PM Modi Highlights Budget’s Focus on Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Farming

At the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists, Modi Emphasizes India’s Agricultural Advances and Digital Innovations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) held in India for the first time in 65 years, emphasized the significant strides India has made in agriculture. Modi highlighted that the recent Union Budget 2024–25 has reinforced the commitment to creating a robust ecosystem for Indian farmers, focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

Addressing an audience of about 1,000 delegates from around 70 countries, Modi reflected on India’s transformation from a nation grappling with food security challenges to one that is now a global leader in food production. “India is now a food surplus country,” he declared, noting the country’s status as the top producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and the second-largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, and tea. Modi emphasized that India’s progress now positions it as a key player in addressing global food and nutritional security challenges.

The Prime Minister underscored the central role of agriculture in India’s economic policies and detailed the government’s efforts over the past decade to support the sector’s growth. He highlighted that nearly 90% of Indian farmers own relatively small land holdings and play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s food security. Modi pointed out that India has developed 1,900 new crop varieties adapted to climate change over the last ten years.

Modi also addressed critical issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and nutrition. He advocated for the use of millet, or Shri Anna, as a solution due to its high yield and low water requirements. He mentioned India’s readiness to share its millet resources globally.

In his speech, Modi showcased how India is integrating digital technologies into agriculture. He highlighted the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which facilitates direct financial transfers to the bank accounts of 10 crore farmers, and the digital public infrastructure for crop surveys that provide real-time data to farmers. Modi also discussed the promotion of drones in farming and the creation of digital identities for land, alongside a drive to digitize land records and train “drone didis” to operate them. He concluded that these initiatives will not only benefit Indian farmers but also enhance global food security.

(with inputs from PTI)