Chennai, Aug 6:
Agriculture Minister Vinoth on Thursday presented the first Agriculture Budget of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, outlining a detailed roadmap to strengthen the state’s farming sector. The minister said the budget was shaped after consultations with farmers and exporters and aligned with the leadership’s long-term agricultural vision. Emphasising the importance of the sector, he stated that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.
The budget places strong emphasis on sustainability, with Rs 122.51 crore allocated for the Tamil Nadu Soil Conservation Mission to protect soil fertility. The government has also earmarked Rs 34.72 crore for paddy seed production and subsidies. Traditional crops are being promoted through the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission (Rs 63.81 crore) and the Minor Millets Mission (Rs 7.61 crore), along with pilot projects for high-nutrition crops like quinoa and buckwheat.
To boost production and reduce import dependency, the government has allocated Rs 203.64 crore for a Self-Sufficiency Mission covering pulses and oilseeds. Additional funds have been set aside for cotton revival, maize production, and agroforestry, aiming to improve productivity and enhance farmers’ income.
Technology integration is a key highlight, with the announcement of an AI-powered farmer application to provide personalised digital services. The state will also establish an Agricultural Intelligence and Market Excellence Centre to offer price forecasts, weather updates, and market insights.
Irrigation and mechanisation have received major attention, with funds allocated for farm ponds, borewell subsidies, and solar-powered pump sets. The expansion of machinery rental services and repair centres is expected to improve access to modern equipment. Measures to protect crops, including a scheme to prevent wild boar damage, have also been introduced.
The budget proposes structural reforms to improve farmer earnings, including the formation of a Farmers’ Income Enhancement Commission and new Farmer Producer Organisations. Investments in storage facilities, processing centres, and upgraded Uzhavar Sandhais aim to ensure better market access and fair pricing.
Focus has also been given to education and research, with allocations for a new Agricultural Technology Research Centre in Ooty, the Nammalvar College of Organic Agriculture, and infrastructure improvements at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Overall, the budget presents a balanced approach combining sustainability, innovation, and welfare to build a resilient agricultural ecosystem in Tamil Nadu.