Union Budget 2025-26: Boosting Agriculture in India

The Union Budget for 2025-26 has set ambitious goals to enhance agricultural growth and productivity in India. Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasized agriculture as one of the four key engines driving the economy, alongside MSME, investment, and exports. The budget outlines several initiatives aimed at improving agricultural resilience and productivity, which are crucial for the nation’s economic development. This article delves into the significant proposals introduced in the budget that aim to transform the agricultural landscape in India.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

One of the standout initiatives in the budget is the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. This program is inspired by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme and aims to enhance agricultural productivity in 100 districts characterized by low productivity and moderate crop intensity. The government plans to collaborate with state governments to implement this program effectively.

The Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will focus on several key areas. It will promote crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it aims to improve post-harvest storage facilities at both the panchayat and block levels. Enhanced irrigation facilities will also be a priority, along with facilitating access to long-term and short-term credit for farmers. This comprehensive approach is expected to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers across the identified districts. By addressing the specific needs of these areas, the government hopes to create a more resilient agricultural sector that can withstand challenges and thrive in the long run.

Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience

The budget also introduces a multi-sectoral program aimed at building rural prosperity and resilience. This initiative seeks to tackle underemployment in agriculture by focusing on skill development, investment, and technology. The goal is to invigorate the rural economy and create ample opportunities for residents. The program aims to ensure that migration becomes a choice rather than a necessity for rural families.

Special attention will be given to rural women, young farmers, and marginalized communities. The initiative aims to catalyze enterprise development and promote financial independence among rural women. For young farmers and rural youth, the program will focus on creating new employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it will support marginal and small farmers by modernizing agricultural practices and improving warehousing facilities. The government plans to incorporate global best practices and seek technical and financial assistance from multilateral development banks to ensure the program’s success. In its first phase, the initiative will cover 100 developing agricultural districts.

Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Another significant proposal in the budget is the “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.” This initiative aims to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils and pulses. The government has already made strides toward self-sufficiency in pulses, with farmers increasing cultivated areas by 50%. The rising incomes and better affordability have led to a significant increase in pulse consumption.

The new mission will focus on key pulses such as Tur, Urad, and Masoor. It will emphasize developing climate-resilient seeds, enhancing protein content, and improving productivity. The government will also work on post-harvest storage and management to ensure that farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce. Central agencies like NAFED and NCCF will be prepared to procure these pulses from registered farmers over the next four years. This initiative is expected to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the nation.

Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables and Fruits

The Union Budget also highlights the growing awareness of nutritional needs among the population. As income levels rise, the consumption of vegetables and fruits is increasing significantly. In response, the government plans to launch a comprehensive program aimed at promoting the production and efficient supply of vegetables and fruits.

This program will focus on processing and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. The government will establish appropriate institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of this initiative. Farmer producer organizations and cooperatives will play a crucial role in this process. By enhancing the production and supply chain for vegetables and fruits, the government aims to improve the nutritional standards of the population while also supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

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