In the Union Budget 2025–26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has placed strong emphasis on agriculture and rural development, identifying them as one of the four key engines of national growth. Several powerful schemes have been announced to enhance crop productivity, create rural jobs, and empower small and marginal farmers.
🚜 PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – A New Agri-Districts Programme
To uplift districts with poor crop productivity, the government will launch the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, targeting 100 underperforming agricultural districts across India.
🔑 Key Features:
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Covers districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit flow
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Benefits 1.7 crore farmers
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Focus on:
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Improving crop productivity
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Promoting crop diversification
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Enhancing irrigation infrastructure
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Boosting post-harvest storage at panchayat & block levels
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Facilitating long & short-term credit access
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Implemented in partnership with states through convergence of existing schemes
This initiative mirrors the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme and aims to bring lasting transformation in agri-based rural regions.
🧑🌾 Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme
A new multi-sectoral initiative, the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme, will be launched to tackle under-employment in agriculture and strengthen the rural economy.
🎯 Objectives:
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Skilling & enterprise development for rural women, youth, and landless families
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Creation of new employment and rural businesses
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Promotion of modern farming, storage, and value chains
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Focus on marginal and small farmers
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Technical & financial support through multilateral development banks
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Phase-1 rollout in the same 100 Agri Districts
This initiative aims to make migration a choice, not a compulsion, by ensuring local income opportunities.
🌱 6-Year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
To boost self-reliance in pulses, the government is launching a 6-year National Mission, focusing on Tur, Urad, and Masoor.
🫘 Focus Areas:
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Development of climate-resilient seeds
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Enhancing protein content and productivity
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Improving post-harvest storage & logistics
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Ensuring remunerative prices via procurement by NAFED & NCCF
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Farmers can register and enter agreements for direct selling during the next 4 years
This mission will help stabilize prices, reduce imports, and improve nutrition levels in the country.
🍅 Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits
Rising incomes and health awareness have led to a sharp increase in the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and Shree Anna (millets). To support this trend:
🥕 Key Highlights:
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National programme to support production, supply chains, processing, and fair pricing
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Strong participation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives
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Implementation in partnership with states via institutional mechanisms
This will ensure that farmers earn better incomes while consumers get fresh and nutritious produce.
🏦 Grameen Credit Score – Rural Financial Empowerment
To make rural credit more inclusive, Public Sector Banks will introduce a ‘Grameen Credit Score’ system.
📊 Purpose:
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Serve the credit needs of Self-Help Group (SHG) members
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Offer easier loan access to the rural population
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Digitally track and improve creditworthiness of underserved borrowers
This will lay the foundation for financial inclusion and support rural entrepreneurship.
📌 Summary of Key Announcements for Farmers & Rural Economy:
| Scheme/Initiative | Objective | Target Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana | Boost low-productivity districts | 1.7 Cr Farmers |
| Rural Prosperity Programme | Create rural jobs & enterprises | Youth, Women, Landless |
| Aatmanirbhar Pulses Mission | Self-reliance in pulses (Tur, Urad, Masoor) | Pulse Growers |
| Vegetable & Fruit Programme | Increase production & pricing | Horticulture Farmers |
| Grameen Credit Score | Simplify rural credit | SHG Members & Rural Poor |
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Union Budget 2025–26 takes a comprehensive and future-ready approach to agriculture and rural development. From climate-resilient farming to financial empowerment, these initiatives are set to transform the lives of crores of farmers and rural families, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Stay tuned to our PM Schemes section for updates, application guidelines, and success stories from the ground.
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