Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the Narendra Modi government has introduced schemes addressing the major needs of farmers, from income support and institutional credit to fertiliser availability and agricultural development. She made the remarks at an event in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh.Sitharaman was speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub and the Indian School of Agriculture in Madanapalle, Annamayya district. She highlighted farmer welfare as a key focus of the government and referred to initiatives including PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards.Key HighlightsNirmala Sitharaman spoke about government schemes for farmersShe cited PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit CardsFertiliser availability and input costs were also discussedRemarks came during an agriculture-focused event in MadanapalleRayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub foundation stone was laidSitharaman Highlights Farmer Welfare SchemesSitharaman said farmer support includes direct benefit transfers through PM-Kisan and access to institutional credit through Kisan Credit Cards. The government has also highlighted schemes covering areas such as crop insurance, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, mechanisation, marketing and digital agriculture.The Centre recently approved continuation of PM-KISAN from 2026–27 to 2030–31 with a financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. Under the scheme, eligible landholding farmer families receive ₹6,000 annually through direct benefit transfer in three instalments.Fertiliser Support for FarmersSitharaman also highlighted the government's fertiliser support amid higher global input costs. According to her remarks reported on Friday, the Centre has been absorbing a substantial portion of the cost of urea to keep prices accessible to farmers.She said ensuring adequate availability of essential farm inputs remains a priority alongside income support and institutional credit.Agriculture and Horticulture DevelopmentThe Finance Minister was speaking at an event focused on strengthening horticulture and agricultural education in the Rayalaseema region. The proposed Global Horticulture Hub and Indian School of Agriculture are intended to support agricultural research, education and development in the region.The government has also been implementing agriculture schemes covering farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations and rural entrepreneurs, with support for crops, horticulture, seeds, irrigation, mechanisation, marketing and other areas.
