The 2026 Revised Kerala Budget announced a series of major projects and special packages across Kerala, but Palakkad secured only a few allocations and no major district-specific projects. The Budget proposes the construction and development of the Mannarkkad jail on a priority basis. Apart from this, Palakkad’s allocations include ₹2 crore for a new building for the community health centre (CHC) at Chalissery, ₹1 crore for the initial phase of the Ottapalam court complex, and ₹50 lakh for the K.R. Narayanan Civil Service Academy at Thrithala.The lack of major allocations has triggered criticism that the district has once again been overlooked in sectors such as industry, infrastructure, tourism, irrigation and transport. Stakeholders point out that several long-pending demands remain unaddressed.The absence of a special agricultural package is a major concern. Farmer organisations have long sought a Kuttanad-style package to tackle delays in paddy procurement, uncertainty in payments and rising cultivation costs. The budget’s failure to announce such a package has drawn criticism from the farming community.Farmers, however, have welcomed the government’s assurance that paddy procurement will be streamlined and payments made on time. The proposal to open additional government-run coconut procurement centres has also been viewed positively.Women farmers programmeThe Budget proposes a women farmers development programme and support for women-led agricultural enterprises and farmer collectives. It also seeks to promote the use of AI-powered drones, IoT technologies and modern farm equipment to improve productivity and strengthen climate resilience.Measures to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce and attract more young people to farming have also been outlined. Rubber farmers received some relief with the increase in the support price under the Rubber Production Incentive Scheme from ₹200 to ₹250 a kg. The hike is expected to benefit growers in the district’s hilly regions.Despite these measures, critics say the Budget does not adequately address Palakkad’s long-standing demands in agriculture, the Kanjikode industrial belt, irrigation and infrastructure development. Published - June 19, 2026 07:56 pm IST