Agricultural development crucial for country's progress: PM Modi

Linking modern changes in the agricultural sector and the economic strength of farmers to the goal of a developed India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that agricultural development is crucial for the country's progress. The goal of making India a developed nation cannot be achieved without the use of new technology and empowering farmers. He was addressing the India Today Group's Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026.

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of agricultural experts, entrepreneurs, and farmers. He described the conference as important, noting that such events provide an opportunity to understand the connection between the challenges of agriculture and the country's development journey.

The address began with greetings for Diwali and Chhath.

Prime Minister Modi began his address by greeting the nation on the occasion of Diwali and Chhath. He welcomed India Today Group Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie, along with agricultural scientists, entrepreneurs, and farmers from various parts of the country.

He commended the India Today Group for organizing this event. Referring to the initial phase of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said that the Group actively participated in the campaign even then. Now, organizing a two-day Kisan Mela for farmers is a positive initiative.

Connection of Chhath Mahaparva with farming and agricultural life

Referring to the connection between festivals and agricultural life, the Prime Minister said that this conference is being held at a time when the country is celebrating the grand festival of Chhath after Diwali. He described Chhath as a festival deeply connected to agricultural life.

He also mentioned the seven streams of power he outlined for a developed India in his Red Fort address. According to the Prime Minister, agriculture is a key part of these seven streams. Therefore, special attention must be paid to modernizing agriculture and empowering farmers.

Reduction of poverty in villages

Linking agriculture and the country's economic progress, the Prime Minister cited a World Bank study. He said that according to this study, approximately 500 million poor people in India have been lifted out of poverty in the last 12-13 years.

He also spoke of the decline in poverty in rural areas. The Prime Minister linked this change to the improvement in the economic conditions of small farmers and farm laborers.

Questions raised on old agricultural policies and changing needs

The Prime Minister said that to understand the country's achievements, it is also important to pay attention to the changes and policy efforts in the agricultural sector. According to him, agricultural experts understand well why it is necessary to adapt farming methods and policies over time.

He questioned the working style of previous governments, saying that those who ruled for long periods were primarily focused on filling grain reserves, but not enough attention was paid to the benefits that farmers received and the improvement in their conditions.

It is necessary to prepare farmers according to the changing market and technology.

The Prime Minister said that over the years, there have been major changes in global markets, people's needs, eating habits, climate, and technology. Therefore, it is essential to adapt the agricultural sector to these circumstances.

He said that it was essential to prepare farmers for new challenges and opportunities, but this had not received the necessary attention in the past. Empowering farmers, along with developing and smartening agriculture, would be a crucial step towards a developed India.

'दो-तीन दिन पहले ही देश ने दीपावली का त्योहार मनाया है और अब छठ महापर्व की छटा छाई हुई है. भारत में अधिकतर त्योहार खेती-किसानी से जुड़े हैं. छठ का पर्व, बिहू, पोंगल, ओणम, बैसाखी और सरहुल जैसे कई त्योहार इसका उदाहरण हैं. खेती-किसानी हमारी संस्कृति, परंपरा और सामाजिक जीवन का आधार है': पीएम मोदी #BharatAgricultureConference2026 #KisanTakAgricultureConference #KisanTakModi #PMModiOnAajTak | @narendramodi

— AajTak (@aajtak) November 12, 2026