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The government has proposed tax exemptions on the import of pesticides and raw materials for fertilisers, which are essential inputs for agricultural production.

At the same time, an increase in import duties has been proposed to boost domestic cashew nut production.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury made the proposals in the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The budget statement noted, "It is proposed to waive value-added tax to zero percent on the import of 36 raw materials used in pesticide production.

“It is also proposed to completely waive the import duty on the import of zinc ash, the primary raw material for manufacturing domestic zinc sulphate fertiliser."

Moreover, instead of specific branded products, a proposal has been made to offer a zero percent concessionary rate on the import of different veterinary medicines under their generic categories.

Tax relief is also being provided on the import of raw materials for industries producing poultry, dairy, and fish feed.

The budget said, "For the continuous growth and protection of industries producing poultry, dairy, and fish feed, it is proposed to include three new raw materials in the relevant notification to grant them a concessionary benefit at a zero percent rate."

Additionally, concessionary benefits have been granted on the import of machinery and spare parts for the poultry sector. A proposal has been made to reduce the import duty to zero percent in this sector.

Meanwhile, to encourage cashew nut cultivation, the duty on the import of this product has been increased.

According to the budget, "It is proposed to increase the import duty on unprocessed cashew nuts and processed cashew nuts from 1 percent and 5 percent respectively to 25 percent."

However, it has been proposed to fix the import duty on unprocessed cashew nuts at 15 percent when imported by domestic processors.

A supplementary duty has also been imposed on the import of pangas fish fillets.

The budget specified, "With a view to ensuring appropriate market protection for the domestic fish processing industry, it is proposed to impose a 20 percent supplementary duty on imported pangas fish fillets."