Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Key Agricultural Announcements for 2025-26 Budget
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced several major initiatives for the agricultural sector in the 2025-26 Budget, including increased Kisan Credit Card loans, agricultural district plans, and the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar. Learn about the new schemes and government efforts to boost pulse production and sustainable farming.
Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the financial status report for the year 2025-26, made several announcements giving significant importance to the agricultural sector.
Accordingly, she announced an increase in the credit limit provided to farmers through the Kisan Credit Card. Nirmala Sitharaman stated that 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers would be provided with short-term credit facilities through the Kisan Credit Card. As per the announcement, the loan amount given to farmers through the Kisan Credit Card has been increased from 3 lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also introduced several schemes. Particularly, under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Yojana scheme, she introduced a new initiative called the Agricultural District Plan. According to this plan, in collaboration with state governments, necessary steps will be taken in each district to promote agricultural development.
100 districts with low agricultural production will be selected, and in these districts, both central and state governments will implement plans to boost agricultural production, Nirmala Sitharaman stated. Similarly, the scheme will focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as introducing alternative crops suited to the changing environment, instead of growing the same type of crops repeatedly.
Under the Atmanirbhar initiative, the government has set a target for self-sufficiency in pulse production. A six-year plan for this goal was also announced by Nirmala Sitharaman. She highlighted that special attention would be given to the production of tur dal (pigeon peas) and masoor dal (lentils), and announced that government agencies such as NAFED and NCCF would directly procure these pulses from farmers.
In Bihar, the establishment of a Makhana (fox nut) Board was also announced. Given the rising global demand for Makhana, this will present a significant opportunity for the people of Bihar. The Makhana Board will provide all assistance in production, value addition, and marketing of Makhana, she mentioned.
Additionally, a plan to increase the production of fruits and vegetables was announced, along with a distribution scheme for high-quality seeds across the country. Nirmala Sitharaman also announced the establishment of a urea production plant in Assam. Upon hearing the announcements related to the agricultural sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation by applauding.
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