Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the immense strength of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the recently introduced train services have significantly boosted the movement of goods across the region. These remarks came during a progressive farmers’ meet in New Delhi as the Prime Minister launched the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a ₹24,000 crore initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
Modi emphasized the importance of this new scheme in promoting crop diversification and sustainable farming practices, specifically targeting 100 selected districts across India. Among the interacting farmers was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie from Ganderbal district, who shared his successful journey attributed to government initiatives.
“I’ve come from Kashmir. I saw your progressive schemes for farmers and availed their benefits. Today, I have 14 employees and earn around ₹15 lakh in profits annually,” Ganaie told PM Modi, reflecting on the transformative impact of the central government’s support.
The Prime Minister responded positively, affirming, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.” This statement underlines the strategic importance of the new train services that began operation directly from New Delhi to Kashmir, facilitating the transportation of essential goods like vehicles, apples, and various other fruits for the first time.
During the event, PM Modi encouraged farmers to explore natural farming techniques, suggesting they experiment with small plots of land. He urged them to build confidence through practical results. Farmers at the event shared their positive experiences adopting innovative agricultural practices based on previous interactions with Modi.
A woman farmer, during her dialogue with the Prime Minister, praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, calling the annual ₹6,000 support “a blessing” that enabled her to purchase seeds and prepare her fields timely. Many farmers displayed innovations from their farms, including aeroponically grown “Jain potato” and value-added garlic products such as paste and powder.
In his address, PM Modi underscored India’s agricultural progress over the past 11 years by noting impressive statistics: agricultural exports have nearly doubled, while foodgrain output has surged by 90 million metric tonnes and fruit and vegetable production has risen by 64 million metric tonnes.
He also pointed out that India now ranks first in milk production and stands as the second-largest fish producer globally. Furthermore, honey production has seen significant growth since 2014, underlining India’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity.
To bolster the cooperative spirit amongst farmers, the Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aimed at improving market access and fostering collaboration among farmers.
PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana derives its inspiration from the successful Aspirational Districts Model, emphasizing the government’s aim to empower every farmer through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth.
