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India's Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled significant measures aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The centerpiece of the agricultural initiatives is the launch of the Prime Minister Krishi Yojana (PMKY), a comprehensive program designed to enhance agricultural productivity and address longstanding challenges faced by the nation's farming community. The PMKY, inspired by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, will be implemented in partnership with state governments, leveraging existing schemes and incorporating targeted interventions to maximize impact. The program's focus will be on 100 districts characterized by low agricultural productivity, aiming to transform these regions into hubs of agricultural prosperity.
A core element of the PMKY involves promoting crop diversification and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. This strategic shift recognizes the limitations of relying solely on traditional crops and emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing climate conditions and market demands. By encouraging farmers to cultivate a wider variety of crops, the program aims to enhance resilience to fluctuations in weather patterns and prices, while also opening up new market opportunities for farmers. The initiative also includes measures to moderate crop intensity in regions facing challenges related to water availability and resource management. This responsible approach seeks to balance productivity with environmental sustainability, preventing over-exploitation of resources.
The government also recognizes the crucial role of access to credit and improved infrastructure in supporting farmers' success. The budget includes provisions to address below-average credit parameters among farmers, facilitating access to institutional finance and enabling them to invest in improved farming techniques and technologies. Furthermore, the plan calls for augmentation of post-harvest storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels. This will help reduce post-harvest losses, a significant problem that often erodes the financial gains of farmers' hard work. By ensuring that produce can be stored effectively, the initiative will empower farmers to better manage their harvests and capitalize on market opportunities.
Beyond the specific measures outlined in the budget, the overall goal is to address the persistent challenges facing India's agricultural sector. The sector, despite employing a substantial portion of the population, continues to suffer from low efficiency and low income levels for many farmers. The government recognizes the need to modernize farming practices, promote commercialization, and create more profitable employment opportunities within the sector. These efforts align with the broader goals of national economic development, as improving agricultural productivity and farmer income levels will contribute significantly to overall economic growth and poverty reduction.
The significance of this budget allocation extends beyond the mere numbers involved. India's agricultural sector, despite its declining share of the overall economy, remains vital to the well-being of the vast majority of its population. The dependence of rural incomes and the concentration of poverty in rural areas necessitate continuous government intervention and support for farmers. The large number of small and marginal farmers, who constitute a significant portion of the cultivator base, particularly need assistance in scaling their operations and improving their economic situation. The budget's emphasis on these farmers demonstrates a commitment to inclusive growth and economic empowerment across the entire agricultural landscape.
The 1.75 crore farmers targeted by the budget represent a substantial segment of India's farming population. This focus on supporting a large number of farmers highlights the government's commitment to widespread impact. By improving the livelihoods of these farmers, the government hopes to improve food security, reduce rural poverty, and stimulate economic growth in rural areas. The budget's allocation to agriculture, exceeding 1.52 lakh crore rupees, demonstrates the government's dedication to tackling the persistent challenges of this vital sector and building a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for India.
Source: Budget 2025: FM Sitharaman announces measures aimed to benefit 1.75 cr farmers of India