Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with the farmers in a Krishi programme at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. The programme underscores the Prime Minister’s continued commitment to farmer welfare, agricultural self-reliance, and strengthening rural infrastructure. The Prime Minister interacted with farmers before participating in the public programme where Shri Modi  launched two major schemes in the agriculture sector, with an outlay of Rs 35,440 crore. He launched the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana which has an outlay of Rs.24,000 crore. He also launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with an outlay of Rs. 11,440 crore. The Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated to the nation projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore in the agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors, while laying the foundation stone for additional projects worth around Rs 815 crore. 

One of the farmers from Hisar district, Haryana, who began his agricultural journey with the cultivation of Kabuli chana (chickpeas), shared his experience and insights with the Prime Minister. The farmer mentioned that he started growing Kabuli chana four years ago and is currently achieving a yield of approximately 10 quintals per acre. The Prime Minister enquired about intercropping practices, particularly whether leguminous crops are integrated into the farming system to enhance soil fertility and generate additional income. 

In response, the farmer affirmed that incorporating such crops has proven beneficial. He explained that growing pulses like chana not only provides a reliable harvest but also enriches the soil with nitrogen, thereby improving the yield of subsequent crops. He emphasized how this sustainable practice is being encouraged among fellow farmers as a means to revive and maintain soil health. 

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts and shared vision, stating that these practices can serve as a model for other farmers across the country. Expressing gratitude, the farmer said, “This is the first time in my life that I have had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister. He is a truly good leader who connects with farmers and ordinary citizens alike.”

The farmer also shared that he is associated with the Kisan Padak Sansthan (Farmer Medal Organization) and is both a practicing Chartered Accountant and an active farmer. With 16 bighas of family land, he continues to cultivate pulses and has taken further initiative by organizing self-help groups of 20 women in his village. These groups are engaged in value-added activities such as producing chana-based products, garlic, and traditional papad, thereby contributing to women’s empowerment and rural entrepreneurship."We named our brand ‘Dugari Wale’ after our village, sir. We sell Dugari Wale chana, garlic, and papad. We are even registered on the GeM portal. Army personnel purchase our products from there,” the farmer explained.He further informed that their products are not only being sold in Rajasthan but are gaining traction across India, with growing demand from various regions.

During the interaction, another farmer from Hisar district, Haryana, shared his journey of cultivating Kabuli chana (chickpeas) since 2013–14. Starting with just one acre, he has expanded to 13–14 acres over the years, attributing his success to selecting quality seeds and consistent yield improvements.“There has been a significant rise in income. Each year we chose better quality seeds, and the productivity kept increasing,” the farmer said.

The Prime Minister emphasized the nutritional value of pulses, particularly for vegetarians and acknowledged how pulses farming not only boosts farmer income but also contributes to the nutritional security of the country. Shri Modi encouraged the idea of group farming, where small and marginal farmers can come together, pool their land, and focus on selecting high-value crops to enhance production, reduce cost, and gain better access to markets.

A farmer shared a successful example of this model, stating that around 1200 acres are now under residue-free Kabuli chana farming, leading to better market access and improved incomes for the entire group.

The Prime Minister also discussed the government’s promotion of millets (Shree Anna) such as bajra (pearl millet) and jowar (sorghum), especially in regions with water scarcity. A farmer confirmed that millet farming is not only continuing but also gaining popularity due to increased market demand and health awareness.“Where water is scarce, millets are a lifeline. The global market for millets is growing rapidly,” Shri Modi said.

The conversation also touched on natural and chemical-free farming. The Prime Minister stressed that such practices should be adopted gradually and pragmatically, especially for small farmers. He suggested a phased approach: testing natural farming on a part of the land while continuing traditional methods on the rest, thus building confidence over time.

One woman farmer from a self-help group shared her experience of joining in 2023 and starting moong (green gram) cultivation on her 5 bigha land. She credited the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme as a major support, allowing her to manage seed purchase and land preparation.“The ₹6000 annual support has been a blessing. It helps us buy seeds and do timely sowing,” she said. Another farmer, cultivating pulses like chana, masoor (lentils), and guar, said even with just two acres, he is able to diversify and earn steadily, showcasing the power of smart, small-scale farming.

A farmer shared his remarkable journey from working as a room boy in a hotel in 2010 to becoming the owner of a gaushala (cow shelter) with over 250 Gir cows. He credited the Ministry of Animal Husbandry for providing a 50% subsidy, which played a key role in his growth.

The Prime Minister praised the initiative and recounted a similar experiment from Varanasi, where families are given Gir cows with the condition to return the first calf, which is then passed on to other families creating a sustainable community chain.

Multiple participants highlighted the life-changing impact of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). A Ph.D. holder turned aquaculture entrepreneur in Uttar Pradesh transitioned from a job seeker to a job provider, employing around 25 youths from small villages in Uttarakhand. A Kashmiri youth started aquaculture after learning about PMMSY in a government program. He now employs 14 people and earns a profit of ₹15 lakh annually. A woman farmer from coastal India employing 100 people shared how cold storage and ice facilities under PMMSY helped boost her fisheries business. Another entrepreneur working in decorative fish farming stated that PMMSY offered a ray of hope for young agri-startups across the country. The Prime Minister emphasized the vast potential in aquaculture and encouraged more youth to take up this opportunity.

A representative from Sakhi Organization shared how the movement started with just 20 women and has now grown to 90,000 women engaged in the dairy sector. “Through collective efforts over 14,000 women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, the representative said. “This is a real miracle,” the Prime Minister said in response, applauding the self-help group model.

One entrepreneur from Jharkhand’s Saraikela district adopted 125 underprivileged tribal families and initiated integrated organic farming in the region. He shared how the Prime Minister’s call to “be job givers, not job seekers” inspired his mission.

Several participants expressed deep emotional gratitude, with one farmer stating, “Meeting the Prime Minister felt like a natural therapy. I didn’t feel like I was speaking to a leader, but to someone from my own home.”

Another Kashmiri youth acknowledged the developmental changes in Jammu & Kashmir under the current leadership. “I don’t think any of this would’ve been possible without your government,” he said.

One farmer shared his journey of leaving a lucrative career in the United States in 2014 to return to India and empower rural communities. Starting with just 10 acres of land, he now manages over 300 acres of farming, hatcheries, and produces seed for 10,000+ acres. With support from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), he was able to secure financing at just 7% interest, allowing him to grow his operations to employ over 200 people. “It was a ‘wow’ moment to see PM Modi walking toward us,” the farmer said.

A representative of an FPO from Dhari, Amreli District, Gujarat, shared that her organization of 1,700 farmers is cultivating 1,500 acres and delivering 20% annual dividends for the past four years. The FPO benefitted from a ₹2 crore collateral-free government loan, which helped scale operations significantly.“The Government of India’s credit guarantee scheme empowered us when we had nothing,” she said.

An FPO from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, with over 1,000 farmers, is producing organic cumin and isabgol (psyllium husk) using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. The produce is exported via Gujarat-based exporters. When the PM suggested exploring isabgol-based ice cream, it sparked immediate interest among the farmers for product innovation.

A farmer from Mirzapur, near Varanasi, shared his work on millets, including processing, packaging, and branding. His products are being supplied to Defence and NDRF personnel under a formal MoU, ensuring both nutritional value and economic viability.

An apple cultivator from Kashmir shared how rail connectivity has transformed apple transportation. Over 60,000 tons of fruits and vegetables have been transported directly to Delhi and beyond, cutting down on time and cost compared to traditional roadways.

A young entrepreneur from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, presented his aeroponic based potato seed farming, where potatoes are grown in vertical structures without soil. The PM humorously termed it “Jain Potato,” as such produce may align with religious dietary restrictions of Jains who avoid root vegetables.

A farmer from Baran District, Rajasthan, shared how his team is working on garlic value addition by producing powder and paste, and is now applying for an export license. 

The Prime Minister concluded the session by acknowledging the farmers across the country. 

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MJPS/VJ