Allocation for Agriculture in Union Budget 2026 The Union Budget 2026–27 boosts agriculture with a 5.4% increase, allocating ₹1,40,529 crore to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has been allocated ₹1.30 lakh crore, up from 1.27 lakh crore last year The Department of Agricultural Research and Education has received ₹9.98 thousand crore compared to 10.46 thousand crore in 2025-26 Initiatives for Agriculture development A dedicated programme for Indian cashew and cocoa to make India self-reliant in raw cashew and cocoa production and processing, enhance export competitiveness and transform Indian Cashew and Indian Cocoa into premium global brands by 2030. Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) - envisaged as a multilingual AI tool that shall integrate the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices with AI systems. This will enhance farm productivity, enable better decisions for farmers and reduce risk by providing customized advisory support. National Fibre Scheme for self-reliance in natural fibers such as silk, wool and jute, man-made fibers and new-age fibers. National Handloom and Handicraft Programme to be launched to integrate and strengthen existing schemes and ensure targeted support for weavers and artisans To scale up availability of veterinary professionals, loan-linked capital subsidy support scheme to be introduced for establishment of veterinary and para-vet colleges, veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and breeding facilities in the private sector. To diversify farm output, boost productivity, raise farmers' incomes and generate new jobs, support will be extended for high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, cocoa and cashew in coastal regions, along with Agar trees in the North-East and nuts like almonds, walnuts and pine nuts in hilly areas. To enhance competitiveness in coconut production, Coconut Promotion Scheme to be launched to increase production and enhance productivity through various interventions including replacing old and non-productive trees with new saplings/plants/ varieties. In partnership with state governments, measures to be launched to promote focused cultivation and post-harvest processing of sandalwood. Integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars to be undertaken which will strengthen value chain in coastal areas and enable market linkages for start-ups and women-led groups together with Fish Farmer Producer Organisations. Source : PIB