SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Institutions: Ministry of Education | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | State Governments of Punjab & Maharashtra
On 25 November 2025, the World Bank’s Board approved two major projects for India — one aimed at improving educational quality in Punjab, and another to raise incomes for small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra through digital agricultural solutions.
The education project in Punjab will deploy digital tools to enhance learning outcomes, benefiting students across primary and secondary schools as well as early childhood education.
The agriculture project in Maharashtra will support more than 2 million small and marginal farmers — including women — by introducing precision farming, climate-resilient practices, soil-health management and digital advisory services. The goal is to increase productivity, boost resilience to climate risks and raise rural incomes.
Together, both projects are expected to benefit over 6 million people, advancing India’s dual agenda of human capital development and agrarian prosperity.
Policy Relevance:
These approvals reinforce how digital public infrastructure is emerging as a core instrument in India’s development strategy. For education, digitisation offers a path to reducing learning gaps, improving quality and scaling access — especially important for achieving education-for-all at scale. For agriculture, digital tools and climate-smart farming can transform livelihoods, increase resilience against climate shocks and contribute to rural economic growth. The initiative aligns with national priorities under schemes such as the National Education Policy, PM-Kisan, and the broader push for sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How will state-level departments and implementing agencies ensure effective rollout, user adoption (teachers, students, farmers), and integration of these digital solutions into existing systems?
Follow the full news here: World Bank