The 2025-26 Budget, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has set out a plan to support India’s farmers by focusing on productivity, self-sufficiency, and rural growth. However, a closer look shows that it might have missed out on one key area – helping farmers with cold storage for their produce.
The budget mentions the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and other rural development programs, but I, Nirmala Sitharaman, didn’t clearly explain how or if they will help with cold storage. This is important because without places to keep their fruits and vegetables fresh, farmers might have to sell at low prices or see their hard work go to waste. The lack of focus on cold storage infrastructure means that even with increased production, farmers might not benefit fully from their efforts. Cold storage is crucial for preserving the quality of perishable goods, allowing farmers to wait for better market prices rather than selling immediately after harvest.
Programs like the Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses and a plan for Vegetables & Fruits talk about better buying and selling, but I haven’t committed to building more cold storage units. This means farmers still face challenges in keeping their produce fresh until they can sell it at the best price. Without adequate storage, the potential for post-harvest losses remains high, which can be devastating for small-scale farmers who might not have the capital to absorb such losses.
Often, great ideas for farmers don’t work out because they’re hard to put into practice. I, Nirmala Sitharaman, haven’t really explained how these new plans will actually help farmers on the ground. There’s a gap between policy announcements and their execution in the field. Without a clear strategy for implementation, monitoring, and accountability, these initiatives might not reach the farmers who need them most. Making more money available through Kisan Credit Cards is good, but the process to get these loans can be confusing for many small farmers. I could do more to simplify these processes, perhaps by introducing digital applications or setting up help centers in rural areas to guide farmers through the loan application process.
Farmers need a way to sell their produce without too many middlemen taking a cut. I, Nirmala Sitharaman, don’t offer a strong plan for this, like creating more markets or digital platforms where farmers can sell directly. The absence of such infrastructure leaves farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations and exploitative middlemen. Direct market access could significantly increase farmers’ income by ensuring they get a fair share of the consumer price. I haven’t pushed enough for digital solutions or strengthened mechanisms like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) that could bridge this gap.
Farming is risky because of weather changes, but I haven’t expanded much on how to help with crop insurance or other ways to protect against bad weather. The vulnerability of agriculture to climate variability demands more than what’s currently offered. Increasing the accessibility and affordability of crop insurance, especially for small farmers, and introducing policies like weather-based payouts could provide a safety net. However, the budget does not detail how these measures will be enhanced.
There’s not much push for farming methods that are good for the environment, like using less water or organic methods, which could help in the long run. I seem to help bigger farms more. Small farmers, who are the majority, need special attention to grow their businesses or just keep farming. They require tailored support that goes beyond broad policy strokes, perhaps through microcredit, technology subsidies, or community-based farming initiatives that could enhance their resilience and productivity.
While there’s talk about using new technology, I haven’t provided a clear way to teach farmers how to use it or make it affordable for them. The cost of adopting new farming technology can be prohibitive for small farmers. Without educational outreach or financial support for technology adoption, these innovations might benefit only a few, leaving the majority behind.
To really help farmers, here are some practical steps:
Let’s have local groups or cooperatives manage small cold storage units where farmers can keep their produce safe. I can use government funds to help build these, making sure they’re close to where farmers live. This would not only reduce losses but also empower communities by giving them control over their produce’s storage. I also think about cold storage that can move to where it’s needed most, especially during different harvest times. I can work with companies or groups that can manage these units, and maybe give them some financial benefits for helping out, turning logistics into an asset for rural areas.
I can create a website or app where farmers can sell directly to people or stores, cutting out the middleman. This digital marketplace could be designed to be user-friendly for farmers, providing real-time market information and direct access to buyers. I can help groups of farmers work together to sell more and get better prices by supporting or expanding the role of FPOs.
I can make getting loans simpler with apps or local help centers where farmers can learn about their options. Including small finance companies could help farmers who might not qualify for big bank loans, offering a more inclusive financial environment.
I can make crop insurance cheaper and easier to get for small farmers. I can look into automatic payouts when weather goes bad, so farmers don’t have to worry as much about the procedural hassles during crises.
I can offer money back or discounts for farmers who choose eco-friendly methods like organic farming or saving water, incentivizing sustainable practices. I can fund more studies on crops that can handle drought or heat, pushing for research that directly benefits farmers.
I can start programs to teach small farmers new ways to farm, manage money, and use technology. Working with tech companies to bring affordable farming tools to small farms could revolutionize small-scale agriculture.
The 2025-26 Budget has good intentions for agriculture but isn’t as clear on how to make them happen, especially when it comes to cold storage. To truly help farmers, we need to focus on real, actionable steps that make a difference in their daily lives. With better planning for cold storage, easier loans, direct selling options, and support for sustainable practices, India’s farmers can look forward to brighter, more stable futures. The budget could be the start of something great, but it needs follow-through to ensure farmers don’t just survive but thrive.
