The Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, delivered her eighth consecutive union budget for 2025 on Saturday. Before the presentation, Mrs. Sitharaman met with President Droupadi Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan, who offered him ‘Dahi-Cheeni‘(curd and sugar), a gesture that is believed to bring good luck. The budget for the fiscal year-26 described key measures aimed at promoting the agricultural sector of India, guaranteeing food security and supporting the rural economy. These are the numerous initiatives focused on sustainable agricultural practices, the increase in agricultural productivity and the improvement of financial support for farmers.
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2025 Budget: Food Security and Agriculture
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. Increasing Makhana production in Bihar
The Government has proposed to establish a dedicated board to support Makhana farmers (Fox Nuts), focusing on the development of skills and the addition of value through the organizations of farmers producers (FPO).
3. High performance seed advance
More than 100 new varieties of high performance seeds will be introduced to improve the productivity and sustainability of crops.
4. Promotion of sustainable fishing practices
It will focus special on promoting sustainable fishing in the exclusive economic zones of India, with a particular emphasis on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
5. Increased fruit and vegetable production
A comprehensive program is being launched to increase both production and the consumption of fruits and vegetables, ensuring better nutrition and stability.
6. Achieve self -sufficiency and edible oils
The efforts will be directed to achieve self -sufficiency in key pulse varieties such as Toor, Urad and Masoor, as well as edible oils, reducing import dependence.
7. Improvement of cotton culture efficiency
A five -year initiative to improve cotton production and improve the livelihoods of cotton farmers.
8. Establish a National Food Technology Institute
A new Bihar Institute will be established to advance the research and development of food processing, promoting innovation and economic growth.
9. Expand food processing, FPO and skills development
Investments will be made to improve the agricultural value chain, encourage the growth of the food and beverage industry and support organizations directed by farmers.
10. Increased Kisan credit card limit
The credit limit for farmers under the Kisan credit card scheme (KCC) has risen 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 the impact of the 2025 budget on food and agriculture
Several key experts in the industry intervened in the 2025 budget. Gaurav Grover, CEO of Ophi India, said that the 2025 budget emphasis on agriculture such as the “first engine of growth” is a decisive step to strengthen food and the sector Indian aggensural. “India is prepared for a transformative leap in the productivity of the agri and food processing,” he said.
“Access to a higher credit will allow farmers to invest in better livestock nutrition, advanced milking technology and cold chain infrastructure: key factors to improve the performance and quality of milk,” Ranjith Mukundan, CEO and Stellappps Technologies co -founder.
Industry experts believe that the 2025 budget initiatives will help build a stronger community of farmers. Anubhav Agarwal, MD & CEO, BN Group, said: “A financially stronger agricultural community translates directly into a more resistant and self -sufficient edible oil sector, creating a long -term value for both producers and consumers.”
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