“The Union Budget 2025-26 demonstrates a robust commitment to advancing India’s agricultural sector and ensuring nutritional security. With initiatives such as the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Developing Agri Districts Programme aim to enhance productivity and promote sustainable farming practices across 100 districts, benefiting more than 1.7 crore farmers.
The government’s strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds—including mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower—by strengthening their production, storage, and marketing is a significant move towards ‘atmanirbharta’. Additionally, the six-year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, focusing on Tur, Urad, and Masoor, is poised to reduce import dependence and provide citizens with greater access to protein-rich foods.
The establishment of large-scale clusters for vegetable production near major consumption centers will streamline supply chains and ensure fresher produce for consumers. The creation of the Makhana Board in Bihar is a commendable step to harness the potential of this superfood and empower rural communities.
Furthermore, the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds will bolster agricultural resilience by developing and promoting seeds that are high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient. The emphasis on leveraging advanced science and technology, coupled with the Deep Tech Fund of Funds, will catalyze next-generation innovation in agri-tech, paving the way for a self-reliant and nutritionally robust nation.
The enhancement of investment and turnover limits for MSMEs by 2.5 times and 2 times, respectively, is a strategic move to empower these enterprises to scale up, innovate, and generate more employment opportunities for the youth.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect a holistic approach to strengthening India’s food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering economic growth within the agricultural ecosystem.”
