Modi Launches Major Agricultural Development Initiative
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New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated agricultural projects valued at ₹42,000 crore, aiming to revolutionize the sector and its allied industries.
Two flagship initiatives—the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses—were unveiled with combined funding of ₹35,440 crore. These programs aim to strengthen domestic production capabilities while addressing food security challenges.
Additional investments exceeding ₹5,450 crore were announced across agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing industries. The Prime Minister also initiated foundational work for infrastructure projects worth ₹815 crore.
During his address, Modi emphasized agriculture’s pivotal role in national development: “Our farmers hold the key to realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader. We must evolve from self-sufficiency to becoming an agricultural exporter meeting international demand.”
The Prime Minister highlighted recent GST revisions that prioritize rural economic benefits, noting significant sectoral growth over the past decade: “Agricultural exports have nearly doubled since 2014, grain production surged by 900 lakh metric tonnes, and India now leads global milk production. Comprehensive reforms from seed distribution to market access have empowered our farmers.”
Modi encouraged agricultural diversification beyond traditional crops like wheat and rice, stressing pulses cultivation to achieve protein security and reduce import reliance. He championed integrated farming models combining animal husbandry, aquaculture, and apiculture to support smallholders and landless communities.
Technological adoption featured prominently in his vision: “Initiatives like Namo Drone Didi exemplify our commitment to modernize farming practices through innovations in fertilization and pest control.
The inauguration included multiple developmental projects:
- Artificial insemination training centers in Bengaluru and Jammu-Kashmir
- Agricultural excellence hubs in Amreli and Banas
- Assam’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission IVF lab
- Milk processing facilities in Mehsana, Indore, and Bhilwara
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana feed plant in Tezpur
Government data revealed substantial progress under agricultural schemes, with 50 lakh farmers now participating in 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations. Notably, 1,100 FPOs achieved annual revenues exceeding ₹1 crore during FY 2024-25, signaling robust rural entrepreneurship growth.
