Sat Feb 01 22:27:31 UTC 2025: **India Unveils Ambitious Agricultural Reforms in Union Budget 2025**
New Delhi – India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a Union Budget 2025 prioritizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. The budget includes a range of initiatives aimed at boosting rural prosperity and modernizing the agricultural sector.
A significant increase in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit, from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to farmers. This will allow for greater investment in farming activities and ease financial burdens.
The government also launched the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a program targeting improved irrigation infrastructure in 100 districts. This initiative, in collaboration with state governments, aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers by improving access to credit and enhancing storage capacity.
Further bolstering the agricultural sector, a six-year national mission will focus on increasing domestic production of pulses (tur, masoor, and urad dal) to reduce import reliance. A dedicated Makhana Board will be established in Bihar to support Makhana farmers. Additionally, a National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds and a five-year plan for cotton productivity will be implemented, utilizing scientific research to enhance yields. The National Mission for Edible Oilseeds will continue its efforts towards self-sufficiency.
The budget also includes measures to strengthen the cooperative sector, promote sustainable fisheries expansion, and improve remuneration for fruit growers. A comprehensive Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme will address agricultural underemployment through skill development and economic integration of rural areas. This program will initially cover 100 agricultural districts.
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