Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the growing global awareness about health has significantly increased the demand for organic and chemical-free food products. He urged stakeholders to promote natural farming and make India’s agriculture more export-oriented to tap into emerging global opportunities.
Addressing the post-budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation” via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said the rising global interest in organic diets, organic food and holistic healthcare presents a major opportunity for Indian farmers.
He said natural farming and chemical-free agricultural products could become a “highway” for Indian farmers to access global markets.
Focus on Certification and Infrastructure
Modi said the government is working on developing certification systems, laboratories and other necessary infrastructure to support the growth of organic and natural farming. However, he emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to achieve these goals.
He also pointed out that dependence on a single crop increases risks for farmers and limits their income opportunities. To address this challenge, the government is promoting crop diversification through initiatives such as the National Mission on Edible Oils, the National Mission on Pulses and the National Mission on Natural Farming.
Agriculture Key to India’s Long-Term Growth
The Prime Minister described agriculture as a strategic pillar of India’s long-term development journey. He said the government has taken several steps in recent years to strengthen the sector.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, more than ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred directly to around 10 crore farmers, providing them financial security.
Modi said reforms in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system have ensured farmers receive up to 1.5 times their production cost, while institutional credit has now reached more than 75% of farmers.
He also highlighted that nearly ₹2 lakh crore in claims have been settled under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, helping reduce farmers’ risks and strengthening confidence in the agriculture sector.
Record Production but Need for New Momentum
The Prime Minister said India is currently witnessing record production of food grains, pulses and oilseeds, but the agriculture sector needs fresh momentum as the country enters the next phase of the 21st century.
He noted that the Union Budget has introduced several opportunities aimed at improving productivity and encouraging agricultural exports.
“Global markets are opening rapidly and demand patterns are changing. India must focus on making its agriculture more export-oriented,” he said.
Focus on High-Value Agriculture
Modi said the budget has placed special emphasis on high-value agriculture, including crops such as coconut, cashew, cocoa and sandalwood, with region-specific development strategies.
He noted that states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu produce large quantities of coconuts, but many trees have aged and productivity has declined. The budget includes provisions to promote coconut cultivation and improve productivity, which will help increase farmers’ income.
The Prime Minister also mentioned plans to promote temperate nut crops in Himalayan states, which could open new export opportunities.
He added that as export-oriented production grows, processing and value addition will create new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Strengthening the Livestock Sector
Highlighting the importance of animal husbandry, Modi said the sector is emerging as a key pillar of the rural economy. India is currently the largest milk producer in the world and ranks second in egg production.
He stressed the need to improve livestock productivity through better breeds, disease control and scientific management practices.
Government Committed to Rural Prosperity
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rural prosperity, noting that schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the SVAMITVA scheme have strengthened rural infrastructure and the village economy.
He added that financial support to self-help groups is helping empower rural women economically.
The government has set a target to create three crore additional “Lakhpati Didis” by 2029, which will further increase women’s income and participation in the rural economy.
Modi also urged states to give greater attention to agriculture and work together to connect farmers with new technologies and global markets, making India’s agricultural sector globally competitive.
