Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of boosting export-oriented agriculture to tap into global supply chains, which would lead to job creation and empowerment of farmers. Speaking at a post-budget webinar themed “Agriculture and Rural Transformation,” PM Modi underscored agriculture as a vital sector of the economy. He emphasized the need for discussions on export-oriented farming, crop diversification, and the integration of modern technologies in agriculture to meet evolving global demands.
The Prime Minister commended the recent reforms introduced in the Union Budget 2026-27 aimed at enhancing productivity and incomes for farmers. He called for collaborative efforts from agriculture experts, industry stakeholders, and farmers to establish a high-value agriculture sector that can compete globally. PM Modi stressed the importance of promoting quality and branding standards to facilitate better integration with global markets.
PM Modi also advocated for holistic healthcare through the promotion of organic and natural farming practices, urging stakeholders to actively participate in this initiative. He highlighted the potential for fisheries to become a significant export-oriented sector and emphasized the need for innovative business models to enhance rural prosperity. The Prime Minister encouraged the exploration of high-value crops like cashew, coconut, sandalwood, and others, while also promoting private sector investments in animal husbandry and coastal fisheries.
India’s digital infrastructure for agriculture, comprising over 7.63 crore farmer IDs and 23.5 crore crop plots surveyed under the Digital Agriculture Mission, was acknowledged by PM Modi. The Union Budget 2026-27’s focus on high-value agriculture, allied sectors, and technology-driven farming was reiterated, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposing targeted measures to boost farmer incomes, generate rural employment, and modernize agricultural practices. The budget allocation of Rs 1,62,671 crore for the agriculture sector, a 7% increase from the previous year, reflects the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, food security, and rural livelihoods.
The budget also aims to support the cultivation of high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, cocoa, and cashew in coastal regions to enhance farmer incomes. Additionally, initiatives will be undertaken to promote agar trees in the Northeast and nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts in hilly areas.
