Tamil Nadu unveils first Agriculture Budget with focus on AI, soil and farm growth

Tamil Nadu's TVK government presented its first Agriculture Budget for 2026-27, announcing missions for soil conservation, pulses, oilseeds and millets, alongside an AI-powered farmer app, quality paddy seed subsidies and measures aimed at boosting productivity and farmers' incomes

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinoth on Thursday presented the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s first Agriculture Budget in the Legislative Assembly, unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at improving farm productivity, protecting soil fertility and expanding technology-driven services for farmers.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget for 2026-27, Vinoth said the government would continue existing agricultural schemes while introducing new programmes designed to strengthen the farm economy and improve farmers incomes.

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The Minister said the Budget was prepared after consultations with farmers and agricultural exporters and incorporated suggestions received from stakeholders. The proposals were also framed in accordance with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s long-term vision for the development of agriculture in the state.

Stressing the importance of farming to Tamil Nadu’s economy, Vinoth said agriculture remained its backbone, and that sustained economic development could not be achieved without strengthening the sector.

Among the major announcements was the Tamil Nadu Soil Conservation Mission, for which the government has allocated Rs 122.51 crore. The programme will focus on protecting and improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the state. The government has also earmarked Rs 34.72 crore under a special state scheme for the production of quality paddy seeds and providing subsidies for their distribution to farmers.

Technology will form another key component of the government’s agricultural strategy. Vinoth announced that an Artificial Intelligence-powered application would be developed to provide personalised digital services and information to farmers. An allocation of Rs 2 crore has been made for the initiative during 2026-27.

A major allocation of Rs 203.64 crore has been provided for a Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses and Oilseed Crops. The programme is aimed at increasing domestic production of pulses and oilseeds and reducing dependence on supplies from outside the state and imports.

The government will also implement the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission with an allocation of Rs 63.81 crore. The initiative seeks to expand the area under millet cultivation while improving production and productivity.

It will be promoted under the theme, Ancient Tamil food, enduring healthy living, highlighting the nutritional importance of traditional crops.

The Agriculture Budget comes a day after the TVK government presented its Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27. Meanwhile, opposition DMK legislators arrived at the Assembly wearing black shirts as a mark of protest ahead of the Agriculture Budget presentation.