THE ANSWER LIES IN DIVERSIFICATION

GOVERNMENT IS INTEGRATING AI TOOLS TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, FARM INCOMES

- SANDIP DAS

THE BUGET FOR FY27 put a special focus on allied sectors of agriculture with an emphasis on cash crops such as coconut, cocoa, cashew and sandalwood as well as fisheries and animal husbandry sector. "We will support high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, cocoa and cashew in our coastal areas. Agar trees in the North East and nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pine nuts in our hilly regions will also be supported," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her speech.

The aim is to diversify farm output, enhance productivity and farmers' income. A dedicated programme was proposed to transform Indian cashew and cocoa into premium global brands by 2030. This will not only make India self-reliant in cashew and cocoa production and processing but also enhance export competitiveness. "The emphasis on high-value crops across coastal and hill regions will support diversification, strengthen agri-value chains, and enhance farmers income," Tarun Sawhney, vice-chairman and MD, Triveni Engineering & Industries, a leading sugar manufacturer, said.

"Less rhetoric, more on specifics," said Ajay Vir Jakhar, chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj.