PM Modi Unveils Rs 35,440 Crore Agri Schemes to Empower Indian Farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two transformative agricultural schemes worth ₹35,440 crore at a vibrant Krishi programme held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi on Friday.

Addressing a gathering of farmers, Modi called for embracing modern farming techniques to boost productivity and ensure sustainable growth. The announcement signals a robust push to strengthen India’s agricultural sector, uplift rural economies, and reduce reliance on imports, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s farmers.

The event, filled with energy and optimism, saw farmers presenting handmade gifts to the Prime Minister, symbolizing grassroots support. Modi, paying tribute to Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary, framed the schemes as a cornerstone of farmer-centric reforms aimed at securing India’s food future.

Revitalizing 100 DistrictsThe flagship PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), with a ₹24,000 crore budget, targets 100 low-productivity districts to revolutionize farming. Carefully selected for their low yields and limited infrastructure, these districts will benefit from a comprehensive plan to enhance irrigation, promote crop diversification, and expand post-harvest storage at the block and panchayat levels. The scheme also prioritizes access to both short-term and long-term credit, making it easier for farmers to invest in modern tools and high-quality seeds.

Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and recently greenlit by the Cabinet, PMDDKY integrates 36 sub-schemes across 11 ministries, aiming to impact 1.7 crore farmers annually from 2025-26 onward. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted its potential to inspire over one crore farmers through awareness events at 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and other institutes.

Modi, in his address, urged farmers to explore export-oriented crops, saying, “From every field to every kitchen, India is marching toward self-reliance.” The scheme’s focus on precision farming and global market integration could significantly boost farmer incomes and reduce rural distress.

The second initiative, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, backed by ₹11,440 crore, seeks to make India self-reliant in pulses—a dietary staple and a major import commodity. Running from 2025-26 to 2030-31, the mission targets producing 350 lakh tonnes of pulses by expanding cultivation areas, improving seed quality, and strengthening the value chain through better procurement, storage, and processing.

As the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India still relies on imports to meet demand. The mission’s promise of 100% procurement offers farmers stable prices and incentives, encouraging greater cultivation. By reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing processing, the scheme aims to slash import dependency, bolstering food security and nutrition.

Modi tied this to the broader vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ emphasizing its role in empowering pulse growers nationwide.Social media echoed the excitement, with @AgriGoI
posting, “From every field to every kitchen – India is moving towards self-reliance in pulses.” Videos from the event captured farmers’ enthusiasm, including heartfelt moments of presenting gifts to the PM.

Together, these schemes form part of a ₹42,000 crore package, including allied sector projects, reflecting a holistic approach to agricultural growth. They address critical challenges like import dependency—India spent billions on pulse imports last year—and climate resilience through crop diversification.

Yet, success hinges on effective implementation, especially in remote areas, and ensuring smallholder farmers reap the benefits.As state-level events roll out and Modi continues to engage with farmers, these initiatives are poised to reshape India’s agricultural sector.

Naorem Mohen

Naorem Mohen offers compelling insights on Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrencies. Explore his content on Twitter: @laimacha.