Industry leaders applaud India’s Union Budget 2025-26 for its focus on farmer empowerment, sustainability, and agricultural innovation

The Union Budget 2025-26 has garnered widespread praise from industry leaders and agricultural experts, who have highlighted its transformative potential for India’s farming sector.

Budget 2025: Bayer’s Simon Wiebusch on How Farmers Will Benefit

The Union Budget 2025-26 has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat. Reacting to the budget, Simon Wiebusch, Country Divisional Head, Crop Science Division of Bayer in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, welcomed the Finance Minister’s focus on empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector.

″The 2025 Union Budget outlines a comprehensive strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Finance Minister’s initiatives, such as the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, which aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts, are particularly noteworthy,″ said Wiebusch.

A key highlight of the budget is its emphasis on post-harvest storage, irrigation, and credit availability, which is expected to drive rural economic growth. The establishment of large-scale vegetable clusters and dedicated support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and agri-startups will not only strengthen rural prosperity and boost the horticulture sector but also help meet the country’s nutritional needs.

The budget also places significant focus on climate-resilient crops, high-yielding seeds, and guaranteed procurement for vital crops like oilseeds and pulses to enhance food security and self-reliance. Additionally, improved access to new technologies and targeted support for cotton production are expected to further strengthen the sector.

″At Bayer, we are committed to supporting these initiatives that align with our mission to advance sustainable agriculture. We look forward to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to implement these measures effectively and drive positive change in the agricultural sector,″ Wiebusch added.

With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and farmer empowerment, the 2025 Union Budget sets the stage for long-term growth in Indian agriculture, positioning the sector for a more resilient and prosperous future.

FMC India Welcomes Budget 2024-25’s Focus on Farmers, Innovation, and Growth

FMC India has welcomed the Union Budget 2024-25, calling it a progressive and growth-oriented vision for the agricultural sector. Mr. Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India, praised key initiatives such as the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Six-Year Atmanirbharta Programme for Pulses, which aim to enhance productivity and benefit farmers in the long run.

The focus on climate-resilient, high-yield crops and the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar reflect the government’s commitment to supporting farmers amid changing climatic conditions. The integration of six crore farmers into a digital registry will improve transparency, expand access to digital agricultural services, and accelerate the adoption of precision farming techniques.

FMC India also supports the government’s push for public-private collaboration in agricultural innovation, which will help modernize the sector. Additionally, the increase in the Kisan Credit Card loan limit to ₹5 lakh will provide crucial financial support to farmers. The emphasis on developing local vegetable production and strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and startups will improve supply chain efficiencies and benefit both farmers and consumers.

Mr. Annavarapu concluded that the budget lays a strong foundation for a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. FMC India remains committed to working with the government to improve farmer livelihoods and enhance food security.

India’s Agricultural Future Secured? Yara South Asia MD on Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025 places a strong emphasis on agriculture, setting the stage for a more resilient and prosperous sector. Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, praised the budget’s strategic focus on crop diversification, irrigation, and improved credit access, calling it a transformative step for Indian farmers.

Key initiatives, such as the comprehensive programme for fruits and vegetables and targeted support for 100 low-productivity districts, are expected to boost yields, processing, and farmer incomes. The budget also highlights the empowerment of rural women, young farmers, and marginal growers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.

With its focus on innovation, investment, and self-reliance, the budget is poised to drive India’s agricultural sector toward long-term prosperity.

CropLife India Welcomes Budget 2025-26, Urges Further Support for R&D and Sustainable Farming

CropLife India, an association of 17 R&D driven crop science companies, wholeheartedly welcomes the Union Budget 2025-26 and commends the Government for placing a strong emphasis on enhancing agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability. The introduction of the PM Dhandhanya Krisihi Yojna for farmers is a significant step, as it will target 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average agricultural parameters, providing much-needed support to improve farm productivity and strengthen the rural economy.

Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman – CropLife India and Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd., shared, ″The precise focus on enhancing productivity in the Union Budget 2025-26 is expected to foster significant growth in the agricultural sector, benefiting farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices. The Government’s well-defined vision to prevent migration from rural areas, coupled with the scheme that prioritizes women and youth, is a welcome and forward-thinking step. This initiative is set to drive greater adoption of modern technologies, including drones and precision agriculture, thereby providing a much-needed boost to innovation and efficiency in the sector″.

Mr. Aggarwal, emphasized, ″It is heartening to witness the inclusion of productivity and resilience in agriculture as one of the key priorities of the Union Budget 2025. The crop protection industry looks forward to partnering with both the Centre and State Governments to focus on the 100 districts with low productivity. Together, we aim to enhance agricultural output, improve sustainability, and support farmers in these regions through targeted interventions and innovative solutions″.

CropLife India and its members have been urging the Government to consider the following measures:

• Provide a 200% weighted deduction on R&D expenses for pesticide companies.

• Retain a uniform basic customs duty of 10% for both technical raw materials and formulations.

• Reduce the GST on agrochemicals from the current 18% to 12%.

• Allocate Funds in Budget to Strengthen the Extension Mechanism

These measures would have directly benefited the farmers, further empowering them and enhancing the agricultural sector as a whole.

Budget 2025: Strengthening MSMEs and Agri-Inputs, But Key Concerns Remain – Dr. Suhas Buddhe, Adviser, Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA)

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant measures aimed at strengthening MSMEs and the agri-input sector, reinforcing India’s push for a self-reliant agricultural ecosystem. According to Dr. Suhas Buddhe, Adviser, Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), the government’s expansion of credit guarantees for MSMEs and the continued focus on ‘Make in India’ are welcome steps that will boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports. Additionally, the budget’s emphasis on millet production, sustainable farming, and technological advancements like drone integration aligns well with India’s long-term agricultural vision.

However, Dr. Buddhe pointed out that while the budget has made strides in several areas, it has not fully addressed key industry concerns. One major issue is the lack of concrete measures for import substitution in advanced agricultural inputs. The ongoing challenge of GST refund disparities for MSME agri-input manufacturers remains unresolved. The 13% GST differential continues to restrict working capital, forcing many manufacturers to take loans simply to meet tax obligations. Dr. Buddhe emphasized that a comprehensive GST refund mechanism is crucial to ensure a level playing field against Chinese imports and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs.

While the government’s encouragement of research and development in agriculture is appreciated, the industry had anticipated specific budgetary provisions for farm schools that would train marginal farmers in modern agricultural techniques. Additionally, the absence of dedicated funding for residue-free farming, alongside support for organic farming, is seen as a missed opportunity to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Dr. Buddhe urged the government to reconsider these critical aspects and introduce necessary amendments to ensure a growth-oriented and inclusive agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and industry stakeholders.