Synopsis
In the Gujarat Assembly's recent Budget discussions, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel announced a significant financial boost for the Smartphone Subsidy Scheme, providing Rs 65.62 crore to 1,532 farmers in Sabarkantha district. The 2025-26 Budget aims to expand the scheme's reach, empowering more farmers with essential digital tools for modern agriculture.Key Takeaways
- Rs 65.62 crore disbursed to 1,532 farmers in Sabarkantha.
- Expansion of the Smartphone Subsidy Scheme in the 2025-26 Budget.
- 40% cost coverage for smartphones by the Gujarat government.
- Real-time updates for farmers on crucial agricultural information.
- Significant support provided to farmers over the past five years.
Gandhinagar, March 20 (NationPress) In the recent Budget session of the Gujarat Assembly, State Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel revealed that the Smartphone Subsidy Scheme for farmers has disbursed Rs 65.62 crore to 1,532 farmers in Sabarkantha district over the past two years, as of December 31, 2024.
In light of the rising number of applications, the 2025-26 state Budget has allocated additional resources to extend the scheme's advantages to a greater number of farmers throughout the state.
Minister Patel emphasized that this initiative, which began in 2021-22, is designed to provide farmers with vital digital tools.
With smartphone access, farmers can obtain immediate updates on weather conditions, rainfall forecasts, potential crop diseases, modern farming techniques, pest control strategies, and online applications for agricultural schemes and financial aid, he noted.
"Under this scheme, the Gujarat government subsidizes 40 percent of the smartphone cost or Rs 6,000, whichever is lower. This financial support enables farmers to adopt technology without facing substantial financial stress," the Minister added.
Highlighting the scheme's achievements, Minister Patel stated that by December 31, 2024, 2,665 applicants in Mehsana district had collectively received Rs 12.5 crore in subsidies, while 541 farmers in Narmada district were granted Rs 2.33 crore in assistance.
"These numbers, provided in a written response, demonstrate the state's commitment to empowering its agricultural sector through digital inclusion," he remarked.
With an increased budget allocation for 2025-26, the Gujarat government aspires to broaden the reach of the Smartphone Subsidy Scheme, allowing more farmers to benefit from modern technology to boost productivity and efficiency in agriculture, the Minister stated.
With approximately 52 lakh (5.2 million) farmers involved in agricultural activities, Gujarat has a substantial agricultural landscape.
The state encompasses around 10 million hectares of cultivable land, with key crops including cotton, groundnut, wheat, rice, and various pulses, the Minister mentioned.
Moreover, Gujarat ranks as one of India's top milk producers, significantly contributing through the Amul cooperative network, he added.
The government has been actively aiding farmers via various initiatives, including the Smartphone Subsidy Scheme, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and irrigation support programs, the Minister stated.
Over the last five years, more than 15 lakh (1.5 million) farmers have received financial support for purchasing agricultural equipment, seeds, and fertilizers, the Minister noted.
Additionally, Gujarat has made remarkable progress in organic farming and water conservation initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector, the Minister concluded.
