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Union Budget 2025 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that agriculture will be the first engine of growth in India’s economic recovery. She underscored the critical role that agriculture plays in both the economy and the lives of millions of citizens, particularly farmers and rural communities.

Key Highlights from the Budget Speech:

1. Agriculture as the Cornerstone of Growth:

• Agriculture has been positioned as the foundation for inclusive growth. The government is focused on enhancing agricultural productivity, improving rural infrastructure, and ensuring fair income for farmers. By prioritizing agriculture, the government aims to generate sustainable employment opportunities and promote food security.

2. Investment in Rural Infrastructure:

• Significant investments are being directed toward improving rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and logistics networks to reduce wastage and enhance market access for farmers. These measures are expected to strengthen the agricultural value chain and support rural development.

3. Support for Farmer Welfare:

• The Budget includes provisions for farmer welfare schemes aimed at ensuring better access to credit, insurance, and modern farming techniques. The government plans to enhance support for small and marginal farmers through easier access to finance and agricultural inputs.

4. Sustainability and Climate Resilience:

• The government will focus on making agriculture more sustainable by introducing measures that promote climate-resilient farming. This includes support for organic farming, water-efficient technologies, and sustainable crop practices to ensure that agricultural growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

5. Encouraging Private Sector Participation:

• To foster a vibrant agricultural ecosystem, the government plans to encourage private sector investment in agriculture. This includes promoting agritech innovations, digitization of agriculture, and creating a conducive environment for private players to invest in the sector.

6. Boosting Exports of Agricultural Products:

• The Budget outlines measures to increase the export potential of Indian agricultural products. The aim is to make India a leading global supplier of key agricultural commodities, helping farmers earn better returns while boosting foreign exchange reserves.

Conclusion:

The Budget 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to positioning agriculture as the first engine of growth, aiming to enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy while addressing the challenges faced by farmers. With a focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and welfare, this approach will help create a more resilient and prosperous agricultural landscape, benefiting millions of rural Indians.