Union Budget 2025: Key Agricultural Reforms and Schemes to Empower Indian Farmers:
In a landmark move to strengthen the agricultural landscape of India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 today, unveiling a suite of initiatives aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the farming sector. With a focus on boosting agricultural productivity, improving farmer welfare, and promoting self-reliance, these new schemes are set to significantly impact the country’s rural economy. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key agricultural reforms introduced.
Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana: Transforming Rural Infrastructure
One of the most significant announcements in this year’s budget is the launch of the Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana. This ambitious program is designed to uplift India’s rural infrastructure and promote sustainable farming practices. By focusing on improving irrigation systems, road networks, and agricultural facilities, the scheme aims to enhance the productivity of regions with historically low agricultural output.
The Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will specifically target 100 districts in India where agricultural productivity has remained stagnant. The initiative is expected to benefit over 1.7 crore farmers across the country, equipping them with better access to technology, water resources, and infrastructure needed to enhance their farming practices. Through this effort, the government seeks to create a more resilient agricultural sector that can sustain and support India’s vast farming community.
National Mission for Edible Oils and Seeds: Paving the Way for Self-Reliance
In another notable move, Sitharaman announced the launch of a National Mission for Edible Oils and Seeds. This initiative aims to reduce India’s dependency on imported edible oils by promoting domestic production. As the world’s largest importer of edible oils, India faces significant trade imbalances. This mission aims to build a more self-reliant edible oil sector, ensuring that the country’s nutritional needs are met without relying heavily on imports.
The government plans to incentivize the production of oilseeds and related crops, which will, in turn, benefit farmers by improving income stability and market access. This mission aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in critical sectors and creating jobs in rural areas.
Pulses Sector: Mission to Achieve Aatmanirbharta
In line with the vision for self-reliance, the government has also introduced a six-year mission to achieve Aatmanirbharta in pulses. With a specific focus on increasing the production of pulses such as tur, urad, and masur, this mission will involve the procurement of these pulses by central agencies over the next four years. The move aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported pulses and support local farmers by ensuring consistent demand for their crops.
By incentivizing the production of pulses and improving procurement systems, this mission seeks to increase the income of pulse farmers while also making India more self-sufficient in this important food category.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Expansion: Providing Financial Flexibility
A major relief for farmers across the country comes with the expansion of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. Originally launched in 1988, the KCC has long been a vital tool for farmers to access timely credit for agricultural purposes. In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the KCC loan limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
This expansion is expected to provide greater financial flexibility to farmers, allowing them to meet their growing agricultural requirements, purchase equipment, invest in high-quality seeds, and even manage unforeseen challenges like weather fluctuations. The move is aimed at improving access to credit, reducing dependency on informal lenders, and providing farmers with more resources to enhance their productivity and livelihoods.
Bihar’s Makhana Industry: New Prospects with a Makhana Board
In a state-specific announcement, the government has decided to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar. Known for producing 80% of the country’s makhana (fox nuts), Bihar’s makhana industry has immense potential for growth. The new board will focus on enhancing the processing and value addition of makhana, helping local farmers increase their income and expand into global markets. By providing targeted support and facilitating research into sustainable practices, the Makhana Board aims to turn Bihar into a hub for high-quality Makhana production and processing.
A Comprehensive Approach to Agricultural Development
The Union Budget 2025 reflects a broader commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural framework and addressing the diverse needs of farmers across the country. The various schemes launched today, from infrastructure improvements to financial support and technological advancements, underscore the government’s recognition of agriculture as the backbone of the rural economy.
With a focus on sustainable growth, self-reliance, and increased farmer incomes, the agricultural reforms outlined in the Union Budget 2025 are poised to bring lasting change to India’s farming community. These initiatives not only aim to improve agricultural output but also ensure that India’s rural population remains competitive and resilient in the global agricultural market.