Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Union Budget 2026-27 is expected to significantly enhance farmers’ income and strengthen cooperative societies across the country, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman Meenesh Shah said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a comprehensive package for livestock, fisheries, and high-value agriculture sectors. The total allocation for agriculture and allied activities stands at Rs 1,62,671 crore, marking a 7 per cent increase from the revised estimate of Rs 1,51,853 crore for 2025-26.

Shah described the Budget as “truly transformative,” emphasizing its potential to promote entrepreneurship in animal husbandry and dairying while reinforcing the cooperative movement. The animal husbandry sector received a notable boost, with an allocation of Rs 6,153.46 crore—16 per cent higher than last year.

A key measure is the extension of full tax deductions for primary cooperatives. Previously available for cooperatives supplying milk, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables, the benefit now includes cattle feed. With primary cooperatives selling around 102 lakh metric tons of cattle feed annually, this move is expected to reduce their tax burden and improve returns for farmer members.

“India’s dairy cooperatives already return over 75 per cent of the consumer rupee to producers. This initiative will further enhance payouts, putting more money directly into farmers’ hands,” Shah said.

He added that the Budget would boost capital efficiency, reduce tax distortions across cooperatives, and provide momentum to agriculture, dairy, and allied sectors. These measures are likely to strengthen farmers’ incomes, expand employment opportunities, and reinforce the country’s cooperative framework.