New Delhi witnessed a visionary address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, where he championed the urgent need to ramp up export-oriented agriculture in India. Speaking at a post-budget webinar on ‘Agriculture and Rural Transformation’ via video conferencing, PM Modi emphasized integrating Indian farming into global supply chains to unlock new employment opportunities and empower farmers.
Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy and a strategic pillar, the Prime Minister asserted. As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, he called for infusing fresh energy into the sector. With global demands evolving rapidly, the focus must shift to export-driven farming, crop diversification, and cutting-edge technologies.
Highlighting key reforms in the 2026-27 Union Budget aimed at enhancing farmer productivity and income, PM Modi urged agricultural experts, industry leaders, and farmers to collaborate. This united effort, he said, would promote high-value farming and position India as a global competitor.
PM Modi stressed the importance of quality standards and branding to better connect with international markets. He advocated for organic and natural farming to improve overall health and spotlighted fisheries as a promising export sector. New business models and high-value crops are essential for rural prosperity, he added.
The Prime Minister spotlighted crops like cashew, coconut, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts for their immense potential. He pushed for private investments and entrepreneurial involvement in animal husbandry and coastal fisheries.
Additionally, he announced the expansion of platforms like SHE-Mart to help women self-help groups reach markets with their products. India has built a robust digital foundation for agriculture, with over 7.63 crore farmer IDs created and 23.5 crore crop plots surveyed under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
The 2026-27 Budget allocates Rs 1,62,671 crore to agriculture, a 7% increase from the previous year’s revised estimates. Targeted initiatives include promoting high-value crops like coconut, sandalwood, cocoa, and cashew in coastal areas, agarwood in the Northeast, and almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts in hilly regions. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, food security, and rural livelihoods.