The 2024 budget has been revealed today, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman. The budget may or may not meet popular expectations, but that is not the point of this discussion. In this post budget 2024 analysis, we will be talking about the FMCG sector. In the light of the budget 2024 updates, let’s discuss how the FMCG sector is likely to be impacted by the reforms and revisions announced.
Overview of Budget 2024 and Its Focus Areas
The budget seemed to have a particular focus on agriculture this time around. The reforms and revisions revolved around rural development and the agriculture industry predominantly, in addition to infrastructure and employment. The shrimp industry received some beneficial reforms as well. Rural and urban housing, and energy industry updates were also a significant part of the budget speech. Before we get into how these updates impact the FMCG sector, let’s first take a look at what they are.
Key Changes in Budget 2024 Affecting the FMCG Industry
1) Infrastructure investment: The capital expenditure, or capex, toward the infrastructural developments has increased this year considerably. A whopping 11,11,111 crores (why do you think it's all ones?) have been allotted for this area and the amount forms 3.4 percent of our GDP.
2) Self-sufficiency in pulses and oil seeds: Reforms have been announced to facilitate our country in being self-sufficient in following pulses and oil seeds particularly - Mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower.
3) Agricultural development: The whole agricultural industry as such has received significant attention in this budget. 109 climate resilient varieties of 32 crops will be released for cultivation as per the budget. Natural farming is encouraged and will be facilitated in many ways as it appears. Speaking of agriculture, rural development also received quite a bit of attention in this budget.
4) Housing and Employment: Care has been taken to address housing needs in rural and urban areas, in this budget. Employment and workforce welfare has been prioritised as well. Interns and women in the workforce have also been given special attention in the form of reform measures to help them.
5) Tax benefits: The income tax structure has been modified a little to result in increased savings for the taxpayers. The slabs have been revised and deductions have increased under the new regime.
Impact of Budget Changes on FMCG Companies
1. Improved Distribution and Manufacturing: Spending on infrastructure makes transport and logistics easier, faster, and more affordable to get goods to market. More reliable energy and utilities mean fewer production disruptions.
2. New Markets: Development in rural and urban areas exposes new markets and increases the number of consumers, increasing access to FMCG products, thereby increasing sales.
3. Higher Consumer Spend: An improvement in housing and employment reforms brings about better living standards and higher disposable incomes, hence a higher spend on FMCG products even at premium prices.
4. Control and Stability in Costs: A country becoming self-sufficient in its requirement of raw materials reduces its import dependence and hence costs, besides minimising the supply chain disruptions caused by any international trade-related issues.
5. Growth Driven by Tax Incentives: Reforms in the rate of taxation can reduce end prices for consumers and motivate business investment in the FMCG sector to foster the growth of the industry.
These are the factors that result in efficiency, extended reach, and growth of the FMCG industry on an aggregate level.
Let’s Shrimp it up
1. Focus on Exports: Government plans to raise shrimp exports by bettering the infrastructure and easing the export process. This would mean easier logistics and cold chain facilities so that the quality is better and competitive enough for the global market.
2. Aiding Farmers: Financial and technical support have been announced for shrimp farmers. It implies easy credit availability on reasonable terms, subsidies for setting up shrimp farms, and even training programs for adopting the best practices and modern technologies.
These would further make Indian shrimp more competitive in the international market. This measure will help in the growth of the shrimp industry, providing a healthy and long-term increase in the income of shrimp farmers.