Need to make agricultural products export-oriented, globally-competitive: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for making India's agricultural products export-oriented and globally competitive, urging farmers and agri-businesses to integrate with global supply chains.
Modi highlighted the National Mission on Edible Oil and Pulses and the National Mission on Natural Farming as key pillars strengthening the agriculture sector and reducing import dependency.
He stressed the need to create new jobs in the farm sector through value-added exports and to empower farmers through market linkages.
The statements were made in the context of India's push toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in agriculture and align with broader Union Budget 2026-27 priorities.
National Mission on Edible Oils — Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
India is one of the world's largest importers of edible oils, spending approximately USD 10–14 billion annually on palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil imports. NMEO-Oilseeds is a central sector scheme approved by the Union Cabinet to achieve edible oil self-sufficiency.
Key Details
- Approved by the Cabinet in 2024; covers the period 2024-25 to 2030-31.
- Financial outlay: ₹10,103 crore.
- Production target: Increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
- Target crops: Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum; also secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils.
- Complementary scheme: National Mission on Edible Oils — Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), targeting 10 lakh hectares of oil palm cultivation by 2026.
- Combined target: Increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31, meeting approximately 72% of projected demand (up from ~40% currently).
Modi's reference to the National Mission on Edible Oil directly links to NMEO-Oilseeds — a flagship scheme designed to cut India's edible oil import bill and create a domestic oilseed surplus that can eventually be export-oriented.
Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission (Mission for Pulses Self-Reliance)
India is the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet remains a net importer of certain varieties. The government launched a dedicated mission to achieve pulse self-reliance as part of the broader food security agenda.
Key Details
- Officially termed the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission; part of the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana framework.
- Financial outlay: Over ₹11,000 crore.
- Goal: Increase area under pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares; boost production of tur (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and masoor (red lentil).
- Includes a procurement guarantee mechanism to reduce price risk for farmers.
- India's pulse production in 2024-25: approximately 24–25 million tonnes; domestic requirement: ~26 million tonnes — a persistent structural deficit.
- Pulses are listed as "essential commodities" under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955; prices are periodically regulated.
Pulses represent the other key area where India seeks self-reliance before targeting exports. Modi's reference to the mission signals the government's phased approach: first achieve domestic sufficiency, then build export capacity.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Natural farming is a chemical-free agriculture practice rooted in local biodiversity and traditional knowledge. India has launched a centralised mission to scale it up, reduce input costs for farmers, and position Indian agriculture for premium organic export markets.
Key Details
- Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024; implementation through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
- Financial outlay: ₹2,481 crore over two years.
- Target: Bring 1 crore farmers under natural farming practices; cover approximately 7.5 lakh hectares.
- Based on the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), rooted in practices promoted by scientist-philosopher Subhash Palekar.
- Key inputs: Jeevamrit (fermented mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil) — replaces chemical fertilisers.
- Andhra Pradesh's Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a state-level precedent, having enrolled over 6 lakh farmers.
- Natural farming aligns with India's international commitments under sustainable development (SDG 2 — Zero Hunger; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption).
Natural farming reduces dependence on imported chemical inputs (fertilisers and pesticides), cuts farmers' costs, and creates a certified organic production base that can access premium markets in the EU, US, and Japan — directly supporting the PM's call for globally competitive agricultural exports.
- NMEO-Oilseeds outlay: ₹10,103 crore (2024-25 to 2030-31)
- Oilseed production target: 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31 (from 39 MT in 2022-23)
- India's edible oil import bill: approximately USD 10–14 billion annually
- Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission outlay: Over ₹11,000 crore
- Pulse cultivation expansion target: 35 lakh additional hectares
- NMNF outlay: ₹2,481 crore; target: 1 crore farmers, 7.5 lakh hectares
- India's oilseed production in 2024-25: approximately 42.6 million tonnes (record high)
- India's position: World's largest producer and consumer of pulses; net importer due to demand exceeding production
- Domestic edible oil self-sufficiency target: 72% of demand by 2030-31 (from ~40% currently)