More than 16 lakh farmers and stakeholders from the fertilizer sector participated in a post-Budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation” addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
According to data released by the Department of Fertilizers, the virtual outreach saw around 16 lakh participants, including nearly 12 lakh male farmers and 4 lakh women farmers, who joined the event through Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) across the country.
Participation from All States and UTs
The digital programme covered all 36 states and Union Territories, with the majority of participants belonging to the farming community.
The webinar also witnessed participation from senior executives of 23 fertilizer companies, including public sector enterprises such as National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (RCF). Representatives from cooperative organisations like IFFCO and KRIBHCO, as well as private sector fertilizer companies, also joined the session.
Budget Sets New Direction for Agriculture
Addressing the participants via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said the Union Budget has charted a new course for agriculture and rural transformation.
He reiterated that the government’s key focus remains on increasing farmers’ income, strengthening the agriculture sector and boosting the rural economy.
Focus on Technology and Infrastructure
The Prime Minister said sustained investments in agriculture, the adoption of modern technologies, and improvements in agricultural infrastructure over the past few years have helped increase production and create new opportunities for farmers.
Opportunity in Global Demand for Organic Food
Highlighting global consumption trends, Modi pointed to the growing international demand for organic and chemical-free food products, driven by rising health awareness.
He said this trend presents a major opportunity for Indian farmers to expand their presence in global agricultural markets.
Suggestions to Strengthen Rural Economy
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the ideas and suggestions emerging from the webinar would help further strengthen India’s agriculture sector and support the growth of the rural economy.
