SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR ALLOCATIONS FOR ASSAM, NORTHEAST IN BUDGET 2026–27

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026 : Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said the Union Budget 2026–27 provides a strong boost to the Northeast while laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth across the country.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Chouhan described the Budget as “historic and futuristic”, stating that it reflects the vision of a Viksit Bharat and aims to build a self-reliant and prosperous India by 2047. He said the Budget focuses on inclusive growth to ensure benefits reach all sections of society.

Highlighting the Centre’s focus on the Northeast, the minister said the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER) has been allocated Rs 6,812 crore, an increase of Rs 897 crore over the previous Budget. He said the enhanced allocation underscores the Centre’s priority to accelerate development in the region.

Referring to Assam, Chouhan said Rs 49,725 crore has been earmarked for the state under tax devolution for the 2026–27 financial year. He added that since 2014, Assam has received around Rs 3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution.

On healthcare, the minister highlighted the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative, with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over five years, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars to address non-communicable diseases. He said institutions such as NIPER Guwahati will be upgraded under the initiative to support research, innovation and skill development.

Chouhan said the agriculture budget has been increased to Rs 1,32,561 crore in 2026–27, reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare. He added that Rs 9,967 crore has been allocated for agricultural education and research, while a fertiliser subsidy of Rs 1,70,944 crore has been provided to ensure affordable fertilisers and reduce input costs for farmers.

The minister said the budget of the Ministry of Rural Development has been increased by 21 per cent. Under this, over Rs 1.51 lakh crore has been allocated for the ‘VB–G RAM G’ Act, compared to Rs 86,000 crore under the earlier MGNREG Act.

Chouhan also announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has approved Assam’s proposal for the procurement of 60,500 metric tonnes of rapeseed and mustard for the Rabi 2026 season at the Minimum Support Price under the Price Support Scheme. He said this would ensure remunerative prices for farmers and prevent distress sales.

He further said Rs 104.17 crore has been allocated to Assam for 2026–27 under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.

Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and Assam Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Krishnendu Paul were also present at the press conference.