Agric ministry gets D1.64 Billion

By Kebba A.F. Touray

The Ministry of Agriculture is projected to receive D1.64 billion in the 2027 national budget, an increase of about D297 million from its approved allocation of D1.34 billion in 2026, according to the draft estimates of revenue and expenditure for 2027. Meanwhile, the allocation for agricultural equipment and machinery is projected to fall from D75 million in 2026 to D45.7 million.

The ministry’s proposed allocation for 2027 stands at D1,642,057,667, compared with D1,344,934,185 approved for 2026.

Under the Strategy, Policy and Management segment, the ministry’s allocation is projected to increase from D1,195,488,287 in 2026 to D1,490,104,818 in 2027. General Administration is also projected to rise from D1,180,217,137 in 2026 to D1,461,033,070 in 2027. The estimates show mixed changes across individual expenditure lines.

Basic salaries are projected at D85,896,262 in 2027, down from D89,029,305 in 2026. Allowances, meanwhile, are projected to increase from D80,047,460 in 2026 to D88,712,804 in 2027. Travel expenses are estimated at D2,552,000 in 2027, compared with D1,880,452 in 2026. Official entertainment and hotel accommodation, which had no allocation in 2026, is projected at D842,000 in 2027. Agricultural inputs are also projected to receive D7,974,380 in 2027, after having no allocation in 2026. The allocation for training is expected to remain unchanged at D1,475,000. Input subsidy is projected to increase from D900 million in 2026 to D1.2 billion in 2027. Insurance, which received D1,731,188 in 2026, has no allocation in the 2027 estimates. The contribution to international organisations is projected to remain unchanged at D3,411,050.

Meanwhile, the allocation for agricultural equipment and machinery is projected to fall from D75 million in 2026 to D45,742,976 in 2027. The purchase of fuel and lubricants is projected to remain at D600,000 in 2027, the same amount allocated in 2025 and 2026. The allocation for production and productivity is projected at D22,418,849 in 2027, compared with D23,479,298 in 2026. Livestock production and productivity, however, is projected to increase from D10,613,600 in 2026 to D16,662,370 in 2027.

The figures are contained in the draft estimates of revenue and expenditure for the 2027 financial year.