Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emphasised the need to make Indian agriculture more export-oriented and technology-driven, stating that scaling high-value agriculture can transform the sector into a globally competitive engine of rural prosperity.
Addressing the post-Budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation”, the Prime Minister said the Union Budget 2026–27 provides a strong push to agriculture and rural development. He called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to ensure that the provisions announced in the Budget translate into tangible benefits for farmers.
Agriculture Key Pillar of India’s Economy
PM Modi said agriculture continues to be the backbone of the Indian economy and a strategic pillar of the country’s long-term development.
Highlighting major government initiatives, he noted that nearly 10 crore farmers have received over ₹4 lakh crore under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, around ₹2 lakh crore in insurance claims have been settled under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, helping reduce risks for farmers.
He also pointed out that the expansion of institutional credit coverage has strengthened farmers’ financial security.
Push for High-Value and Export-Oriented Farming
The Prime Minister said changing global consumption trends present an opportunity for India to expand its presence in international agricultural markets.
“If we scale high-value agriculture together, it will transform agriculture into a globally competitive sector,” he said, adding that export-oriented production will also create rural employment through processing and value addition.
He highlighted the government’s focus on promoting region-specific high-value crops, including cocoa, cashew and sandalwood, along with agarwood cultivation in the Northeast and temperate nut crops in Himalayan states.
Fisheries Sector Holds Major Export Potential
PM Modi described the fisheries sector as a major opportunity for export growth, noting that India is currently the world’s second-largest fish producer.
He said production from reservoirs and ponds can be increased significantly through improved hatcheries, feed systems and logistics infrastructure.
Calling fisheries a high-impact sector for rural prosperity, the Prime Minister urged stronger coordination between the fisheries department and local communities.
Focus on Livestock and Dairy Development
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the livestock and dairy sectors, noting that India is the largest milk producer in the world and the second-largest producer of eggs.
He said improving breeding quality, disease prevention and scientific livestock management will further boost rural incomes.
According to Modi, more than 125 crore vaccine doses have been administered to livestock to prevent foot-and-mouth disease, while initiatives such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund are encouraging technological adoption and private investment in the sector.
Technology and Digital Infrastructure in Agriculture
Emphasising the role of technology in modernising agriculture, the Prime Minister said the government is building digital public infrastructure through AgriStack.
Initiatives such as Kisan IDs and digital land surveys are helping create a data-driven ecosystem for farmers.
“Technology delivers results when systems adopt it, institutions integrate it, and entrepreneurs build innovations on it,” Modi said, urging wider use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to connect research institutions with farmers.
Crop Diversification and Rural Women Empowerment
PM Modi also stressed the need for crop diversification to reduce risks for farmers. He highlighted government missions focused on edible oils, pulses and natural farming as important steps in strengthening the agriculture sector.
Highlighting the role of women in rural development, he referred to the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs through self-help groups.
The government has already helped three crore women achieve higher incomes and aims to create three crore more “Lakhpati Didis” by 2029, he said.
Call for Investment in Agri Infrastructure
The Prime Minister concluded by urging experts, industry stakeholders and entrepreneurs to invest in agri-fintech, storage infrastructure and supply chains.
He expressed confidence that the discussions at the webinar would help accelerate the implementation of the Union Budget’s agriculture and rural development agenda.
