Finance Minister’s Budget Speech – Day 4 Highlights
New Delhi | February 5, 2025 – On the fourth day of Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid out a comprehensive vision for India’s farmers, rural workforce, and agribusinesses.
“Agriculture is the heart of Bharat. Our goal is to ensure that farmers have better incomes, access to technology, and a strong market ecosystem. This Budget strengthens our commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Krishi’, ensuring sustainable rural growth and food security.”
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1️⃣ ₹3 Lakh Crore Boost for Agriculture & Rural Development
“We are making an unprecedented investment of ₹3 lakh crore to modernize agriculture, support rural employment, and improve farmers’ incomes.”
✅ ₹1.5 lakh crore allocated for farm productivity enhancement – modern irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
✅ ₹80,000 crore for rural infrastructure – roads, storage units, cold chains, and markets.
✅ ₹70,000 crore for rural employment under MGNREGA and related schemes.
“A strong rural economy leads to a stronger India. Our investments will ensure prosperity for our farmers and rural workers.”
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2️⃣ PM Kisan Nidhi: Direct Cash Transfers Continue
“The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana remains a pillar of rural support. This year, we are increasing the total allocation to ₹75,000 crore.”
📌 ₹6,000 per year cash transfer will continue, benefiting 12 crore farmers.
📌 Expansion of beneficiaries to include small dairy farmers and horticulturists.
“This direct financial support empowers farmers to invest in better inputs and improve their livelihoods.”
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3️⃣ Agriculture 2.0 – Technology, AI & Smart Farming
“We are bringing technology to the fields through Agri-Tech Missions that will revolutionize Indian farming.”
🌾 ₹10,000 crore National Agri-Tech Fund for startups in precision farming, AI-driven crop monitoring, and drone-based agriculture.
🌾 Doubling of funds for agricultural research in climate-resistant crops and organic farming.
🌾 50 lakh farmers to receive AI-powered advisory services through government-backed digital platforms.
“Smart farming is the future. With AI and technology, we will increase productivity and reduce losses for farmers.”
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4️⃣ ‘PM Krishi Urja Yojana’ – Energy for Farmers
“To make agriculture more sustainable, we are expanding solar-powered irrigation and green energy projects.”
🔋 ₹30,000 crore investment for solar pumps and grid-connected irrigation.
🔋 75% subsidy on solar panels for small and marginal farmers.
🔋 Rooftop solar systems on 10 lakh farmhouses to generate extra income.
“Affordable and clean energy will reduce costs for farmers and make agriculture more profitable.”
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5️⃣ Crop Insurance & Risk Protection – ₹50,000 Crore PM Fasal Bima Expansion
“Farmers must be protected from unpredictable weather and market fluctuations. We are enhancing the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to provide better security.”
🌧 ₹50,000 crore allocated to expand crop insurance to 5 crore more farmers.
🌧 Premium subsidies increased for small and marginal farmers.
🌧 AI-based early warning system for floods, droughts, and pest outbreaks.
“With stronger crop insurance, we ensure that farmers do not suffer financial losses due to natural disasters.”
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6️⃣ Agricultural Exports & Rural Entrepreneurship
“India’s farm produce must reach global markets. We are providing ₹25,000 crore for agricultural exports and rural startups.”
🚢 5 new Mega Food Parks to boost food processing industries.
🚢 Subsidies for export-oriented organic farming & dairy products.
🚢 ₹10,000 crore ‘Farm to Global’ Scheme to help farmers sell directly in foreign markets.
“Indian farmers must benefit from global trade. This Budget helps them get better prices and higher incomes.”
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📢 The Final Word: A New Era for Rural Prosperity
“Budget 2025-26 takes Indian agriculture into the future with technology-driven solutions, better income security, and stronger export potential. This is a Budget that empowers every farmer and strengthens rural India.”
As we continue our 6-day Budget Decode Series, stay tuned for Day 5, where we analyze how Budget 2025-26 is transforming healthcare and social welfare!
