Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the allocation of Rs 1,342 crore for Mission Mausam in the Union Budget 2026 in an effort to enhance India’s weather forecasting capabilities. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will receive a total of Rs 3,789.23 crore, up from the revised estimate of Rs 3,380 crore in 2025-26. Mission Mausam is designed to significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather predictions.
According to budget documents, it is an “ambitious initiative” that uses advanced modelling, high-performance computing, and cutting-edge technologies to transform how weather data is monitored and analysed.
Deep Ocean Mission Funding And Goals
The Deep Ocean Mission has been allocated Rs 625 crore, slightly less than the Rs 660 crore provided in the previous year’s revised estimates. The program focuses on exploring deep-sea resources and developing sustainable technologies for their use. Key initiatives include mapping ocean floors, creating a manned submersible capable of operating at 6,000 metres, developing systems for deep-sea mining, utilising marine bioresources responsibly, and designing offshore thermal energy-based desalination plants. The capital expenditure for this mission has been reduced to Rs 175 crore from Rs 219.6 crore in the revised 2025-26 estimates.
Driving Scientific Innovation
Both initiatives reflect India’s commitment to strengthening scientific research and technological innovation. Mission Mausam aims to ensure that weather-related decisions, from agriculture to disaster management, are based on precise and timely information. Meanwhile, the Deep Ocean Mission seeks to unlock the potential of India’s oceans while prioritising sustainability. By investing in advanced technology and research infrastructure, the government is signalling a clear focus on long-term scientific capabilities that benefit both the environment and the economy.
Dr Pushpendra P. Singh, Dean CAPS & Project Director, ANNAM.AI, IIT Ropar, said, “The Union Budget 2026–27 strongly reflects Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming Indian agriculture through technology and innovation. The launch of Bharat Vistaar is a significant step towards empowering farmers with AI-driven, real-time, climate-smart support, helping them make informed decisions, reduce risks from unpredictable weather, optimise inputs, and ultimately improve yields and livelihoods. The continued focus on precision agri-tech practices supports efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient farming while enhancing farmers’ incomes. This Budget rightly positions AI and digital innovation as key enablers of a future-ready farm sector.”
