Agri First Engine Of Growth, Says FM

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced six new schemes and increased the subsidised Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit to Rs5 lakh from Rs3 lakh, targeting everything from unemployment to crop productivity enhancement across the country. Presenting her eighth budget speech in Parliament, Sitharaman positioned agriculture as ‘the first engine of growth’ and unveiled the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a flagship program targeting 100 agri-districts grappling with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters.

The scheme, to be implemented in partnership with State governments, is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers through enhanced agricultural productivity, crop diversification, and improved post-harvest infrastructure. To address rural unemployment, the government will implement a comprehensive ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme.

“The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas so that migration is an option, but not a necessity,” Sitharaman said.

The program will focus specifically on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families. In a major push for self-reliance in pulses production, a six-year mission will focus on boosting tur, urad, and masoor output.

Under this initiative, cooperatives Nafed and NCCF will procure pulses for four years from registered farmers who enter into agreements with these agencies. For Bihar’s makhana sector, a dedicated Makhana Board will be established to improve production, processing, and marketing.

The board will organise farmers into FPOs and provide training support while ensuring access to government scheme benefits. The FM announced a significant enhancement in KCC benefits, raising the subsidised short-term loan limit from Rs3 lakh to Rs5 lakh for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.