Hi everyone! On March 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a post-budget webinar organized by the NITI Aayog on “Agriculture and Rural Prosperity”. He made it clear that he was not keen on making a habit of having a budget dialogue with everyone repeatedly. He urged everyone involved to roll up their sleeves, so he stressed moving this year’s budget for farming and rural growth ASAP. Let’s summarise what he said accurately and efficiently and see why it’s a big deal for India’s heartland.
Less Talk, More Do
PM Modi started things with an unmistakable vibe: “We’ve got the budget—now let’s focus on making it happen.” No dragging feet allowed—he wants quick wins to turn the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) into reality. This is his government’s third term, and he’s sticking to a steady game plan. “Find the roadblocks, spot the gaps, and get it done,” he told the crowd, pushing for teamwork to make sure the budget hits the ground running.
Farmers First: The Big Picture
Modi has two goals—enhancing agricultural growth and improving rural life. He said, “Agriculture is our growth engine; we will not leave any farmer behind.” He is focused on harnessing India’s full potential as a farm powerhouse. Foodgrain production has increased from 265 million tonnes about 10 years ago to more than 330 million tonnes. Also, horticulture production has crossed the 350 million tonne mark. This is not a coincidence; this is progress.
Spotlight on Key Moves
Modi loves one scheme, the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, directed at 100 low-yield districts. It’s modelled on the aspirational districts’ effort, which has yielded excellent results. He said this one is “huge” for me—think better crops, happier farmers. Then we have the Makhana Board in Bihar. Yes, an encouraging group for Fox Nuts! Modi asks people to push diverse, nutritious foods like makhana on plates at home and abroad. Let’s market this stuff globally, he added with a smile.
Seeds, Tech, and Pulses
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) got a shoutout—between 2014 and 2024, they’ve rolled out 2,900 new crop varieties using cutting-edge breeding tech. “Get these to farmers cheap,” Modi said, “and make sure weather doesn’t mess with their harvests.” A new budget mission for high-yield seeds is in play, too—he’s calling on private players to join the seed party, especially for small farmers.
Pulses? It is improving, but we’re still importing 20% of our food. Chickpeas and moong dal are self-sufficient now! but Modi wants more tur, urad, and masoor. “High-yield seeds are the answer,” he insisted.
Cash in Farmers’ Pockets
The PM-KISAN scheme? No doubt it’s a game-changer. In the last six years, ₹3.75 lakh crore has hit the account of the 11 crore farmers “directly” with no middlemen and leakage, thanks to a tremendous digital set-up. That is effective ₹6,000 a year per farmer, which is boosting rural economies.
Fishing for Growth
Fisheries got love, too. The PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, launched in 2019, has doubled fish production and exports. “We’ve built the value chain—better gear, more output, smarter handling,” Modi said. Next up? A plan to fish sustainably in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and beyond while keeping traditional fishermen in the loop. “Ease of business, but protect our roots,” he urged.
Rural Glow-Up
Modi’s all-in on rural riches. PM Awas Yojana-Gramin is handing out homes to millions of low-income families. Swamitva Yojana? That’s property rights on lock—official docs for rural landowners. Roads from Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana are linking up small farmers and businesses like never before.
And the women? Self-help groups are thriving. “We targeted three crores’ worth of lakhpati didis; over 1.25 crore have made it!” he grinned. That’s women earning over a lakh a year, thanks to government nudges.
Jobs and Skills on the Rise
Modi said this budget is a jobs machine. New rural programs, plus skilling and tech investments, are opening doors. “It’s not just farming—it’s a whole ecosystem growing,” he added.
Why It Hits Home
Modi is serious about making garnering results, not merely plans. This is visible from bumper harvests to fish catches to women participating and becoming millionaires. Farmers are not just the food producers of the country but the real strength of the “Viksit Bharat” dream. With “action” being the keyword, he relies on all – from the government to the private sector – to make it happen.
So, what’s next? Stakeholders are on the clock to turn talk into tractors, seeds, and homes. What do you think—? Are you ready to see rural India shine? Let’s watch this roll out!