Context: 

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Finance Minister announced the launch of Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and other initiatives for promoting agriculture sector growth.

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• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare received Rs 1.37 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26 in the budget which represents a 4% increase compared to the previous year. 
• The government continues to support farmers through the PM-Kisan Scheme by providing an allocation of Rs 63,500 crore (No Change from the previous year). 
• The budget for the pulses mission totals Rs 1,000 crore while the vegetables and fruits program receives Rs 500 crore while providing Rs 100 crore for both the Makhana Board and hybrid seed mission each.

Agriculture Sector-related initiatives announced in the Budget 2025-26

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

• The program will be implemented in 100 districts, focusing on areas with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters. 
• The programme aims to enhance agricultural productivity; adopt crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices; augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block level; improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. 
• This programme is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.

National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds:

• This mission aims to improve the quality and availability of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds. 
• The government plans to make over 100 seed varieties available commercially.

Makhana Board:

• A new Makhana (fox nut) Board will be set up in Bihar, a state that is a major producer of this crop, to boost its production, value addition, research, and marketing.

Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:

• To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, the government has announced a six-year mission focusing on tur, urad, and masoor crops. 
• This initiative will focus on improving productivity, procurement, and ensuring remunerative prices for farmers.
• NAFED and NCCF will procure pulses from farmers during the next 4 years as part of DHAN DHANYA YOJANA.

Cotton Productivity Mission:

• A five-year mission targeting improvements in cotton productivity and sustainability, including the promotion of extra-long staple cotton varieties. 
• This initiative is aligned with India's textile sector’s vision to increase domestic cotton production and rejuvenate traditional textile industries.

Fisheries:

• Government to bring a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):

• The loan limit under the MISS scheme will be increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for farmers with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). 

Grameen Credit Score:

• Public Sector Banks will develop a ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of Self-Help Group members and people in rural areas.

A Urea Plant with an annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons is to be set up at Namrup, Assam.