PM Urges Quick Execution of Agri Budget with Focus on Action

The implementation of agricultural and rural development proposals should be prioritized, stated Prime Minister Modi, while speaking during a webinar on budget said that MLAs should proactively work on the goals instead of working on a new budget altogether. 

During the webinar on 'Agriculture and rural prosperity’, the Prime Minister asserted that the ‘Viksit Bharat’ plans formally put forward by other political parties during their governance is now being catered towards using a systematic approach. 

Modi said that, “We need to implement the proposals made during the budget speech in a more supportive light, as our focus now needs to be towards executing it. SRR told us to look for the obstacles and scarcities that are difficult to overcome that will help us put the budget into action.” 

The suggestions gathered from relevant stakeholders was respected before the budget was implemented, noted Modi. He continued to state, “Now this budget needs to be implemented more effectively on the ground and for a better outcome, the stakeholders role is even more crucial. 

His statement regarding agriculture being the government’s priority goal in order to accomplish growth in economy and upland prosperity gives us the cue, he claimed.

Modi remarked that the efforts towards “Viksit Bharat” is the goal of the government and making sure that every farmer progresses and no farmer is left behind is the objective. 

“To help every farmer, it is imperative we fully harness and utilize the agricultural potential of our country and achieve all targeted milestones.” 

The Prime Minister also spoke of remarkable milestones in the agri sector saying that foodgrain production has substantially increased from 265 million tonnes a decade ago to more than 330 million presently. Likewise horticulture alone has grown to more than 350 million tonnes. 

But Modi also spoke of the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, which he called, “A very important scheme.” It will target 100 districts with poor crop production, modeled after the successful aspirational districts concept. 

“You might have seen that we have announced the setting up of a Makhana Board in Bihar. It is my request to all the stakeholders to start working on and marketing different foods with nutritional value in India and abroad,” he said. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted other contributions of ICAR stating that they developed over 2900 new varieties of foodgrains, pulses, sugarcane and other crops in a breeding programme with modern tools from 2014 - 2024.

"You must make sure these novel varieties are accessible at low prices for farmers. In addition, we also need to make sure that farmers’ yield is not vulnerable to climatic changes,” Modi said."

He said that the budget has proposed a central mission for the development of high yielding seeds. “I particularly appeal to private industry to integrate themselves into the seed network so that small farmers get high yielding seeds."”

With regards to pulses production, the Prime Minister admitted there has been progress but also said that India continues to import twenty percent of its internal consumption requirement.  

While the country is self-sufficient in the production of chickpeas (chana) and moong dal, Modi pointed out the need to step up the production of tur, urad and masoor by using high yielding and hybrid seed varieties.  

The Prime Minister said that, till date, around Rs 3.75 lakh crore has been direct payments into the bank accounts of 11 crore farmers through the PM-KISAN scheme launched about 6 years back. Again, the infusion of Rs 6000 annually is aiding in strengthening the rural economy in India.  

He said that an attempt has been made to create a farmer-friendly digital infrastructure to ensure, that farmers in every part of the country, without the risk of intermediaries or siphoning of funds, can benefit from this scheme.

Modi remarked, “In relation to the fisheries sector, in 2019 we launched PM Matsya Sampada Yojana which was critical in enhancing the value chain, infrastructure creation, and modernisation. It contributed to better production, productivity and post-harvest management processes in the fishery industry.” 

He continued: “The sector as a whole has received increased investment and the results are evident to us. We have more than doubled fish production and exports. Additionally, we will soon be establishing a framework for the sustainable extraction of fisheries resources from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas."  

At the same time, Modi called on other stakeholders to balance stimulating the economy and preserving the traditional fishing culture. 

The Prime Minister said that his government has a vision of a stronger rural economy, adding that billions of poor people are being provided houses under PM Awas Yojana-Gramin along with giving owners a Record of Rights under the Swamitva Yojana.

He mentioned that PM Gramin Sadak Yojana focused on aiding small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs, and also appreciated the achievements made in the self-help group. “We set a goal of 3 crores of lakhpathi didis. Through our work, over 1.25 crores of women have been able to achieve the status of lakhpati didis," he said. The investment made into enhancing and advancing technology and skill is opening new avenues. There are many new job opportunities created with the initiatives stated in this budget development and rural welfare spending.