Agri Budget a Forward-Looking Roadmap: Manickam
Mr Tagore said agriculture remains the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s economy and that a robust farm sector is essential for the state’s overall economic growth.
Chennai:Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore MP has welcomed the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27, describing it as a forward-looking roadmap that combines traditional farming with technology, science and sustainability to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector and economy.
In a statement, Mr Tagore said agriculture remains the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s economy and that a robust farm sector is essential for the state’s overall economic growth. He appreciated the government’s allocation of Rs 10 crore for desilting 2,509 km of C and D canals, particularly at a time when delayed release of Cauvery water has affected the Delta farmers. He also welcomed the implementation of the Kuruvai package at a cost of Rs 134.83 crore, covering 8.26 lakh acres, along with the state’s Rs 648 crore contribution towards the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and continued support for free three-phase electricity for farmers.
Mr Tagore hailed the introduction of the AI-based “Uzhavar AI” service, which will provide farmers with real-time information on weather, soil health, pest and disease management, and market trends, calling it a significant step towards technology-driven agriculture.
He also praised the announcement of a new organic farming college in Thanjavur named after agricultural pioneer Nammalvar, the “Vetri Vaanmagal” scheme offering drone training and 50 per cent subsidy for drones to women, and the institution of the “Makkalthondar Anjalai Ammal” awards to encourage higher farm productivity.
The Congress leader further welcomed the Rs 600-crore five-year Tamil Nadu Soil Conservation Mission, initiatives to promote natural and organic farming, the Cotton Revival Mission, agroforestry, carbon trading opportunities for farmers, and programmes to boost the production of millets, pulses and oilseeds.
He also appreciated the government’s decision to introduce a dedicated scheme to prevent crop damage caused by wild boars in forest fringe areas through eco-friendly repellents, solar-powered fencing and removal of invasive Prosopis trees.
While describing the agriculture budget as comprehensive and progressive, Mr Tagore said greater emphasis could have been placed on long-term water management, new irrigation projects, restoration of lakes and canals, and rainwater harvesting.
Congratulating Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Vinoth Ravi for presenting what he termed a visionary agriculture budget, Mr Tagore expressed hope that all announced schemes would be implemented swiftly and effectively to benefit every farmer across the state.
