Chennai, Aug 6
Tamil Nadu on Thursday unveiled a series of measures to strengthen its farm economy, with a major push for soil conservation, increased production of pulses and oilseeds, expansion of millet cultivation and AI-powered digital services for farmers.
Presenting the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s first Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth said the initiatives were designed to improve productivity, promote sustainable farming and enhance farmers’ incomes.
Among the key announcements is the Tamil Nadu Soil Conservation Mission, for which Rs 122.51 crore has been allocated. The programme will focus on restoring and protecting soil fertility and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices across the State.
The government has earmarked Rs 203.64 crore for a Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses and Oilseed Crops. The initiative seeks to boost local production and reduce Tamil Nadu’s dependence on supplies from other States and imports.
Millet cultivation will also receive renewed attention, with Rs 63.81 crore allocated for the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission. The programme aims to expand acreage and improve the production and productivity of traditional millet varieties while highlighting their nutritional value.
The Budget also proposes greater use of technology in delivering services to cultivators. An AI-powered application will be developed to provide farmers with personalised information and digital services, with Rs 2 crore allocated for the initiative.
Another Rs 34.72 crore has been provided for producing quality paddy seeds and supplying them to farmers at subsidised rates.
Vinoth said the Agriculture Budget was prepared after consultations with farmers, agricultural exporters and other stakeholders. Existing agricultural schemes would continue alongside the new initiatives.
The Agriculture Budget follows the TVK government’s presentation of its Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, opposition DMK legislators attended the Assembly wearing black shirts as a mark of protest ahead of the Budget presentation.
