National Webinar on Pre-Budget Consultation (FY 2026тАУ27) Agriculture Sector Organised by: Kisan Chamber of Commerce Date: 14 December 2025 Time : 11:00AM to 2:00PM Mode: Virtual (National Webinar) Venue (Host Secretariat): Gohana, District Sonepat, Haryana Background and Objective The Kisan Chamber of Commerce convened a National Webinar on 14 December 2025 as part of its consultative process for the Union Budget FY 2026тАУ27. The objective of the webinar was to gather evidence-based inputs, sectoral priorities, and actionable recommendations from farmersтАЩ representatives, agricultural experts, economists, academicians, agri-entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and allied stakeholders to strengthen policy formulation for the agriculture and allied sectors. Program Inaugurated By тАУ Justice Pritmpal, Former Judge Pb&Hr High Court, Chandigarh Presided By тАУ Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Former Agriculture Commissioner Coordination By- Sh. Jitender Mor, President Kisan Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Session The webinar commenced with a formal welcome by the General Secretary, Kisan Chamber of Commerce, who outlined the significance of pre-budget consultations and reaffirmed the ChamberтАЩs commitment to inclusive, farmer-centric policy advocacy. Key observations during the inaugural session included: The need for predictable income support and risk mitigation for farmers. Strengthening agri-market reforms with farmer safeguards. Accelerated adoption of climate-resilient agriculture. Technical and Consultative Deliberations Government of India for due consideration agriculture sector in the Union Budget 2026тАУ27. Key Deliberations and Expert Views Justice Pritampal, Former Judge Pb & Hr High Court Chandigarh, Former Lokayukat, Haryana Rural youth play a crucial role in the future of agriculture; they act as agents of change by adopting new technologies and revitalizing food systems. However, they often face low wages, lack of resources (loans, land), and negative perceptions, leading to migration toward urban areas. To keep them engaged, programs focus on providing training in modern agribusiness, offering grants, connecting them to markets, promoting group farming and entrepreneurship (such as mushroom cultivation or composting), and transforming the image of agriculture into a profitable, high-tech business, which is done through extension services and media. Challenges for Rural Youth in Agriculture– a) Low Profitability & Income: Farming seen as subsistence, not a viable business. b) Resource Scarcity: Difficulty accessing credit, land, and modern tools. c) Negative Perception: Agriculture viewed as “old-school,” laborious, and less prestigious than urban jobs. d) Lack of Skills: Need for updated knowledge in modern techniques and management. e) Rural-Urban Migration: Youth leave for perceived better opportunities elsewhere, impacting food security. By addressing these challenges and taking advantage of new opportunities in the Union Budget 2026-27, rural youth can transform agriculture into a dynamic, profitable and sustainable sector for the future. 2. Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Former Agriculture Commissioner, Chairman ASRB, emphasized: Location-specific Organic, Natural and Integrated Agriculture & Livestock Farming Efficient water management Crop diversification Transition from flat planting to furrow planting Promotion of DSR (Direct Seeded Rice) Participatory agricultural research Climate change challenges and technology transfer Engagement of ex-servicemen in farm machinery operations and rural electricity generation 3. Sh. Jitender Mor, President, Kisan Chamber of Commerce The objective of the webinar was to deliberate on key challenges faced by Indian agriculture and to compile constructive, ground-level suggestions for inclusion in the Union Budget 2026тАУ27. Discussions focused on farmersтАЩ income enhancement, MSP reforms, crop diversification, irrigation and water management, agri-infrastructure, credit accessibility, crop insurance, input cost rationalization, climate-resilient agriculture, and promotion of agri-based MSMEs and startups. He said that the government should ensure that suggestions and advice are taken from the Farmers’ Chamber from time to time, just like the industrial chambers. Primarily, the participation of the Farmers’ Chamber of Commerce should be ensured in processes such as the country’s annual budget. The suggestions and advice provided by the chamber have been taken after consultations and in-depth discussions with economic experts, scientists, policymakers, agricultural industries, agricultural universities, leading farmers, and various stakeholders. 4. Dr. Balraj Singh, Former Vice Chancellor & Former Director ICAR, highlighted: Protected cultivation and integrated farming approaches Inadequate increase in research funding over the last 10 years Use of fertilizers, nanotechnology and drone technology, along with their limitations Issues of pollen shedding, climate change and human health Gluten content, water consumption per kg yield and glycemic index of wheat, paddy, barley and bajra. Rancidity in bajra Need for stability in pulse production Low production of edible oils; replacement of mustard with sunflower Importance of water harvesting 5. Sh. Harbir Singh, Editor-in-Chief, Rural-Voice, focused on: Past and present budget allocations for agriculture Several crop missions (pulses, cotton, etc.) announced but not effectively implemented Absence of a National Agriculture Policy MSP growth remaining below inflation Non-sharing of pre-budget consultation outcomes with farmers GDP interpretation through gross value minus taxes and production Need for periodic review of multiple schemes Issues with MFMB portal, where actual landowners do not receive J-Forms with their photographs Suggestions on the proposed Seed Bill, which have presently been halted 6. Dr. Premchand, Member Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices, emphasized: Mandatory seed treatment to enhance crop productivity Lower soybean productivity in India compared to the USA Need for location-specific trials under AICRP Soil test-based nutrient application Agroforestry, livestock fodder development and deep irrigation practices 7. Dr. Rajbir Solanki, Former Vice Chancellor, stressed: Importance of marketing skills for farmers Self-grading based on moisture content Packaging and branding of farm produce Identifying suitable marketing systems Promoting entrepreneurship among farmers Cost-benefit analysis with focus on: How to produce? What to sell? How to sell? 8. Dr. Mamta Jain, Group Eitor & ECO Krishi Jgran –Rural Migration is fast becoming a matter of grave concern. COVID has taught us that the world can stop but Agriculture cannotтАж Every human being needs two meals a day, irrespective of his rank or profession. Hence it becomes our responsibility to take immediate steps to curb this catastrophe. The impending budget seriously needs to consider adding glamour to Rural India. With the smart phone revolution, every rural youth is now aware of the urban glitzтАж without understanding the challenges that accompany it. So NATION BUILDING needs to start with investing in making our villages attractive with Rural