Government may include irrigation and related sectors in itThe new DMK government under M.K. Stalin is exploring the possibility of a separate budget for the agriculture sector, in line with one of the promises in its election manifesto. The DMK manifesto had said: “To increase agricultural productivity and output and to protect farmers’ welfare and well-being, the government will introduce an annual budget for agriculture after consulting farmers’ associations and other organisations.”Focus on farm sectorMany farmers associations across the country and a few political parties had been demanding a separate budget for agriculture. “A separate budget would mean that the government is keen on focusing on agriculture. Also, it would be an expenditure budget since there would not be much revenue generated from the sector.”A source said the government may club irrigation and related sectors with the agriculture sector so that the budget could cover all aspects of agriculture.

Source: The Hindu June 03, 2021 18:47 UTC