Agriculture Budget 2025 – The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has announced significant initiatives aimed at supporting India’s agricultural sector. These measures are expected to benefit approximately 1.75 crore farmers, with a focus on improving productivity, enhancing storage facilities, and providing better access to credit.

Prime Minister Krishi Yojana: Agri Districts Programme

Inspired by the successful Aspirational Districts Programme, the government, in collaboration with state authorities, is set to launch the Prime Minister Krishi Yojana. This initiative will focus on 100 districts with low agricultural productivity. Key objectives include:

• Regulating crop intensity
• Addressing below-average credit parameters
• Promoting crop diversification
• Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices
• Enhancing post-harvest storage facilities at the Panchayat and block levels

The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity while ensuring rural prosperity and resilience.

Dhan Dhanya Yojana

Another crucial initiative, the Dhan Dhanya Yojana, will be implemented in collaboration with state governments. It focuses on:

• Enhancing productivity
• Promoting crop diversification
• Improving post-harvest storage infrastructure
• Strengthening irrigation facilities
• Facilitating credit access for 1.7 crore farmers

Makhana Board: A Game Changer for Bihar

A Makhana Board will be established in Bihar to boost the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of this crop. The initiative includes:

• Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Providing support and training to Makhana farmers
• Ensuring access to government schemes
• Creating significant rural employment opportunities

Additionally, the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme will be launched to address underemployment in agriculture. This program will focus on skill development, investment, and the revitalization of the rural economy, specifically targeting:

• Rural women
• Young farmers
• Marginal and small farmers
• Landless families

Kisan Credit Cards

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme will be expanded to provide short-term loans to 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. Key enhancements include:

• Loan limit increase from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000
• Modified interest subvention scheme for easier loan access

National Mission for Edible Oilseeds

The government is prioritizing oilseed and pulse production through the National Mission for Edible Oilseeds, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils. Notable progress includes:

• 50% increase in cultivated area for oilseeds
• Government-facilitated procurement and competitive pricing

Additionally, a six-year mission is being launched to achieve Atmanirbharta in pulses, particularly tur and masoor. To support this mission:

• NAFED and NCCF will procure pulses directly from farmers
• Formal agreements and farmer registrations will be required

These strategic initiatives mark a significant step towards transforming India’s agricultural landscape, ensuring long-term growth, and fostering rural prosperity.