FMCG leaders applaud Budget 2025, hailing it as a catalyst for a consumption-driven economy 

Presenting her first budget ofModi 3.0 governmentand record eighth budget, FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted a comprehensive program for vegetables and fruits, acknowledging the growing awareness among the population about their nutritional needs.This shift reflects a healthier society, with rising income levels leading to an increase in the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods. The government aims to support this trend with targeted initiatives to further promote the availability and accessibility of these essential food items, ensuring that the benefits of improved nutrition reach a wider segment of the population.Angshu Mallick, MD & CEO,Adani Wilmarstated, “TheUnion Budget 2025reflects a strong commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem, with a clear focus on enhancing productivity, promoting crop diversification, and improving post-harvest infrastructure. The focus on tax reliefs and measures aimed at increasing disposable incomes, especially for the middle class; is a positive move that will strengthen purchasing power and drive demand for quality food products.””With India’s real GDP projected to grow by 6.4 per cent in FY25, largely driven by agriculture, this budget reaffirms the sector’s crucial role in the nation’s economic progress. The government’s constant focus on sustainable farming ensures eco-friendly agricultural practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, and improve crop yields, “Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director, DRRK Foods added.BOOSTING OILSEED PRODUCTION AND KISAN CREDIT CARD LOANShe said that the government is committed to boosting oilseed production through the National Mission for Edible Oilseeds along with increasing the Kisan Credit Card loan limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.According to Anubhav Agarwal, MD & CEO, BN Group, “This announcement by FM is a crucial step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening India’s edible oil ecosystem. The reduction in loan limit will empower farmers to invest in better-quality seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and advanced farming practices, ultimately improving yield and profitability.””BN Group’s planned investment of $1 billion to expand its edible oil operations into Africa aligns with this vision, and we see this as an opportunity to further our mission of driving sustainable growth in the industry while contributing to India’s economic resilience on the global stage,” he further added.Anshul Garg, director & CEO of Aroma AAT Basmati Rice, believes the Union Budget 2025 offers a forward-looking outlook on the Indian agriculture space, “The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in partnership with states will be a significant boost in Basmati production domestically. This is a meaningful and era-appropriate announcement to increase India’s agri productivity and will benefit increasing Indian Basmati rice’s increased penetration in global key markets. As productivity increases, the emphasis on