New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for a major shift towards export-oriented agriculture in India, emphasizing its integration into global supply chains. Speaking at a post-budget webinar on ‘Agriculture and Rural Transformation’ via video conferencing, he highlighted how this approach would generate new jobs and empower farmers economically.
Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy and a strategic pillar, Modi asserted. As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, he urged infusing fresh energy into the sector. With global demands evolving rapidly, the focus must now pivot to export-based farming, crop diversification, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
The Prime Minister pointed to key reforms in the 2026-27 Union Budget aimed at enhancing farmer productivity and income. He appealed to agricultural experts, industry leaders, and farmers to collaborate in promoting high-value farming, positioning India competitively on the world stage.
‘Experts, industry, and farmers must work together to connect India better with global markets,’ Modi said, stressing the need for elevated quality standards and branding. He also advocated for organic and natural farming to promote holistic health benefits.
Modi spotlighted fisheries as a potential major export sector and underscored the importance of new business models for rural prosperity through high-value crops like cashew, coconut, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts. He pushed for increased private investment and entrepreneurship in animal husbandry and coastal fisheries.
Additionally, he announced plans to expand 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, up 7% from the previous year’s revised estimates. It prioritizes high-value crops in coastal areas like coconut, sandalwood, cocoa, and cashew, while supporting agarwood in the Northeast and nuts in hilly regions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcements target farmer income growth, rural job creation, and agricultural modernization, reinforcing the government’s commitment to food security and rural livelihoods.