New Delhi, Oct 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a Rs 35,400 crore boost for the agriculture sector across the country with Baramulla and Kistwar agricultural aspirational districts to be part of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ (PM-DDKY) involving 36 sub-schemes across 11 ministries.
At a landmark event held at Pusa, Delhi, PM Modi unveiled a series of transformative initiatives for India’s agriculture and allied sectors.
PM Modi interacted directly with groups of farmers engaged in pulses cultivation, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), animal husbandry, and fisheries, discussing their challenges and innovations.
The occasion also marked tributes to eminent social reformers such as Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh on their birth anniversaries.
The launch of the ‘PM-DDKY’ and the ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’ marks a major milestone in India’s agricultural journey.
The ‘PM-DDKY’ is a coordinated initiative involving 36 sub-schemes across 11 ministries, designed to accelerate agricultural progress in agricultural aspirational districts including Baramulla in Kashmir and Kistwar in Chenab Valley.
The ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’ aims to make India self-sufficient in pulses production, reducing dependence on imports in light of rising domestic demand.
The PM also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 1100 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors.
Together, these initiatives represent a historic investment exceeding Rs 42,000 crore, paving the way for the creation of modern cold storage facilities, processing units, and warehouses across rural India.
RECOGNITION OF FARMERS AND FPOS
PM Modi felicitated farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and individuals demonstrating exceptional innovation and contribution to agricultural development.
Their achievements were recognised as exemplary models of India’s growing rural enterprise ecosystem.
FERTILISER SUBSIDIES AND GST RELIEF
Expressing gratitude to the PM, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under PM Modi’s leadership, the government ensured that the surge in global fertiliser prices did not affect Indian farmers.
“A bag of urea continues to be available at just Rs 266, and Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) at Rs 1350, due to massive government subsidies,” he said.
The union minister said that the reduction in GST on agricultural machinery had made modern equipment more affordable for farmers nationwide.
The PM also launched two major schemes in the agriculture sector with an outlay of Rs 35,440 crore.
Participating in a special Krishi programme at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, the PM interacted with farmers before participating in the public programme.
PM Modi launched two major schemes in the agriculture sector, with an outlay of Rs 35,440 crore.
He launched the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which has an outlay of Rs 24,000 crore.
The PM also launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with an outlay of Rs 11,440 crore.
He also inaugurated and dedicated to the nation projects valued at over Rs 5450 crore in the agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors, while laying the foundation stone for additional projects worth around Rs 815 crore.
PM Modi said, “Today is a historic day that marks the birth anniversaries of two of India’s illustrious sons who redefined India’s democratic fabric and rural development. Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh were the voices of rural India and dedicated their lives to the empowerment of farmers and the underprivileged.”
Marking the significant occasion, he underscored that the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission (Pulse Self-Reliance Mission) were designed to usher in a new era of self-reliance, rural empowerment, and agricultural innovation, directly benefiting crores of farmers across the nation.
“The Centre will invest over Rs 35,000 crore in these initiatives, reflecting its unwavering commitment to doubling farmers’ incomes and achieving food and nutritional security for the country,” the PM said.
He emphasised the central role that agriculture and farming had always played in India’s development journey.
PM Modi recalled the long-standing neglect faced by the agricultural sector during previous governments and reaffirmed his commitment to empowering India’s farmers.
He said that a rapidly developing 21st-century India required a robust and reformed agricultural system, and this transformation began after 2014 under his government.
“We broke away from the apathy of the past. From seed to market, we introduced comprehensive reforms in the interest of our farmers. These reforms were not just policy changes. They were structural interventions aimed at making Indian agriculture modern, sustainable, and resilient,” the PM said.
He said that in the last 11 years, India’s agricultural exports had nearly doubled.
“Foodgrain production has increased by approximately 90 million metric tonnes. Fruit and vegetable production has grown by more than 64 million metric tonnes. India today ranks first in the world in milk production and is the second-largest fish producer globally. Honey production has doubled compared to 2014, and egg production has also doubled over the same period,” PM Modi said.
He said that six major fertilizer plants had been established in the country during this time.
“More than 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers. Micro-irrigation facilities have reached 100 lakh hectares of agricultural land. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, insurance claims worth rs 2 lakh crore have been disbursed to farmers,” the PM said.
“Over the past 11 years, more than 10,000 FPOs have been formed to enhance farmer cooperation and market access,” he said.
PM Modi said that he had spent time interacting with farmers, fishermen, and women working in the agriculture sector.
He listened to their experiences and insights and noted that such interactions reflect the true transformation taking place in Indian agriculture.
The PM said that the current spirit of the nation no longer settles for limited achievements.
He said that if India were to become a developed country, continuous improvement and progress in every sector were essential.
“It is with this vision that the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana has been launched,” PM Modi said.
He said that this new agricultural initiative draws inspiration from the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme.
The PM recalled how previous governments had declared over a hundred districts in the country as “backward” and largely neglected them thereafter.
He said that in contrast, his government chose to focus on these districts with a targeted and dynamic approach, redesignating them as “aspirational districts.”
PM Modi outlined the strategy of convergence, collaboration, and competition for transformation in these districts.
“All efforts were united under the spirit of ‘Sabka Prayas’ and a model of healthy competition was encouraged among districts to drive faster development,” the PM said.
He said that in these over 100 districts, approximately 20 percent of villages had never seen a road since independence.
“Today, thanks to the focused implementation of the Aspirational Districts Programme, the majority of these villages have been connected with all-weather roads,” PM Modi said.
He also highlighted the improvement in healthcare delivery.
“At the beginning of the programme, 17 percent of children in these districts remained outside the coverage of basic immunisation. Now, most of these children have been brought under full immunisation coverage,” the PM said. “Over 15 percent of schools in these districts lacked electricity. Today, nearly every such school has been equipped with a power connection, ensuring a more conducive learning environment for children.”
He said that these achievements were a direct result of a development model built on convergence, collaboration, and competition, where coordinated efforts across departments and active participation from citizens had delivered tangible results.
PM Modi emphasised that the inspiration behind the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana comes directly from the success of the Aspirational Districts model.
“The selection of these 100 districts has been carried out with thoughtful consideration and based on three key parameters. First, the level of agricultural output per unit of land. Second, the number of times crops are cultivated on the same land within a year. Third, the availability and extent of institutional loans or investment facilities for farmers,” he said.
“We have often heard the phrase ‘36 ka aankda’, a way of saying that two parties are completely at odds with each other. But as a government, we challenge such perceptions and reverse them,” the PM said.
He said that under the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, the government was bringing together 36 different government schemes in a unified and coordinated manner, whether it is the National Mission on Natural Farming, the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ campaign for efficient irrigation, or the Oilseeds Mission to boost oilseed production.
“Many such initiatives are being integrated under one umbrella, including special focus on livestock development. Under the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, localised livestock health campaigns will also be launched to ensure continued care and disease prevention at the grassroots level,” PM Modi said.
He reiterated that just like the Aspirational Districts Programme, the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana places a significant responsibility not only on the farmers but also on local government officials, particularly the District Magistrate or Collector of each district.
The PM said that the design of this scheme allows flexibility so that the planning could be tailored according to the specific needs of each district.
“Therefore, I earnestly urge the farmers and district leaders to prepare district-level action plans that are suited to the local soil and climate conditions,” he emphasised.
PM Modi said that the Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission was aimed not only at increasing pulse production but also at strengthening the future generations of the country.
He said that India’s farmers had recently achieved record production of food grains like wheat and rice, positioning India among the world’s top producers.
“However, there is a need to look beyond just flour and rice for sustenance. While these staples can relieve hunger, proper nutrition requires a more diverse diet. Protein, especially for the largely vegetarian population of India, plays a critical role in both physical and mental growth. Pulses remain the most significant source of plant-based protein,” the PM said.
“The Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission seeks to address this challenge by boosting domestic pulse production, thereby enhancing nutritional security and self-reliance. The Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission, with an investment of over Rs 11,000 crore, will provide substantial support to farmers,” he said.
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PM Modi said that the goal was to increase the area under pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares.
“Under this mission, production of tur, urad, and masoor pulses will be increased, and a proper system for the procurement of pulses will be ensured. This will directly benefit nearly two crore pulse farmers across the country,” he said.
The PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, describing them as one of the four foundational pillars of a developed India, as outlined in his address from the Red Fort.
He said that over the past 11 years, the government had made consistent efforts to empower farmers and increase investment in agriculture.
“This priority is clearly visible in the nearly sixfold increase in the agriculture budget during this period,” PM Modi said.
He said that this expanded budget had primarily benefited small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of Indian agriculture.
Citing an example, the PM said that India provides substantial fertiliser subsidies to support its farmers and reduce their input costs.
“This policy is part of a broader effort to ensure that agriculture remains sustainable, productive, and profitable for all,” he said.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to increasing farmers’ income by expanding opportunities beyond traditional agriculture, PM Modi said that sectors like animal husbandry, fisheries, and beekeeping were being actively promoted to provide additional income sources, particularly for small and landless farmers.
Highlighting the honey production sector as a success story, he said that India’s honey output had nearly doubled in the last 11 years.
The PM said that while honey exports stood at around Rs 450 crore six to seven years ago, they have now surged to over Rs 1500 crore.
He said that this dramatic rise in exports represents three times more income flowing directly to farmers, demonstrating the tangible benefits of agricultural diversification and value addition.
PM Modi reiterated the government’s focus on empowering farmers through innovation, investment, and market access, making them key drivers of a self-reliant and developed India.
He hailed the growing role of women in transforming Indian agriculture and rural prosperity.
The PM said that whether in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, or natural farming, women were emerging as key leaders in the rural economy.
He cited the government’s ongoing campaign to create 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ as a powerful initiative that was also directly supporting the agricultural sector.
“One notable example is the rise of Namo Drone Didis across India’s villages, who are now using modern drone technology for spraying fertilisers and pesticides. This innovation has not only improved agricultural efficiency but also provided significant new income streams for rural women,” PM Modi said.
He also highlighted the critical role of women in promoting natural farming.
“More than 17,000 dedicated clusters have been established to support this sustainable approach. Additionally, around 70,000 trained ‘Krishi Sakhis’ are actively providing guidance to farmers on adopting natural and eco-friendly agricultural practices,” the PM said.
He reiterated that empowering women in agriculture was not just a matter of social justice, but a strategic step toward achieving a modern, self-reliant, and prosperous rural India.
Highlighting how recent GST reforms have brought direct economic relief to India’s farmers and rural families by making agricultural equipment and essential items more affordable, PM Modi said that under the newly reformed GST system, tractor is now Rs 40,000 cheaper, offering significant savings to farmers during this festive season with additional price reductions on drip irrigation systems, sprinkler equipment, and harvesting tools.
He said that the cost of organic fertilisers and bio-pesticides, used in natural farming, had come down due to lower GST rates, providing a further boost to sustainable agriculture.
The PM emphasised that these reforms had resulted in double savings for rural households and lower costs on both daily use items and farming tools.
Reiterating the historic contribution of Indian farmers in making the country self-reliant in food production, he called upon them to now lead the way in building a developed India.
PM Modi urged farmers to not only work towards self-sufficiency but also to target the global market by growing export-oriented crops that can reduce imports and boost India’s agricultural exports.
He said that the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission would play vital roles in this journey and extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to farmers across the nation.
The programme underscored the Prime Minister’s continued commitment to farmer welfare, agricultural self-reliance, and strengthening rural infrastructure.
It would focus on promoting modern agricultural practices, supporting farmers, and celebrating significant milestones in farmer-centric initiatives.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary were also present on the occasion with the PM.
HISTORIC INCREASE IN MSP
Chouhan said that the Centre had significantly increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major crops by Rs 160 per quintal for wheat, over Rs 200 for gram, Rs 300 for lentil, Rs 250 for mustard, and Rs 600 for sunflower.
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT OF FARMERS
The Union Agriculture Minister said that under the ‘PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi’, Rs 3.90 lakh crore had been directly transferred into farmers’ bank accounts.
Through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, loans worth over Rs 10 lakh crore were disbursed in FY 2024–25, alongside Rs 1.62 lakh crore in interest subsidies.
The ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’ provided compensation exceeding Rs 1.83 lakh crore to insured farmers.
FPO GROWTH AND INNOVATION
Highlighting the success of FPOs, Chouhan said that over 52 lakh farmers were now shareholders in FPOs, with 1100 FPOs achieving ‘crorepati’ status and collectively recording a turnover exceeding Rs 15,000 crore.
The agriculture ministry continues to extend innovation, branding, and market linkage support to these organisations.
COMMITMENT TO SELF-RELIANCE AND ‘VIKSIT BHARAT’
The union minister said that the government was working to position Indian agriculture on global standards while driving the nation towards self-reliance and developed India.
He appealed to people to embrace Swadeshi and contribute to the nation’s growth.
Praising PM Modi’s leadership, Chouhan said, “Under PM Modi’s guidance, we are committed to fulfilling the dream of a developed, self-reliant India, built on the foundation of farmers’ prosperity, indigenous enterprise, and innovation.”
