Farmer union leaders have shared varied opinions on the Budget 2026 proposals for agriculture presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the Budget provisions for the welfare of poor farmers and the “lakhpati didis” under the Lakhpati Didi scheme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), viewed the provision for 500 Amrit Sarovars, support for fisheries in coastal areas, and entrepreneurship in the livestock sector as positive steps. However, concerns were raised by the BKS regarding issues faced by small farmers, high GST rates on agricultural machinery, and the non-implementation of certain schemes like the Kisan Samman Nidhi.
The Budget proposal was seen as favorable for promoting high-value crops such as coconut, cashew, cocoa, and sandalwood, along with the establishment of e-marts to empower rural women’s groups. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana President Raju Shetti welcomed this move but expressed disappointment with the overall Budget, citing a lack of significant benefits for farmers.
The Left-leaning All India Kisan Sabha criticized the Budget for not addressing the strategic regeneration of agriculture, calling for symbolic protests against it later in the month. The focus on Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the Budget was noted, with increased budgetary allocations for these sectors, although concerns were raised about the reliance on credit-infused veterinary hospitals and foreign investments.
