New Delhi, Feb. 2 -- The Union budget on Saturday spelt out a series of measures to support agriculture and related activities, brightening prospects for companies operating in these sectors. Stocks of several companies rose after the announcements, and analysts expect agriculture to remain a key theme for investors.

Driving agricultural growth and productivity is a key focus for the government, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech. According to her, the journey towards Viksit Bharat will be powered by four pillars: agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports.

The minister announced a National Mission on High Yielding Seeds to enhance research, develop high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds, and...