Govt taking steps to expand market access for farmers: PM Modi

New Delhi, Feb 24 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed a post-budget webinar on ‘Agriculture and Cooperatives’ as part of a series of webinars aimed at gathering feedback to ensure the successful execution of initiatives outlined in the Union Budget 2023.

Addressing the stakeholders at the webinar, PM Modi highlighted that Union Budget has given significant importance to agricultural technology, as well as providing financing opportunities for entrepreneurs working in the agriculture industry.

He pointed out that the government is working towards making domestic and international markets accessible to the farmers.

Indicating the reasons behind the lack of growth in the sector, PM observed that private innovation and investment are keeping a distance from this sector which leads to low participation of India’s youth in the agricultural sector compared to the other sectors which witness active participation and growth.

He urged the youth to work to participate in the sector and help India achieve its goals.

The Prime Minister informed about the introduction of accelerator funds for agri-tech startups and said that the government is not only creating digital infrastructure but also preparing funding avenues. He urged the youth and young entrepreneurs to move forward and achieve their goals.

“India is now home to more than 3000 agri-startups today compared to next to nothing 9 years ago,” he added.

PM Modi further added that the country is witnessing a revolution in the cooperative sector as it is now not limited to some states and some regions of the India anymore.

“Centre has provided tax-related reliefs to the cooperative sector in this year’s budget which will benefit new cooperative societies engaged in manufacturing,” he stressed upon.

In his speech, he also touched upon a new sub-component that has been announced under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana at a cost of Rs 6,000 crores which will give a boost to the fisheries value chain as well as the market. 

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister touched upon the PM Pranam Yojana and Gobardhan Yojana where the government is working towards promoting natural farming and reducing chemical-based farming.  (KNN Bureau)