Business

FM Unveils PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to Enhance Agricultural Growth

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

On Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’, a new initiative expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers by enhancing agricultural productivity. During her presentation of the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament, she noted that this initiative is inspired by the achievements of the ‘Aspirational Districts Programme’ and will be executed in collaboration with state governments.

The minister explained that the program will leverage existing schemes and specialized strategies to target 100 districts characterized by low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit metrics.

“The primary objectives of this program are to boost agricultural productivity, encourage crop diversification and sustainable farming practices, enhance post-harvest storage at both panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation infrastructure, and ensure the availability of both long-term and short-term credit. This initiative is anticipated to assist 1.7 crore farmers,” she stated.

Furthermore, she announced a comprehensive multi-sectoral initiative called ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’, which will also be developed in partnership with the states. This program aims to tackle underemployment in agriculture through skills development, investment, technology introduction, and revitalization of the rural economy.

Sitharaman emphasized the aim of creating abundant opportunities in rural areas, making migration a choice rather than a necessity. The program will pay special attention to rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, as well as landless families.

“The goal is to foster enterprise development, generate employment, and promote financial independence among rural women, stimulate the creation of new jobs and businesses for young farmers and rural youth, modernize agriculture for better productivity and warehousing, especially for marginal and small farmers, and diversify opportunities for landless families,” she elaborated.

She also mentioned that the initiative would incorporate global and domestic best practices while seeking appropriate technical and financial support from multilateral development banks. In its initial phase, the program will cover 100 developing agricultural districts.

Additionally, the minister introduced a 6-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’, focusing on Tur, Urad, and Masoor. This mission aims to develop and commercially provide climate-resilient seeds, improve protein content, enhance productivity, and optimize post-harvest storage and management, while ensuring that farmers receive remunerative prices.

A comprehensive program promoting production, efficient supply chains, processing, and profitable pricing for farmers will also be launched in partnership with state governments. Finally, the Finance Minister revealed that Public Sector Banks will establish a ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to address the credit requirements of SHG members and rural residents.

Related Topics:Agricultural Growth PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

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Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

23 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.