Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the immense strength of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth during a recent interaction with progressive farmers in New Delhi. He stated that the newly introduced train services have significantly boosted the movement of goods across various regions.
These remarks came as part of the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a new ₹24,000 crore initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, and supporting sustainable farming practices across 100 chosen districts. This ambitious scheme seeks to empower farmers directly while stimulating regional economies.
Among the participating farmers was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie from Ganderbal district in Kashmir. Sharing his inspiring success story, Ganaie told the Prime Minister, “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.” He attributed his success to the Modi government’s initiatives, showcasing the transformation in local agriculture.
In response, PM Modi affirmed, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.” He highlighted the introduction of direct goods train services operating from New Delhi to Kashmir, which facilitate the transport of vehicles, apples, and other fruits directly to and from Srinagar for the first time.
The Prime Minister encouraged farmers to gradually shift towards natural farming techniques, suggesting they experiment with smaller portions of land. This approach, he noted, can build confidence and showcase remarkable results. During the event, several farmers shared their experiences of successfully adopting innovative farming practices following earlier interactions with Modi.
Among these narratives was that of a woman farmer who praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. She described the annual support of ₹6,000 as “a blessing” that enabled her to buy seeds and prepare her fields promptly. Others presented innovative products, including the aeroponically grown “Jain potato” and value-added garlic items like paste and powder, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
Highlighting the remarkable transformation in the agricultural sector, Modi shared key statistics. In the past 11 years, India has nearly doubled its agricultural exports. Foodgrain output increased by 90 million metric tonnes, and the production of fruits and vegetables has surged by 64 million metric tonnes. Remarkably, India now ranks first in milk production and is the second-largest fish producer globally. Additionally, honey production has doubled since 2014, underscoring the nation’s agricultural advancements.
More than 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been established to enhance farmer cooperation and market access, a vital step towards inclusivity in agriculture. Modi revealed that the inspiration behind the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana stems from the success of the Aspirational Districts Model, reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to empower every farmer through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth.
