Chandigarh, March 27 -- In the budget presented by finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday for the upcoming financial year 2025-26, an allocation of Rs.14,524 crore has been made for the agriculture and allied sectors, witnessing an annual increase of 5%, as compared to the budget for current financial year that ends on March 31.

Announcing the allocation, Cheema said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will fulfil all genuine demands of the farmers. "Our government has always upheld a farmer-first approach, standing firmly with our farmers in support of their just demands," he told the House.

Cheema announced to offer a per hectare incentive of Rs.17,500 to farmers who shift to cultivating maize from paddy. The scheme has been lau...