Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the Union Budget 2026-27; it lays a strong foundation for a developed, self-reliant India.
Photo Credit:PIB
New Delhi, February 1, 2026: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday described the Union Budget 2026-27 as historic and unprecedented, saying it lays a strong foundation for a developed and self-reliant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted that this is the 12th Union Budget presented under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, and a matter of national pride that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has become the first woman Finance Minister to present the budget for the ninth consecutive time.
“This budget is an epic that will realize the dream of a developed India. It is a dynamic budget for the prosperity of society and the fulfillment of its aspirations,” Chouhan said.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan added that, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, the budget lays a strong foundation for a self-reliant, empowered, and prosperous India by 2047, bringing transformative change to the lives of the country’s poor pillars—farmers, youth, women, and the poor.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan mentioned a 21% increase in budget allocation for Rural Development:
The Union Minister informed that the Rural Development Department’s budget has been increased by 21 percent this year. Combined with the Agriculture has crossed Rs 4,35,779 crore, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to villages and farmers.
He said that over Rs 1.51 lakh crore has been allocated under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ initiative in the rural development budget, including state contributions.
On MGNREGA, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the previous overall allocation stood at around Rs 86,000 crore, while this year the central share alone exceeds Rs 95,692 crore. With state contributions, the total allocation will cross Rs 1.51 lakh crore, calling it a historic and unprecedented step.
Direct assistance to Panchayats nearly doubled:
Highlighting a major boost to grassroots governance, Chouhan said that, as per the 16th Finance Commission, more than Rs 55,900 crore will be transferred directly to Panchayats.
He pointed out that over the last five years, Panchayats received about Rs 2.36 lakh crore, which has now increased to nearly Rs 4.35 lakh crore, almost doubling direct assistance.
“Together, the Rs 1.51 lakh crore under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and Rs 55,900 crore from the Finance Commission will play an unprecedented role in creating developed, self-reliant, employment-generating, and poverty-free villages,” he said.
The Union Minister said the Department of Agriculture’s budget has been increased to Rs 1,32,561 crore. An allocation of Rs 9,967 crore has been made for agricultural education and research, particularly for ICAR, to promote innovation.
To support farmers, a provision of Rs 1,70,944 crore has been made for fertilizer subsidies, ensuring affordable fertilizers and reducing production costs.
National fibre scheme and medicinal plants to boost farm income:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the National Fibre Scheme, covering silk, wool, and jute, will directly benefit farmers. He added that initiatives under the Ministry of AYUSH for certification and export of medicinal plants will help enhance farmers’ incomes.
The budget also includes provisions for high-value crops such as coconut, cocoa, cashew, and sandalwood, along with rejuvenation of old coconut plantations and establishment of new ones. Separate measures have been announced to increase fruit and vegetable production, ensuring better prices for farmers and easier access for consumers.
Emphasizing women-led development, Chouhan said the budget builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme with the introduction of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE-Mart).
Under this initiative, community-owned retail outlets will be established in every district to provide a dedicated marketplace for products made by self-help groups and rural women.
“The objective is to help women move beyond livelihood activities and become entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that women engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and allied sectors will directly benefit.
EOM.
