On October 12, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for their immense potential during an interactive session with progressive farmers in New Delhi. Modi emphasized that the introduction of train services from the Valley significantly boosts the movement of goods, fostering better trade connections.
The remarks came during the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. This new ₹24,000 crore initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and support sustainable farming across 100 selected districts in India.
Among the farmers interacting with the Prime Minister was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie from Ganderbal district, who shared his success story stemming from the government’s agricultural policies. He stated, “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,” highlighting the positive impact of the government’s efforts.
In response, PM Modi remarked, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.”
The new goods train services operating directly between New Delhi and Kashmir for the first time have transformed the transport of goods. They enable the swift movement of vehicles, apples, and other fruits to and from Srinagar.
During this significant event, the Prime Minister urged farmers to gradually transition towards natural farming practices. He encouraged them to experiment on small portions of land to gain confidence and observe the benefits. Many farmers shared their success stories regarding the adoption of innovative agricultural practices following previous interactions with Modi.
A female farmer praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which provides annual financial assistance of ₹6,000. She described the financial support as “a blessing” that has enabled her to buy seeds and prepare her fields promptly. Others highlighted their innovations, such as aeroponically grown “Jain potato” and value-added garlic products.
Modi also highlighted India’s remarkable agricultural achievements over the past 11 years. He provided impressive statistics indicating that:
- Agricultural exports have nearly doubled.
- Foodgrain production has risen by 90 million metric tonnes.
- Fruit and vegetable output has increased by 64 million metric tonnes.
- India now ranks first in milk production and is the second-largest fish producer in the world.
- Honey production has doubled since 2014.
Furthermore, he noted the establishment of over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), aimed at bolstering farmer cooperation and improving market access for agricultural products.
PM Modi clarified that the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from the success of the Aspirational Districts Model. His vision of the initiative focuses on empowering farmers through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth. The government aims to ensure that every farmer benefits from these strategies, fostering prosperity in agriculture.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on the strengths of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, coupled with the strategic enhancement of trade through train services, aims to uplift the agricultural landscape of the region significantly. His focus on sustainable farming practices aligns with the broader goals of economic growth and community empowerment in the valley.
