Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday described the Union Budget 2026–27 as “historic and futuristic”, asserting that it lays a strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat and significantly strengthens the development trajectory of the Northeastern region. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, the Minister said the budget focuses on inclusive growth, social prosperity, and long-term nation-building, with special emphasis on farmers, healthcare, research, and rural development.
Vision 2047: Inclusive Growth and Self-Reliant India
The Minister said the Budget reflects the government’s vision of building a self-reliant, empowered and prosperous India by 2047. He underlined that the proposals aim to ensure benefits reach every section of society, reinforcing inclusive development and social equity. According to him, the 2026–27 Budget is designed not just for short-term stimulus but for structural, future-ready growth across regions and sectors.
Strong Push for the Northeast: Higher Allocation to MDoNER
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to the Northeastern states, Shri Chouhan announced that ₹6,812 crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER), which is ₹897 crore more than the previous year. He said this enhanced allocation clearly demonstrates the Union Government’s priority to accelerate infrastructure, connectivity and socio-economic development in the region.
Assam in Focus: Higher Devolution and Healthcare Upgrades
For Assam, the Minister stated that ₹49,725 crore has been budgeted towards tax devolution for FY 2026–27. Since 2014, the state has received approximately ₹3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution, strengthening its fiscal capacity for development initiatives.
In healthcare, the Budget has announced Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. As part of this push, institutions such as NIPER Guwahati will be upgraded, boosting research, innovation and skilled manpower development in the region.
Agriculture Gets a Major Boost
The Union Minister said the agriculture budget has been increased to ₹1,32,561 crore, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare. A provision of ₹9,967 crore has been made for agricultural education and research, aimed at strengthening innovation and scientific advancement in the sector.
To ensure the availability of affordable fertilisers and reduce production costs for farmers, the Budget has provided a fertiliser subsidy of ₹1,70,944 crore, a move expected to ease input cost pressures and support farm profitability.
Rural Development: 21% Increase in Allocation
Speaking about the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Chouhan informed that the budget allocation has been increased by 21 per cent this year. Within this, a provision of over ₹1.51 lakh crore has been made for the ‘VB – G RAM G’ Act, compared to ₹86,000 crore under the earlier MGNREG Act. He said this significant increase would strengthen rural infrastructure, employment generation and livelihood opportunities.
MSP Procurement Boost for Assam Farmers
In a major announcement for farmers in Assam, the Minister said the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has approved the state government’s proposal for the procurement of 60,500 metric tonnes of Rapeseed/Mustard for the Rabi 2026 season at Minimum Support Price (MSP) under the Price Support Scheme. This step, he noted, will ensure remunerative prices for farmers and prevent distress sales.
Additionally, ₹104.17 crore has been allocated to Assam for FY 2026–27 under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, further strengthening the state’s agricultural ecosystem.
Leaders Present at the Event
The press conference was attended by Shri Atul Bora, Agriculture Minister of Assam, and Shri Krishnendu Paul, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Assam, reflecting the state government’s active participation in aligning regional priorities with the Union Budget’s vision.
Conclusion: Union Budget 2026–27
The Union Budget 2026–27, as outlined by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, marks a strategic and future-oriented push for inclusive growth, with a strong focus on the Northeast, agriculture, healthcare, and rural development. Higher allocations for MDoNER, enhanced support for Assam, increased agriculture and rural spending, and assured MSP procurement signal a clear intent to combine economic growth with social equity. The Budget, in the Minister’s words, sets the stage for a strong, self-reliant and developed India by 2047.
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Source: PIB
