Chennai, Feb 17 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu has effectively halted the reduction of arable land due to climate change and natural disasters through ongoing policy measures, as stated by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam during his presentation of the Interim Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly on Tuesday.

The minister revealed an allocation of Rs 47,248.24 crore for the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, emphasizing the state government’s persistent commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector.

He noted that the double-crop area in Tamil Nadu has surged to 13.99 lakh hectares in 2024-25 — an increase of nearly 2 lakh hectares compared to 2019-20 — reflecting advancements in irrigation support and enhanced land management practices.

Panneerselvam highlighted the consistent rise in budget allocations for agriculture, stating funding has escalated from Rs 34,220 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 45,661 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of over Rs 11,000 crore within five years.

The augmented allocation of Rs 47,248.24 crore for 2026-27 is set to maintain ongoing farmer welfare initiatives and foster sustainable agricultural development, he added.

He pointed out that the average Gross State Value Added (GSVA) growth in agriculture has notably improved, increasing from 1.36 percent during 2012-13 to 2020-21 to 3.03 percent between 2021-22 and 2024-25.

At constant prices from 2011-12, GSVA rose by nearly 9.97 percent to Rs 59,11,708 lakh in 2024-25 from Rs 53,75,639 lakh, indicating a stronger performance in the sector.

Panneerselvam emphasized the focus on income growth and sustainability, mentioning that the government is systematically rolling out schemes aimed at enhancing productivity, ensuring food and nutrition security, and boosting farmers’ incomes.

Through the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, agroforestry initiatives are being implemented to elevate tree and forest cover to 33 percent within the state. Over the last five years, 3.24 crore saplings have been produced and distributed, and 2.24 lakh acres have been designated for agroforestry cultivation.

The state has also decided against extending the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act, 1994, past February 13, 2025, to encourage rosewood cultivation.

To address crop damage, guidelines for culling wild boars have been adopted. Furthermore, extensive water conservation initiatives have been executed, including the renovation of 68,930 traditional waterbodies, desilting of one lakh irrigation canals, construction of 29,800 check dams, establishment of 31,325 groundwater recharge structures, and planting of 2.78 crore saplings across 83,015 sites over the past five years.