Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her eighth consecutive budget presentation on February 1, 2025, emphasizing the government’s sustained efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, and boost household sentiment. The budget speech, presented in Parliament at 11 a.m., aims to uplift India’s economic prospects while remaining fiscally disciplined.
This year’s budget comes at a time when India’s economy is projected to grow between 6.3% and 6.8% in 2025-26, according to the Economic Survey for 2024-25. The survey, tabled in Parliament on January 31, reflects optimism regarding India’s post-pandemic recovery but emphasizes the need for sustained reforms to achieve long-term economic stability.
During her speech, Sitharaman announced the launch of a 6-year mission aimed at achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses, with a special focus on key crops like tuver (pigeon pea), udad (black gram), and masoor (lentil). The mission aims to boost domestic production and reduce India’s dependency on imports through sustainable practices, high-yield seeds, and enhanced processing infrastructure.
Key highlights of the mission:
- A national mission on high-yield seeds will be introduced to support farmers and improve crop yields.
- The government will prioritize research, development, and distribution of high-yield seeds specifically suited for tuver, udad, and masoor dals.
- New partnerships with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to help improve production efficiency and market accessibility.
Additionally, Sitharaman announced the establishment of a Makhana Board, which will oversee production, processing, and value addition in the makhana (fox nut) sector. The move is expected to create employment opportunities and improve earnings for farmers engaged in makhana cultivation.
