On August 3, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists, held in New Delhi. The global event convenes experts to explore and promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Addressing the conference, Modi stressed the critical need to connect the world with sustainable agri-food systems, particularly noting that nearly 90% of the world’s farmers are smallholders.

Emphasis on Smallholders and Sustainable Farming

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that agriculture is central to India's economic policy and that marginal farmers are the backbone of the nation's food security. He praised the government’s efforts to promote chemical-free farming and shared successful outcomes of these initiatives. Modi also pointed out that the current year’s budget focuses significantly on sustainable farming and climate resilience.

Government's Agricultural Initiatives

Over the past decade, the Indian government has introduced approximately 1,900 new climate-resilient crop varieties, including rice that requires 25% less water than traditional types. Additionally, the release of 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of various crops is planned for the year. Modi also mentioned the recent rise in popularity of black rice from Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya, renowned for its health benefits.

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Budget Allocation and Future Goals

Despite these advancements, the budget allocation for the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) this year stands at ₹9,940 crore, reflecting only a slight increase of 0.7% from the previous year's revised estimate. Modi expressed India’s eagerness to share its agricultural innovations with the global community, highlighting initiatives such as soil health cards, solar farming, e-NAM (National Agriculture Market), kisan credit cards, and the PM Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme).

Micro Irrigation and Ethanol Blending

Modi emphasized that 90 lakh hectares of land have been brought under micro irrigation, which is expected to enhance water use efficiency. He also underscored India's commitment to achieving 20% ethanol blending, which is anticipated to benefit both agriculture and the environment.

Broader Impact and Global Employment

Agriculture remains a crucial sector globally, employing around 26% of the workforce, with significant regional variations. In India, agriculture employs approximately 42% of the workforce, translating to over 300 million people. Modi's address underscores India's role in global agricultural discussions and the importance of innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by farmers worldwide.

This conference marks a significant step in advancing global dialogue on agricultural sustainability and climate resilience, with India's experiences and initiatives contributing to the broader conversation on transforming global food systems.

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