PM Modi Highlights India’s Agricultural Growth; Says Farmers Shielded From Global Fuel Price Shock

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India’s agricultural growth and the government’s efforts to protect farmers from rising global fuel prices. Addressing the Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026, he said agricultural development, modern farming and higher farmer incomes remain essential to achieving a Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi urged farmers, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to work together to modernise agriculture, diversify crops and promote innovation. He linked India’s agricultural heritage to festivals such as Bihu, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Sarhul and Pola.

The Prime Minister said agriculture recorded average annual growth of over 4 per cent for the first time in a decade since Independence. India ranks first globally in milk, pulses, jute, rice and millet production. Agricultural exports have crossed Rs 4 lakh crore annually.

He highlighted growth in allied sectors, stating that milk production rose nearly 70 per cent, egg production around 90 per cent and fish production more than doubled. Honey production increased from 80,000 tonnes to 1.5 lakh tonnes, while horticulture output crossed 350 million tonnes.

Addressing the impact of the West Asia conflict, PM Modi said crude oil prices had climbed from around $70 to $122 per barrel. The government limited the diesel price increase to Rs 7 per litre instead of passing on the full Rs 50 increase. It absorbed Rs 43 per litre, spending around Rs 14,000 crore every month to protect consumers and farmers.

He also highlighted the PM-KUSUM scheme, soil testing laboratories, Namo Drone Didis and 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations. The government has spent Rs 16 lakh crore over 12 years to provide affordable fertilisers.

PM Modi said stronger rural infrastructure, technology and farmer incomes would help build a modern and sustainable agricultural sector.

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