Interim Budget 2019: The formula for success of farm economy

The government must focus on four key areas in order to fulfill the initiatives announced

The agriculture sector was quite the focus in the Union Budget 2018-19 and that continued in the interim Budget presented on February 1, 2019. Proposals addressing growth of farmer income and stimulating rural economy found center stage in today’s announcements. Whether it is the direct income support scheme launched, interest subvention on farm loans to farmers’ animal husbandry and fisheries or increased Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGREGA) outlay, all these initiatives aim to help tackle rural distress and increased remuneration for farmers in the longer run. 

In my view, four key areas that need work include: 

1.