Among other major reforms, CII has also asked the government to consider repealing the redundant agricultural land ceiling laws
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SRIRAM MA
Among other major reforms, CII has also asked the government to consider repealing the redundant agricultural land ceiling laws.
“The land ceiling laws may have allowed for re-distribution of land in the past but today, they act as a barrier to the growth of farmers’ income. Successful farmers who own land as per the ceiling limits are unable to buy more land and increase their income as land ceiling laws prohibit not only owning agricultural land but also leasing such land. It is time to repeal these laws and allow farmers to grow economically” CII said in a statement.
‘Revise stock norms’
It has pointed out that present market distortions in the agricultural sector impede on farmer income and welfare. While many agricultural policies are introduced with the intent to protect farmers, several have inadvertently created inefficiencies, price volatility, and disincentives for innovation and diversification, it said.
“To unlock real value for farmers, India needs to reform or recalibrate these policies to ensure they support a more competitive, transparent, and demand-driven agri-market ecosystem. Reforms in price stabilization and food distribution policies will also be critical to prevent market distortions,” it said.
Further, the industry body has said that present policies such as imposition of stock limits, price controls, and export bans must be revised and/or phased out to enable better market signals. “Consistent export policies that are not tied to domestic inflation control will help enhance India’s credibility in global markets.”
Stressing that private investment is crucial for driving productivity through innovation in areas like climate-resilient crops, precision farming, biotechnology, and post-harvest solutions, it said adequate protection of intellectual property rights is needed to enable higher investment in Research and Development in the farm sector. Besides, systemic and regulatory reforms are also equally important, it said.
Market intelligence database
“A centralised database for market intelligence and crop planning can help address issues of glut and scarcity. Such a comprehensive crop and market price analytics system can help in giving advisory to farmers basis the predicted market prices,” CII said suggesting the government to establish a National Grid for market intelligence with market price records and analytics.
It has also recommended to develop a unified, technology-enabled “One India Food Grid” aimed at creating a seamless, integrated national food supply network that connects farm gates to consumption centres, across states and agri commodities ensuring that food surpluses in one region efficiently meet the demand in another through a connected logistics, storage, and market ecosystem. It said that an online exchange platform can be a solution on this gap.
CII has recommended launch of a National Mission on Agrivoltaics which would help bring the innovative system to the forefront of public awareness.
Abhishek Wadekar, Founder Chairman,Tradelink International Private Limited, said the budget should have policy measures that strengthen the agricultural and fertilizer ecosystem. “The fertilizer industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and we request the government to look at the aspects of affordability, accessibility and innovation in this sector,” he said.
Ajay Kakra, Leader – Food and Agriculture, GIDAS, Forvis Mazars in India, said Budget 2026 must move Indian agriculture beyond volume and subsidies toward quality, exports, innovation, and industry participation. Strategic investments across infrastructure, R&D, and large-scale programmes can position the sector as both globally competitive and domestically resilient.
Published on January 6, 2026
