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PM stresses on farm modernisation and crop diversification
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Saturday, 14 November, 2026, 10 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of agricultural modernisation, crop diversification, technology adoption and value addition in strengthening farmers' incomes and contributing to India's vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Addressing agricultural scientists, agri-entrepreneurs and farmers from across the country, at the Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026, he emphasised that the future of Indian agriculture depended on making farming more productive, technology-driven and profitable.
Congratulating the media group for organising the two-day Kisan Mela, Modi appreciated its participation in the cleanliness campaign and described the conference as an important platform for bringing farmers, scientists and industry stakeholders together.
Referring to India's agricultural traditions and festivals such as Bihu, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Sarhul, Pola and Chhath, he said agriculture remains deeply connected with the country's culture, traditions and social life.
Referring to his vision of seven streams of national strength, or Saptadhara, for building a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister identified agriculture as a key pillar of national development. He said India's progress would depend on agricultural modernisation, smarter farming practices and the economic empowerment of farmers.
Highlighting the relationship between agricultural growth and poverty reduction, Modi referred to a World Bank study indicating that around 50 crore Indians had moved out of poverty over 12 to 13 years, accompanied by a significant decline in rural poverty among small farmers and agricultural labourers. He noted that this period also witnessed India's agriculture sector recording an average growth rate of more than four per cent for the first time in a decade since independence.
The Prime Minister stressed that Indian agriculture must adapt to changing global markets, food consumption patterns, climatic conditions and technological developments. He said increasing food grain production alone would not be sufficient and that farmers needed opportunities to diversify their activities and improve their returns.
Highlighting India's agricultural performance, Modi said the country's annual agricultural exports had crossed Rs 4 lakh crore. India ranks first globally in the production of milk, pulses, jute, rice and millets, while it holds the second position in wheat, cotton, fruits, vegetables and fish production. He said these achievements reflected the growing capabilities of Indian farmers.
Emphasising the need to move beyond the traditional dependence on wheat, rice and sugarcane, the Prime Minister called for greater crop diversification and expansion of allied agricultural activities. He recalled India's achievements under the Green Revolution and White Revolution, which helped the country attain food grain self-sufficiency and become the world's largest milk producer.
He also highlighted the expansion of other agricultural sectors over the past decade. Milk production has increased by nearly 70 per cent, while egg production has grown by around 90 per cent. Fish production has more than doubled under the Blue Revolution, and honey production has increased from approximately 80,000 tonnes to 1.5 lakh tonnes under the Sweet Revolution. Horticulture production has also risen from 280 million tonnes to more than 350 million tonnes.
According to Modi, integrating these developments into a comprehensive agricultural strategy would create multiple income opportunities for farmers. He also highlighted the role of renewable energy in rural development through the PM-KUSUM scheme, under which nearly 12 lakh solar pumps have been provided to farmers. The initiative is helping cultivators reduce electricity expenses and generate additional income by producing solar power. He said the scheme was transforming farmers from annadatas (food providers) into urjadatas (energy providers).
The Prime Minister also recalled his initiatives as Chief Minister of Gujarat, particularly the Krishi Mahotsavs, which brought agricultural scientists and experts directly to villages to assess soil conditions, water availability and farming practices. He said the Lab to Land approach helped transfer scientific knowledge and agricultural research directly to farmers' fields.
Referring to the expansion of agricultural infrastructure across the country, Modi said the number of soil testing laboratories had increased from a few hundred in 2014 to more than 8,400. India also has over 725 Krishi Vigyan Kendras supporting farmers through agricultural research, training and extension services. He highlighted livestock health initiatives, stating that free vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease had been administered to livestock belonging to more than eight crore farmers.
Technology adoption was another key focus of the address. The Prime Minister cited the example of Namo Drone Didis, who are operating drones to spray fertilisers and pesticides in agricultural fields. He said the use of drones in agriculture was being expanded, challenging the perception that rural India was not ready to adopt advanced technologies.
He further highlighted the growing contribution of engineering, artificial intelligence and innovation to agriculture. Scientists, engineers and young entrepreneurs are developing affordable machinery for sowing and harvesting, along with sensor-based and AI-enabled tools that can provide precise information to farmers, including small and marginal cultivators. These technologies are expected to reduce cultivation costs, improve productivity and support better farm management.
Calling for greater value addition at the farm level, Modi said farmers should increasingly become agri-entrepreneurs by participating in food processing, marketing and export activities. He highlighted the development of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), which are helping small farmers organise collectively, strengthen their bargaining power and access value chains, food processing facilities and export markets.
On the issue of input costs, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing affordable fertilisers. He said the government had spent approximately Rs 16 lakh crore over the past 12 years to keep fertiliser prices affordable despite volatility in international markets. A bag of DAP fertiliser, which costs around Rs 5,000 internationally, is being made available to Indian farmers at Rs 1,300, while urea, priced at approximately Rs 3,000 internationally, is being supplied for less than Rs 300.
Modi also highlighted measures taken to protect farmers and consumers from rising fuel prices amid the conflict in West Asia. He stated that crude oil prices had increased from US$70 to US$122 per barrel within weeks, creating pressure to substantially increase domestic diesel prices. However, the government limited the increase to Rs 7 per litre while absorbing Rs 43 per litre of the cost impact. He said this support was costing the government approximately Rs 14,000 crore per month, helping shield farmers and citizens from international price fluctuations.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the contribution of Indian farmers to the country's agricultural progress and called for continued efforts to build a modern, diversified and profitable agricultural sector. He expressed confidence that the discussions and recommendations emerging from the Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026 would contribute to policy improvements and further strengthen the farming community.
He reiterated that the government's objective was to ensure prosperous farmers, thriving villages and a stronger agricultural economy, adding that the government would work on the constructive suggestions and solutions emerging from the conference.
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