Agricultural Reforms 2025: Farmers’ Welfare in Focus

Agriculture continues to play a vital role in India’s economy, directly supporting over half the country’s population. In 2025, the government has taken significant steps to reform the sector with an emphasis on improving the lives and livelihoods of farmers. From financial empowerment through direct benefit transfers to the promotion of sustainable farming practices, the focus this year is clear—put farmers first.

This blog explores the key agricultural reforms introduced in 2025 and how they are expected to bring meaningful changes across rural India. For more detailed updates on similar developments, visit First Post.

Direct Benefit Transfer: A Transparent Step Forward

One of the major reforms this year is the plan to extend Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to fertilizer subsidies. Under this system, the subsidy amount is transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible farmers. This move reduces the chances of corruption, eliminates middlemen, and ensures that the financial support reaches the intended beneficiaries without delays.

States like Uttarakhand have already taken this a step further by launching the e-RUPI system. Through this digital initiative, farmers receive QR-code-based or SMS-based vouchers on their phones, which can be used at registered vendors for purchasing fertilizers and other inputs. This not only enhances transparency but also encourages digital adoption in rural regions.

With these changes, farmers are better equipped to make choices that suit their needs. It also simplifies the entire process of claiming subsidies, saving both time and effort. For more such farmer-friendly policies, First Post continues to provide regular and detailed coverage.

Embracing Sustainable and Natural Farming

Alongside financial reforms, several states are shifting focus to natural and sustainable farming. In Haryana, a pilot project has been initiated in Kaithal district where 53 acres of government land are now being used for natural farming methods. These practices do away with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, relying instead on cow dung, urine-based formulations, and traditional techniques that improve soil health over time.

Similarly, Madhya Pradesh is leading a campaign to boost the production of millets such as ragi, bajra, and jowar. Millets are known for their nutritional value and adaptability to arid climates. They require less water, grow faster, and have a longer shelf life. By encouraging their cultivation, the government is not only promoting good health and food security but also opening new market opportunities for farmers.

These reforms signal a broader vision—moving towards an agriculture model that is both sustainable and economically viable in the long run.

Strengthening Farmer Cooperatives

Cooperative societies have been the backbone of rural India for decades. Recognising their potential, the government has announced a plan to set up two lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by the year 2029. A new policy is being introduced to streamline the liquidation of non-performing PACS and make way for new ones that can actively support farmers with credit, procurement, and storage facilities.

The aim is to ensure that at least one functional PACS operates in every panchayat. This move will enhance financial inclusion, reduce farmers’ dependence on informal moneylenders, and increase access to government schemes and support.

As PACS evolve with better systems and digital integration, they can also serve as nodal points for agricultural inputs, crop insurance, and training programmes. More coverage and insights on PACS and rural cooperatives are available at First Post.

Technology and Digital Agriculture

Another major thrust of the 2025 reforms is the integration of technology in farming. The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform has expanded significantly this year. It now allows farmers to sell over 230 different commodities online, cutting across state boundaries and giving them access to a much larger pool of buyers.

This has the potential to improve price discovery and reduce the role of intermediaries. Farmers can now sell their produce directly from their local mandis to distant markets, provided the infrastructure is in place.

Other digital initiatives include the use of mobile apps for weather updates, crop advisory services, and drone-based surveillance for pest and disease management. These technologies can help farmers make informed decisions, increase productivity, and reduce input costs.

As digital adoption grows in rural areas, the benefits of smart farming are becoming more accessible. For real-time news on digital agriculture initiatives, First Post remains a trusted platform.

State Initiatives Showing the Way

States like Tamil Nadu and Telangana are already seeing results from focused agricultural investments. Tamil Nadu, for instance, has recorded a 5.56% growth in the agriculture sector over the last four years. This has been made possible by schemes related to canal desilting, micro-irrigation, and integrated farming models.

Telangana’s newly launched ‘Indira Solar Giri Jal Vikasam’ scheme is another example. With an investment of ₹12,600 crore, the state is providing 100% subsidy on solar-powered irrigation to tribal farmers. This addresses both water scarcity and energy issues, enabling year-round farming.

These examples show that when governments align policy with the needs of farmers, the results are tangible.

Conclusion

The agricultural reforms of 2025 are aimed at building a stronger, more self-reliant farming community. Whether it’s through digital payments, sustainable farming, stronger cooperatives, or advanced technology, the goal remains the same—empowering India’s farmers.

While these reforms mark significant progress, consistent implementation and farmer education will be key to their success. For ongoing coverage, case studies, and expert views on these reforms, visit First Post.

India’s future rests in the hands of those who feed the nation. With the right support, farmers can not only survive but thrive in a changing world.

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