**Executive Summary**
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a press conference on the Union Budget 2026-27 in Guwahati, highlighting its historic and futuristic nature and its focus on the Northeast. The budget prioritizes inclusive growth, social prosperity, and national development by 2047. Key announcements included increased allocations for the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER) and agriculture, along with initiatives like Biopharma SHAKTI. The press conference took place on Feb 11, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Budget Overview:**
* The Union Budget 2026-27 is termed historic and futuristic, aiming for positive change nationally and specifically in the Northeast.
* It aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat, focusing on a self-reliant, empowered, and prosperous India by 2047.
* The budget emphasizes inclusive growth and social prosperity, ensuring benefits reach all sections of society.
* **Focus on Northeast Development:**
* Rs. 6,812 crore allocated to MDoNER, an increase of Rs. 897 crore over the previous budget.
* Rs. 49,725 crore budgeted for Assam towards tax devolution for FY 2026-27.
* Since 2014, Assam has received approximately Rs. 3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution.
* **Healthcare Initiatives:**
* Biopharma SHAKTI launched with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore over five years to strengthen domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars.
* Existing institutions like NIPER Guwahati will be upgraded to contribute to research, innovation, and skilled manpower development.
* **Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare:**
* The agriculture budget has been increased to Rs. 1,32,561 crore.
* Rs. 9,967 crore allocated for agricultural education and research to strengthen innovation and scientific advancement.
* Rs. 1,70,944 crore provided for fertilizer subsidy to ensure affordable fertilizers and reduce production costs.
* **Rural Development:**
* The budget for the Ministry of Rural Development has increased by 21 percent.
* Over Rs. 1.51 lakh crore has been allocated for the 'VB - G RAM G' Act, compared to Rs. 86,000 crore under the previous MGNREG Act.
* **MSP and Rabi Season:**
* Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare approved Assam's proposal for procuring 60,500 MT Rapeseed/Mustard for the Rabi 2026 season at Minimum Support Price.
* Rs 104.17 crore have been allocated to Assam for the FY 2026-27 under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.
**Impact Analysis**
**Northeast Region / Assam**
* **Impact:** Increased development focus and financial support through MDoNER allocation, tax devolution, and specific scheme allocations.
* **Action Required:** Utilize allocated funds efficiently to accelerate regional development.
**Farmers**
* **Impact:** Increased agricultural budget, fertilizer subsidies, MSP procurement of rapeseed/mustard, and support for agricultural education and research.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the Rabi 2026 procurement process and leverage agricultural research and education opportunities.
**Healthcare Sector / NIPER Guwahati**
* **Impact:** Investment in biologics and biosimilars through the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative. NIPER Guwahati will be upgraded.
* **Action Required:** Upgrade existing facilities, conduct relevant research, and contribute to skilled manpower development.
Key Entities Referenced
Union Budget 2026-27: The central government budget of India for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
Ministry of Rural Development: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for rural development programs.
Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER): A ministry within the Government of India responsible for development in the Northeastern region.
Assam: A state in Northeast India that is receiving funds and having MSP procurement approved.
Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation): Healthcare initiative announced in the budget to strengthen domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars.
Ministry of Rural Development
Union Budget 2026–27 Historic, Futuristic;
Strong Boost for Northeast: Shivraj Singh
Chouhan
MSP Procurement for 60,500 MT Rapeseed/Mustard
Approved for Assam
Posted On: 11 FEB 2026 4:28PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
addressed a Press Conference on Union Budget 2026-27 at Guwahati today. Addressing the media, the
Union Minister said that the budget is historic and futuristic and will bring positive change to the nation as
well as to the Northeastern region.
The Union Minister asserted that the Budget reflects the vision of a Viksit Bharat and lays a strong
foundation for a self-reliant, empowered and prosperous India by 2047. He emphasized that the budget
focuses on inclusive growth and social prosperity, ensuring benefits reach every section of society.
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast, the Union Minister informed that Rs. 6,812 crore
has been allocated to the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER), which is Rs 897
crore more than the previous budget. This enhanced allocation, he said, clearly demonstrates the Union
Government’s priority towards accelerating development in the region.
Speaking about Assam he said that for FY 2026–27, ₹49,725 crore has been budgeted towards tax devoluti
on. Since 2014, Assam has received approximately ₹3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution. Among the
healthcare initiatives announced in the Budget is Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare
Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation), with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five
years, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars to address the growing
burden of non-communicable diseases. As part of this initiative, existing institutions such as NIPER Guwa
hati will be upgraded, contributing to research, innovation and skilled manpower development in the
region.
The Union Minister further informed that the agriculture budget has been increased to ₹1,32,561 crore this
year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare. A provision of ₹9,967 crore has been
made for agricultural education and research to strengthen innovation and scientific advancement. To
ensure the availability of affordable fertilisers and reduce production costs for farmers, a fertiliser subsidy
of ₹1,70,944 crore has been provided.
Speaking about the Ministry of Rural Development, the Union Minister informed that the budget has been
increased by 21 per cent this year. Within this a provision of over ₹1.51 lakh crore, has been made for the
‘VB - G RAM G’ Act as compared to Rs. 86,000 crore only under the previous MGNREG Act.On the occasion, the Minister also announced that Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has
approved the proposal of Government of Assam for the procurement of 60,500 MT Rapeseed/Mustard for
Rabi 2026 season at Minimum Support Price under Price Support Scheme in the state. This will ensure
remunerative prices to the farmers and prevent them from resorting to distress sale. He further informed
that Rs 104.17 crore have been allocated to Assam for the FY 2026-27 under the Mission for Aatmanirbha
rta in Pulses.
Shri Atul Bora, Agriculture Minister of Assam and Shri Krishnendu Paul, Minister for Animal Husbandry
and Veterinary of Assam also present on this occasion.***
KSY/PG/SS
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