New Delhi, January 15, 2026 - As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget for 2026-27 on February 1, critical agriculture promises from her previous budget speech remain stuck on paper. Announced in the 2025-26 budget, these initiatives were meant to boost the farming sector but have yet to reach the ground.
Key Announcements Still Awaiting Implementation
Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, Sitharaman called agriculture the "first engine" of the economy. She unveiled several new programs for farmers. However, many of these schemes have not moved beyond the announcement stage.
Enhanced Kisan Credit Card Scheme
One major promise involved raising the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme. Sitharaman proposed increasing it from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for loans taken through Kisan Credit Cards. This enhancement aimed to benefit 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.
Unfortunately, this change still requires approval from the Union Cabinet. Sources indicate the agriculture ministry will soon submit a formal proposal. Until then, farmers cannot access the higher loan amounts.
Mission for Cotton Productivity
Sitharaman also announced a five-year Mission for Cotton Productivity. This mission promised to improve productivity and sustainability for cotton growers. It planned to promote extra-long staple cotton varieties and provide scientific support to farmers.
The finance minister linked this mission to the government's integrated '5F' vision for textiles. She said it would increase farmer incomes and ensure quality cotton supply. Yet, this mission has not started implementation.
Other Delayed Initiatives
Several other agriculture-related announcements face similar delays:
- The National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds remains on paper.
- Plans for a second gene bank for crop germplasm have not materialized.
- A comprehensive program to promote production, supply, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers has reportedly been shelved.
Schemes That Have Been Launched
Not all agriculture announcements from the 2025-26 budget have stalled. The government has successfully launched some initiatives:
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: This focuses on tur, urad, and masoor crops.
- Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: This Developing Agri Districts Programme is now active.
- Makhana Board in Bihar: This board has been established to support makhana farmers.
As the 2026 budget looms, farmers and stakeholders watch closely. They hope pending schemes will finally move from paper to practice, delivering promised benefits to India's agricultural heartland.
