Agriculture took center stage in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025-26 speech, with nine new missions aimed at boosting productivity, farmer incomes, and rural development. Despite a 2.5% reduction in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare’s total allocation, key measures were announced to strengthen agricultural resilience.
Key Announcements:
1. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Aiming to uplift agricultural productivity in 100 districts with low output, this scheme will converge existing programs to benefit 17 million farmers.
2. Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses
A six-year initiative with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore for FY 2025-26, focusing on increasing production of toor (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and masoor (red lentil). NAFED and other agencies will procure pulses from registered farmers.
3. Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables and Fruits
With a ₹500 crore budget for 2025-26, this initiative will support production, supply chain efficiency, and fair pricing for farmers.
4. Mission for Cotton Productivity
A five-year program with ₹500 crore in funding for FY 2025-26, aiming to improve cotton yield and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties.
5. National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds
With ₹100 crore allocated for FY 2025-26, this mission will enhance the availability of pest-resistant and climate-resilient seed varieties.
6. Makhana Board in Bihar
A dedicated board will be set up in Bihar with ₹100 crore to support production, processing, and marketing of makhana (foxnut). Farmers will be organized into producer organizations for better access to training and resources.
7. Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme
This initiative will focus on skilling, investment, and technology to address underemployment in agriculture, benefiting rural youth, women, small farmers, and landless families.
8. Fisheries Development
A framework will be introduced for sustainable fisheries, particularly in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana received a 64% budget increase for 2025-26.
9. Urea Plant in Assam
A new urea plant with an annual capacity of 1.27 million tonnes will be set up in Namrup, Assam, to enhance domestic fertilizer supply.
The 2025-26 Budget underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Indian agriculture through targeted interventions, ensuring resilience and sustainable growth for farmers nationwide.