PM Modi pitches group farming to boost income through high-value crops

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged small and marginal farmers to adopt group farming, pooling their land to cultivate high-value crops and increase their earnings. The interaction with farmers took place at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, ahead of the launch of two major agriculture schemes worth Rs 35,440 crore.

Modi launched the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (Rs 24,000 crore) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Rs 11,440 crore), aiming to strengthen crop production, income, and nutritional security.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming gradually, suggesting a phased approach, testing it on a part of the land while continuing traditional methods on the rest, building confidence over time.

Farmers from across India shared their success stories. A young entrepreneur from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, showcased aeroponic potato seed farming, growing potatoes in vertical structures without soil. Modi humorously called it “Jain Potato,” noting it aligns with Jain dietary practices that avoid root vegetables.

From Haryana, a farmer shared that growing Kabuli chana for four years now yields around 10 quintals per acre, adding that inter-cropping with pulses enriches the soil with nitrogen while generating extra income. Modi highlighted that pulses not only improve farmers’ earnings but also strengthen national nutritional security.

The Prime Minister stressed the benefits of group farming, where small farmers combine their land, reduce costs, access better markets, and focus on high-value crops. One example cited involved 1,200 acres of residue-free Kabuli chana, boosting incomes for all involved.

Modi also promoted millets like bajra and jowar, especially in water-scarce regions, noting the growing global demand for millets.

Farmers recounted remarkable journeys: a woman from a self-help group started moong cultivation on five bighas in 2023, supported by the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi; a former hotel worker now manages a gaushala with 250 Gir cows under a government subsidy; a youth entrepreneur in Jharkhand integrated organic farming for 125 tribal families; and a professional returning from the US expanded farming, hatcheries, and seed production to cover over 300 acres, employing 200 people with low-interest government funding.

The PM also highlighted aquaculture potential, praising youth participation, and appreciated the Sakhi Organization, where 90,000 women in dairy farming became self-reliant, with over 14,000 achieving millionaire status.

Representatives of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) shared success stories, including consistent 20% annual dividends in Gujarat and improved rail connectivity for apple transport from Kashmir.

Modi’s interaction underlined the government’s focus on collective farming, innovation, and sustainable agriculture, offering farmers practical tools and inspiration to increase income while contributing to the country’s food and nutritional security.