Overview
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The event underscored India's commitment to promoting natural farming practices and supporting farmers through various government schemes. The Prime Minister also released the 21st installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, amounting to ₹18,000 crore, benefiting 9 crore farmers across the country.
Key Developments
- PM-KISAN Installment: The 21st installment of ₹18,000 crore was released, reaching 9 crore farmers. This direct benefit transfer aims to support farmers' financial needs.
- Natural Farming Promotion: The summit focused on promoting natural farming as a sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practice. The Prime Minister emphasized that India is on the path to becoming a global hub for natural farming.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Over ₹10 lakh crore has been provided to farmers through the KCC scheme this year, facilitating access to credit for agricultural activities.
- National Mission on Natural Farming: Launched one year ago, this mission has connected lakhs of farmers and is showing positive impacts, particularly in South India, with approximately 35,000 hectares in Tamil Nadu under organic and natural farming.
Prime Minister's Key Remarks
Shri Modi highlighted that the youth of India are increasingly recognizing agriculture as a modern and scalable opportunity, which will greatly empower the rural economy. He emphasized that natural farming is India’s own indigenous idea, rooted in traditions and suited to the environment. He also suggested a practice of ‘One Acre, One Season’, encouraging farmers to practice natural farming on one acre of land for one season.
Government Initiatives and Support
- Financial Assistance: The government has directly transferred ₹4 lakh crore to the bank accounts of small farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme.
- Agricultural Exports: India’s agricultural exports have nearly doubled over the past eleven years, indicating significant growth in the sector.
- KCC Extension: The benefits of KCC have been extended to livestock and fisheries sectors, benefiting those engaged in these areas.
- GST Reduction: Reduction in GST on bio-fertilizers has further benefited farmers by reducing input costs.
Exam Relevance
This news article is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for GS Paper 3 (Agriculture, Economy, and Environment) and GS Paper 2 (Government Policies and Schemes). The focus on natural farming aligns with sustainable development goals, and the details of government schemes like PM-KISAN and KCC are important for understanding rural development initiatives.
Important Facts for Prelims
- The South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 was held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
- The 21st PM-KISAN installment amounted to ₹18,000 crore.
- The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has provided over ₹10 lakh crore to farmers this year.
- The National Mission on Natural Farming was launched one year ago.
- Approximately 35,000 hectares in Tamil Nadu are under organic and natural farming.
Potential Mains Questions
- Evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes like PM-KISAN and KCC in promoting agricultural development and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
- Discuss the potential of natural farming to address the challenges of climate change and ensure sustainable agriculture in India.
- Analyze the role of technology and innovation in modernizing Indian agriculture and enhancing its global competitiveness.