Sikkim Budget 2026-27: interest relief for KCC crop loans, statewide HPV screening and renal transplant push

The Sikkim Budget 2026-27 sets out new initiatives focused on agriculture and health, announced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay. In the agriculture sector, the government plans a State Interest Subvention Scheme for Kisan Credit Card (KCC) agricultural crop loans to lower the cost of borrowing for farmers.

The KCC crop loan interest rate is currently 7 per cent. Under the central Government of India arrangement, timely repayment brings a 3 per cent interest subvention through NABARD, which reduces the effective rate to 4 per cent. The Budget also proposes an additional 3 per cent interest subvention for farmers who repay within the prescribed time and use the loan for agricultural and related activities. Officials said this would make eligible farmers effectively pay only 1 per cent interest per annum.

HPV self-sampling programme for women aged 30 to 65

On the health front, the Budget highlights cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Cervical cancer is described as the second most common cancer among women in Sikkim after breast cancer, and it is linked to persistent infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Sikkim has already implemented an HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls, with the coverage rate reported as 92.11 per cent.

The Budget now proposes a Statewide HPV Screening Programme using self-sampling. Women aged 30 to 65 years, covering about 1.5 lakh beneficiaries, will be provided HPV self-sampling kits after counselling and training. Samples will be tested through the State’s health system. Those found to have HPV infection or precancerous lesions are expected to receive timely treatment and follow-up care, while suspected cancer cases will be referred for specialised diagnosis and management.

Renal transplant services planned within the State

The Budget also announces plans to operationalise a Renal Transplant Programme within Sikkim during the current financial year. The report says STNM Hospital has the required departments of nephrology and urology, as well as a trained multidisciplinary transplant team and supporting infrastructure, enabling kidney transplantation services for the first time in the State.

The proposal is aimed at reducing the need for patients with end-stage renal disease to travel outside Sikkim for transplantation. The text notes that between 2023 and 2025, STNM recorded 452 chronic kidney disease cases, with 74 patients referred outside the State for renal transplantation. It also describes ongoing reliance on dialysis and capacity pressures, including round-the-clock haemodialysis and dialysis units functioning near full capacity in several centres.

Alongside these steps, the government said it will introduce mastic asphalt surfacing on Sikkim roads as part of its road infrastructure strategy, citing its suitability for the State’s climatic and geographic conditions and its resistance to water ingress and surface deterioration.