Union Budget 2026 Pushes Rural Diversification Through Livestock, Fisheries and Allied Sectors

Budget 2026 Lays Out Rural Diversification Roadmap

The Union Budget 2026–27 places strong emphasis on rural diversification by strengthening livestock, fisheries and allied agricultural activities. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Nirmala Sitharaman said the strategy is designed to raise non-farm incomes, generate employment, and build resilient value chains beyond traditional crop agriculture.

Expanding Veterinary Capacity Nationwide

Recognising that livestock accounts for nearly 16 per cent of farm income—especially for marginal and small farmers—the Budget announces a loan-linked capital subsidy scheme to address gaps in animal healthcare. Under this initiative, more than 20,000 additional veterinary professionals will be trained. The scheme will encourage the establishment of veterinary and private colleges, modern veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and scientific breeding centres in the private sector, helping improve productivity and disease management in rural areas.

Promoting Animal Husbandry Entrepreneurship

To foster enterprise-led growth, the Budget proposes a credit-linked subsidy programme for animal husbandry entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to support scaling up and modernisation of livestock enterprises while developing integrated livestock, dairy, and poultry value chains. A key focus is on strengthening farmer producer organisations connected to animal husbandry, creating quality jobs in rural and peri-urban regions, and improving income stability for livestock-rearing households.

Fisheries Development Through Water Bodies

The fisheries sector also receives a significant boost, with plans for the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars as fisheries hubs. These water bodies will be linked with improved coastal and inland value chains. Market access will be expanded through startups, women-led collectives, and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations, enabling better price realisation and more stable livelihoods for fishing communities.

Important Facts for Exams

• Livestock contributes around 16% of farm income in India.

• Over 20,000 veterinary professionals to be trained under a loan-linked subsidy scheme.

• 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars to be developed as fisheries hubs.

• Emphasis on Fish Farmers Producer Organisations and women-led groups.

High-Value Agriculture and Allied Support

Complementing allied sector reforms, the Budget outlines 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 collaboration with states to revive sandalwood cultivation. For hilly regions, special support will be provided for orchard rejuvenation and high-density cultivation of walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts, with a strong focus on value addition and youth participation.