Union Budget 2026: Six Nuts the Government Is Supporting and Why It Matters

In her Union Budget 2026-27 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted a renewed focus on high-value agriculture . Part of this strategy includes giving attention to several nut crops that have strong growth potential, can improve farmer incomes, and help India compete better in global markets. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals under the “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas” framework, aiming to expand opportunities for farmers across different regions of the country.

Here’s a closer look at the six nut crops that were mentioned in the Budget and why they matter for agriculture, rural livelihoods, and exports.

1. Walnuts: Temperate Nut With Export Potential

Walnuts are one of the most important nut crops in India’s temperate regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The government noted that Indian walnuts come in a variety of shell types, from paper-shelled to hard-shelled, and are widely cultivated across these areas.

In FY24, walnut cultivation covered a substantial area, and exports reached over 2,100 metric tonnes, with major markets including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Singapore. Supporting walnuts can boost farmer incomes in hilly regions and position India more strongly in international trade.

2. Cocoa: Plantation Crop With Processing Advantage

Cocoa was also highlighted in Budget 2026 as a nut crop with commercial significance, particularly in southern India. Cocoa grows well alongside taller crops like coconut and arecanut, making it suitable for mixed plantation farming without needing a separate growing climate.

India exported more than 45,000 tonnes of cocoa products in FY25, indicating solid global demand. With government attention, the aim is to scale up processing, enhance quality, and strengthen export competitiveness.

3. Coconut: A Staple Nut With Big Rural Impact

The Union Budget 2026 also underscored support for coconut production. India is one of the world’s largest producers of coconuts, and this crop supports livelihoods for an estimated 30 million people, including nearly 10 million farmers.

Under Budget proposals, a coconut promotion scheme will promote productivity by replacing unproductive trees and encouraging adoption of improved varieties in major coconut-growing states. This is expected to strengthen incomes and rural employment opportunities.

4. Cashew: Coastal Crop With Growth Scope

Cashew cultivation is concentrated mainly in coastal regions of India. As part of the high-value crop push in Budget 2026, the government proposed dedicated programmes for Indian cashew production and processing.

The goal is to make India self-reliant in raw cashew output, enhance processing capacity, and improve export competitiveness so that Indian cashew products can become premium brands in global markets by 2030.

5. Almonds: Nut With Rising Demand

Almonds were also included among the six nut crops highlighted in the Union Budget. While domestic almond production exists in the hilly regions, climate impacts and other constraints mean India still depends on imports to meet rising consumer demand.

Given the strong health-oriented demand for almonds, government support and expansions in cultivation could play a role in reducing import dependency over time.

6. Pine Nuts: Nutrient-Rich Mountain Crop

Pine nuts are primarily grown in higher elevations of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. These nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, plant protein, and essential minerals, making them popular for health-focused diets.

Support for pine nut cultivation can boost incomes in mountainous regions where other cash crops may be limited, while also tapping growing global interest in this nutrient-dense nut.

Budget 2026 Goals for Nut Production and Agriculture

By highlighting these six nut crops in Union Budget 2026, the government is signalling a more diversified approach to agricultural growth, with a focus on high-value crops that can expand farmer incomes, promote rural employment, and improve export performance.

This fits into the larger strategy to strengthen farming sectors, support value addition, and position India more competitively in global agricultural markets. As high-value nut production scales up over the coming years, farmers in different regions stand to benefit from better productivity, market access, and economic opportunities.