Experts and Farmers Praise Union Budget 2025 for Boosting Farm Productivity

NEW DELHI: The Union Budget 2025-26 has been widely appreciated by experts and farmers for its strong measures to transform the agricultural sector. The Budget introduces a range of reforms aimed at improving rural livelihoods and boosting farm productivity.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, emphasized the importance of promoting research and innovation in seed development. He suggested integrating hybrid seed varieties into the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds and reinstating the 200% income tax deduction for R&D to attract private investment. He also highlighted initiatives like the Mission on Cotton Productivity and the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds as crucial steps benefiting the seed industry.

FSII’s Executive Director, Raghavan Sampathkumar, acknowledged the Budget’s role in strengthening self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds. He believes these measures will reduce import dependence and enhance food security.

The Budget also prioritizes bridging the urban-rural gap. Susheel Kumar, Managing Director of Syngenta India, appreciated its inclusive approach, which creates opportunities for farmers, youth, women, and agri-entrepreneurs. He noted that leveraging India’s young workforce for agriculture would drive overall sectoral growth.

For cotton farmers like Ganesh Nanote from Maharashtra, the focus on cotton and textiles is particularly encouraging, as domestic production has been struggling to meet demand.

Despite the positive reception, some concerns remain. Dr. KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer of Syngenta India, pointed out that issues like GST rationalization and the extension of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to agrochemicals were overlooked. However, he welcomed the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 and expressed hope for similar reforms in the crop protection sector.

Overall, the Budget sets the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural sector in India.

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