Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed the Union Budget 2025 as a game-changer for farmers and rural development.
Speaking to the media at Gwalior airport, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for prioritizing agriculture.
Chouhan highlighted that the budget provides the highest-ever allocation for agriculture and rural development.
“For the first time, farmers can avail loans up to ₹5 lakh at lower interest rates, enhancing their ability to invest in crops like horticulture,” he said.
He also emphasised that the budget will encourage agricultural diversification and increase productivity in low-yield districts.
The minister stressed that the budget aims to make villages self-reliant by strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and ensuring every rural household is connected to a livelihood.
“The vision is to create poverty-free villages through a convergence of government schemes,” he added.
Calling the budget a step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, Chouhan said it will ensure prosperity for farmers, youth, and women while strengthening India’s economy.
Reacting To Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the budget, Chouhan dismissed his remarks, saying, “The budget has provided relief to the middle class, including a tax exemption on income up to ₹12 lakh. Those who don’t understand the budget simply oppose it.”