Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the immense strength of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir while announcing the significant impact of new train services on the region’s trade. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on March 28, he linked these developments to a broader initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a newly introduced ₹24,000 crore scheme designed to boost agricultural growth across 100 selected districts. This initiative aims at promoting crop diversification and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Among the attendees was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie, a farmer from Ganderbal district. He shared his success with the Prime Minister, stating, “I’ve come from Kashmir. I saw your progressive schemes for farmers and availed their benefits. Today, I have 14 employees and earn around ₹15 lakh in profits annually,” crediting his progress to government initiatives.
Modi responded positively, saying, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now, with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.” This statement emphasizes the role of infrastructure in empowering local economies.
The newly initiated goods train services allow direct shipment from New Delhi to Kashmir, enabling regional products, including vehicles and fresh produce, to reach markets promptly. For the first time, apples and other fruits from Srinagar can be transported swiftly, thereby enhancing trade opportunities.
During this event, Prime Minister Modi urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices. He encouraged them to test these methods on small portions of their land, fostering innovation while ensuring that they witness the benefits firsthand.
Farmers enthusiastically shared their experiences with agricultural innovations during their interactions with the Prime Minister. A woman farmer praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, referring to the annual ₹6,000 assistance as “a blessing” that enabled her to procure seeds and timely prepare her fields.
Showcasing their innovations, farmers presented unique products, such as aeroponically grown “Jain potato” and value-added garlic items, including paste and powder, further indicating the shift towards advanced agricultural techniques.
Highlighting India’s agricultural achievements, Prime Minister Modi reported that in the past 11 years, agricultural exports have nearly doubled. Additionally, he noted that foodgrain output has surged by 90 million metric tonnes, while fruit and vegetable production has increased by 64 million metric tonnes. India now claims the top position in milk production and is the second-largest fish producer in the world, with honey production having doubled since 2014.
Moreover, Modi informed that over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been established to enhance cooperation among farmers and improve their access to markets. These organizations play a crucial role in enabling farmers to gain better prices for their products.
The PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from the successes of the Aspirational Districts Model, with the government aiming to foster innovation, leverage technology, and promote inclusive growth among farmers across India.
As India strives to redefine its agricultural landscape, Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives signal a robust commitment to empowering the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, coupling infrastructural growth and sustainable farming practices, paving the way for a prosperous future.
