From drones to solar, Modi backs farmers

Enhanced support measures aim to improve yields, reduce costs and create long-term economic resilience

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar NEW DELHI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, saying farmers remain at the heart of India’s food security, nutrition and economic prosperity. 

He highlighted a series of government initiatives aimed at improving farm incomes, reducing cultivation costs and bringing modern technology to the fields.

Addressing farmers' welfare and agricultural development, the Prime Minister said the government is working continuously to make the lives of farmers easier and more secure. 

He noted that several flagship schemes launched over the past few years are helping strengthen the rural economy and boosting confidence among cultivators. Modi said the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has emerged as a major source of income support for farmers, while the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is providing a safety net against crop losses caused by natural calamities and adverse weather conditions.

He also highlighted the role of the PM-KUSUM scheme, under which farmers are being encouraged to adopt solar-powered solutions.

According to the Prime Minister, greater access to solar energy is helping reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources and lowering farming expenses.Emphasising access to affordable credit, Modi said the Kisan Credit Card scheme is proving beneficial for farmers, livestock owners and fishermen by enabling easy availability of low-interest loans. 

The initiative, he said, is helping rural communities meet their financial requirements without excessive dependence on informal borrowing channels. The Prime Minister further underlined the government's focus on improving agricultural marketing and ensuring better price realisation. 

Referring to the “seed to market” approach, he said efforts are being made to support farmers throughout the agricultural value chain, from production to sale, enabling them to receive fair prices for their produce.

Stressing the importance of technology-led farming, Modi said modern agricultural facilities remain a priority area for the government.  He pointed to ongoing campaigns promoting the use of drones in agriculture, soil health cards and natural fertilisers as examples of initiatives aimed at improving farm productivity and sustainability. These measures are helping farmers adopt scientific farming practices, optimise input usage and enhance crop yields.  He added that the government's broader objective is to create a stronger, more resilient and technology-enabled agricultural sector capable of supporting India's long-term growth while ensuring greater prosperity for farming communities.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of making Indian agriculture more sustainable and resilient in the face of changing climatic conditions. He said the government is encouraging farmers to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices that can improve soil quality while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Modi noted that the promotion of natural fertilisers and scientific soil management is helping farmers maintain long-term productivity and lower input costs. 

He said efforts are also being made to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and improve connectivity between farms and markets. 

Better storage facilities, improved logistics and enhanced digital platforms are helping farmers access wider markets and reduce post-harvest losses.

According to him, these initiatives are aimed at building a future-ready agricultural ecosystem that supports higher incomes, greater productivity and sustainable growth for millions of farmers across the country.