As the fiscal first-half of 2025–26 draws to a close, six major agriculture schemes announced in the Union Budget remain stuck in bureaucratic limbo, raising concerns over implementation delays and missed seasonal opportunities. Despite Cabinet and committee-level approvals for some, none of the schemes have yet been launched on the ground, leaving farmers and stakeholders waiting for promised interventions.
The schemes—touted as transformative for low-performing districts, pulses productivity, vegetable and fruit supply chains, hybrid seed development, cotton technology, and makhana cultivation—were central to the government’s agri-push in the Budget speech. However, procedural bottlenecks, pending approvals, and inter-departmental queries have stalled their rollout.
Budget 2025–26: Six Agriculture Schemes Still in Limbo
| Scheme Name | Status (as of Sept 2025) | Approval Stage | Target Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana | Awaiting district list & guidelines | Cabinet approved | 1.7 crore farmers |
| Makhana Board (Bihar) | Cleared by SFC, not launched | Standing Finance Committee cleared | Bihar farmers |
| Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses | Awaiting Cabinet nod | Expenditure Finance Committee cleared | Pulse growers |
| Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits | Concept note under review | No EFC or Cabinet approval yet | Horticulture farmers |
| Hybrid Seed Development Programme | Awaiting inter-ministerial clearance | No formal approval yet | Seed producers |
| Mission for Cotton Productivity | No clarity on launch timeline | Pending concept finalization | Cotton farmers |
These schemes were designed to address structural gaps in crop productivity, market access, and regional disparities. Their delay, however, risks undermining the seasonal planning cycle and the credibility of budgetary announcements.
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Flagship Scheme Stalled
Announced as a six-year initiative to uplift 100 low-performing agri-districts, the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025. Modeled on the Aspirational Districts Programme, it aims to directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers through targeted interventions in irrigation, soil health, and market linkages.
However, the Agriculture Ministry is yet to release the list of districts or operational guidelines. Officials indicate that the proposal is awaiting final sign-off from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
| PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 years (2025–2031) |
| Coverage | 100 low-performing districts |
| Budget Allocation | ₹9,000 crore (estimated) |
| Implementation Model | State partnership + central funding |
Without district-level clarity, state governments have been unable to initiate preparatory work, delaying the scheme’s integration into kharif and rabi planning cycles.
Makhana Board: Bihar-Centric Promise Yet to Materialize
The proposed Makhana Board, with a ₹100 crore allocation, was pitched as a strategic intervention ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Approved by the Standing Finance Committee, the board does not require Cabinet clearance. Yet, its launch remains pending, with ministry officials citing logistical delays.
The board is expected to streamline makhana procurement, processing, and export, benefiting thousands of farmers in north Bihar. Its delay has sparked criticism from regional stakeholders who view it as a politically timed but poorly executed promise.
Pulses Mission: Tur, Urad, Masoor in Focus
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was designed to boost domestic production of tur, urad, and masoor, reducing import dependency. Approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee, it awaits Cabinet clearance before guidelines can be issued.
| Mission for Pulses | Focus Crops | Target States | Estimated Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aatmanirbharta | Tur, Urad, Masoor | Maharashtra, MP, UP | ₹6,500 crore |
The delay is particularly concerning given India’s rising import bill for pulses and the need for timely sowing support.
Vegetables & Fruits Programme: Concept Note Under Scrutiny
The Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits is still in the concept stage. The Agriculture Ministry circulated a draft proposal, but NITI Aayog and the Department of Expenditure raised queries, asking for reworking of the scheme design.
This programme was expected to address supply chain inefficiencies, cold storage gaps, and market volatility in horticulture. Its delay means farmers continue to face post-harvest losses and price crashes during peak seasons.
Hybrid Seeds & Cotton Productivity: No Movement Yet
Two other schemes—one focused on hybrid seed development and the other on cotton productivity—have seen little movement. The hybrid seed programme aims to improve seed quality and availability, while the cotton mission is expected to introduce new technologies and pest-resistant varieties.
| Scheme Name | Objective | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Seed Development | Boost seed innovation & access | Pending inter-ministerial clearance |
| Cotton Productivity Mission | Enhance yield & pest resistance | No clarity on launch timeline |
Both are critical to improving crop resilience and farmer incomes, especially in central and western India.
Fiscal Implications and Planning Disruptions
The delay in launching these schemes has fiscal and operational consequences. Budget allocations earmarked for these programmes remain unutilized, affecting fund flow to states and disrupting seasonal planning.
| Scheme Name | Budget Allocation (FY 2025–26) | Utilization Status |
|---|---|---|
| PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana | ₹9,000 crore | 0% |
| Makhana Board | ₹100 crore | 0% |
| Pulses Mission | ₹6,500 crore | 0% |
| Vegetables & Fruits Programme | ₹4,200 crore (proposed) | 0% |
| Hybrid Seed Development | ₹2,000 crore (proposed) | 0% |
| Cotton Productivity Mission | ₹3,000 crore (proposed) | 0% |
With the kharif season nearing its end and rabi preparations underway, the absence of these schemes on the ground limits their impact and raises questions about administrative efficiency.
Political and Stakeholder Reactions
Farmer unions and agri-policy experts have expressed concern over the delays, urging the government to expedite approvals and release guidelines. Opposition parties have accused the Centre of making “headline announcements” without follow-through.
Meanwhile, state governments—especially those ruled by opposition parties—have cited lack of coordination and delayed communication from the Centre as barriers to implementation.
Conclusion: Promises Awaiting Action as Fiscal Midpoint Nears
As September marks the halfway point of the fiscal year, the six agriculture schemes announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 remain stuck in procedural bottlenecks. While some have cleared key committees, none have reached the ground, leaving farmers without promised support and states without actionable frameworks.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Agriculture Ministry to finalize approvals, release guidelines, and initiate rollout. Without swift action, these schemes risk becoming missed opportunities in a year marked by climate challenges, market volatility, and rising input costs.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government data, budget documents, and verified news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or policy advice. All figures and timelines are subject to change based on official updates.
