What’s in the news?

• Presenting the Union Budget 2023-24, Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government will launch Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program to boost availability of disease-free, quality planting material for high value horticultural crops.
• The Program will be launched with an outlay of Rs. 2,200 crore.

Agriculture Accelerator Fund 

• An Agriculture Accelerator Fund will be set-up to encourage agri-startups by young entrepreneurs in rural areas. 
• The Fund will aim at bringing innovative and affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers, and will also bring in modern technologies to transform agricultural practices, increase productivity and profitability.

Other Initiatives

• A new sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana will also be launched with a targeted investment of Rs. 6,000 crore to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro & small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies, and expand the market.
• To enhance the productivity of extra-long staple cotton, a cluster-based and value chain approach will be adopted through Public Private Partnerships (PPP). 
• This will mean collaboration between farmers, state and industry for input supplies, extension services, and market linkages, she elucidated.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1895308