Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Saturday, 1 February 2026, hailed the Union Budget 2026–27 as “historic” and “unprecedented”, stating that it lays a robust foundation for a Developed India (Viksit Bharat). Addressing the media in New Delhi, the Minister said the Budget reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-term vision of a self-reliant and empowered India by 2047, with a sharp focus on farmers, rural communities, women, youth, and the poor.
A Landmark Budget Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Shri Chouhan highlighted that the Union Budget has been presented for the 12th time under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking continuity in reform-oriented governance. He also noted that Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has become the first woman Finance Minister to present the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, calling it a moment of national pride.
Describing the Budget as transformative, the Minister said it is not merely a financial document but a roadmap to realise the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat through inclusive and sustainable growth.
Budget Focused on Villages, Farmers, Youth and Women
According to Shri Chouhan, the Budget has been framed with villages, the poor, farmers, youth, and women at its core. He noted that poverty levels have consistently declined due to welfare schemes implemented over the past decade, and the 2026–27 Budget further strengthens efforts to make the poor economically self-reliant.
‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘SHE-Mart’: Boost to Rural Women Entrepreneurship
Taking forward the success of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, the Budget introduces ‘SHE-Mart’, a new platform for Self-Help Group (SHG) entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, community-owned retail outlets will be established in every district to market products made by rural women.
Shri Chouhan said women engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and allied activities will transition from subsistence livelihoods to entrepreneurship, gaining better market access and sustainable incomes.
Rural Development Budget Increased by 21%
A major highlight of the Budget is the 21% increase in the Rural Development Ministry’s allocation. The Minister stated that when combined with the agriculture budget, total allocations for rural development and agriculture have crossed ₹4.35 lakh crore, underlining the government’s commitment to rural India.
Under the ‘Viksit Bharat Gram’ scheme, a provision of over ₹1.51 lakh crore (including states’ contributions) has been made. The allocation for MGNREGA has also seen a sharp rise, with the Centre’s share increasing to ₹95,692 crore, taking the total allocation beyond ₹1.51 lakh crore, which the Minister described as historic.
Direct Financial Empowerment of Panchayats
Shri Chouhan said that under the 16th Finance Commission, over ₹55,900 crore will be transferred directly to panchayats. He pointed out that while panchayats received around ₹2.36 lakh crore during an earlier five-year period, the current allocation has risen to nearly ₹4.35 lakh crore, almost doubling direct grassroots funding.
This, he said, will accelerate the creation of self-reliant, employment-oriented, and poverty-free villages.
Agriculture Budget at ₹1.32 Lakh Crore; Focus on Research and Fertilisers
The agriculture sector has received a significant boost, with the budget rising to ₹1,32,561 crore. A dedicated allocation of ₹9,967 crore has been made for agricultural education and research, particularly strengthening the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
To reduce farmers’ input costs, the Budget provides a massive ₹1,70,944 crore fertiliser subsidy, ensuring affordable fertilisers and stable agricultural production.
Support for Fibre Crops, Medicinal Plants and High-Value Agriculture
Shri Chouhan said the National Fibre Scheme will promote crops such as silk, wool, and jute, directly benefiting farmers associated with these sectors. The Budget also supports certification and export of medicinal plants under the Ministry of AYUSH, enhancing farmers’ incomes.
Special provisions have been made for high-value crops such as coconut, cocoa, cashew, and sandalwood, including rejuvenation of old coconut plantations and the establishment of new orchards. The Budget also focuses on fruits and vegetables supply chains to ensure better prices for farmers and easier access for consumers.
Conclusion
Calling the Union Budget 2026–27 a defining moment, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said it represents a decisive step towards building a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive India. With unprecedented allocations for rural development, agriculture, women-led enterprises, and grassroots governance, the Budget seeks to transform villages into engines of growth and prosperity, firmly aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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Source: PIB
