF to improve post-harvest management. Read the guidelines.
13. PM-KISAN Official Portal: Centralized information on the PM-KISAN Scheme. Visit the portal.
14. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): FAO’s official website for global agricultural insights and reports. Explore FAO.
15. About ICRISAT: Learn about the work of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. Visit ICRISAT.
16. IMD Mausam Website: Official website for weather forecasts and agricultural advisories. Check IMD Mausam.
17. Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE): Information on DARE’s role in advancing agricultural research. Know more.
18. ASCI Official Portal: Details on the Administrative Staff College of India and its agricultural programs. Visit ASCI.
19. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Portal: A platform to track AIF projects and updates. Access the portal.
20. DBT Agriculture Portal: A centralized system for direct benefit transfer in agriculture. Visit DBT Agriculture.
21. CACP Official Website: Insights from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices. Learn more.
22. IGOD Portal: Organizational details and resources for agricultural governance. Explore IGOD.
23. India.gov.in Agriculture Services: Comprehensive agricultural resources and government services. Discover here.
24. https://pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=149055&reg=3&lang=1 
25. Agriculture Portal on India.gov.in: Aggregated resources and schemes related to Indian agriculture. Explore now.

About the Author– Riya Rawat is a researcher at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), pursuing a second master’s degree in Political Science. With a strong background in public policy, gender studies, and international relations, her research interests focus on policy development, analysis, and global affairs.

Acknowledgement– The author extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Arjun Kumar and Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance and support. Special thanks to Ishita Deb and Mohd. Asif for their assistance in reviewing the article and providing insightful suggestions.

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