Agriculture Budget 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman announces reforms to boost agriculture, farmers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday unveiled measures to boost the agricultural sector by announcing the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana that will benefit at least 1.7 crore farmers, enhancing the credit limit under Kisan Credit Cards and creating a Makhana board in Bihar to strengthen the processing and production of fox nut.

The market reacted positively to Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget announcements for the sector with agri stocks jumping up to 9 per cent.

The Finance Minister also announced a mission to target self-reliance in pulses, including turn, urad and masur.

1.7 Crore Farmers Across 100 Districts With Low Productivity To Be Benefitted

The program aims to boost agricultural productivity through crop diversification, sustainable farming practices, enhancing post-harvest storage at the Panchayat and block levels, improving irrigation facilities, and facilitating access to both long-term and short-term credit.

“The government will undertake Dhan Dhanya Yojana in partnership with the state to enhance productivity, crop diversification, augment post harvest storage, improve irrigation, facilitate short and long term credit to help 1.7 crore farmers,” Sitharaman said.

Big Kisan Credit Card Announcement – Loan Limit Increased

The Finance Minister further announced that Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) will continue to facilitate short-term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

Additionally, the loan limit under the modified interest subvention scheme will be increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 for loans taken through the KCC, providing greater financial support for agricultural production