New Delhi, Mar 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on farmers to take advantage of India’s diverse agro climatic conditions and expand the production of high-value crops so that Indian farm produce can compete effectively in international markets.
Speaking at a post-Budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation,” Modi emphasised that improving quality, branding and global standards of farm products is essential for strengthening the country’s agricultural exports. He said farmers, agricultural experts and industry stakeholders must work together to achieve this objective.
The Prime Minister noted that global food demand is evolving and international markets are opening up new opportunities for agricultural exports. He said India’s varied climate zones provide a natural advantage that can be used to produce a wide range of crops suited for different global markets.
Highlighting the Union Budget 2026–27, Modi said the government has placed strong emphasis on high-value agriculture, including crops such as cashew, cocoa and sandalwood. He added that initiatives like the National Mission on Edible Oil and Pulses and the National Mission on Natural Farming are helping strengthen the agriculture sector and enhance farmers’ income.
According to him, expanding the high-value agriculture segment is a key step toward transforming India’s farm sector into a globally competitive industry.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that global consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, creating growing demand for organic and chemical free food products. He said natural farming can open new avenues for Indian agricultural exports by catering to this rising global preference.
Describing agriculture as a critical pillar of India’s long-term development, Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to support farmers through various schemes. He noted that nearly 10 crore farmers have received over ₹4 lakh crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
He added that the current Union Budget provides a major push for agriculture and rural development, with a focus on improving productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness of Indian farm produce.