Sharp debate on new agricultural policy in Parliament: opposition criticisms and government arguments

On the parliamentary debate stage, there was a heated discussion on the new agricultural policy presented in the first quarter of this year. This policy, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture on 15 March 2026, claims to increase subsidies for farmers and expand crop insurance. Members of Parliament described it as a significant step toward greater transparency and improved implementation. However, during the debate, opposition parties raised questions about the plan's validity and effectiveness, especially for small‑scale farmers. In this article we will analyze the key points of the debate and the arguments of both sides.

The policy is based on the 2025 National Agricultural Development Plan, which has been implemented since 2018. The government claims that under the new scheme the coverage of crop insurance will be increased from 50 percent to 70 percent, and the subsidy rate will be raised by 10 percent. In addition, the policy provides for the introduction of a digital loan management system for farmers, which will enhance transparency in loan disbursement.

Opposition parties argued that the proposed subsidy increase will merely raise government expenditure and will not bring a real improvement in farmers' incomes. They said that expanding crop‑insurance coverage will impose greater liabilities on insurance companies, leading to higher premiums. Moreover, they expressed doubts about the success of the digital loan system in rural areas due to a lack of technical infrastructure for its implementation.

The government responded to these criticisms by stating that the policy's primary objective is to strengthen the rural economy and ensure income stability for farmers. It noted that, alongside the subsidy increase, tax exemptions and lower loan interest rates will also be provided. New premium slabs have been introduced under the expanded crop‑insurance coverage to reduce risk, thereby giving farmers economic protection.

Experts also discussed the expected rise in farmers' incomes and the impact on rural employment under the new policy. Agricultural economist Dr. Ravi Kumar said that increasing crop‑insurance coverage will reduce risk and bring stability to production, making a 15 percent increase in annual income possible. Conversely, the Rural Development Minister said that the digital loan system will improve the efficiency of loan disbursement by 25 percent.

Thus, the debate on the new agricultural policy makes clear that dialogue and transparency among all stakeholders are essential for its successful implementation.