Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, National Manufacturing Mission: Key schemes announced by FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Presenting her eighth consecutive Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced schemes benefitting various sections of the society. Some of the key announcements made by her include:

Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

The Union government has launched the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a new initiative designed to enhance agricultural conditions in 100 districts that have low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and limited access to credit.

“Motivated by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, our Government will undertake a ‘Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states. Through the convergence of existing schemes and specialised measures, the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters,” the Finance Minister said.

It aims to enhance agricultural productivity, adopt crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block level, improve irrigation facilities, and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. This programme is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.

Makhana Board in Bihar

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that a Makhana board will be established in Bihar. “This will improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana in the state,” Sitharaman said.

The board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant Government schemes.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, FM Sitharaman also announced the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar and the expansion of hostel and other infrastructure capacity at IIT Patna.

Focused scheme for footwear, leather sectors

A focus product scheme will be launched to enhance the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector in the global market.

The scheme is expected to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of Rs 4 lakh crore and exports of over Rs 1.1 lakh crore.

National Manufacturing Mission

While presenting the 2025-26 Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed plans to set up a National Manufacturing Mission as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost the Make in India initiative.

“Our Government will set up a National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” by providing policy support, execution roadmaps, governance and monitoring framework for central ministries and states,” she said.

The mission will also support clean tech manufacturing. This will aim to improve domestic value addition and build robust ecosystem for solar PV cells, EV batteries, motors and controllers, electrolyzers, wind turbines, very high voltage transmission equipment and grid scale batteries.