The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled its revised Agriculture Budget for 2026-27, outlining a series of measures focused on supporting farmers, strengthening agricultural infrastructure and improving food security across the state.
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth on Wednesday presented the Revised Agriculture Budget 2026-27 in the State Assembly, announcing several initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, expanding crop insurance coverage and enhancing farmer welfare.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Revised Agriculture Budget 2026-27 presented in the Assembly.
₹134.83 crore Kuruvai package announced.
PMFBY expansion to cover 15 lakh farmers.
₹7,432 crore allocated for free electricity connections.
Target of producing 131 lakh metric tonnes of food grains in five years.
Presenting the Budget, the Minister announced a ₹134.83 crore Kuruvai package for both delta and non-delta districts to support farmers during the current cultivation season.
He said the government's long-term objective is to bring 100 per cent of the cultivated area under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The crop insurance programme will be implemented across 14 clusters in 37 districts, covering all major crops and benefiting nearly 15 lakh farmers.
Keeping in view forecasts of a Super El Niño year, the state has also prepared District Agricultural Contingency Plans to minimise the impact of adverse weather conditions on farming.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The revised Budget aims to improve farm productivity, strengthen climate resilience and increase farmers' incomes through crop insurance, irrigation support, natural farming and improved agricultural infrastructure.
The government has set an ambitious target of producing 131 lakh metric tonnes of food grains over the next five years. It also announced the establishment of a Farmers Development Agency with an outlay of ₹23 crore.
To improve irrigation support, the government said ₹7,432 crore will be provided to the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation towards supplying free electricity connections to farmers.
The Budget also focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices. New Natural Farming Clusters covering 3,125 acres will be developed under the National Mission of Natural Farming and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
The Tamil Nadu Soil Fertility Mission will be implemented with an outlay of ₹122 crore, while the Mission for Self-sufficiency in Pulses and Edible Oilseeds will receive ₹203 crore through central and state funding.
To reduce dependence on cotton sourced from other states, the government announced a five-year Cotton Renaissance Mission with an allocation of ₹27 crore, covering 73,360 acres and benefiting around 40,000 farmers.
Additionally, the State Seed Development Agency will expand certified seed production for paddy, millets, pulses, oilseeds and cotton with an investment of ₹250 crore, targeting production of 43,400 metric tonnes of certified seeds.
During the Assembly proceedings, members of the DMK appeared dressed in black to highlight issues relating to farmers and the Cauvery water dispute. The House also witnessed brief disruptions over remarks made during the Minister's speech, with the Speaker stating that any objectionable words would be examined and, if necessary, removed from the official records.
