Reforms, policies that prioritise welfare of every annadata and interventions to create a more conducive ecosystem in Indian agriculture have sparked a new era of transformation. Traditionally focused on subsistence and food security, the sector faced challenges such as fragmented landholdings, low mechanisation, and unpredictable yields. Over the years, gradual modernisation began, but large-scale transformation remained limited. Major policy changes and initiatives adopted since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have transformed agriculture into a sustained, productivity-oriented economy powered by the engines of scale, science, and sustainability.
Mission Mode Activated: Turning Challenges into Record Productivity Gains
At the heart of this transformation lies a targeted, mission-mode strategy that departs from earlier scattered, one-size-fits-all programmes to deliver sharply focused initiatives that address specific bottlenecks across agricultural products, including pulses, seeds, and cotton, as well as components such as irrigation, natural farming, and allied sectors. The results are already underway, achieving significant milestones showcasing enhanced productivity across major crops. For instance, total foodgrain production crossed 357 million metric tonnes in 2024-25, marking a 43.7% increase from 2013-14. Total agricultural production rose 35% in the same period. This growth is the result of a systematic, outcome-oriented policy architecture that has been steadily strengthened and accelerated through bold new missions since 2014.
Oilseeds & Oil Palm Mission: Cutting Imports, Boosting Farmer Prosperity
Another such mission-mode approach is being adopted to enhance edible oil production. In view of the growing domestic demand for edible oils and to reduce dependence on palm oil imports, the current government approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds and Oil Palm in 2021 with a financial outlay of Rs. 11,040 crore. It aims to bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation by 2025–26 and increase crude palm oil production to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029–30. In terms of implementation, 2.50 lakh hectares have been covered, bringing the country's total oil palm coverage to 6.20 lakh hectares as of November 2025. In terms of impact, Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production has risen from 1.91 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 3.80 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. This initiative is not only reducing imports and saving the national exchequer but also enhancing farmers’ income.
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Transforming Backward Districts into Growth Engines
Another classic example of the government's targeted, productivity-enhancing approach is the recently launched PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). Under this initiative, 100 districts have been identified on the basis of three key indicators -low crop productivity, low cropping intensity, and low agricultural credit disbursement. Adopting a convergence-based approach, this initiative integrates 36 Central Schemes of 11 Departments, state schemes and private sector participation and benefits 1.7 crore farmers.
Powering Farmers with Traditional Techniques and Smart Technology
India’s agricultural development strategy has progressively shifted toward enhancing productivity through improved input-use efficiency, technological adoption. In this context, the Digital Agriculture Mission adopted in 2024 is a key intervention. The Mission aims to create Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture, such as AgriStack, the Krishi Decision Support System (KDSS), and a comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map, to enable a robust digital agriculture ecosystem in the country. This intends to benefit our Annadatas immensely with innovative farmer-centric digital solutions and provide reliable crop-related information on time.
Along with productivity, the government also focuses on protecting Mother Earth. Considering this aspect, the Modi government introduced targeted measures towards adopting natural and organic farming practices. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), operational since 2014-15, has made agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient. Apart from this, another major intervention came in 2024 with the adoption of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). This initiative aims to promote chemical-free, ecosystem-based natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge. The target was to cover 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters, with a total outlay of Rs. 2,481 crore and facilitate 1 crore farmers. It also aims to establish 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres for knowledge dissemination, training, and guidance. Based on a convergence approach, this initiative successfully integrates schemes of both the Central and State Governments. As of 2026, more than 6,000 Bio Resource centres have been established. Studies show that measurable improvements are witnessed in soil health indicators.
Crop Diversification Missions: Unlocking High-Value Growth Opportunities
Promoting crop diversification has been a key pillar of this productivity strategy. The current government also promoted crop diversification to reduce over-dependence on a few staple crops and shift towards high-yielding cash crops. The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced several targeted missions to reduce over-dependence on a few staple crops and promote a balanced, high-value agricultural portfolio. The National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds, with an initial allocation of Rs. 100 crore, is accelerating the commercial availability of more than 100 advanced, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant seed varieties across cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and other crops, enabling farmers to diversify their portfolios with higher-yielding and stress-tolerant options.
Similarly, the Mission for Cotton Productivity, rolled out over a five-year period, seeks to revitalise cotton cultivation, a key cash crop, through strategic interventions across the value chain and offering farmers an attractive alternative to traditional crops while boosting yields and earnings.
In addition, the government is also ensuring an efficient supply chain and adequate price guarantee for the farmers in the horticulture sector. Announced during Union Budget 2025-26, the Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits aims to promote large-scale horticulture production supported by efficient supply chains, value addition, processing, and robust market linkages in partnership with states and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Over the last 12 years, the Indian agricultural sector has undergone a massive transformation. Due to sustained investments in science, technology, infrastructure, and farmer-centric schemes, agriculture has become significantly stronger. Today, India stands among the top global agricultural producers in terms of foodgrain production, the expansion of allied sectors, the widespread adoption of digital tools, and a clear shift towards sustainable and diversified farming. Indian agriculture stands as one of the strongest pillars of the Viksit Bharat vision, and our Annadatas are now empowered with better seeds, assured markets, risk protection, and modern knowledge.
