Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered her eighth consecutive Union Budget for 2025 on Saturday. Before the presentation, Ms Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, who offered her 'dahi-cheeni' (curd and sugar), a gesture believed to bring good luck. The Budget for FY25-26 outlined key measures aimed at boosting India's agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and supporting the rural economy. Here are the numerous initiatives focused on sustainable farming practices, increasing agricultural productivity, and improving financial support for farmers.
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Budget 2025: Food Security and Farming
1. Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojna
This scheme aims to support 100 districts with low agricultural productivity, benefiting more than 1.7 crore farmers by providing better resources and training.
2. Boosting Makhana Production in Bihar
The government has proposed setting up a dedicated board to support makhana (fox nuts) farmers, focusing on skill development and value addition through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
3. Advancing High-Yielding Seeds
More than 100 new high-yielding seed varieties will be introduced to improve crop productivity and sustainability.
4. Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices
Special focus will be placed on promoting sustainable fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zones, with a particular emphasis on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
5. Boost to Fruit & Vegetable Production
A comprehensive program is being launched to increase both the production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, ensuring better nutrition and market stability.
6. Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Pulses and Edible Oils
Efforts will be directed towards achieving self-sufficiency in key pulse varieties such as Toor, Urad, and Masoor, as well as edible oils, reducing dependence on imports.
7. Improving Cotton Farming Efficiency
A five-year initiative to enhance cotton production and improve the livelihoods of cotton farmers.
8. Establishing a National Institute of Food Technology
A new institute will be set up in Bihar to advance food processing research and development, fostering innovation and economic growth.
9. Expanding Food Processing, FPOs, and Skill Development
Investments will be made in improving the agricultural value chain, encouraging food and beverage industry growth, and supporting farmer-led organizations.
10. Kisan Credit Card Limit Increase
The credit limit for farmers under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has been raised from Rs 23 lakh to Rs 75 lakh, providing them with greater financial access to invest in their farms.
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Industry Experts On Budget 2025's Impact On Food And Agriculture
Several key industry experts weighed in on the 2025 budget. Gaurav Grover, CEO, ofi India, said that the 2025 Budget's emphasis on agriculture as the “first engine of growth” is a decisive step towards strengthening India's food and agri-sector. “India is poised for a transformative leap in agri-productivity and food processing,” he said.
“Access to higher credit will enable farmers to invest in better cattle nutrition, advanced milking technology, and cold-chain infrastructure—key factors in improving milk yield and quality,” said Ranjith Mukundan, CEO & co-founder, Stellapps Technologies.
Industry experts believe the initiatives in Budget 2025 will help build a stronger community of farmers. Anubhav Agarwal, MD & CEO, BN Group, said, “A financially stronger farming community directly translates into a more resilient and self-sufficient edible oil sector, creating long-term value for both producers and consumers."