Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented the Union Budget, her eighth consecutive one. Budget 2025 is also the Narendra Modi government’s first full-year budget in the third term and is being presented against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and the slowing of the economic growth rate to a four-year low. As Sitharaman began her Budget 2025 Live presentation, the opposition started chanting slogans against the Finance Minister. Nevertheless, Union FM Sitharaman continued to give the Budget 2025 Live presentation.
FM Sitharaman presenting the Budget Session said, "The development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period. We see the next five years as a unique opportunity to realize ‘Sabka Vikas’, stimulating balanced growth of all regions...In this Budget, the proposed development measures span 10 broad areas, focussing on the poor, youth, farmers, and women."
Agriculture is the first engine of the Union Budget 2025, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament.
FM started the Budget with key announcements in the agriculture sectors. One of the key announcements that were made by Sitharaman was the establishment of the Makhana Board in Bihar. FM Sitharaman stated that a Makhana Board in Bihar will be established in the state to improve production valuation and even marketing. The board will also support and help Makhana farmers."
To be precise, Sitharaman announced, "With rising income levels, the consumption in fruits is also increasing, and remuneration for farmers will also increase in collaboration with states. There is a special opportunity in Bihar, the Makhana board will be established in the state. The board will provide training and support to Makhana farmers."
Sitharaman also announced, "PM Dhandhanya Krisihi Yojna will cover 100 districts with low productivity. It will enhance agricultural productivity and augment storage at the panchayat level. This programme will cover 1.7 crore farmers. The programme will be launched with states. It aims to grow ample opportunities… Global practices will be involved… Our government will launch a programme in pulses, with focus on urad, tur, and masoor."