He also highlighted rapid strides made in recent years in the production of pulses, for which the country had to resort to intermittent imports in the past. India has been a major exporter of rice for several years now.
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Experts said that more incentives for crop diversification would enable the country to be self-sufficient in edible oils as well. Import bill for edible oils is very high – it stood at $15.9 billion in FY24 and $16.7 billion in FY23.
Rs 24,000 Crore Scheme to Boost Productivity
Last month, the Cabinet had approved the scheme, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and income of 100 districts with an annual outlay of Rs 24,000 crore. The scheme, to be implemented through a convergence model, would draw financial allocation from 36 existing schemes across 11 ministries including agriculture, food, animal husbandry, dairying, fisheries, finance, rural development, cooperation and irrigation.
The scheme would be in operation for six years starting with the current fiscal and is projected to support around 17 million farmers.
Modi also outlined a clear road map for the future of Indian agriculture while paying tribute to farmers, calling them the ‘backbone of the nation’s journey from dependency to ‘self-reliance’.
Record Grain Production and Farmer Support
Praising country’s small farmers’, cattle rearers or fishermen resilience, Modi said through initiatives such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan), rainwater harvesting, irrigation projects, quality seed distribution, and timely fertiliser supply have together boosted farmers’ confidence across the country.
Since the launch of the PM Kisan, in February, 2019, over Rs 3.89 lakh crore has been transferred to around 90 million farmers bank accounts through 20 equal instalments. Under the scheme, land owning farmers get direct cash benefit of Rs 6000 annually through three equal instalments.
Modi also stated that last year, Indian Farmers broke all previous records in the production of grains at 353.3 million tonne (MT) in 2024-25 crop year (July-June). The government has set a record target of 354.64 MT for food grains production in the 2025-26 crop year.
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The tireless efforts of farmers that filled India’s granaries and secured the nation’s food sovereignty, Modi said.
At present India ranks first globally in milk, pulses, and jute production, while standing second in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables, Prime Minister Modi stated. He also stated that agricultural exports have crossed Rs 4 lakh crore.
To address foot-and-mouth disease in the livestock sector, Modi said the government has administered free 125 crore vaccination doses so far.