Sitharaman chairs pre-budget consultations with farmers associations

New Delhi [India]December 7 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday chaired the second pre-budget consultation meeting in the national capital, with participants from various farmer associations and prominent agricultural economics Representative of the family.

The discussion is part of preparations for the 2025-26 federal budget.

The focus of the conference was to understand the main challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector. Representatives from the agricultural community shared their recommendations for policy changes, budgetary support and reforms aimed at strengthening the rural economy and improving farmer welfare.

Agricultural economists also provide insights into sustainable agricultural practices, productivity improvements, and market reforms.

The Finance Ministry said in a statement: “Today, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. @nsitharaman chaired the second meeting with various farmer associations and leading agricultural economists in New Delhi on the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 Pre-budget consultation.” Posted on X.

The consultations were also attended by the Union Finance Minister, Finance Minister Pankaj Chowdhury and senior officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM).

The consultation is part of a series of meetings being held by the Ministry of Finance to gather input from stakeholders across departments to develop a comprehensive and inclusive budget.

Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a pre-budget meeting with leading economists to gather their opinions and suggestions for the upcoming budget.

The meeting was held in the national capital on Friday.

The Treasury holds several pre-budget consultation meetings each year with experts, industry leaders, economists and state officials. Formal work has begun on preparing the annual budget for the next financial year.

As in previous years, the 2025-26 budget is expected to be tabled on February 1. (ANI)