In a visionary address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned a future where export-driven agriculture propels India’s farmers to new heights of prosperity. Addressing a virtual post-budget session focused on agricultural and rural development, he declared it’s time to link Indian farms directly to international supply networks, creating jobs and boosting rural economies.
‘Kheti hamari arthvyavastha ka mukhya aadhar hai,’ Modi reminded, calling for renewed vigor in farming amid shifting global trends. Discussions should now center on high-export crops, diversification, and tech innovations to meet rising international demands.
Budget 2026-27 introduces transformative measures for productivity and earnings, he noted. Collaboration among stakeholders is key to high-value agriculture that makes India a global contender. Quality, branding, and market linkages must be prioritized.
Organic farming and natural methods will enhance public health, while fisheries emerge as tomorrow’s export powerhouse. Modi highlighted lucrative opportunities in cashews, coconuts, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts, urging private sector involvement in livestock and marine sectors.
Women-led self-help groups stand to benefit from expanded e-commerce platforms like SHE-Mart. Digitally, agriculture is advancing with 76.3 million farmer IDs and surveys of 235 million crop plots via the Digital Agriculture Mission.
With a Rs 1.62 lakh crore allocation—a 7% hike— the budget emphasizes modernization. Coastal high-value farming in coconut, sandalwood, cocoa, cashew; Northeast agarwood; and hill nuts will drive income surges. Sitharaman’s targeted steps promise jobs, security, and empowerment, marking a bold step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in agriculture.