New Delhi, February 3, 2025: Dr. Shailesh Kumar Giri, National Chief Spokesperson and National Core Committee Vice President of the Bhartiya Haldhar Kisan Union (BHKU Haldhar), as well as Bihar-Jharkhand State In-Charge, has termed the Union Budget 2025 as disappointing for farmers. He stated that the budget is far from realizing the vision of a 'Developed India' and has completely ignored the real needs of farmers.

Dr. Giri urged the government to prioritize farmers in the Union Budget 2026, emphasizing that India is an agrarian nation where nearly 75% of the population depends on agriculture. He lamented the absence of a "Farmer Commission," calling it highly unfortunate. He strongly asserted that the day a Farmer Commission is established, India will move towards becoming a developed nation within the next two decades and reclaim its status as the "Golden Bird" on the global stage.

Unfulfilled Promises for Bihar's Farmers

Dr. Giri acknowledged the announcement of a Makhana Board for Bihar but described it as a politically motivated move, seemingly aimed at influencing the upcoming state elections. He compared this to past promises, such as ₹15 lakh deposits in every citizen's account and crores of job opportunities, which never materialized beyond mere announcements.

Government's Double Standards on MSP

Taking a strong stance against the central government, Dr. Giri pointed out that in 2011, the then Gujarat Chief Minister and current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, himself recommended granting legal status to the Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, today, the government has backtracked on the same issue. He reminded that during the historic 375-day-long farmers' protest, hundreds of farmers lost their lives demanding MSP and the Farmer Commission, yet their sacrifices have been disregarded.

A Disappointing Budget for Farmers

Dr. Giri expressed deep disappointment over the fact that the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana saw no increase in financial support for farmers in the Union Budget 2025. Citing statistics, he highlighted that 60% of India’s population is directly involved in farming, while 20% is engaged in agriculture-related businesses. Despite agriculture contributing 17-19% to India's GDP, the budget allocated for farmers is negligible, akin to "a drop in the ocean."

Demand for Farmer Pension Scheme

Dr. Giri urged the government to implement a Farmer Pension Scheme, under which farmers above 60 years of age should receive a monthly pension of ₹10,000. He argued that such a scheme could prevent young people from abandoning agriculture for other professions and make farming a more viable career option.

Budget 2025: Relief for the Middle Class, Empty Promises for Farmers

Dr. Giri acknowledged that the budget provides some relief to the middle class but criticized it for failing to address the concerns of farmers. Mocking the government’s approach, he said that, as always, the public has been handed a "budget lollipop" this year as well.

He warned that if the Union Budget 2026 does not prioritize farmers and fails to grant legal status to MSP, the farmers’ movement will intensify.

Press Contact:
Bhartiya Haldhar Kisan Union (BHKU Haldhar)
National Chief Spokesperson – Dr. Shailesh Kumar Giri