TVK govt’s first agriculture budget focuses on continuity with targeted reforms
The Tamil Nadu government’s revised Agriculture Budget for 2026-27, the first to be presented under the TVK administration, largely builds on existing programmes while introducing a series of new thematic initiatives aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.
A significant share of the allocation continues long-running schemes such as free electricity for farmers, crop insurance, irrigation support, seed distribution, horticulture development, sugarcane and millet promotion, and organic farming initiatives.
Instead of introducing sweeping policy changes, the budget places greater emphasis on long-term missions centred on soil health, climate resilience, artificial intelligence-based agricultural extension services, and strengthening value addition through processing and marketing infrastructure.
Among the major new initiatives announced are the Tamil Nadu Soil Fertility Mission, the Uzhavar Artificial Intelligence Scheme, a Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses and Oilseeds, the Cotton Renaissance Mission, the Minor Millet Mission, a Wild Boar Damage Prevention Scheme, the Annal Ambedkar Agricultural Assistance Scheme for SC/ST farmers, the Vetri Illatharasi Veetu Thottam (home garden) scheme, a Micro Greens Scheme, and the proposed Tamil Nadu Coconut Processing Corporation. The government has also announced new awards recognising outstanding farmers.
Several opposition parties argued that some of these initiatives are rebranded versions of existing programmes.
Farmer organisations expressed disappointment over the absence of announcements on increasing procurement prices for paddy and sugarcane and a comprehensive crop loan waiver. They noted that many of the demands raised during pre-budget consultations were not reflected in the budget.
Responding to these concerns, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth said the government had prioritised schemes based on available financial resources during its first year in office. He assured the Assembly that additional farmer-centric and innovative initiatives would be introduced in the coming years.
The budget also highlights the use of technology in agriculture. An allocation of ₹2 crore has been made for the Uzhavar Artificial Intelligence Scheme, which aims to provide farmers with AI-powered advisories on weather, soil conditions, pest management, market trends and government welfare schemes through mobile platforms.