Budget 2026: Coconut, High-Value Crops Emerge as Key Growth Drivers

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2026, focusing on three Kartavya and strengthening agriculture.
• The budget highlights renewed government focus on coconut and other high-value crops for income, exports, and self-reliance.
• Sitharaman announced a Coconut Production Scheme to boost output and productivity, including replacing non-productive trees.
• Dedicated programs for Indian cashew and cocoa aim for self-reliance in raw cashew and global brand status by 2030.
• Support for sandalwood cultivation, rejuvenation of old orchards, and expansion of high-density nut plantations are also proposed.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 prioritizes coconut and high-value crops to boost agricultural income, exports, and self-reliance.