PM Modi Highlights Key Role of Small Farmers in India's Agricultural Strategy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in India's economic policy framework, stating that small farmers are crucial to India's food security. 'Agriculture is at the core of India's economic strategies. The 90% of small farmers who own limited land are the backbone of our food security,' Modi remarked, during the 32nd International Association of Agricultural Economists' inauguration at the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex in Delhi.

Modi noted similar agrarian scenarios in many developing Asian nations, suggesting the applicability of India's model internationally. He cited large-scale, chemical-free natural farming as a successful initiative, alongside a significant budget focus on sustainable and climate-resilient practices and ecosystem development to aid farmers.

Emphasizing research efforts, Modi reported the introduction of 1,900 climate-resilient crop varieties over the past decade. Highlighting water-efficient rice and the medicinal benefits of black rice from Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya, he reiterated India's readiness to share these advancements globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)