India, March 3 -- The Union Budget 2025-26 continues its emphasis on consumption-led growth, with significant allocations directed toward manufacturing and middle-class benefits. While fiscal prudence has been maintained with a deficit target of 4.4%, there remains considerable fiscal space to enhance investments in rural and tribal development, particularly in natural resource conservation. Addressing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods should be a critical priority, especially given the rising vulnerabilities posed by extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted the increasing impact of climate variability on agriculture, citing a 15% rise in crop area damage over the past three...