PM Modi Launches ₹35,440 Crore Agricultural Schemes to Empower Farmers and Boost Self-Reliance

Major Diwali Gift for Farmers: Two Landmark Agriculture Missions Announced

In a major initiative to transform India’s agricultural landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two key schemes worth ₹35,440 crore on the occasion of Jayaprakash Narayan Jayanti. These landmark initiatives — the “Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission” and the “Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana” — are aimed at boosting farmers’ income, improving productivity, and achieving agricultural self-reliance.

The launch took place at a special agricultural event in New Delhi, marking a historic day for India’s farmers. Along with these schemes, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for several other agricultural and allied sector projects worth over ₹6,200 crore.

₹11,440 Crore ‘Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission’: Reducing Dependence on Imports

The first scheme, Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, has been allocated a budget of ₹11,440 crore. Its main objective is to make India self-reliant in pulse production by 2030–31. The mission aims to increase domestic pulse output from 252.38 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes over the next few years.

Currently, India relies heavily on imported pulses to meet domestic demand. By strengthening local production, the mission will not only reduce the import bill but also ensure better prices and profitability for farmers. The government plans to achieve this through high-yield seed varieties, improved irrigation systems, and enhanced farmer training programs.

₹24,000 Crore ‘Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’: Revitalizing 100 Low-Performing Districts

The second scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, is backed by an investment of ₹24,000 crore. This initiative focuses on revamping 100 underperforming agricultural districts across the country.

Under this scheme, the government will work to:

• Enhance crop productivity and encourage crop diversification.

• Improve irrigation and storage infrastructure.

• Provide easier access to credit for small and marginal farmers.

• Introduce modern farming technologies to increase efficiency and yield.

The goal is to create model agricultural districts where farmers can thrive using sustainable and advanced farming techniques. These efforts are expected to elevate rural incomes and contribute to India’s goal of becoming an agricultural powerhouse.

Additional Projects to Boost the Rural Economy

During the event, PM Modi also inaugurated several major agricultural and allied sector projects worth ₹5,450 crore, including:

• Artificial insemination and IVF centers to improve cattle breeds.

• Dairy powder plants and fish feed factories to strengthen the livestock and fisheries sectors.

• Centers of excellence for agricultural innovation and training.

He also laid the foundation for projects worth another ₹815 crore, covering sectors such as food processing, animal husbandry, and cooperative digitalization.

The Prime Minister emphasized that over 50 lakh farmers are already connected with 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the country, playing a pivotal role in collective farming and better market access.

Strengthening Rural Development and Agricultural Innovation

These initiatives are not only focused on crop production but also aim to revolutionize rural livelihoods through technology-driven solutions. The government is pushing for digital transformation of cooperatives, promotion of organic farming, and increased use of AI and precision tools in agriculture.

By integrating modern practices with traditional farming wisdom, these schemes seek to create a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem capable of meeting domestic and global food demands.

Transforming Farmers’ Lives by 2030

Prime Minister Modi described these projects as a “turning point for India’s farmers”, envisioning a future where every farmer earns more and faces fewer challenges. The two mega schemes will come into effect from the upcoming Rabi season and are expected to deliver direct benefits to millions of farmers by 2030–31.

“These missions will strengthen India’s resolve for self-reliance, enhance agricultural productivity, and uplift the lives of rural families,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the government’s focus remains on empowering farmers through innovation, infrastructure, and inclusion.

Final Take

With a total investment of ₹35,440 crore, the newly launched agricultural schemes mark one of the largest pro-farmer initiatives in recent years. Together, the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana are expected to reshape India’s agricultural framework — making farming more sustainable, profitable, and globally competitive.

As the nation prepares for Diwali, this announcement serves as a true festival gift for India’s farmers, promising a brighter, more prosperous future for the backbone of the country’s economy.