The North News
New Delhi, August 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the welfare of farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk remains India’s highest national priority, and reiterated that the government will never compromise on their interests. Addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Modi laid out a comprehensive vision for transforming Indian agriculture—ranging from direct financial support to crop diversification and climate-resilient farming.
Without directly naming the US or referencing the ongoing tariff dispute, Modi said, “I know I may have to pay a personal price for this, but I am prepared.”
The remarks come just a day after the United States announced an additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods, bringing the total hike to 50%. Modi, however, chose to focus on long-term goals for the agricultural sector, invoking the legacy of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, known as the father of India’s Green Revolution.
Modi highlighted government schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Fasal Bima Yojana, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and the creation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He also pointed to the growing role of e-NAM and PM Kisan Sampada Yojana in improving market access and food processing infrastructure.
He announced that the PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana will focus on uplifting 100 underperforming agricultural districts, helping them with new technologies, financial assistance, and infrastructure support.
Shifting from food security to nutritional security, Modi called for large-scale adoption of bio-fortified and nutrition-rich crops, natural farming, and reduced chemical use. He stressed the urgency of developing climate-resilient, drought-tolerant crop varieties and affordable soil testing tools.
He also advocated for the integration of AI, satellite data, and machine learning in agriculture to support real-time decisions on pest control, sowing, and yield forecasts. He urged experts to guide agri-tech startups, which are innovating in areas from irrigation to digital farming.
“India’s farming communities are rich in traditional knowledge. When combined with science, they offer a powerful base for sustainable growth,” said Modi, emphasizing that crop diversification must become a national movement.
Modi recalled the recent launch of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, where over 2,200 scientists conducted 60,000 programmes across 700 districts, connecting with more than 1.25 crore farmers.
Quoting Dr. Swaminathan, Modi concluded: “Agriculture is not just about crops, it’s about life.” He reaffirmed that the dignity of farmers, empowerment of women, and protection of nature are central to the government’s vision for agriculture in the 21st century.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NITI Aayog member Dr. Ramesh Chand, and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan were also present at the conference.
