Vishal Singh moves towards rural advancement through innovation in agriculture

Vishal Singh: The Government of India has launched several schemes to empower farmers through innovation and technological advancement in the agricultural sector. These schemes are helpful in providing financial assistance, technical knowledge, and market access to farmers. Apart from this, there are many benefits of joining agricultural startups, which not only help in increasing the income of farmers but also play an important role in giving a new direction to Indian agriculture.

Vishal Singh, a resident of Nagla Milik, a small village in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh, is ready to establish new dimensions by adopting innovation and new technologies in the agricultural sector. His initiative, based on less than one acre of land, is in the category of agricultural startups, in which he is trying to strengthen the position of himself and other farmers of his village by adopting new and effective methods related to agriculture.

Objective of innovation

Vishal’s goal is to introduce solutions in agriculture that not only boost production but also make farming economically profitable. He believes that by using new methods in agriculture, even small farmers can get a big economic benefit. He has expanded his plan through agricultural startups, so that the village farmers can get better information about modern farming techniques and resources.

Initial challenges and their solutions

Often it is a challenging task to effectively farm on less than an acre of land. Due to lack of land, production is limited, which makes it difficult to turn agriculture into a commercial form. But Vishal is trying to turn this challenge into an opportunity. He wants to maximize production by increasing the diversity of plants on a small scale and using special methods of gardening. For this, he is creating a holistic model by combining organic farming and horticulture which can be helpful in reducing costs.

Social and economic contribution

Vishal’s effort is not only to strengthen his own economic condition, but can also prove to be a guide for other farmers of the village. He organizes training sessions and workshops in the village, so that other farmers can also become familiar with new techniques and the benefits of government schemes. Although he has not yet availed any government scheme, he is still helping other farmers by giving them information about various schemes and their benefits.

Future plans

Vishal dreams that through his startup, the farmers of his village learn about modern agricultural techniques and adopt them. He especially wants to promote collective farming, in which all the farmers of the village can work together and make better use of the resources. Apart from this, he is also trying to deliver his products directly to the market so that dependence on middlemen is reduced and farmers can get a fair price for their products.

Vishal’s unique approach

Vishal’s approach is different from other farmers because he is determined to promote innovation and efficiency in agriculture even while living in a limited area. His approach can become an inspiration for young farmers, which can play the role of a guide for small farmers in the village. Through his agricultural startup, Vishal wants to give the message that even with limited resources, big achievements can be achieved with hard work and proper use of technology.

His efforts are a symbol of the fact that if there is dedication and perseverance, a successful agricultural business can be established even on less land. These steps of Vishal in the agricultural sector are not only making him a successful farmer but are also becoming a source of inspiration for other farmers of the village.

Like Vishal Singh, other farmers can also achieve new heights in the field of agricultural start-ups. Here is information about some major government schemes and their benefits.

1. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

• Benefits: This scheme provides financial assistance to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives and agri-startups. Under this, facilities like interest subsidy and loan guarantee are provided.

• Objective: The scheme aims to improve agricultural infrastructure, such as crop storage, cold storage, and development of food processing units, which can help farmers to store and market their products in a safe manner.

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana (PM Kisan)

• Benefits: Under this, farmers are given financial assistance of Rs 6,000 every year. This assistance is provided in three installments, which becomes a support for small and marginal farmers.

• Objective: To arrange capital for agricultural activities by providing financial assistance to farmers so that they can invest in startup initiatives.

3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• Benefits: This scheme provides insurance coverage to protect crops from natural disasters, pest infestation and other risks. Farmers are also given subsidy in insurance fees.

• Objective: To provide financial support to farmers even at risk by giving security cover to crops so that they can focus on innovation and improvement in agriculture.

4. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Agriculture Startup Incubation Scheme

• Benefits: Under this scheme, startups are provided with technical advice, funding, mentorship, and marketing support. Startups are given technical and financial support, especially in the early stages.

• Objective: To provide the necessary support to agriculture startups to convert their ideas into practical and commercial form so that farmers can adopt new technological tools and working styles.

5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – Raftar

• Benefits: RKVY-Raftaar is a startup scheme that provides financial assistance and guidance to promote entrepreneurship in agriculture and related sectors. Under this, financial assistance of Rs 5 to 25 lakh is given to selected agricultural startups.

• Objective: To promote startups in agriculture and provide them support in development and research, so that they can bring innovation in Indian agriculture and encourage farmers to increase productivity.

Benefits of Agriculture Startups for Farmers

1. Market access and better prices: Digital platforms and mobile apps designed by startups connect farmers directly to the market, allowing them to get better prices directly from consumers without intermediaries.

2. Use of advanced technology: Through agriculture startups, farmers can take advantage of drones, IoT sensors, and precision farming techniques. This increases productivity and reduces costs.

3. Weather and crop information: Many startups provide accurate weather information and proper advice for crops, allowing farmers to reduce the risk of crop failure and improve agricultural management.

4. Processing and value addition: Through startups, farmers can process their products, such as making jams or pickles of fruits and vegetables. This increases their income.

5. Safe and eco-sensitive farming: By encouraging organic farming and natural farming, startups help farmers maintain environmental sustainability.

The aim of agriculture startups is not only to improve the economic condition of farmers but also to make them self-reliant by providing them access to modern technologies and markets. These schemes and their benefits are proving to be helpful in strengthening the rural economy and making agriculture a better and progressive business.