2025 Union Budget

In the Union Budget for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors, emphasizing productivity and climate-resilient crop varieties. The government plans to initiate 1 crore farmers into natural farming over the next two years, supported by scientific institutions and local governance. Additionally, 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of 32 crops will be released, and large-scale vegetable production clusters will be developed near consumption centers. A digital public infrastructure for agriculture will be established, integrating 6 crore farmers into registries and enabling Kisan Credit Cards in five states. The budget also supports the aquaculture sector through financing for shrimp breeding centers, while a national cooperation policy aims to enhance cooperative growth. Farmers have expressed hopes for reduced production costs and better market access, particularly regarding the onion export ban and GST on agricultural inputs.