Jharkhand Government to Present Budget on February 24, Major Relief Likely for Women Farmers

Ranchi: The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is set to present the state budget for the financial year 2026-27 on February 24 in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The proposed budget, to be introduced as the ‘Abua Dishom Budget’, is expected to be historic, particularly for women farmers in the state.

Sources indicate that the budget size could touch nearly Rs 1.70 lakh crore, making it the largest budget in Jharkhand’s history.

Women Farmers May Receive Special Focus

The year 2026 has been declared the ‘International Year of Women Farmers’ by the United Nations. Against this global backdrop, the Jharkhand government is reportedly working on a strategy to bring women farmers to the centre of development policies.

It is believed that the government may announce significant initiatives aimed at empowering nearly 19 lakh women farmers in the state and integrating them into the mainstream economic framework.

Two Special Schemes Under Preparation

According to sources, two major schemes are being planned to increase the income of women farmers and transform them into agriculture-based entrepreneurs.

Jharkhand has approximately 38 lakh farmers, of which nearly 19 lakh are women, meaning women contribute almost half of the agricultural workforce. The government is now considering providing formal recognition at the policy level to strengthen their role and participation.

Market Linkage and Income Enhancement Plan

A new scheme is likely to be introduced to enhance income generation and provide stronger market access to women farmers. Under this plan, women will be given priority in agricultural activities and their products may be connected directly to markets through improved market linkages, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and cooperative models.

From Labourers to Entrepreneurs

The government’s aim is to ensure that women farmers are not treated merely as agricultural labourers but are encouraged to emerge as independent agricultural entrepreneurs. Plans are being discussed to institutionalise production, processing, and packaging through women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), enabling them to secure sustainable income and direct access to markets.

‘Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Udyam Yojana’ Likely

To promote self-employment among women farmers, the state government is reportedly preparing to launch the ‘Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Udyam Yojana’. The proposal has already been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office after discussions between Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey and agriculture department officials.

Under this scheme, women may be provided a one-time loan of Rs 20,000 through banks, helping them take their first step towards entrepreneurship.

Largest Budget in State History

With a proposed size of around Rs 1.70 lakh crore, the 2026-27 budget is expected to be the biggest ever presented in Jharkhand. The government is likely to use this opportunity to address long-standing inequalities faced by women farmers, especially in terms of land ownership and access to financial resources.

The upcoming budget is being seen as a potential turning point, with the government aiming to make women farmers the key driving force of Jharkhand’s rural and economic development.