Tamil Nadu Interim Agriculture Budget 2026–27 highlights

• The Interim Agriculture Budget 2026–27 of Tamil Nadu was presented in the State Assembly by the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam.
• Tamil Nadu has been presenting a separate agriculture budget since 2021–22, focusing on farmers’ welfare and agricultural development.

Budget Allocation

• The total allocation for the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department is ₹47,248.24 crore.
• The agriculture budget allocation increased from ₹34,220 crore in 2021–22 to ₹47,248 crore in 2026–27.
• The total budget for agriculture and allied sectors is ₹45,661.44 crore (Capital: ₹8,352.19 crore; Revenue: ₹37,309.25 crore).

Growth and Performance

• The average Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in agriculture had risen from 1.36% during 2012-13 to 2020-21 to 3.03% during 2021-22 to 2024-25.
• The GSVA at constant (2011-12) prices increased by about 9.97% to ₹59,11,708 lakh in 2024-25 from ₹53,75,639 lakh.
• The gross cropped area increased from 146.77 lakh acres (2019–20) to 151 lakh acres (2023–24).
• The double-cropped area increased from 29.74 lakh acres (2019–20) to 33.60 lakh acres (2023–24).
• Food grain production reached 346.38 lakh metric tonnes during 2021–24.
• Tamil Nadu ranks 1st in Ragi productivity, 2nd in Maize, Oilseeds, and Sugarcane productivity, and 3rd in Groundnut and Minor Millets productivity in India.
• Tamil Nadu stands first in area under tapioca and jasmine cultivation, first in the productivity of amla, cabbage, and radish, and second in the productivity of tapioca, jasmine, jackfruit, and guava at the national level.
• During 2024-25, the double-cropped area increased to 13.99 lakh hectares. This is an increase of about 2 lakh hectares compared to 2019-20.

Farmer Support Measures

• Since 2021–22, about 1.81 lakh free electricity connections have been provided to farmers for irrigation.
• Around 55,000 farmers received subsidized agricultural machinery, and 1,109 Custom Hiring Centres were established.

Water Resources and Agroforestry

• Over the last five years, 68,930 traditional waterbodies were renovated, 1 lakh irrigation canals were desilted, 29,800 check dams were constructed, and 31,325 groundwater recharge systems were created.
• A total of 3.24 crore saplings were distributed, and 2.24 lakh acres were brought under agroforestry.

New Schemes and Missions

• The government announced 1,000 Farmers Service Centres to provide agricultural inputs, expert guidance, and modern technologies.
• The Hill Farmers Development Scheme will support 63,000 hill farmers.
• A Village Outreach Campaign will provide technical advisories in 17,116 villages.
• The Millet Mission will promote millet cultivation through farmer groups and crop production packages.
• Natural Farming initiatives will promote eco-friendly farming, organic certification, and marketing support.
• Farmers are encouraged to cultivate alternative crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds that require less water.
• An amount of ₹250 crore was allocated for quality seed production and distribution.

Special Initiatives

• The Nutrition Farming Mission will promote vegetables, fruits, pulses, and minor millets for nutritional security.
• The Integrated Coconut Development Scheme will support coconut cultivation, pest control, and value addition.
• The Micro Irrigation Scheme received ₹1,168 crore for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
• The timely opening of the Mettur dam had helped bring an additional 3.48 lakh hectares under irrigation in Tamil Nadu.
• An amount of ₹50 crore was allocated to establish 100 value-addition units for agricultural produce.
• The Crop Insurance Scheme received ₹841 crore to cover 35 lakh acres against natural calamities.
• The government’s commitment is to increase tree and forest cover to 33% in Tamil Nadu.
• The agroforestry was being promoted extensively under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission to expand green cover outside forests.
• A total of 3.24 crore saplings were produced and distributed over the last five years, and 2.24 lakh acres have been brought under agroforestry.
• The Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act, 1994, has not been extended beyond February 13, 2025, to encourage the cultivation of rosewood trees.

Other Developments

• An amount of ₹68 crore was allocated for watershed development projects in six districts.
• Climate-resilient agriculture initiatives include climate-smart villages and model demonstration farms.
• Training programmes will support the rural youth in operating agricultural machinery and drones.
• Support is also provided for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Rural Development, and women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• An amount of ₹8,186 crore was allocated for free electricity supply to farmers.