Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 6 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister Vinoth on Thursday presented the Agriculture Budget 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, announcing a series of measures aimed at improving farmers' income, expanding irrigation, promoting sustainable farming and strengthening crop insurance, while unveiling a new Rs 600 crore Tamil Nadu Soil Conservation Mission. "This Agriculture Budget has been prepared by giving due consideration to the suggestions, opinions and demands expressed during those consultations," he said. Vinoth also announced an allocation of Rs 7,432.58 crore to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to continue providing free electricity connections for agricultural pump sets. The minister announced the launch of the Tamil Nadu Soil Conservation Mission with an outlay of Rs 600 crore to improve soil fertility, reduce chemical fertiliser usage and promote natural and organic farming. The Budget also provides Rs 63.50 crore for promoting green manure cultivation, Rs 4.50 crore for distributing liquid bio-fertilisers, Rs 12.38 crore for water-soluble fertilisers and crop growth promoters, Rs 8 crore to encourage organic farming on 20,000 acres and Rs 10 crore for establishing permanent vermicompost production units.