Agriculture Sector Urges Tech Focus in Upcoming Budget
The Indian agriculture industry is making a strong pitch for technological advancement and climate-resilient infrastructure in the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27. Industry voices argue that this budget represents a crucial moment to fundamentally reposition the sector.
A Critical Opportunity for Transformation
Currently, agriculture and its allied sectors support approximately 45 percent of India's workforce. However, these sectors contribute only about 18 percent to the nation's gross value added. This significant gap between employment share and economic contribution highlights a pressing need for change.
Stakeholders believe the forthcoming budget must address this imbalance. They see it as a pivotal chance to shift agriculture from being viewed primarily as a welfare concern to becoming a powerful engine for broader economic growth.
Key Demands for Budget FY27
The sector's demands center on two main areas:
- Technological Push: Advocates are calling for substantial investments in smart agriculture technologies. This includes precision farming tools, drone applications for crop monitoring, and advanced irrigation systems.
- Climate-Smart Infrastructure: There is a strong emphasis on building infrastructure that can withstand climate challenges. This involves developing storage facilities, efficient supply chains, and water management systems resilient to weather extremes.
Industry representatives stress that these investments are not merely optional upgrades. They are essential for improving productivity, increasing farmers' incomes, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Moving Beyond Welfare
The core argument from the agriculture community is clear. The sector needs a strategic overhaul. It requires policies and funding that recognize its potential as a dynamic contributor to India's economy, rather than treating it solely as a recipient of government support.
As budget preparations advance, all eyes are on whether the government will heed these calls. The decisions made could set the trajectory for Indian agriculture for years to come, potentially unlocking new levels of efficiency and prosperity for millions of rural households.
