PM Modi Highlights Agricultures Role in Indian Culture at National Conference

New Delhi, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Kisan Tak Bharat Krishi Conference 2026’ in New Delhi on November 12, highlighting the crucial role of agriculture in Indian culture and society. The event brought together agricultural scientists, entrepreneurs, and farmers from across the nation. Modi praised the enthusiastic participation of attendees in the sanitation campaign and the two-day farmer fair.

The Prime Minister noted that the conference coincides with the festive season, just after Diwali and during the Chhath festival, both of which have strong ties to agricultural life. He emphasized that major Indian festivals like Bihu, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Sarhul, and Pola are deeply connected to farming. “This signifies that agriculture is the foundation of our culture, tradition, and social life,” he stated.

Recalling his address from the Red Fort regarding the seven pillars of national strength necessary for a ‘Developed India’, Modi underscored that agriculture is a central pillar. He stressed the increasing importance of such farmer conferences, as the country’s development directly depends on modernizing agriculture. “Without developing agriculture, making farming smart, and empowering farmers, a ‘Developed India’ is not possible,” he asserted.

Modi referenced a notable World Bank study that revealed how 500 million Indians escaped poverty over 12 to 13 years, with significant reductions in rural poverty among small farmers and agricultural laborers. He highlighted that during this time, India’s agricultural sector achieved an average growth rate of over 4% in the first decade after independence.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that farmers and agricultural experts recognize the need for continuous changes in policies and practices. As global markets, dietary habits, weather patterns, and technologies evolve, farmers must be empowered anew. “Simply stockpiling grain is not enough,” he cautioned.

Discussing measures taken over the last decade to boost farmers’ incomes while keeping pace with global agricultural changes, Modi noted that India now ranks first in the production of milk, pulses, jute, rice, and millets, and second in wheat, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and fish.

He emphasized that these figures reflect the significant growth in farmers’ capabilities. Modi pointed out the need to move beyond traditional reliance on wheat, rice, and sugarcane for farmers’ prosperity. The government is actively promoting crop diversification and other agricultural activities.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s agricultural journey, from achieving self-sufficiency in food through the Green Revolution to becoming the largest milk producer in the world via the White Revolution. He detailed rapid expansions over the last decade, including a nearly 70% increase in milk production, a 90% surge in egg production, and more than double the fish production under the Blue Revolution.

“Today, the data I presented shows that this journey is progressing remarkably,” he stated. Modi explained that integrating various agricultural revolutions creates multiple income sources essential for future farming. He specifically mentioned the ‘PM KUSUM Scheme’, which has made approximately 1.2 million solar pumps available, reducing electricity bills and allowing farmers to generate additional income through solar energy.

Reflecting on his 25 years of public service and efforts to modernize agriculture through festivals, Modi recounted how hundreds of agricultural scientists endured extreme heat to reach villages, testing soil, assessing water availability, and advising farmers on suitable crops and farming methods. He emphasized the ‘Lab to Land’ concept, ensuring that scientific knowledge reaches farmers directly, benefiting Gujarat’s agricultural community significantly.

Modi noted that the number of soil testing laboratories in India has increased from a few hundred in 2014 to over 8,400 today, alongside more than 725 agricultural science centers. He also highlighted a large vaccination campaign against the ‘Foot-and-Mouth Disease’ prioritizing livestock health, with over 80 million animals vaccinated.

To challenge the misconception that rural India cannot adopt modern technology, Modi cited the example of ‘Namo Drone Didis’, women who skillfully operate drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, proving skeptics wrong. He stated that the scope of drone usage is expanding further.

Emphasizing the growing role of engineering in Indian agriculture, Modi remarked that scientists, engineers, and youth are increasingly involved in transforming the agricultural landscape.