Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today lauded the remarkable strides made in India’s agricultural sector, highlighting a sixfold increase in the Union agriculture budget, from ₹21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,290 crore in 2025-26.
Dr. Jitendra Singh made these remarks while addressing the disbursal of the 19th installment of the PM KISAN scheme in Bhagalpur, Bihar. He virtually joined the meeting at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jammu.
The Union Minister proudly announced that the government would be disbursing ₹22,000 crore to 9.8 crore farmers as part of this installment. With ₹3.46 lakh crore already distributed in 18 installments, the PM KISAN program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting farmers' livelihoods.
In a bid to further strengthen the program, Dr. Singh revealed that 30 lakh more farmers have been added as beneficiaries under the PM KISAN scheme. The Union Minister also highlighted the increase in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, which will significantly improve access to credit for farmers, enabling them to invest in modern agricultural practices and equipment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also unveiled the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a new initiative aimed at identifying 100 districts for agricultural advancement, thereby ensuring that targeted resources and technologies are provided to boost productivity in these areas.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the transformation in India’s agricultural ecosystem over the last decade, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi the champion of farmers' welfare. He recalled the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers' incomes and enhancing agricultural technologies to supplement their efforts.
“Over the past decade, we have witnessed a significant transformation in agriculture, with the government ensuring fixed support to farmers. Initiatives like soil health cards, Kisan Credit Cards, financial inclusion, and advanced technologies, such as drone usage for spraying pesticides and fertilizers, micro-irrigation in high-altitude areas, and the expansion of irrigation facilities, have played a crucial role,” said Dr. Singh.
He emphasized that these efforts not only benefit agriculture but also contribute significantly to the Indian economy, with agriculture being the prime mover of India’s growth. The Minister also enumerated other key government initiatives, such as the 6-year National Mission on Millets, National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds, the ‘Makhana Board’ to be established in Bihar, and new agricultural research and development programs aimed at enhancing crop yields.
Dr. Singh pointed to the new urea plant in Assam with a capacity of 12.7 lakh tonnes, underscoring the growing emphasis on the eastern part of India in the nation’s agricultural plans. Towards the conclusion of his speech, Dr. Singh underscored the government's commitment to making farmers and agriculture a vital part of Viksit Bharat @2047.
He reaffirmed that the government’s continued efforts to empower farmers and modernize agriculture would ensure the nation’s agricultural sector thrives and contributes to sustainable economic growth.