Chennai, 17 February (H.S.) : Reaffirming agriculture as the foundation of the state's economy, the Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, M R K Panneerselvam, presented the Agriculture Interim Budget for 2026–27 in the Assembly today.

The government has allocated a significant 47,248.24 crore for the sector and its allied departments, marking a steady rise from the previous year's outlay. This increased funding underlines the administration's continued fiscal emphasis on driving farm growth, enhancing irrigation infrastructure, and ensuring income stability for the farming community.

During the budget presentation, Minister Panneerselvam stated that the government's primary focus remains on enhancing farm incomes and expanding irrigation coverage. He noted that an additional 3.48 lakh hectares have been brought under irrigation over the last five years, supported by the provision of over two lakh new free electricity connections.

Furthermore, the state has invested 4,061 crore in micro-irrigation systems, benefiting more than five lakh farmers. To protect agriculturists from market volatility, the government has also enhanced procurement incentives for paddy and sugarcane, fixing the procurement prices at competitive rates for the upcoming marketing season.

The Minister also highlighted the state's proactive measures in addressing climate challenges and promoting crop diversity. Under the crop insurance scheme, compensation worth 6,063 crore has been disbursed to 38 lakh farmers for various crop losses. The budget also emphasized the success of the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission and significant expansions in horticulture, particularly in fruit and vegetable cultivation.

With the Gross State Value Added in agriculture showing a notable increase, the Minister concluded that these focused investments and policy supports are yielding measurable growth in production and overall farmer welfare across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary