Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveils Transformative Agricultural Schemes to Empower Indian Farmers

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two landmark agricultural initiatives, the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, marking a significant step towards self-reliance and rural prosperity in India. With a combined outlay of Rs 35,440 crore, these schemes aim to enhance productivity, promote sustainable farming, and reduce dependency on imports for critical crops like pulses. The announcement was made during an event in New Delhi, where Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth over Rs 42,000 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture.

Speaking to a large gathering of farmers and stakeholders, Modi emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives. “The PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses will change the fortunes of millions of farmers, ushering in an era of self-reliance, rural empowerment, and innovation in agriculture,” he said. The event, held on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Jayaprakash Narayan, highlighted the need for rapid reforms to strengthen India’s agricultural framework.

Agricultural Progress Under NDA Leadership

Modi outlined significant achievements in the agricultural sector over the past 11 years under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Agricultural exports have nearly doubled, reflecting India’s growing presence in global markets. Food-grain production has increased by approximately 90 million metric tonnes, showcasing improved efficiency in staple crop cultivation. Fruit and vegetable output has surged by over 640 lakh metric tonnes, bolstering nutritional security and economic opportunities for farmers.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s global standing, noting that the country now leads the world in milk production and ranks as the second-largest fish producer. To support farmers’ access to inputs, six new fertilizer companies have been established, and 25 crore soil health cards have been distributed over the past decade, enabling better soil management and crop planning. “Our focus has been to empower farmers with resources and knowledge, from seeds to markets,” Modi stated, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to agricultural development since 2014.

PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: A Vision for Productivity and Sustainability

The PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, allocated Rs 24,000 crore, is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming 100 agricultural districts selected based on low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and limited access to credit. By converging existing schemes, the program avoids the need for a separate budget, ensuring efficient resource utilization. Its key objectives include:

• Enhancing agricultural productivity through modern techniques and inputs.
• Promoting crop diversification to mitigate risks associated with mono-cropping.
• Encouraging sustainable farming practices to address environmental challenges.
• Improving irrigation facilities to ensure reliable water access.

This initiative is expected to uplift underdeveloped agricultural regions, making them hubs of innovation and productivity. By addressing structural gaps, the scheme aims to create a resilient farming ecosystem that supports both farmers and consumers.

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Securing Food and Nutrition

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with an outlay of Rs 11,440 crore, targets India’s dependency on pulse imports, a critical component of the nation’s diet. Approved by the Union Cabinet on October 1, the mission will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2030-31 with ambitious goals:

• Expanding the area under pulse cultivation to 310 lakh hectares.
• Increasing pulse production to 350 lakh tonnes.
• Raising average yield to 1,130 kg per hectare by 2030-31.

Modi described the mission as a campaign to empower future generations through better nutrition and food security. “Pulses are not just crops; they are vital for the health and strength of our people,” he said, underscoring the initiative’s broader societal impact.

Massive Project Inaugurations Across Key Sectors

In addition to launching the schemes, Modi inaugurated and dedicated projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing. These include:

• 1,054 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Projects: Valued at Rs 3,650 crore, completed since June 2024, these projects focus on improving post-harvest infrastructure, such as storage and processing facilities, to reduce losses and enhance farmer incomes.
• 17 Animal Husbandry Projects: Worth Rs 1,166 crore, these initiatives aim to improve livestock breeds and control diseases, strengthening the dairy and meat sectors.
• 16 Fisheries Projects: Valued at Rs 693 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, these projects promote sustainable aquaculture and value addition.
• 11 Food Processing Projects: Worth Rs 808 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry, these initiatives encourage agro-industrial growth and job creation.

Foundation stones were also laid for additional projects worth Rs 815 crore, signaling sustained investment in these sectors. These developments are expected to create employment opportunities, improve supply chains, and boost rural economies.

Policy Reforms and Ministerial Perspectives

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the government’s recent GST reforms, which have reduced tax rates on farm equipment, providing financial relief to farmers. “The Prime Minister has always prioritized farmers’ welfare,” Chouhan said, noting the recent hike in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi crops. He expressed optimism that the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana would significantly uplift the targeted districts, creating models of agricultural excellence.

Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, joining virtually, described the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana as a transformative step for agrarian India. He highlighted the livestock sector’s 63% growth over the past decade, crediting Modi’s leadership. “India’s position as the world’s top milk producer is a result of our focused policies,” Singh said, adding that nine states are set to become foot-and-mouth disease-free in the near future.

Contrasting Past and Present: A Critique of Previous Governments

Modi took the opportunity to critique the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s approach to agriculture, accusing it of neglect. “Previous governments abandoned agriculture, leaving farmers to struggle. Since 2014, we have reversed this through countless reforms,” he said. He compared fertilizer subsidies, noting that the UPA provided Rs 5 lakh crore over 10 years, while the NDA has allocated over Rs 13 lakh crore in the same period.

Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Rs 3.75 lakh crore has been directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, matching the UPA’s annual agricultural expenditure. Modi also highlighted GST reforms that have reduced costs for farmers, citing tractors as an example: previously taxed at Rs 70,000 per unit, they are now nearly Rs 40,000 cheaper.

A Call for Global Competitiveness

Urging farmers to adopt a global outlook, Modi emphasized the importance of producing for international markets. “You made India self-sufficient in food after independence. Now, let’s focus on crops that dominate global markets,” he said during an interaction at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. This vision aligns with the schemes’ goals of enhancing productivity and diversifying crops to meet both domestic and global demands.

Strategic Alignment with National Goals

Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the two schemes reflect a strategic alignment with India’s broader development objectives. By addressing productivity gaps, promoting sustainability, and reducing import dependency, they contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The targeted approach of selecting 100 districts for the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and setting clear milestones for the pulses mission ensures measurable outcomes over the coming years.

Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Agriculture

The launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses marks a pivotal moment for Indian agriculture. With substantial investments, policy reforms, and a focus on innovation, these initiatives promise to empower farmers, enhance food security, and strengthen rural economies. As India aims to lead global agricultural markets, these schemes position the nation’s farmers as key architects of a prosperous and self-reliant future.

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