The Union Budget 2025-26 has created a visionary roadmap to enhance agricultural productivity and rural resilience. Recognizing agriculture as a key driver of the economy, the Government has introduced several significant initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, improving irrigation facilities, enhancing crop productivity and creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: A Game-Changer for 100 Low Productivity Districts
Inspired by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, the Government is set to launch the ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ to uplift 100 districts with low agricultural productivity. This program will bring together existing schemes and introduce specialized measures to:
- Enhance agricultural productivity and crop diversification
- Adopt sustainable agriculture practices
- Strengthen post-harvest storage facilities at the Panchayat and Block level
- Improve irrigation infrastructure
- Provide long-term and short-term credit facilities
This initiative is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers, ensuring that agricultural development reaches every corner of the country.
Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience: Addressing Under-Employment in Agriculture
A multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in collaboration with state governments to tackle under-employment in agriculture. The focus areas of this initiative include:
- Skilling rural youth and women for employment opportunities
- Attracting investments and integrating technology into rural economies
- Empowering small and marginal farmers with modern farming techniques
- Strengthening warehousing and logistics for better market access
- Diversifying employment opportunities for landless families
This programme aims to make migration an option rather than a necessity by creating ample livelihood opportunities within rural areas. The first phase will cover 100 developing agricultural districts.
Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency
The Government has already achieved near self-sufficiency in pulses, with farmers increasing the cultivated area by 50%. To further bolster this progress, a 6-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ will be launched, focusing on key pulses like Tur, Urad and Masoor. The mission will emphasize:
- Development and availability of climate-resilient seeds
- Enhancing protein content and productivity
- Improving post-harvest storage and management
- Assuring remunerative prices for farmers
Central agencies such as NAFED and NCCF will procure pulses directly from farmers who register and enter into agreements, ensuring market stability and farmer welfare.
Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables and Fruits: Promoting Nutritional Security
As people become more health conscious, the demand for vegetables, fruits and Shree-Anna is rising. To support this trend, the Government will roll out a Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits in partnership with states. The program aims to:
- Boost production and efficient supply chains
- Strengthen food processing industries
- Ensure remunerative prices for farmers
- Encourage Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives to participate in implementation
Grameen Credit Score: A Financial Boost for Rural India
Recognizing the credit needs of rural communities, Public Sector Banks will introduce a ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework. This initiative is designed to cater to Self-Help Group (SHG) members and other rural populations, improving their access to credit facilities and financial inclusion.
The Union Budget 2025-26 lays the foundation for a resilient, self-reliant and prosperous agricultural sector. With a strong focus on productivity enhancement, financial empowerment and rural employment, these initiatives are set to transform the agricultural landscape. The Government’s commitment to farmers and rural communities is evident through these well-structured programs that aim to drive growth, sustainability and prosperity for years to come.
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