From higher returns to lower rates... Farmers voice their demands ahead of Modi 3.0’s first budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament today, a significant event that will mark her seventh consecutive budget. This achievement is notable as it surpasses the record previously held by the late Morarji Desai, who presented six consecutive budgets. Sitharaman's extended tenure as Finance Minister highlights her pivotal role in shaping India's fiscal policy over the years. This year’s budget is anticipated to emphasize key areas such as revisions to the income tax structure and initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in India. In the lead-up to this crucial announcement, various stakeholders have expressed their expectations and concerns. Speaking to ANI, farmers from Uttar Pradesh have shared their hopes and demands in anticipation of the Union Budget. They are looking for measures that will provide tangible benefits and address their pressing issues. Among their expectations are higher returns on their agricultural produce and a reduction in product rates, which would alleviate some of the financial pressures they face. Farmers are keenly awaiting policies that could positively impact their livelihoods, such as better pricing mechanisms, subsidies, and support for agricultural infrastructure. They hope that the budget will include provisions that can help improve their income stability and reduce their operational costs. The agricultural community is particularly focused on measures that can drive sustainable growth and ensure fair compensation for their efforts. As Finance Minister Sitharaman prepares to unveil the Union Budget 2024, the attention is on how her proposals will address the diverse needs of the Indian economy, including critical sectors like agriculture. The budget’s outcomes will be closely scrutinized for their potential to bring about meaningful changes and provide relief to various segments of society, including the farming community that plays a crucial role in the nation’s food security and economic stability.