PM Modi urges farmers to scale up high-value crops for global markets

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged farmers to take advantage of India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions and focus on expanding the cultivation of high-value crops so that the country’s agricultural products can compete more effectively in global markets. 

Addressing a post-Budget webinar on Agriculture and Rural Transformation, Modi said India must strengthen the quality, branding and standards of its agricultural produce. He said that agri experts, industry stakeholders, and farmers need to work together to build a globally competitive farm sector. 

Focus on export-oriented agriculture 

“Today the markets of the world are opening, and global demand is changing... It is necessary to have more discussion on making our agriculture export-oriented. We have a diverse climate, and we must take full advantage of it. We are rich in agro-climatic zones,” he said in his third post-budget webinar. 

The Prime Minister said the Union Budget for 2026-27 has placed significant emphasis on high-value agriculture, including crops such as cashew, cocoa and sandalwood. Initiatives like the National Mission on Edible Oil and Pulses and the National Mission on Natural Farming are aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector, he added. 

“If we scale up the high-value agri sector, only then we can convert our agriculture sector to a globally-competitive sector,” Modi said. 

Push for natural farming 

Highlighting emerging global consumption trends, the Prime Minister noted that consumers worldwide are increasingly focused on health and holistic lifestyles, which has led to growing demand for organic and natural food products. 

“We must place greater emphasis on chemical-free and natural farming. Natural farming creates a highway to reach markets across the world,” he said. 

Modi also described agriculture as a strategic pillar in India’s long-term development journey, noting that the government has undertaken several measures to support farmers and strengthen rural incomes. 

“Nearly 10 crore farmers have received more than ₹4 lakh crore through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. This year's Union Budget gives a strong push to agriculture and rural transformation,” he added. 

The Centre has been holding a series of post-Budget webinars to discuss implementation strategies for key announcements made in the Union Budget 2026-27. These consultations bring together policymakers, industry leaders, experts and other stakeholders to accelerate execution of policy measures aimed at boosting growth in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services. 

(With inputs from PTI)