PC: Progressive Automations
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to Cover 100 Low-Productivity Districts
The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget for the eighth successive time, reiterated that agriculture is a key engine of growth. She announced the launch of PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, aimed at raising agricultural productivity in 100 districts with low yields. These would work specifically on crop diversification, sustainable agricultural practices, improved irrigation, post-harvest storage, and access to credit.
Covering 1.7 crore farmers, the scheme shall be executed in collaboration with the states for durable gains. Sitharaman stressed that the initiative would create more opportunities for farmers, thus mitigating the need to migrate.
Global Best Practices in Rural Development
The rural economy plan for rural prosperity and resilience, a comprehensive multi-sectoral initiative, would be launched towards enhancing rural communities with special attention to women, young farmers, small and marginal farmers, as well as landless families. Drawn from global best practices, it would develop domestic innovations with appropriate support from multilateral development banks in terms of technical and financial assistance.
Sitharaman highlighted the government’s vision to make migration an option rather than a compulsion, underpinned by sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses and Edible Oils
The government is introducing a six-year mission for Atmanirbharta in pulses, mainly focusing on urad, , and masoor dal to diminish import dependence. The existing national mission for edible oils will continue to work to augment domestic production of oilseeds.
Rising income levels are also reflected in an increase in fruit consumption. Sitharaman announced associations with states for better remuneration for farmers in the fruit sector. A Makhana Board will be formed in Bihar to impart training and support to Makhana farmers.
National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds
The Modi regime is launching a ‘National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds’ to create an ecosystem that has good research capabilities and will result in high-yielding varieties of seeds that are resistant to pest attacks and climate change. The mission targets the commercial introduction of over 100 improved seed varieties that have been released since July 2024.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
Keeping in mind that India ranks second in the world in terms of fish and aquaculture products, a framework will be established for sustainable fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the High Seas.
Special focus will be directed towards Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands to unleash untapped potential in fisheries towards exports and employment generation.
Five-Year Mission for Cotton Productivity
In her recent announcement, the finance minister introduced a five-year mission for cotton varieties with a focus on scientific backing for increasing productivity. The initiative is aimed at stabilizing supplies of quality long-staple cotton for the textile industry.
According to experts, this initiative shall modify import dependency, enhance raw material availability, and improve India’s global textile sector competitiveness. The textile sector contributes 2.3% to India’s GDP, employing over 45 million, which makes this mission a positive move for the sector’s strength.
Increase in Kisan Credit Card Limit
In a move to enhance credit availability for farmers, the KCC limit has increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to help increase investments in agriculture and improve farmers’ financial stability.
Boost of Urea Production and Rural Economy
The government works towards self-sufficiency in urea production. The three urea plants that were closed in the Eastern part of the country have been revived. It will have a production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons, to be set up in Namrup, Assam, which will add to the total supply.
Also, India Post and India Post Payment Bank, with their strong presence in rural India with a minimum of 150,000 post offices manned by some 240,000 Dak-Sevaks, will be repositioned as key players in rural economic growth.
Gearing Agriculture Towards Growth
Padmanand V, Partner and Agriculture Industry Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, lauded the budget for putting a focus on agricultural productivity, gender inclusiveness, import substitution in pulses and oilseeds, farmer producer organizations, export-driven fisheries, and higher targets for KCC.
The Union Budget for 2025-26 will place a very high priority on agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, rural development, and innovations. Sitharaman brought back into view the vision of the Modi government of an “accelerating growth with uplift of the middle class,” stating that India journeys towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
