Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a Post-Budget Webinar on ‘Agriculture and Rural Transformation’ through video conferencing today, focusing on strategies to strengthen India’s rural economy and agricultural value chains. The event forms part of the government’s broader effort to translate key announcements from the Union Budget into actionable policies by engaging stakeholders across sectors.
The webinar will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs to deliberate on opportunities for growth in agriculture and allied sectors. Under the central theme of agriculture and rural transformation, eight different sessions are being organised to discuss developments across four major areas: agriculture, animal husbandry and dairying, fisheries, and rural livelihoods.
The discussions are expected to highlight ways to increase productivity, boost farmer incomes, and promote rural entrepreneurship through innovation, investment, and technology-driven solutions.
Focus on high-value agriculture and digital infrastructure
A key agenda of the webinar will be promoting high-value agriculture by unlocking the potential of crops with strong domestic and global demand. The sessions will explore strategies for increasing production, improving value chains, and expanding market opportunities for crops such as cashew, coconut, sandalwood, agarwood, almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts.
These crops are considered important for diversifying agricultural income and creating export-oriented opportunities for farmers in various regions of the country. By focusing on high-value cultivation, the government aims to strengthen rural economies and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
Another important area of discussion will be Bharat Vistaar, an AI-powered digital public infrastructure initiative designed to modernise India’s agriculture sector. The platform is expected to integrate data, technology, and services to support farmers with better information, improved market access, and advanced farming solutions.
Participants in the webinar will also explore how digital technologies can help improve decision-making in farming, enhance crop planning, and connect farmers directly with markets and financial services.
Boosting rural livelihoods and allied sectors
Apart from crop production, the webinar sessions will examine ways to expand investment and entrepreneurship in allied sectors such as animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries. These sectors play a crucial role in generating additional income for rural households and supporting the broader agricultural economy.
One of the key topics will be encouraging private sector participation in the animal husbandry value chain. Discussions are expected to focus on improving productivity, strengthening supply chains, and creating new business opportunities in dairy and livestock-based industries.
The webinar will also highlight the integrated development of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovar sites to boost inland fisheries. These initiatives aim to improve fish production while promoting sustainable water management and rural employment.
Coastal fisheries and the strengthening of their value chains will also be discussed, particularly in terms of improving infrastructure, processing, and export capabilities.
Another major focus will be expanding market opportunities for products created by rural women entrepreneurs through initiatives such as Self Help Entrepreneurs-Marketing Avenues for Rural Transformation SHE-Marts. These platforms aim to help self-help groups connect with wider markets and increase the commercial reach of rural products.
Through such initiatives, the government hopes to empower women entrepreneurs, create new livelihood opportunities, and enhance the economic participation of rural communities across India.
