This article delves into two significant developments: the implications of the Axiom-4 space mission, particularly with India’s involvement, for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, and the newly launched PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, designed to revolutionize India’s agricultural sector.
India’s Leap in Space: The Axiom-4 Mission
The Axiom-4 mission marks a pivotal moment for India’s space ambitions, especially with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla participating in the journey to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission serves as a critical learning ground, directly feeding into ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
Human spaceflight is incredibly complex, demanding stringent safety measures and precise execution. The real-life experience gained from Axiom-4, particularly regarding decision-making and intricate orbital maneuvers, is invaluable. This firsthand exposure complements theoretical training and simulations, preparing future Indian astronauts for the unique challenges of space.
Beyond training, Axiom-4 facilitates unique scientific experiments designed by ISRO. These customized tests, especially in zero-gravity conditions, offer insights impossible to achieve on Earth. For instance, studying muscular behavior in space can reveal how muscles change without the influence of gravity, potentially leading to breakthroughs in human health.
Boosting Agriculture: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a major initiative aimed at developing 100 agricultural districts across the nation. This ambitious scheme, with an annual outlay of Rs 24,000 crore for six years starting 2025-26, aims to integrate 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries.
PMDDKY has five core objectives: enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification and sustainable practices, augmenting post-harvest storage at local levels, improving irrigation facilities, and facilitating access to both long-term and short-term credit for farmers. The scheme is designed to align district-level plans with national goals like water conservation and organic farming.
Governance and Framework
The governance structure of PMDDKY mirrors the successful Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis, headed by the Collector and including progressive farmers, will prepare detailed District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plans. These plans will be based on extensive local consultations and an understanding of agro-climatic conditions.
Committees at district, state, and national levels will ensure proper implementation. Central Nodal Officers will conduct field visits and monitoring, supported by technical knowledge partners from agriculture universities. The NITI Aayog will provide overall guidance and capacity building, similar to its role in the ADP. Performance will be tracked monthly using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) via a dedicated portal and dashboard.
- Axiom-4 provides crucial real-life experience and data for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
- ISRO is conducting unique biology and technology experiments in space via Axiom-4.
- PMDDKY aims to develop 100 agricultural districts through scheme convergence.
- The agricultural scheme focuses on productivity, diversification, storage, irrigation, and credit.
- PMDDKY’s governance framework is inspired by the successful Aspirational Districts Programme.
Both the Axiom-4 mission and the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana highlight India’s commitment to advancing in critical sectors, from human spaceflight to agricultural sustainability, fostering innovation and economic growth across the nation.
