Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 12 November 2026 declared that transforming agriculture into a 'smart' sector and strengthening farmers' economic position are non-negotiable pillars of India's development, citing a World Bank study that found 50 crore people in the country have escaped poverty. He was addressing the Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026, organised by the India Today Group at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — a two-day gathering that brought together more than 2,000 farmers, policymakers, industry representatives, and global experts.

A Decade of Sustained Farm Growth

Modi highlighted that over the past ten years, India's agricultural growth rate has consistently exceeded 4 per cent annually — the first time since Independence that the sector has maintained such momentum over a sustained period. He noted that this era of robust farm output has directly coincided with a sharp decline in rural poverty, reinforcing his argument that farm-sector vitality is inseparable from broader poverty alleviation. According to the World Bank data he referenced, the reduction in poverty has been particularly pronounced in rural areas.

Government Support: Fertilisers, Vaccines, and Infrastructure

The Prime Minister outlined several measures his government has taken to insulate farmers from market shocks. He said the Centre has spent ₹16 lakh crore to keep fertilisers affordable — a bag of urea that costs ₹3,000 in the international market is made available to Indian farmers for less than ₹300. He also recalled a period when global crude oil prices surged to $120 per barrel amid tensions in West Asia; rather than passing the full burden on to cultivators, the government raised diesel prices by only ₹7 a litre and absorbed the remaining ₹43.

On rural infrastructure, Modi noted that India now has more than 725 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Livestock belonging to over 8 crore farmers have been vaccinated free of cost against Foot and Mouth Disease, he added.

'Drone Didis' and the Tech Push in Rural India

Modi singled out the success of the 'Drone Didi' programme, under which women in rural areas have been trained to operate agricultural drones. He said these women have dismantled the assumption that advanced technology is incompatible with village life. Recounting one such example, he noted that a woman drone operator is now addressed as 'pilot' in her village and 'pilot bhabhi' at home — a cultural shift, he argued, as significant as the technological one. He urged startups to develop solar-powered farm equipment and AI-integrated tools to cut input costs and simplify key tasks such as sowing and harvesting.

From 'Annadatas' to 'Krishi Udyamis'

The Prime Minister called for a rapid transformation of farmers — traditionally referred to as 'annadatas' (food providers) — into 'krishi udyamis', or agricultural entrepreneurs, so that cultivators can fully capture the value of modern technology and emerging market opportunities. This framing represents a push to integrate India's farming community into broader value chains rather than limiting their role to primary production.

Political Remarks and Historical Recollections

Modi also used the platform to make pointed political remarks, criticising those who, in his characterisation, 'behave as if they alone own the Constitution and democracy.' He recalled an episode from his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, when the state was ranked number one in an assessment by a group of eminent economists — reportedly named after a former Prime Minister. He alleged that the then central government issued a directive deeming the report unacceptable and demanding prior approval before publication. 'And now these same people talk about democracy,' he said. The remark was widely understood as directed at the Congress, though he did not name the party explicitly. All such characterisations are attributed to the Prime Minister's address.

What Comes Next

The Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026 is scheduled across two days, with its remaining sessions expected to produce actionable recommendations on smart farming, agri-tech investment, and rural supply-chain modernisation. The push for AI and solar-powered farm tools, if followed by specific policy or procurement commitments, could shape the next phase of the government's agricultural technology agenda.