The Indian agricultural sector, the lifeblood of our nation, is poised for a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity, thanks to a series of transformative initiatives unveiled in the Union Budget 2025-26. 

This budget builds upon the government's ongoing commitment to revitalizing agriculture, focusing on enhanced productivity, financial security, and the modernization of farming practices. Taking all allied sectors together, the overall budgetary outlay for the agricultural segment works out to 22 per cent.

Read in Hindi: समृद्ध कृषि भविष्य के बोए हुए बीज अब होने लगे हैं अंकुरित…!

The newly launched PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana stands as a testament to this commitment. 17 million farmers in 100 districts will benefit. Designed to significantly boost agricultural output and empower farmers, this scheme focuses on providing crucial support where it's needed most. While initial assessments suggest the need for further funding in the future to fully realize its potential, the Yojana represents a significant step forward. Its emphasis on direct benefits to farmers, coupled with a focus on sustainable practices, lays the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.

The government is committed to continuously evaluating and strengthening the program's implementation, ensuring that it effectively reaches and benefits farmers across the nation. Plans are in place to incorporate robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, enhance transparency, and streamline integration with existing successful schemes. Crucially, farmer education and skill development will be a central component, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the modern agricultural landscape.

This budget also introduces several other groundbreaking initiatives that promise to reshape the future of Indian agriculture. The initiative to uplift 1.7 crore farmers through improved irrigation, cutting-edge agricultural technology, and access to both short-term and long-term credit will address critical needs in underperforming regions, paving the way for balanced growth across rural India. The focus on bridging the yield gap will not only increase productivity but also ensure greater equity within the sector.

Recognizing the challenge of under-employment in rural areas, the budget introduces the innovative Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme. By fostering skill development, promoting technology adoption, and stimulating economic activity in rural communities, this program will create valuable non-farm employment opportunities, providing a vital supplement to agricultural incomes and stabilizing the rural economy.

India's self-sufficiency in pulses is further strengthened by the six-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’. This mission will not only boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports but also stabilize prices, ensuring both affordability for consumers and greater income security for pulse growers.

The budget also addresses the critical issue of post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables with a comprehensive new program. This initiative promises to revolutionize the supply chain, improving income levels for growers while ensuring consumers have access to high-quality produce at reasonable prices.

Access to credit, a perennial challenge for small and marginal farmers, receives a major boost with the introduction of the ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework. Developed by public sector banks, this framework will simplify access to affordable credit for Self-Help Group members and rural entrepreneurs, empowering them to invest in their farms and businesses.

These new initiatives complement and strengthen existing flagship schemes like PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and others that have already made significant contributions to the agricultural sector. The government's holistic approach, encompassing direct financial assistance, crop insurance, low-interest loans, support for FPOs, infrastructure development, and the promotion of modern farming techniques, demonstrates its unwavering commitment to transforming Indian agriculture.

The 2025-26 budget paints a vibrant picture of a thriving agricultural sector, driven by innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. By strategically integrating technology, finance, and policy reforms, these initiatives are sowing the seeds for a future where Indian agriculture stands as a global powerhouse, ensuring food security and prosperity for generations to come.