Boost for agriculture

Budget proposals will help farmers and consumers

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Public attention was largely focused on the relief extended to middle-class taxpayers in the Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday—and understandably so. However, among other key areas, the Budget's focus on agriculture stood out. Ms Sitharaman announced several measures for agriculture and allied activities, which should help both farmers and consumers. Inspired by the aspirational districts programme, the minister announced a programme called "Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana". It will seek a convergence of existing schemes and other specialised measures in 100 districts with low productivity. The idea is to increase productivity in these districts, enhance crop diversification, and improve the availability of long- and short-term credit among other objectives. The programme, to be launched in partnership with states, is expected to benefit 17 million farmers. Since it is focused on low-productivity districts, beneficiary farmers are likely to be from the bottom of the farm income pyramid.