Multi-lingual AI tool Bharat-VISTAAR for agri sector
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: In a significant policy thrust towards broadening rural livelihood options, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday unveiled a comprehensive package for the livestock, fisheries and high-value agriculture sectors in Budget 2026-27, seeking to reduce dependence on traditional crop farming.
The government allocated Rs1,62,671 crore for agriculture and allied activities for 2026-27, up 7.12 per cent from the revised estimate of Rs1,51,853 crore for 2025-26.
Presenting her ninth consecutive Budget, Sitharaman said the government aligns its vision of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' towards Viksit Bharat.
"This requires targeted efforts for increasing farmer incomes through productivity enhancement and entrepreneurship, with special attention to small and marginal farmers," she said, announcing a slew of measures to diversify rural incomes and create employment opportunities beyond traditional farming.
Zero Duty on Marine Catch
For fisheries, nil duty will be imposed on fish caught in the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and high seas by Indian vessels. Landing of such fish at foreign ports will be treated as the export of goods. "Safeguards will be put in place to prevent misuse during fish catch, transit and transhipment," Sitharaman said, adding that these measures aim to support Indian fishermen in fully harnessing the economic value of marine resources beyond India's territorial waters.
The government will increase the value limit of duty-free imports of specified inputs from 1 per cent to 3 per cent of the FOB value of seafood products exported during the preceding financial year.
500 reservoirs for inland fisheries
To promote the inland fishery sector, the government will undertake integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars and strengthen the value chain in coastal areas, enabling market linkages through startups, women-led groups and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations.
20,000 more veterinary professionals
Pointing out that livestock contributes close to 16 per cent of farm income, including for poor and marginal households, Sitharaman proposed a loan-linked capital subsidy scheme to scale up the availability of veterinary professionals by more than 20,000.
