Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a post-budget webinar on agriculture and rural prosperity today, March 1, 2025, through video conferencing. In his address, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to all participants and emphasized the significance of their contributions in making the budget more effective. He stated that this year’s budget marks the first full budget of the Government's third term, highlighting both continuity in policies and an expanded vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He also appreciated the valuable input and suggestions from stakeholders before the budget, acknowledging their role in shaping the financial planning.
PM Modi reiterated the government's commitment to advancing the agriculture sector and ensuring the empowerment of farmers, stating, “Our resolve towards the goal of Viksit Bharat is very clear and together, we are building an India where farmers are prosperous and empowered.” He emphasized that the aim is to ensure no farmer is left behind and that every farmer progresses. The Prime Minister noted that agriculture is seen as the first engine of development, contributing to the country’s broader goals of rural prosperity.
Highlighting key initiatives, Modi pointed out that the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, launched six years ago, has transferred nearly Rs 3.75 lakh crore directly to the accounts of over 11 crore farmers. He underlined the impact of this scheme on strengthening the rural economy, noting the creation of a farmer-centric digital infrastructure to ensure transparency and direct benefits, eliminating intermediaries. He thanked the experts and stakeholders for their contributions in making such programs successful.
The Prime Minister also noted that India’s agricultural production has reached record levels, with total agricultural production now exceeding 330 million tons, up from around 265 million tons a decade ago. He attributed this achievement to comprehensive reforms in agriculture, farmer empowerment, and a robust value chain. Modi emphasized the importance of continuing to harness the full agricultural potential of the country, setting even more ambitious targets.
The Prime Minister also introduced the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a new initiative aimed at enhancing the agricultural development of the country’s 100 least productive districts. He cited the success of the Aspirational Districts Program as a model for collaboration, competition, and convergence, urging stakeholders to apply these lessons to further benefit farmers' income in these areas.
On the issue of pulses, Modi stressed the need to increase domestic production, particularly of pigeon peas, black gram, and lentils, to reduce dependence on imports. He urged for the promotion of hybrid varieties and the continued supply of advanced seeds to address challenges like climate change, market uncertainty, and price fluctuations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the advancements made in crop breeding, with over 2,900 new varieties of crops, including grains, oilseeds, pulses, fodder, and sugarcane, developed by ICAR between 2014 and 2024. He emphasized the importance of making these new varieties affordable and accessible to farmers while ensuring their resilience against weather fluctuations. The recent announcement of a national mission for high-yield seeds was also mentioned, with a call to the private sector to contribute to the seed distribution network, particularly for small farmers.
PM Modi acknowledged the growing awareness around nutrition and emphasized the government's investments in sectors such as horticulture, dairy, and fisheries to meet increasing demands. He specifically mentioned the formation of the Makhana Board in Bihar and called on stakeholders to explore ways to promote diverse nutritional foods, both domestically and internationally.
Recalling the launch of the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana in 2019, Modi noted its success in enhancing the fisheries sector’s value chain, improving production, and boosting exports. He emphasized the importance of sustainable fishing practices in India's Exclusive Economic Zone and urged the development of a comprehensive plan to promote this in open seas. He also stressed protecting the interests of traditional fishermen.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by reiterating the government’s commitment to enriching the rural economy. He highlighted schemes such as the PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, which is providing homes to millions, and the Swamitva Yojana, which is giving property owners official rights. Modi also emphasized the economic growth of self-help groups and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana’s positive impact on small farmers and businesses.
He urged all stakeholders to discuss how to further improve the effectiveness of ongoing schemes and expressed confidence that the collective participation in the webinar will lead to swift implementation of the budget's proposals. The Prime Minister called on everyone to work together to achieve the targets set for rural prosperity and development.
This year's Union Budget aims to make the agriculture sector more resilient and prosperous. Addressing a webinar on 'Agriculture and Rural Prosperity.' https://t.co/5ounXdOelZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2025
