Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched two major agricultural schemes with an outlay of Rs 35,440 crore to boost pulses production and improve the farm sector growth in 100 low-performing districts.
He reiterated his call to farmers to reduce the country’s import dependence and increase exports.
PM Modi highlighted that the farmers have a critical role to play in realising the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
For decades, India has battled the paradox of being both an agrarian economy and an importer of essential commodities like pulses and edible oils. Despite remarkable progress, domestic production has not always kept pace with growing demand. By focusing on pulses—an essential source of protein in the Indian diet—the government is addressing a critical nutritional and economic gap. The new schemes not only aim to enhance productivity but also to improve soil health, irrigation efficiency, and market linkages, thus ensuring that farmers reap sustained benefits.
Prime Minister Modi’s call for reducing import dependence and boosting exports is both timely and visionary. India’s agricultural imports—especially of pulses, oilseeds, and certain fertilizers—add pressure to the trade balance. By investing in productivity-enhancing measures and encouraging farmers to diversify toward globally demanded crops, the government is aligning agricultural policy with the larger economic goal of transforming India into a Viksit Bharat (developed nation) by 2047. The message is clear: the path to a developed India runs through empowered farmers and resilient farmlands.
In recent years, India has emerged as a significant exporter of rice, spices, fruits, and vegetables. The next logical step is to diversify the export basket by producing high-value, globally demanded crops. Encouraging farmers to adopt scientific practices, use high-yielding varieties, and embrace digital tools will be critical in achieving this goal. The success of these schemes will depend not only on financial outlays but also on how effectively innovation, technology, and capacity building are integrated at the grassroots.
Moreover, the broader vision behind these schemes is about transforming farmers from mere producers into entrepreneurs. With improved access to markets, credit, and technology, Indian farmers can move up the value chain—processing, branding, and exporting their produce. This transformation aligns perfectly with the government’s twin objectives: self-reliance in foodgrains and leadership in the global agricultural market.
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