Budget 2026: Agricultural Sector Eyes Infrastructure, MSP, and Tech Integration

• Former Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain advocates for enhanced agricultural infrastructure, including better storage, logistics, and modern APMCs.
• He urges the government to integrate agriculture with modern technology, encourage direct investment, and lift the ban on agricultural futures.
• Atul Chaturvedi of Shree Renuka Sugars calls for increased oilseed and pulse production, promotion of NMOP, and rationalization of MSP and ethanol prices for the sugar sector.
• Agricultural expert Rajesh Paharia suggests reducing direct MSP procurement, implementing Bhavantar scheme, and promoting high-value crops and organic farming.
• Demands include strengthening cold storage, supply chains, and transport infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and connect farmers to global markets.

Why It Matters: The agricultural sector anticipates Budget 2026 to focus on infrastructure, technology, MSP reforms, and market integration.