Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the power of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth and the transformative impact of newly launched train services during a farmers’ interaction in New Delhi on Friday. The train services, which directly connect New Delhi to the Valley, have substantially enhanced trade by facilitating swift transport of goods across regions.
Modi’s remarks came as he inaugurated the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a ₹24,000 crore initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, and fostering sustainable farming practices in 100 selected districts across India.
Among the farmers present was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie, hailing from Ganderbal district. Ganaie shared how he leveraged the benefits of government schemes to cultivate a successful agricultural business, leading to an annual profit of ₹15 lakh and employing 14 workers. He thanked the Modi government for enabling his growth.
The Prime Minister responded enthusiastically, emphasizing, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.” This marks a significant shift in logistics, allowing for smoother transport of essential products like vehicles and fruits directly from Srinagar.
During the launch event, PM Modi urged farmers to explore natural farming methods, encouraging them to experiment on small plots to witness favorable outcomes. Farmers in attendance shared success stories of their innovative practices, further emphasizing the event’s spirit of collaboration and learning.
One woman farmer praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which provides ₹6,000 annually, describing it as a lifeline that allows her to buy seeds and prepare her fields in a timely manner. Innovations showcased by farmers included aeroponically grown ‘Jain potato’ and garlic products in various formats, underscoring a shift towards value-added agriculture.
Highlighting India’s agricultural progress, Modi pointed out that agricultural exports have nearly doubled over the last 11 years, and foodgrain output increased by 90 million metric tonnes. He noted, “India now ranks first in milk production and the second-largest fish producer globally.” Additionally, honey production has doubled since 2014, showcasing the growth in this sector.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the establishment of over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aimed at enhancing farmer cooperation and improving market access. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth.
Underlining the philosophy behind the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Modi stated that it draws inspiration from the Aspirational Districts Model, focusing on uplifting every farmer in the country. This strategic approach promotes agricultural innovation while addressing issues of productivity and sustainability.
