Union Budget’s Renewed Focus on Agriculture Sets the Context for Kisan Kumbh Conclave 2026 at IIT Delhi

New Delhi | February 3, 2026, The renewed emphasis on agriculture in the Union Budget 2026–27 has set a timely policy backdrop for the upcoming Kisan Kumbh Conclave 2026, scheduled to be held on March 30–31 at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. The two-day conclave will bring together policymakers, academicians, agri-experts, entrepreneurs and farmer leaders to deliberate on the future of Indian agriculture, with a dedicated focus on women farmers.

The Union Budget allocated Rs 1.63 lakh crore to agriculture and allied activities for FY 2026–27, reflecting an increase of nearly 7 percent over the previous fiscal year. The enhanced outlay underscores the government’s continued priority on strengthening farming systems, rural livelihoods and national food security, while also creating space for deeper discussions on inclusion and impact within the sector.

Among the key announcements was the launch of “Bharat Vistar,” a multilingual, AI-enabled digital platform aimed at integrating the government’s agri-data ecosystem. The platform is designed to provide farmers with real-time access to advisory services, weather updates, scheme information and decision-support tools in local languages. The conclave is expected to examine how such digital interventions can address persistent information and access gaps faced by women farmers across regions.

The Budget also outlined targeted support for high-value and diversified agriculture, including initiatives such as the Coconut Promotion Scheme, dedicated programmes for cashew, cocoa and sandalwood cultivation, and orchard rejuvenation efforts covering almonds, walnuts and pine nuts. These measures signal a shift towards value-driven agriculture intended to enhance farm incomes and generate rural employment—areas where women contribute significantly but often remain under-recognised.

In addition, the strengthened focus on allied sectors such as fisheries and livestock, with improved value-chain integration and livelihood linkages, has direct relevance for women farmers, who constitute a substantial share of the workforce in these segments.

Against this evolving policy landscape, Kisan Kumbh Conclave 2026 will explore the changing role of women in Indian agriculture, moving beyond welfare-centric narratives to discussions on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology adoption, access to finance, market linkages and climate resilience. The conclave will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses and roundtable sessions aimed at translating budgetary intent into measurable on-ground outcomes.

Event Details

• Venue: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

• Dates: March 30–31, 2026

• Theme: Women Farmers

The event seeks to position women farmers not merely as beneficiaries of policy support, but as central stakeholders and drivers of productivity, sustainability and long-term rural growth.