Rajasthan Budget Unveils Major Agriculture Package with Irrigation and Solar Push
Finance Minister Diya Kumari on Wednesday unveiled an expansive agriculture package in the Rajasthan state budget, promising higher spending, irrigation expansion, a renewable energy push, and comprehensive marketing reforms.
Substantial Budget Increase and Financial Support
The agriculture budget saw a significant 7.59% increase, with enhanced support under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and numerous new farmer-centric measures. The comprehensive package allocates Rs 160 crore in subsidies for farm machinery and Rs 228 crore to construct 20,000 kilometers of fencing to protect crops from stray animals.
Seed distribution will benefit approximately 2.5 lakh farmers across the state. There is also a substantial proposal of Rs 25,000 crore in agriculture loans, along with a 5% subsidy on Rs 590 crore in long-term cooperative and non-farming loans.
Dairy Support and Major Infrastructure Investments
An allocation of Rs 700 crore was made under the Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadak Sambal Yojana to provide crucial support to milk producers throughout Rajasthan. Diya Kumari also proposed major irrigation works worth over Rs 11,300 crore, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments in the agricultural sector.
The renewable energy component includes the installation of 50,000 solar pumps at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore, significantly reducing farmers' dependence on conventional power sources.
Fodder Security and Value Addition Initiatives
The comprehensive package includes free Napier grass distribution to 5,000 farmers to strengthen fodder security across the state. Additionally, subsidies will be provided for 500 solar crop dryers, helping farmers preserve their produce more efficiently.
To enhance skills and market linkages, 3,300 farmers will be sent on exposure visits under a knowledge enhancement programme. Special training programmes for farmers, processors, traders, and exporters are planned to boost value addition and agricultural exports from Rajasthan.
Marketing Reforms and Infrastructure Development
On the marketing front, new agricultural mandis are proposed in Banswara, Dausa, and Sriganganagar, with dedicated vegetable mandis planned for Sawai Madhopur and Bayana in Bharatpur district. Cooperative consumer stores will be opened in new districts, and Kisan Vikray Kendras will promote direct farmer-to-consumer sales, potentially increasing farmers' profit margins.
Government Commitment and Farmer Concerns
Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena stated that the budget hike reflects the government's strong commitment to agricultural modernisation, irrigation expansion, and profitable farming practices. He emphasized that these measures would transform Rajasthan's agricultural landscape.
However, farmer groups have raised questions about implementation. Kisan Mahapanchayat national president Rampal Jat noted that several earlier mandi projects remain incomplete, and approximately 1.45 lakh pending agricultural electricity connections are yet to be released.
"Farmers need assured water, fair prices, and timely execution, not just announcements," Jat stated, demanding a legal minimum support price guarantee and priority for irrigation works. He emphasized that while the budget announcements appear promising, successful implementation would be crucial for actual farmer benefit.
