Farm budget swells 5x to ₹1.4 L cr

The Centre has increased the annual budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare nearly five-fold over the last 12 years, underscoring its continued focus on strengthening the farm sector and improving rural incomes.

  According to a government booklet released to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest-serving prime minister, the agriculture ministry's budget has risen to ₹1.4 lakh crore in FY27 from ₹27,663 crore in 2013-14.The booklet, titled Public Service is the Resolve, highlighted several initiatives and achievements aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, farmer welfare and food security. One of the government's flagship programmes, PM-KISAN, has disbursed over ₹4.3 lakh crore directly to farmers since its launch in 2019. 

 Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three instalments. The government also pointed to significant investments in agricultural research and climate resilience. 

 Between 2014 and 2025, around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties were released, while nearly 26 crore soil health cards were issued to help farmers optimise fertiliser usage and improve productivity.

 Support for farmers through subsidies has also increased substantially. Fertiliser subsidy rose to ₹2.21 lakh crore in 2024-25 from ₹75,000 crore in 2014-15. The government noted that urea continues to receive around 90% subsidy, keeping the retail price at ₹266 per 45-kg bag despite an actual cost of about ₹2,200.

 The Centre said these interventions contributed to record foodgrain production of 3,577 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. Procurement of key crops such as wheat and paddy at minimum support prices has exceeded ₹26 lakh crore over the past 12 years, providing income security to farmers and shielding them from market volatility.

  The booklet highlighted a sharp rise in agricultural exports, which reached ₹5 lakh crore last fiscal, up 37% from 2013-14 levels. The government said efforts in crop insurance, organic farming and social security have further strengthened the agricultural ecosystem, supporting inclusive and technology-driven growth in the sector. —PTI