New Delhi : In a significant move aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector and boosting rail connectivity, the Modi Cabinet has approved six major decisions. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government has increased the capital base of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to directly benefit farmers.
Highlighting that 94% of the NCDC’s beneficiaries are farmers, Vaishnaw said the Cabinet has approved ₹2,000 crore in financial assistance under the Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant-in-aid to NCDC”, for the period 2025–26 to 2028–29.
“This move is expected to positively impact millions of farmers across the country by strengthening cooperative initiatives,” Vaishnaw said.
The Cabinet also cleared an allocation of ₹6,520 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, aimed at improving the agricultural value chain, food processing infrastructure, and farmer income.
To ensure food safety and boost agro-processing capacity, the government has allocated an additional ₹1,000 crore for the establishment of modern food testing laboratories and radiation units.
“Food processing in India has doubled in the past 11 years, and this step will further enhance quality assurance,” said Vaishnaw.
In a parallel development, the Cabinet approved the construction of a fourth railway line between Itarsi and Nagpur, a key freight corridor. The third line is already under construction, and the fourth line will address congestion and improve connectivity in central India.
