The Tea Association of India (TAI) has praised the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for its focus on Viksit Bharat and long-term growth. TAI Secretary General P.K. Bhattacharjee highlighted the budget’s emphasis on empowering youth and boosting sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, infrastructure, tourism, and energy security. The budget’s agriculture-centric initiatives aim to enhance farmers’ incomes through technology, resource management, and crop diversification.
The launch of “Bharat-VISTAAR,” an AI-powered agricultural advisory platform integrating AgriStack and ICAR practices, was particularly welcomed by Bhattacharjee. This platform is designed to offer tailored advisories, enhance farm productivity, support data-driven decisions, and mitigate risks related to climate and crop failures. The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) for FY 2026-27 was appreciated by the tea industry, focusing on the welfare of tea workers in Assam and West Bengal.
The budget’s provision for social security of plantation workers in Assam, under the Demand for Grants, was also acknowledged. Bhattacharjee noted that this provision, including family pension-cum-life insurance benefits, will ensure financial security for plantation workers and their families. Additionally, the budget’s support for MSMEs, start-ups, tourism, infrastructure, and energy security was seen as crucial for economic stability and inclusive growth by the Tea Association of India.
