Chennai, Mar 15(UNI) Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam on Saturday announced
a slew of measures in the Agriculture Budget for 2025-26 that included special packages for delta and non-delta districts to increase cop area, allocation to support farmers' equipment needs, promote scientific advancements in farming, among other things.
Presenting the budget in the State Assembly, the Minister also announced the government's decision
to implement Hill Farmers Development Scheme for cultivation of minor millets and nutrition farming,
creation of a Tamil Nadu Cashew Board, Additional subsidy for SC, ST farmers.
He also announced a special scheme for spices and condiments, encouraging the cultivation of pepper, coriander, chillies, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to agricultural development, he allocated allocated
Rs 510 crore to support farmers’ equipment needs and promote scientific advancements in farming.
Stating that the cultivated area in Tamil Nadu has increased to 151 lakh acres, reflecting the government’s efforts to boost agricultural production, he said to support farmers, the government has provided agricultural equipment to 55,000 farmers at subsidized prices, with an expenditure involving Rs 510 crore.
In a bid to attract more youth to agriculture, the government has introduced an incentive scheme where young entrepreneurs venturing into agriculture-related businesses will receive Rs 1 lakh each. This initiative aims to promote innovation and modernization in farming practices.
Highlighting the importance of scientific advancements in agriculture, he said the area under biennial cultivation has increased to 33.6 lakh acres, and in the past four years, Tamil Nadu has produced 349.38 lakh metric tons of food grains. These figures showcase the state’s focus on increasing food production through improved techniques.
A major announcement in the budget is the establishment of 1,000 Chief Minister’s Uzhavar Pathukappu Thittam (Farmers Protection) Centres across the state. These centers will be managed by agricultural graduates and will serve as support hubs for farmers, providing expert advice and technical assistance.
Mr Panneerselvam also allocated Rs 61.12 crore for the welfare of Scheduled Caste and Tribal farmers over the past three years. This allocation aims to uplift marginalized farmers and provide them with better opportunities for growth.
To improve irrigation facilities, the government has provided 1.81 lakh pump sets and 1.86 lakh agricultural power connections in the last financial year. Additionally, extensive desilting efforts in
the delta districts have increased the total irrigated area to 96 lakh acres, ensuring better water availability for crops.
He also announced a special incentive of Rs 215 per metric ton for sugarcane farmers. Furthermore, 20 lakh farmers affected by horticultural crop damage have received compensation, ensuring financial relief. Crop insurance schemes have also benefitted 30 lakh farmers, providing them with security against losses.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting farmers, he said “If the farmers are protected, they will protect the people.” The budget is designed to enhance agricultural sustainability, ensure access to modern equipment, and support farmers through financial aid and welfare schemes.
He said the special packages for delta and non-delta districts was aimed at increasing the area of paddy cultivation and food grain production during Kar, Kuruvai, and Sornavari seasons, besides a special package of Rs 102 crore to increase crop area and food grain production in 29 non-delta districts, besides Rs 59 crore for the delta districts. The packages also included subsidies for machine planting and quality-certified seeds.
He also announced that a new Agroforestry Policy would be unveiled to encourage growing of commercially valuable trees.
UNI GV