Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the time is ripe for India to strengthen export-oriented agricultural production and integrate more effectively with global supply chains, emphasising that such a shift will create new employment opportunities while empowering farmers across the country.
Addressing a post-budget webinar on ‘Agriculture and Rural Transformation’ through video conferencing, the Prime Minister described agriculture as the backbone of India’s economy and a strategic pillar for future development.
PM Narendra Modi said the second quarter of the 21st century has begun and called for fresh energy in the agricultural sector by aligning farming with changing global demand.
He emphasised export-oriented agriculture, crop diversification and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
He highlighted reforms introduced in the Union Budget 2026–27 and urged agriculture experts, industry leaders and farmers to work together to build a high-value agricultural ecosystem capable of competing in global markets.
PM Modi also stressed maintaining quality standards, strengthening branding of Indian produce and expanding access to international markets while promoting organic and natural farming for sustainable agriculture.
He identified fisheries as a promising export sector and encouraged innovative business models to boost rural prosperity and high-value crops such as cashew, coconut, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds and walnuts.
He further called for greater private sector investment in animal husbandry and coastal fisheries and support for rural women entrepreneurs through Self Help Entrepreneurs–Marketing Avenues for Rural Transformation (SHE-Marts).
PM Modi also noted that over 7.63 crore farmer IDs and 23.5 crore crop plots have been registered under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
Meanwhile, the Union Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman allocated ₹1,62,671 crore for agriculture, marking a seven per cent increase to boost farmer welfare, rural employment and technology-driven farming.
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