Marking the 11th anniversary of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the prosperity and well-being of India's farmers. He highlighted the various initiatives undertaken over the past decade that have significantly transformed the agricultural sector, ushering in an era of dignity and enhanced income for the nation's food producers.
Modi emphasized that his government has worked towards ensuring that farmers, who were once burdened by debt and uncertainty, now experience a life of dignity through direct income support, fair pricing for their produce, modern infrastructure, and access to global markets. He stated that these initiatives have not only empowered the "Annadatas" (food providers) but also strengthened the backbone of the Indian economy.
One of the key initiatives highlighted by the Prime Minister is the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which provides direct financial assistance to farmers, enabling them to meet their basic needs without having to resort to loans. He also mentioned the Kisan Fasal Bima, a loan insurance scheme that protects farmers from losses due to unforeseen events. Consistent increases in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops have further ensured fair compensation and boosted incomes for farmers.
The government's focus on critical issues such as soil health and irrigation has also played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity. By providing farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge, the government has enabled them to optimize their yields and improve the quality of their produce.
Official communications have framed this mission as "empowering Annadatas" and "strengthening India's backbone," highlighting the crucial role farmers play in the nation's development. The government has stated that agriculture has grown substantially, with farmers becoming key partners in India's progress.
Several other notable achievements under Modi's leadership were also highlighted: the establishment of 43,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), the integration of 15,000 Mandis (agricultural markets) on the e-NAM portal, the digital enrollment of nearly 2 crore farmers and 2.6 lakh traders, ₹3.79 lakh crore in recorded agri-trade over 11 years, MSP allocations growing from ₹7.41 lakh crore to ₹23.61 lakh crore, and agricultural support increasing nearly threefold from ₹8.5 lakh crore to ₹25.49 lakh crore.
The Prime Minister asserted that the government's efforts towards farmer welfare will continue with even greater vigor in the times to come. He reiterated his government's commitment to serving the hardworking farmers of the country and ensuring their continued prosperity.