New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- The government has sharply front-loaded farm spending this year, seeking to cushion rural incomes and demand as El Nino and a weak monsoon raise risks for agriculture. It spent more than a fifth of its annual agriculture allocation in the first quarter of the financial year 2027 (FY27), more than twice the pace a year ago, according to government data reviewed by Mint and two officials. In the farm focus, the spending on fertilizers has also seen an acceleration.

Typically, government spending picks up towards the latter half of the fiscal.

Against its full-year allocation of Rs.1.41 trillion, the agriculture and farmers welfare ministry spent 21%, or Rs.29,593 crore, during April-June, according to department of e...