In a pointed response to the Congress Party’s criticisms regarding the agricultural sector’s performance, the BJP’s factsheet emphasizes that recent growth rates are not only stronger but also more consistent, supported by increased government budget allocations compared to the period from 2004 to 2014 when the UPA held power.

“The UPA’s years from 2004 to 2014 were marked by instability in Indian agriculture. For instance, the GDP growth rate for agriculture and allied sectors reached 5.1% in 2005-06, yet saw a decline of 0.1% in 2008-09, reflecting the Congress’s failure in agricultural policy,” the factsheet states.

“Claims of agricultural stagnation under the NDA are completely unfounded, as the sector has shown robust growth in recent years, averaging a 5% annual increase from FY17 to FY23. Additionally, preliminary data for the first and second quarters of 2024-25 indicate growth rates of 2% and 3.5%, respectively, further showcasing the sector’s resilience,” it continues.

The factsheet also notes that farmers’ financial conditions are improving, with agricultural income rising by an average of 5.23% annually over the past decade. Despite a temporary dip in employment during the pandemic, the NDA government has led a strong recovery, reducing the unemployment rate to 3.2%, significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level of 6%.

Furthermore, while the Congress Party has been accused of ignoring farmers’ needs, the NDA consistently ensures that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is set at 1.5 times the average cost of production. The landmark PM KISAN scheme, one of many initiatives, has benefited 11 crore farmers from 2019 to 2024, with over Rs 3.45 lakh crore distributed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Farmers’ purchasing power has significantly increased; total agricultural credit rose from Rs 7.3 lakh crore in 2013-14 to over Rs 25.48 lakh crore by 2023-24.

Additionally, the NDA has expanded the Kisan Credit Card scheme to include farmers in Animal Husbandry and Fisheries since 2018-19, a move absent during the UPA’s tenure. Under the UPA, the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and its modified version provided limited support with a mere allocation of Rs 2,151 crore in 2013-2014. In contrast, the PMFBY boasts a far larger budget and a more inclusive approach, with the NDA allocating Rs 13,625 crore for the initiative in 2023-24—six times more than the previous Congress allocation.

The NDA government’s efforts have also led to a substantial increase in registered Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). While only 318 FPOs were established under the UPA, the NDA launched the ‘Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs’ scheme in 2021 with an investment of Rs 6,865 crore, resulting in 8,875 FPOs across the country as of August 2024.

Additionally, the gap in consumption expenditure between urban and rural areas has narrowed, signaling improved living conditions. The PM KISAN program, introduced in 2018, provides Rs 6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers, benefiting over 11 crore individuals by 2024. A total of Rs 3.46 lakh crore has been dispensed through this initiative, with over 85% of beneficiaries falling into the small and marginal farmers category. The government’s use of Aadhaar and DBT has streamlined fund distribution, curbing corruption and delays.

To date, over Rs 34 lakh crore has been transferred through DBT to more than 1,167 crore beneficiaries, ensuring that welfare funds are disbursed in a timely, transparent, and corruption-free manner. Nationwide, the urban-rural gap in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure decreased from 84% in 2011-12 to 71% in 2022-23, and further to 70% in 2023-24. In this same period, the estimated average MPCE stands at Rs 4,122 for rural areas and Rs 6,996 for urban regions, excluding the value of items received free through social welfare programs, the factsheet concludes.