(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Oct 11 (KNN) During a special Krishi programme at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi today, Prime Minister Modi launched two major agricultural schemes with a combined outlay of Rs 35,440 crore: the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (Rs 24,000 crore) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Rs 11,440 crore).

He also inaugurated projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore across agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors, while laying the foundation stone for additional initiatives worth around Rs 815 crore.

“These initiatives are designed to usher in a new era of self-reliance, rural empowerment, and agricultural innovation, benefiting crores of farmers,” he said.

Emphasising agriculture's central role in India's development, the Prime Minister outlined the progress achieved since 2014: foodgrain production increased by 90 million metric tonnes, fruit and vegetable output rose by over 64 million metric tonnes, India retained its position as the world's largest milk producer, became the second-largest fish producer globally, and honey and egg production doubled.

He noted that six major fertiliser plants were established, 25 crore Soil Health Cards distributed, and micro-irrigation facilities expanded to 100 lakh hectares. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, insurance claims worth Rs 2 lakh crore were disbursed.

Over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) were formed to strengthen market access and cooperation among farmers.

Modi detailed that the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana integrates 36 existing government schemes, including the National Mission on Natural Farming, Per Drop More Crop campaign, and Oilseeds Mission, alongside a focus on livestock development.

The Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission aims to boost domestic pulse production, increase cultivation area by 35 lakh hectares, and strengthen nutritional security, benefiting nearly two crore pulse farmers. The initiative focuses on tur, urad, and masoor pulses, ensuring systematic procurement and market support.

(KNN Bureau)

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