Tamil Nadu agriculture budget emphasizes climate and income

The Tamil Nadu government presented a comprehensive Agriculture Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on Thursday, August -6, 2026, outlining a series of long-term missions focused on sustainable farming, climate resilience, and farmer income, while also stepping in to fund a key paddy seed subsidy following the withdrawal of central support. The budget, presented by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinoth in the Legislative Assembly, carries a total outlay of Rs 58,374 crore and was followed by praise from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who said it reflected a people-centric vision for the state's progress.

A central feature of the budget is its emphasis on climate adaptation and environmental sustainability. Minister Vinoth warned that 12 districts are likely to face severe climatic impacts during the upcoming Kuruvai cultivation season due to an anticipated Super El Niño phenomenon. In response, the budget announced a pilot carbon trading scheme, earmarking Rs 60 lakh for demonstration projects across 2,000 acres. Farmers adopting practices like Direct Seeded Rice and Alternate Wetting and Drying irrigation could earn additional income through carbon credits, with...