Says “Agriculture, Craftsmanship The Strategic Pillars of India’s Long-Term Growth”
“Over 75% of Agriculture Now Covered by Institutional Credit”
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emphasized the need to make Indian agriculture export-oriented and technology-driven while addressing the third post-Budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation.”
The Prime Minister said agriculture, farming and traditional craftsmanship remain the main pillars of India’s economy and a strategic component of the country’s long-term development. He noted that several government initiatives have strengthened the sector and improved the economic security of farmers.
Highlighting key schemes, Modi said nearly 10 crore farmers have received over ₹4 lakh crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, while insurance claims worth around ₹2 lakh crore have been settled under the Pradhan Mantri FasalBima Yojana. Institutional credit coverage in the agriculture sector has also crossed 75 percent, he added.
The Prime Minister said the Union Budget has introduced several measures to boost high-value agriculture and exports, including region-specific promotion of crops such as coconut, cashew, cocoa and sandalwood. Special emphasis has also been placed on promoting agarwood in the Northeast and temperate nut crops in Himalayan states.
He noted that expanding export-oriented agricultural production would create employment opportunities in rural areas through processing, value addition and improved supply chains.
Modi also stressed the importance of natural and chemical-free farming, noting that global demand for organic and health-conscious food products is growing rapidly. Certification and laboratory facilities are being planned to help Indian farmers access international markets.
The Prime Minister highlighted the vast potential of the fisheries sector, noting that while India is already the second-largest fish producer in the world, reservoirs and ponds across the country could generate significantly higher production.
He also emphasized the role of animal husbandry in strengthening rural incomes, pointing out that India is the largest milk producer globally and ranks second in egg production.
Modi further underlined the importance of technology in agriculture, referring to platforms such as e-NAM and the development of AgriStack, which includes digital farmer identities and land records. Nearly 9 crore farmer IDs have already been created, he said.
Calling for collaboration between governments, industry and farmers, the Prime Minister urged stakeholders to ensure that the provisions announced in the Union Budget are implemented effectively at the grassroots level.
PIB
