Budget 2018: Farm output, farmers' income get priority

Emphasis on generating higher income for farmers, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the government wants to help farmers produce more and realise higher prices.
 
Given crop production at record high,  Jaitley said the govt is committed to giving 50% more than cost of crop production to farmers.
 
Aayog will discuss with state govts for mechanism to ensure farmers get better prices, said the FM.
 
"Govt will ensure farmers get MSP if prices fall." Rs 2,000 crore fund to be set up for upgrading rural agri markets, says FM
 
Govt has promoted organic farmers in a big way; women self-help groups to be encouraged to take up organic farming: FM
 
Agriculture ministry will reorient ongoing programmes to promote cluster-based horticulture production.
 
The minister said India produced over 275 million tonnes of foodgrains and 300 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables in 2016-17.
 
India's agri export potential is $100 billion, as against current $30 billion exports, says FM.
 
Food processing sector is growing at 8% and the Budget allocation for food processing ministry being doubled to Rs 1400 crore.