Sat Feb 01 06:08:00 UTC 2025: ## New Agricultural Scheme and Rural Development Initiatives Highlight India’s Union Budget 2025-26
**New Delhi, February 1, 2025** – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today unveiled a new agricultural scheme, the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, as part of the Union Budget 2025-26. The program aims to boost agricultural productivity in 100 low-yield districts across the country, focusing on areas with moderate crop intensity and below-average credit access. The scheme is expected to benefit over 1 crore farmers.
The budget also includes a comprehensive program to increase vegetable and fruit production and ensure farmers receive remunerative prices. Further initiatives include a six-year program to achieve self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in pulses, particularly tur, urad, and masoor, with Nafed and NCCF procuring pulses over the next four years.
Sitharaman announced a new rural prosperity and resilience program targeting youth, women, and farmers. The Finance Minister emphasized the budget’s commitment to accelerating growth and inclusive development, stating that the Indian economy is the fastest-growing among developing economies. She described the next five years as a unique opportunity to stimulate further growth. The budget marks Sitharaman’s record eighth consecutive budget presentation.
First Piper 