Budget 2026 Pushes Veterinary Training and Fisheries Development

The Union Budget 2026–27 has outlined a strong rural diversification strategy, with targeted interventions in livestock, fisheries and high-value agriculture. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the measures aim to raise non-farm incomes, generate employment and strengthen value chains in allied agricultural sectors.

Training 20,000 Veterinary Professionals

Highlighting that livestock contributes nearly 16 per cent of farm income, particularly for marginal and small farmers, the finance minister announced a loan-linked capital subsidy scheme to expand veterinary capacity across the country. Under this initiative, over 20,000 additional veterinary professionals will be trained. The scheme will support the establishment of veterinary and private colleges, modern veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and scientific breeding facilities in the private sector, addressing the shortage of animal healthcare services in rural India.

Boost to Animal Husbandry Entrepreneurship

To promote enterprise-led growth, the Budget proposes a credit-linked subsidy programme for animal husbandry entrepreneurship. This will support scaling up and modernisation of livestock enterprises, alongside the creation of integrated livestock, dairy and poultry value chains. The focus is on improving productivity, generating quality employment in rural and peri-urban areas, and strengthening farmer producer organisations linked to animal husbandry.

Integrated Fisheries and Water Body Development

For the fisheries sector, the government announced the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. These water bodies will be developed as fisheries hubs, supported by improved coastal value chains. Market access will be strengthened through startups, women-led groups and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations, enabling better price realisation and income stability for fishing communities.

Important Facts for Exams

• Livestock contributes about 16% of farm income in India.
• Over 20,000 veterinary professionals to be trained under a loan-linked subsidy scheme.
• Integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars for fisheries.
• Focus on Fish Farmers Producer Organisations and women-led groups.

High-Value Crops and Allied Sector Support

The Budget also announced complementary initiatives for high-value agriculture. These include a coconut promotion scheme to replace old and non-productive trees, a dedicated programme for cashew and cocoa to achieve self-reliance and global branding by 2030, and partnerships with states to revive sandalwood cultivation. For hilly regions, a special programme will support rejuvenation of old orchards and high-density cultivation of walnuts, almonds and pine nuts, with an emphasis on value addition and youth participation.