The Union Budget 2025 places a strong emphasis on agriculture and rural development, introducing key initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, ensuring financial support for farmers, and fostering economic growth in rural areas. These measures will significantly improve the lives of millions of farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Key Announcements
1. Prime Minister Dan Dhanya Krishi Yojana
- A comprehensive scheme to modernize agriculture and enhance farmer incomes.
- Focus on better irrigation facilities, advanced farming techniques, and post-harvest management.
- 1.7 crore farmers are expected to benefit from this initiative.
2. Developing Agricultural Districts Program
- Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Program, this initiative will cover 100 districts.
- Aim to boost agricultural output and productivity through focused interventions.
- Special support for farmers involved in cash crops and organic farming.
3. Rural Prosperity & Resilience Program
- A multi-sectoral program launched in partnership with states.
- Designed to reduce underemployment in agriculture through skilling, technology adoption, and infrastructure development.
- Focus on rural women, small and marginal farmers, and youth.
4. Mission for Cotton Productivity
- A five-year plan to enhance cotton productivity and sustainability.
- Encourages the cultivation of extra-long staple cotton varieties.
- Provides technology and scientific support to improve yields and farmer incomes.
5. Agricultural Credit & Investment Support
- The loan limit for Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
- Short-term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.
- New measures to reduce fertilizer dependence and promote sustainable farming practices.
6. Expanding Urea Production for Agricultural Self-Reliance
- Reopening of three dormant urea plants in the eastern region.
- Establishing a new urea production plant in Assam with an annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons.
- This will help reduce import dependency and stabilize fertilizer prices.
7. National Institute for Food Technology & Management in Bihar
- A center of excellence for food processing to enhance value addition in agriculture.
- Encouraging food processing industries to create better income opportunities for farmers.
Impact of These Initiatives
1. Increased Agricultural Productivity
- With better irrigation facilities, financial assistance, and skilling programs, farmers will have higher crop yields and improved earnings.
- Expansion of agricultural districts will drive focused interventions in critical farming areas.
2. Financial Security for Farmers & Rural Entrepreneurs
- Higher credit limits will give farmers and rural businesses better access to capital.
- More affordable loans will enable modernization and mechanization of farming.
3. Employment Generation in Rural Areas
- The Rural Prosperity Program will create jobs in agriculture, food processing, and related industries.
- Special focus on women and youth employment in rural areas.
4. Strengthening India’s Food Processing Industry
- Establishing a National Food Technology Institute will ensure better research and skill development.
- Higher investment in food processing will improve farmer incomes and reduce wastage.
