Cabinet Greenlights ₹24,000 Crore Farm Initiative & ₹27,000 Crore Renewable Push, Plus Tribute to Astronaut Shukla.

Cabinet Greenlights ₹24,000 Crore Farm Initiative & ₹27,000 Crore Renewable Push, Plus Tribute to Astronaut Shukla

On July 16, 2025, India’s Union Cabinet approved a dual‑track investment aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and renewable energy—totaling an impressive ₹51,000 crore—alongside a touching homage to the country’s latest space hero, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.

1. Farming with a ₹24,000 Crore Boost 🌾

Under the newly launched Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, each agricultural district will have access to ₹24,000 crore annually. The scheme focuses on:

• Boosting yields via better irrigation, credit access, and storage facilities.

• Encouraging crop diversification and sustainable farming methods.

• Enhancing post-harvest infrastructure to reduce waste and improve farmer incomes.

This district-centric model marks a significant shift from centralized schemes, intending to tailor solutions to each region’s unique needs and empower the rural economy.

2. Renewable Energy: ₹27,000 Crore in New Investments ⚡

To accelerate the clean energy trajectory, the government has approved:

• A ₹20,000 crore investment in solar, wind, and other renewables by NTPC.

• A ₹7,000 crore infusion into renewable projects by NLC India, through its subsidiary, NIRL.

These investments aim to contribute to NLC’s 10 GW capacity target by 2030, marking a bold step toward India’s net‑zero ambitions.

3. Celebrating India’s Space Triumph 🌌

In a historic gesture, the Cabinet passed a resolution to honor Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his return from the International Space Station. His 18-day mission aboard ISS under the Axiom-4 program has been lauded as a landmark achievement for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the mission, calling it “an occasion of pride, glory and joy for the entire country.”

Why It Matters

Area	Impact
Agriculture	District‑level funds empower tailored solutions; expects better yields, reduced losses.
Renewables	Bolsters India’s clean energy trajectory, aids in balancing energy security and climate goals.
Space	Highlights India’s entry into sustained human space missions and builds momentum for Gaganyaan.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

• Local rollout of the Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana: How districts prioritize projects and how quickly funds disburse.

• Execution roadmap for NTPC/NLC renewable projects: Location, technology mix, PPA structures, and project timelines.

• Shukla’s next chapter: Insights from his mission as India gears up for Gaganyaan and further space collaboration.

In Summary

This Cabinet decision signifies a sweeping commitment: from bolstering rural livelihoods and transforming India’s energy makeup to celebrating its growing presence in space. With ₹51,000 crore at play, the stakes are high—but so is the potential for lasting, positive change.