The Tamil Nadu government has rolled out an ambitious agricultural plan for 2025-26, announcing a Rs 102 crore special package to boost paddy cultivation in 29 non-Delta districts during Kar, Kuruvai, and Sornavari seasons. An additional Rs 58 crore will support Delta farmers during Kuruvai, offering subsidies for machine planting and certified seeds across the state’s 52 lakh acres of paddy land.

Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam shared these highlights in the Assembly during the fifth budget presentation since the DMK’s 2021 victory.

To modernize farming, 100 progressive farmers will embark on an international exposure visit to Japan, China, and Vietnam, with Rs 2 crore allocated for adopting cutting-edge techniques. The state also plans to launch the Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy, promoting high-value trees like sandalwood and mahogany to enhance soil health and farmers’ income.

Further, 1,000 Chief Minister’s Farmers Service Centres will be set up with Rs 42 crore, providing seeds, fertilizers, and expert advice on productivity and pest control. Other initiatives include Rs 24 crore for summer ploughing across three lakh acres, Rs 22.80 crore for hill farmers under the “Malaivazh Uzhavar” scheme, and Rs 40.27 crore to boost maize on 1.87 lakh acres. Natural farming will get Rs 12 crore, while Rs 841 crore will fund crop insurance for 35 lakh acres.

Reflecting on past relief, Panneerselvam noted Rs 6,873 crore disbursed to over 50 lakh farmers for crop damages since 2021, signaling a robust push for agricultural resilience and growth.