Agriculture the first engine of India’s development

Lucknow: The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has outlined a comprehensive set of measures to boost agricultural growth and productivity, emphasizing agriculture as the “first engine” of India’s development. Some of the key announcements include:

  1. Makhana Board for Bihar: A dedicated Makhana Board will be established to enhance production, processing, and marketing, as well as to support farmers by organizing them into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
  2. National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: A mission focused on strengthening the research ecosystem and developing high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds, with over 100 new seed varieties to be made commercially available.
  3. Second Gene Bank: A second Gene Bank will be established, housing 10 lakh germplasm lines to safeguard genetic resources and ensure future food security.
  4. Mission for Cotton Productivity: A five-year mission to increase cotton productivity and sustainability, focusing on promoting extra-long staple cotton varieties. This initiative will also align with the Government’s broader vision for the textile sector.
  5. Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit: The loan limit for Kisan Credit Cards has been raised from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh, benefiting around 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.
  6. Urea Plant in Assam: A new urea plant with an annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons will be set up at Namrup, Assam, boosting urea supply and supporting self-reliance in urea production.
  7. Sustainable Fisheries Framework: The Government will introduce a framework to harness fisheries sustainably, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, capitalizing on the untapped potential of the marine sector.

These measures highlight the Government’s commitment to driving agricultural growth, increasing productivity, and supporting farmers through technological advancements, infrastructure development, and financial support.

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