Budget 2025: Govt To Launch Agri Districts Programme To Drive Rural Development: Nirmala Sitharaman
The scheme will focus on improving post-harvest storage solutions to reduce wastage and increase agricultural productivity, thus contributing to the overall development of rural areas
The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that agriculture is the first engine of growth, announcing the launch of an Agri Districts Programme modelled on the successful Aspirational Districts Programme. The initiative aims to support 1.7 crore farmers by promoting crop diversification, enhancing irrigation facilities, and ensuring better access to credit.
Additionally, the scheme will focus on improving post-harvest storage solutions to reduce wastage and increase agricultural productivity, thus contributing to the overall development of rural areas.
Sitharaman also said, "PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana - developing agri districts program...Our government will undertake a PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana in partnership with states. Through the convergence of existing schemes and specialised measures, the program will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters. It aims to enhance cultural productivity..."
The Finance Minister also announced that Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) will continue to provide short-term loans to 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. Additionally, the loan limit under the revised interest subvention scheme will be raised from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 for loans taken through the KCC, offering enhanced financial support for agricultural production.
Additionally, Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a six-year mission to achieve self-reliance in pulses, with a particular emphasis on tur and masoor. Under this initiative, central agencies like NAFED and NCCF will be equipped to procure these pulses from farmers who register and enter into agreements with the agencies. The programme will span the next four years, offering support and guaranteed procurement for participating farmers.
Sitharaman said, "The Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme will be launched in partnership with the states to address underemployment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and revitalising the rural economy."
“A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states. This will address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy. The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas so that migration is an option, but not a necessity,” she said.
The Finance Minister said the programme will focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families. “Global and domestic best practices will be incorporated and appropriate technical and financial assistance will be sought from multilateral development banks. In Phase-1, 100 developing agri-districts will be covered,” Sitharaman said.
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