New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Friday that the moment has come to enhance export-oriented agricultural production to integrate into global supply chains, which will generate new employment opportunities and strengthen our farmers.

In a post-budget webinar themed "Agriculture and Rural Transformation" conducted via video link, PM Modi emphasized that agriculture serves as the backbone of our economy and represents a strategic foundation.

“With the onset of the second quarter of the 21st century, we aim to inject fresh energy into the agricultural sector. As global demand evolves, we must focus on export-oriented farming, crop diversification, and the incorporation of modern technologies in agriculture,” the Prime Minister insisted.

He pointed out that the Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced several reforms aimed at boosting productivity and increasing farmer incomes, calling for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to cultivate a high-value agricultural sector that can compete globally.

“Experts in agriculture, industry leaders, and farmers need to collaborate to enhance the country’s integration into international markets. Additionally, the promotion of quality and branding standards is essential,” PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of holistic healthcare through the promotion of organic and natural farming, urging stakeholders to take initiative.

“The fisheries sector has the potential to emerge as a significant export-oriented industry. We need to develop innovative business models for rural prosperity and high-value crops, requiring collective efforts from all of us,” stated PM Modi.

Moreover, he focused on advancing high-value agriculture by tapping into crops such as cashew, coconut, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts.

PM Modi also encouraged private sector investment and entrepreneurial ventures in the animal husbandry and coastal fisheries value chains, along with expanding market access for products crafted by rural women entrepreneurs through self-help groups under the Entrepreneurs-Marketing Avenues for Rural Transformation (SHE-Marts).

India has built a robust digital foundation for agriculture, boasting over 7.63 crore farmer IDs and 23.5 crore crop plots surveyed under the Digital Agriculture Mission.

The Union Budget 2026-27 strongly emphasizes high-value agriculture, allied sectors, and technology-driven farming. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed targeted measures to enhance farmer incomes, create rural jobs, and modernize agricultural practices.

She announced an allocation of Rs 1,62,671 crore for the agriculture sector in the Union Budget, a 7% increase from the revised estimate of Rs 1,51,853 for 2025-26, underscoring the ongoing commitment to farmer welfare, food security, and rural livelihoods.

The Budget 2026-27 aims to significantly boost high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, cocoa, and cashew in coastal regions to improve farmers' incomes. Support will also extend to agar trees in the Northeast and nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts, in hilly areas across the country.