Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauded the 2026-27 Union Budget as historic and forward-looking. He highlighted the allocation of Rs 6,812 crore to the Ministry of Development of the Northeastern Region (MDoNER), which marks an increase of Rs 897 crore from the previous budget. Chouhan emphasized that this budget will bring positive changes not only to the nation but also to the Northeastern region.
Addressing a press conference, Chouhan revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has greenlit Assam’s proposal for procuring 60,500 MT of rapeseed/mustard at the Minimum Support Price for the Rabi 2026 season. Additionally, for the fiscal year 2026–27, Rs 49,725 crore has been earmarked for tax devolution in Assam.
The budget also includes Biopharma SHAKTI, a healthcare initiative with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore over five years. This initiative aims to enhance domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars to combat non-communicable diseases. Upgrading institutions like NIPER Guwahati under this initiative will boost research, innovation, and skilled manpower development in the region, according to the Union Minister.
Furthermore, the agriculture budget has seen a rise to Rs 1,32,561 crore this year, showcasing the government’s dedication to farmers’ welfare. Chouhan highlighted a provision of Rs 9,967 crore for agricultural education and research to foster innovation and scientific progress. To support farmers in reducing production costs, a fertiliser subsidy of Rs 1,70,944 crore has been allocated.
In terms of rural development, Chouhan noted a 21% increase in the Ministry of Rural Development’s budget this year. Specifically, over Rs 1.51 lakh crore has been allocated for the ‘VB – G RAM G’ Act, a significant increase from the previous MGNREG Act’s Rs 86,000 crore provision.
