Gandhinagar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Gujarat Government’s budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, unveiled by Finance Minister Kanu Desai, designates a remarkable Rs 24,022 crore for the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, underscoring the importance of farmer empowerment and rural advancement.

The overall state budget is set at Rs 4.08 lakh crore.

Minister of Agriculture and Spokesperson Jitu Vaghani expressed approval of the budget, stating, “Today’s Gujarat budget will further propel Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India @ 2047’. Presented under the tagline ‘Where there is humanity, there are facilities’, the budget prioritizes essential sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure, ensuring a comprehensive development for the state.”

Vaghani emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural mechanization, aimed at minimizing labor and costs for farmers.

The budget includes over Rs 1,500 crore for mechanization efforts, with Rs 764 crore allocated for modern farming tools, which is an increase of Rs 173 crore from the previous year, alongside Rs 800 crore set aside for tractor purchases.

In the Crop Storage Structure Scheme, the dimensions of storage units have been expanded to 600 sq. ft, with funding assistance increased from Rs one lakh to Rs two lakh per unit.

The total budget for this scheme has been boosted to Rs 120 crore. To encourage chemical-free organic farming, Rs 392 crore has been earmarked.

Research and development in state agricultural universities will receive Rs 1,063 crore. A new 'Gujarat Agribusiness and Export Promotion Policy' has also been introduced to bolster agriculture-centric industries.

According to Minister Vaghani, “Over 5,000 agri-businesses, comprising agri-tech firms and MSMEs, will benefit from this policy, which includes financial assistance, interest subsidy, wage support, technology access, training, certification, and export facilitation. Micro agri-enterprises, FPOs, SHGs, and startups will also reap benefits.”

The budget promotes drone technology for intelligent farming, allocating Rs 15 crore for drone acquisitions aimed at agricultural enhancements.

For the fisheries sector, Rs 1,396 crore has been allocated to fortify Gujarat’s extensive 1,600 km coastline. This sum includes Rs 361 crore dedicated to developing infrastructure at 104 notified fish landing centers and Rs 300 crore for VAT relief on diesel purchases for fishermen.

Additional funding comprises Rs 107 crore for equipment support and aid for families of fishermen stranded in Pakistan, Rs 25 crore for mother vessels, Rs 15 crore for deep-sea vessels, and Rs four crore for establishing a new enforcement division.

In the livestock sector, Rs 500 crore has been allocated under the ‘Chief Minister Gaumata Poshan Yojana’ to support gaushalas and animal care facilities.

Moreover, the budget provides financing for mobile veterinary units, vaccination initiatives, and the establishment of bio-CNG plants across four zones in the state to boost farmers’ income.

Minister Vaghani expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Finance Minister for delivering a historic budget that prioritizes the welfare of the ‘annadata’.

The Gujarat budget for 2026–27 exhibits a holistic approach to inclusive development, with substantial allocations for agriculture, rural livelihoods, fisheries, livestock, research, mechanization, and related industries.