Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 24: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the significant progress in India’s agricultural sector, noting a remarkable sixfold increase in the Union agriculture budget—growing from Rs 21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,27,290 crore in 2025-26—reflecting the achievements of the Modi Government over a decade.
Dr. Singh made these statements during the disbursement of the 19th installment of the PM KISAN scheme in Bhagalpur, Bihar, connecting virtually from Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jammu.
The Union Minister proudly announced that the Government will distribute Rs 22,000 crore to 9.8 crore farmers in this installment. With a total of Rs 3.46 lakh crore given out in the previous 18 installments, the PM KISAN program remains crucial in supporting farmers’ incomes. To enhance the program, Dr. Singh mentioned that an additional 30 lakh farmers have been incorporated as beneficiaries under the PM KISAN scheme.
Additionally, Dr. Singh pointed out that the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit has increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, significantly improving farmers’ access to credit, allowing for investments in modern agricultural methods and equipment.
He also introduced the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a new initiative aimed at identifying 100 districts to promote agricultural development, ensuring targeted resources and technologies to elevate productivity in these areas.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformation of India’s agricultural landscape over the past decade, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a champion of farmers’ welfare. He recalled the Prime Minister’s vision for doubling farmers’ incomes and enhancing agricultural technologies to support their efforts.
“In the last ten years, we have seen a profound transformation in agriculture, with the Government consistently backing farmers. Initiatives such as soil health cards, Kisan Credit Cards, financial inclusion, and advanced technologies like drones for pesticide and fertilizer spraying, micro-irrigation in higher altitudes, and increased irrigation facilities have played pivotal roles,” Dr. Singh stated.
He added that these initiatives not only support agriculture but also significantly aid the Indian economy, as agriculture is a key driver of the country’s growth.
The Minister also discussed other vital Government initiatives, including the 6-year National Mission on Millets, the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds, the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar, and new research and development programs focused on improving crop yields. Dr. Singh also emphasized the importance of a new urea plant in Assam, with a production capacity of 12.7 lakh units, highlighting the increasing focus on the eastern regions of India within the nation’s agricultural strategy.
