Friday, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi urged a rise in export-oriented agriculture, arguing that it will boost farmer incomes and generate new jobs as the country becomes better integrated with global supply networks.
In his post-Budget webcast on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation,” India’s prime minister emphasised the importance of adjusting the agricultural sector to meet changing global demand while stating that agriculture is still a vital part of the country’s economy.
Modi emphasised that in order to increase productivity and global competitiveness, it is crucial to diversify crops, focus on exports, and use modern technology. To improve the quality and branding of Indian products, he added, stakeholders in the agricultural, industrial, and academic sectors must collaborate to foster high-value agriculture.
When it came to advocating for sustainable agriculture and holistic healthcare, the prime minister also highlighted the importance of natural and organic farming. He emphasised the importance of fishing as an export-driven industry and urged the development of innovative business models to increase rural incomes and improve the popularity of high-value crops.
Cashews, coconuts, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts were among the prime agricultural commodities that Modi singled out as promising new avenues for farmers to explore. In addition, he advocated for the value chains of coastal fisheries and animal husbandry to have more private sector involvement.
