- Agriculture was highlighted as the first engine of development in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget speech.
Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture)
- Six dedicated missions/programmes for agriculture were announced:
- Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana – Targets 100 districts with low crop productivity to improve output.
- Six-Year Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses – Aims for self-sufficiency in pulses production to reduce import dependence.
- National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds – Focuses on developing and distributing superior-quality seeds for better productivity.
- Mission for Cotton Productivity – Targets higher cotton yields through improved seeds and farming techniques.
- Programme for Vegetables and Fruits – Aims to boost horticulture production to enhance nutrition and farmer incomes.
- Mission on Promotion of Natural Farming & Soil Health – Focuses on sustainable agriculture by encouraging organic farming and improving soil fertility.
Budgetary Allocation
- Reduction in Allocation: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare saw a 3% decrease in allocation compared to revised estimates of 2024-25.
- Despite agriculture’s stable growth, the cut in funding raises concerns about its impact on farmer support measures.
Implications & Challenges
- Agrarian Distress: The budget acknowledges farmers’ struggles, but its effectiveness depends on implementation & fund utilization.
- Focus on Productivity: Missions emphasize yield improvement, which aligns with the goal of increasing farm income.
- Long-Term Growth vs. Immediate Relief: While productivity-focused schemes are beneficial in the long run, immediate concerns like MSP, input costs, and debt relief remain unaddressed.
