“Farmers to Lead India’s Self-Reliance”: PM Modi

• PM launches PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (₹24,000 cr) & Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission (₹11,440 cr).
• Schemes aim to boost farmer income, self-reliance, and pulse production across 100 districts.
• Integration of 36 government schemes under unified planning with local district-level flexibility.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two major agriculture schemes today at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, with a combined outlay of ₹35,440 crore.

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (₹24,000 crore) and the Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission (₹11,440 crore) aim to promote self-reliance, rural empowerment, and agricultural innovation, directly benefiting crores of farmers. The Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated projects worth over ₹5,450 crore across agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors, while laying foundations for projects totaling around ₹815 crore.

Addressing the nation, PM Modi emphasized that India’s farmers are key to a developed nation and highlighted the government’s continuous effort over the last 11 years to empower farmers through reforms from seed to market. He cited India’s achievements, including doubling agricultural exports, record foodgrain production, leading milk output globally, and the doubling of honey and egg production.

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will target 100 districts selected based on agricultural output, crop cycles, and availability of institutional loans. The initiative integrates 36 government schemes, including natural farming, micro-irrigation, oilseeds, and livestock development. Local district plans will ensure solutions are tailored to soil and climatic conditions.

The Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission focuses on increasing pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares, improving procurement systems, and strengthening nutritional security. The program aims to benefit nearly two crore pulse farmers and boost India’s self-reliance in plant-based protein.

PM Modi also highlighted the rising role of women in agriculture, noting initiatives like the Namo Drone Didis, Krishi Sakhis, and clusters promoting natural farming. He pointed out GST reforms that have reduced the cost of tractors, drip irrigation systems, and organic fertilizers, lowering input costs for farmers.

Emphasizing India’s journey towards self-reliance and global market readiness, the Prime Minister urged farmers to embrace innovation, diversify production, and lead the country towards Viksit Bharat@2047.