Budget 2017: Farm allocation set to go up

Agricultural budget may rise by at least Rs 10,000 crore from 2015-16 BE of almost Rs 35,000 crore

Budget 2017-18 could bring some new schemes and allocations to marquee programmes for farmers as the Centre looks to lower their pain due to demonetisation.

According to initial discussions, a new scheme for the redevelopment of barren lots into an agriculturally useful land, enhanced allocation for agroforestry and drip irrigation could be in the offing. Overall, the agriculture ministry’s Budget could rise by at least Rs 10,000 crore from the 2015-16 Budget Estimate of almost Rs 35,000 crore, if the finance department goes along.

The 2016-17 BE was 94 per cent more from the previous year. It included Rs 15,000