In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major push for agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, and allied sectors, with a total allocation of ₹1,62,761 crore—a 7% increase compared to ₹1,51,853 crore in 2024–25. The focus this year is on enhancing farmer incomes, strengthening food security, and improving rural livelihoods, with technology playing a central role.
AI-Powered Agriculture
A standout initiative is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into farming. To empower farmers with modern tools and improve productivity, the government unveiled a multilingual AI platform called ‘Bharat Vistaar’. This system will be linked with existing portals like AgriStack and ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) packages, providing farmers with:
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Real-time agriculture advisory services
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Data-driven crop and livestock management recommendations
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Support in decision-making for higher yields
The goal is to reduce risks for farmers and ensure more informed, profitable choices across crop cultivation, fisheries, and horticulture.
Reviving Orchards and Nut Crops
The budget also emphasizes the renovation of old orchards that no longer yield good produce. Crops such as almonds, cashew, and pine nuts will be cultivated to increase the income potential of farmers. Youth participation is encouraged in these projects to ensure sustainability and innovation.
Fisheries and Water Resources
For fisheries development, the government has announced the creation of 500 new water bodies and Amrit Sarovars, particularly in coastal regions. This will strengthen the aquaculture value chain, link start-ups and women-led groups to markets, and promote community-based fisheries development.
Livestock and Animal Husbandry
The budget proposes entrepreneurship development in livestock, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. A loan-linked subsidy scheme will support modernization and expansion in dairy, poultry, and other animal husbandry ventures. The aim is to improve productivity, create sustainable value chains, and increase farmers’ incomes.
Horticulture: Cashew, Coconut, and Sandalwood
Special programs have been announced for cashew and coconut production, aiming to make India self-reliant in these sectors and promote premium global brands by 2030. Similarly, the government will support sandalwood cultivation and processing, preserving its cultural significance and generating new livelihood opportunities.
Niche Crop Initiatives: Areca Nut
India is the world’s largest areca nut producer, and the government has launched the Areca Nut Expansion Scheme to rejuvenate old plantations and plant new varieties. Priority will be given to states with higher production, including Odisha, aiming to increase yields, enhance farmer income, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Objectives of AI for Farmers
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Increase Farmer Income: By using data-driven AI tools, farmers can optimize crop selection, irrigation, and fertilization to maximize yields.
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Risk Reduction: AI-based advisory systems help mitigate crop failures and reduce dependency on guesswork or traditional methods.
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Market Linkages: Integration with AgriStack and ICAR ensures farmers can access markets, pricing information, and supply chains efficiently.
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Technology Adoption: Encourages the use of drones, sensors, and predictive analytics to modernize agriculture.
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Inclusive Growth: Supports women, youth, and start-ups in agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry for broader rural economic empowerment.
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Sustainable Practices: Promotes eco-friendly farming, efficient water usage, and crop diversification to preserve natural resources.
With these measures, the government aims to transform Indian agriculture into a technology-driven, profitable, and sustainable sector, empowering farmers to make smarter decisions, boost productivity, and secure livelihoods.