1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a host of new measures, some rebranding in the agriculture sector with a clear focus on what India needs most- fight climate change impact and attain self-sufficiency in pulses. The minister also announced a hike in loan amounts for Kisan Credit Cards from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
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2. In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity and future food security, the Union Government has announced a two-pronged approach. This includes the launch of a National Mission on high-yielding seeds, focusing on research, development, and propagation of climate-resilient seeds, and the establishment of a second Gene bank to conserve 10 lakh germplasm lines.
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3. To lift the sagging morale of the cotton sector, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a National Mission for Cotton Productivity. The 5-year mission will facilitate significant improvements in the productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties.
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4. The Government has announced a 6-year mission to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production. The Government will now launch a “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with a special focus on tur, urad and masoor.
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5. From Northern Bihar districts to capturing domestic and global attention “Makhana” or Euryale ferox, commonly known as prickly waterlily, has indeed come a long way. The Centre plans to set up a board for this “golden nut”, per the Budget proposals.
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6. In the context of global turmoil, India displayed steady economic growth and the Economic Survey credited projection of India’s real GDP growth at 6.4 per cent in FY25 to agriculture (and also services), with rural demand improving on the back of record Kharif production and favourable agricultural conditions.
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7. Gold prices have increased by 8 per cent on an annualised basis since 1971, comparable with that of equities but higher than that of bonds. The precious metal has outperformed many other asset classes over the past three, five, 10 and 20 years besides 2024, the World Gold Council (WGC) said in a research “Gold as a strategic asset”.
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