Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the immense strength of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir during an engagement with farmers in New Delhi. He noted that the introduction of train services from the Valley has significantly accelerated the movement of goods across regions.
This interaction took place as part of the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a new scheme with a budget of ₹24,000 crore. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and support sustainable farming practices across 100 selected districts.
Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie, a farmer from Ganderbal district, shared his inspiring success story with PM Modi. Ganaie attributed his growth to government initiatives, 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.”
In response, PM Modi reaffirmed his belief in the youth’s potential, saying, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.”
The newly inaugurated goods train services operate directly from New Delhi to Kashmir. This marks a significant development, allowing the transport of vehicles, apples, and other fruits to and from Srinagar for the first time.
During the event, PM Modi encouraged farmers to transition towards natural farming. He urged them to experiment on smaller plots to gain confidence and observe positive results. Many farmers recounted their experiences of adopting innovative practices after earlier interactions with the Prime Minister.
A woman farmer praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, describing the annual support of ₹6,000 as a “blessing” that assists her in purchasing seeds and preparing her fields on time. Innovations were also on display, with farmers showcasing aeroponically grown “Jain potato” and value-added garlic products, like paste and powder.
PM Modi underscored the achievements of India’s agricultural sector, stating that over the last 11 years, agricultural exports have nearly doubled. He provided key statistics: foodgrain output has increased by 90 million metric tonnes, fruit and vegetable production by 64 million metric tonnes, and India now ranks first in global milk production. The country also stands as the second-largest fish producer and has doubled honey production since 2014.
Moreover, PM Modi announced that over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been established to strengthen farmer cooperation and enhance market access. He attributed the inspiration behind the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to the success of the Aspirational Districts Model, emphasizing that the government’s aim is to empower every farmer through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth.
