PM Modi interacts with Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the third post Budget Webinar today, focusing on " Agriculture and Rural Transformation ". Reflecting on the previous sessions regarding technology and economic growth, the Prime Minister noted that stakeholders had provided valuable cooperation during the budget formulation. "Now, after the budget, it is equally important that the country reaps the benefits of its full potential, and your suggestions in this direction and this webinar is thus important ", Shri Modi emphasised.

The Prime Minister highlighted that agriculture remains the mainstay of the Indian economy and a strategic pillar for the nation's long-term developmental journey. Shri Modi emphasized several programs, such as the ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi’, and ‘Minimum Support Price (MSP)’ reforms that provide farmers with 1.5 times returns. " Our government has continuously strengthened the agriculture sector”, Shri Modi remarked.

Providing data on the success of existing schemes, the Prime Minister noted that 10 crore farmers have received over ₹4 lakh crore as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and nearly ₹2 lakh crore in insurance claims have been settled under ‘PM Fasal Bima Yojana’. Siri Modi also noted that the institutional credit coverage has become more than 75%. "Such numerous efforts have reduced the risks for farmers and provided them with basic economic security," Shri Modi affirmed.

On record production in food grains and pulses, the Prime Minister called for infusing the sector with new energy as the 21st century's second quarter begins. Highlighting that renewed efforts have been made in this direction in this year’s Union Budget, Shri Modi expressed confidence that the webinar's deliberations would fast-track the implementation of budget provisions. "I am confident that the discussion among you in this webinar and the resulting suggestions will help in implementing the budget provisions on the ground as quickly as possible", Shri Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister highlighted the shifting global demand and the necessity of making Indian agriculture export-oriented. He urged the full utilization of India's diverse climate to increase productivity and export strength. "In this webinar, it is essential to have maximum discussion on making our farming export-oriented.", Shri Modi remarked,

Focusing on high-value agriculture, the Prime Minister detailed budget proposals for region-specific promotion of crops like cocoa, cashew, and sandalwood. Shri Modi also highlighted the budget proposal of promotion of Agarwood in the North East,and Temperate Nut crops in the Himalayan states.The Prime Minister noted that export oriented production would lead to rural employment through processing and value addition. "If we scale high-value agriculture together, it will transform agriculture into a globally competitive sector",Shri Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister called for a unified approach involving experts, industry, and farmers to meet global branding and quality standards. He stressed the importance of setting clear goals to connect local farmers with global markets. "Discussions on all these topics will further enhance the importance of this webinar.", Shri Modi remarked.

Turning to the fisheries sector, the Prime Minister stated that India is the world's second-largest fish producer. Shri Modi further highlighted that while approximately 4.5 lakh tonnes of fish are currently produced in our various reservoirs and ponds, there exists a potential for an additional 20 lakh tonnes of production. "Fisheries can become a major platform for export growth.”, Shri Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for new business models in hatcheries, feed, and logistics to realize the potential of the Blue Economy. He encouraged strong coordination between the fisheries department and local communities. "This can become a high-value, high-impact sector for rural prosperity, and you must deliberate on this together.", Shri Modi emphasised.

The Prime Minister stated that India is the world's largest milk producer today and ranks second in egg production. He highlighted that to take this further, the focus must be on breeding quality, disease prevention, and scientific management. Shri Modi further emphasized that the health of livestock is a crucial subject, noting, "When I speak of 'One Earth, One Health,' it includes the health of livestock."

Highlighting India's self-reliance in vaccine production, the Prime Minister noted the expansion of technology under the National Gokul Mission and the availability of Kisan Credit Cards for animal husbandry farmers. The Prime Minister stated that more than 125 crore doses have already been administered to protect animals from Foot and Mouth Disease. "To encourage private investment, the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund has also been started," the Prime Minister added.

To mitigate risks, the Prime Minister advocated for crop diversification over single-crop dependency. He cited missions for edible oils, pulses, and natural farming as tools to boost the sector's strength. Shri Modi emphasized, "Therefore, we are focusing on crop diversification."

The Prime Minister reminded participants that since agriculture is a state subject, states must be inspired to fulfill their budgetary responsibilities. He called for strengthening budget provisions at the district level for maximum impact.

The Prime Minister spoke extensively on the "technology culture" in agriculture, referencing e-NAM and the development of digital public infrastructure. He noted the creation of Kisan IDs and digital land surveys as transformative steps. Shri Modi asserted, "The government places great emphasis on bringing a 'technology culture' to agriculture."

Highlighting the role of AI-based platforms and digital surveys, the Prime Minister stated that technology only yields results when it is integrated by institutions and entrepreneurs. He called for suggestions on how to effectively merge technology with traditional systems. The Prime Minister remarked, "The suggestions emerging from this webinar will play a major role in how we correctly integrate technology."

The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to rural prosperity through schemes like PM Awas Yojana and PM Gram Sadak Yojana. He specifically noted the impact of Self-Help Groups on the rural economy. Shri Modi affirmed, "Our government is committed to building rural prosperity."

Discussing the 'Lakhpati Didi' campaign, the Prime Minister set a target of creating 3 crore more such successful women entrepreneurs by 2029. He sought suggestions on how to achieve this goal with greater speed. The PM stressed, "Your suggestions on how to achieve this goal even faster will be significant."

Closing his address, the Prime Minister pointed to the massive storage campaign and the need for innovation in agri-fintech and supply chains. He urged entrepreneurs to increase investment in these critical areas to energize the rural landscape. The Prime Minister concluded, "I am confident that the nectar emerging from your deliberations today will provide new energy to the rural economy."