Overview

The Budget for FY25-26 introduces key measures to ensure food security in India. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, self-sufficiency, and improved access to nutritious food, these initiatives will bolster the nation’s food systems, reduce dependency on imports, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojna: This scheme will support 100 districts with low agricultural productivity. It will provide over 1.7 crore farmers with better resources, training, and improved farming practices, boosting food production and securing local food supplies.

Self-Sufficiency in Pulses and Edible Oils: The government has set a target to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses like Toor, Urad, and Masoor, and edible oils. By reducing India’s reliance on imports, this initiative will ensure a stable domestic supply of essential food items, directly strengthening food security.

Boosting Fruit & Vegetable Production: The government will launch a comprehensive program to increase both the production and consumption of fruits and vegetables. This initiative will enhance nutrition, ensure market stability, and improve food availability across the country.

Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices:  The Budget will introduce measures to promote sustainable fishing practices, particularly in India’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. This initiative will help meet the growing demand for seafood while protecting marine ecosystems.

Advancing High-Yielding Seeds: The government will introduce over 100 new high-yielding seed varieties to drive productivity improvements. These seeds will enable farmers to produce more food with fewer resources, contributing to greater food availability and sustainability.

Establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology: The government will establish a new institute in Bihar to focus on food processing research. This initiative will help reduce food wastage, improve value addition, and ensure a more stable food supply by enhancing food processing capabilities.

• Expanding Food Processing and FPOs: The Budget will invest in expanding food processing, which will strengthen the agricultural value chain, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase farmers’ income. It will also support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), ensuring better market access for small-scale farmers and stabilizing the food supply.
• Kisan Credit Card Limit Increase: The government will raise the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from Rs 23 lakh to Rs 75 lakh. This increase will provide farmers with better financial access to support food production and improve food security.
• Additional Focus Areas for Food Security: Water Conservation and Irrigation: The government will invest in water-efficient irrigation technologies to ensure a steady water supply for farming, mitigating the risks of droughts and water scarcity that can threaten food production.
• Climate-Resilient Farming: The government will support climate-resilient farming practices, including drought-resistant crops, to help farmers adapt to climate change and secure food supplies.

Conclusion

The FY25-26 Budget outlines a comprehensive strategy to ensure long-term food security in India. By focusing on self-sufficiency, improving productivity, expanding food processing, and supporting sustainable farming practices, the government aims to build a resilient food system that can meet the growing demands of the population. These measures will secure food availability, reduce reliance on imports, and improve nutrition for the nation.

Source: NDTV