Punjab Proposes Rs 15,377 Crore for Agriculture in 2026-27 Budget Amid Criticism

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema proposed a Rs 15,377 crore allocation for agriculture and allied sectors in the 2026-27 budget, focusing on crop diversification, sustainability, and farmer welfare. Key initiatives include subsidies for stubble management, incentives for shifting from paddy to maize, and support for direct seeded rice adoption. The budget also allocates Rs 7,715 crore for free power to farmers. However, farmer leaders and experts criticized the allocation as insufficient, citing unmet demands like MSP for crops and support for debt-ridden farmers.