Full Breakdown
Prime Minister Modi Launches Major Agricultural Initiatives to Boost Self-Reliance
10/13/2025, 1:08:15 AM
Overview of the Initiatives
On October 11, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two significant agricultural schemes, the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with a combined budget of INR35,440 crore. These initiatives aim to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and improve farmers' incomes, particularly in 100 low-performing districts across India. The PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, with an allocation of INR24,000 crore, integrates 36 sub-schemes from 11 ministries, while the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, funded with INR11,440 crore, seeks to make India self-sufficient in pulse production.
Goals and Expected Outcomes
The primary objective of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is to modernize agricultural infrastructure and improve access to credit and storage facilities. The initiative is designed to uplift aspirational districts that have historically lagged in agricultural development. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aims to increase pulse production from 252.38 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, thereby reducing India's reliance on imports and enhancing nutritional security for the population.
Government Commitment and Support
During the launch event at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, Modi emphasized the government's commitment to farmer welfare and rural development. He noted that the agricultural budget has increased nearly sixfold over the past eleven years, supporting small and marginal farmers through various schemes, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has transferred INR3.90 lakh crore directly to farmers' accounts. Additionally, the government has implemented significant increases in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for key crops, ensuring income security for cultivators.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the government's optimistic outlook, some critics argue that the focus on large-scale initiatives may overlook the specific needs of smaller farmers and localized agricultural practices. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of integrating multiple schemes and whether the intended benefits will reach the most vulnerable farming communities.
Official Statements
Prime Minister Modi stated, “The Government of India will invest over INR35,000 crore in these initiatives, reflecting its unwavering commitment to doubling farmers’ incomes and achieving food and nutritional security for the country.” Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of these schemes in shielding farmers from international price shocks and ensuring affordable access to fertilizers and modern agricultural equipment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Addressing the event, Modi said, “Today is a historic day that marks the birth anniversaries of two of Maa Bharati’s illustrious sons who redefined India’s democratic fabric and rural development.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- “Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who joined the event virtually, said PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will transform agrarian India through convergence, innovation and inclusive growth.” — Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
What's Next
The government plans to monitor the performance of the selected districts through the NITI Aayog, which will rank them based on productivity indicators. The initiatives are expected to pave the way for further investments in modern cold chains, processing units, and improved market access for farmers, contributing to a more resilient agricultural ecosystem in India.
