More than 16 lakh farmers and stakeholders linked to the fertilizer sector participated in a post-Budget webinar on “Agriculture and Rural Transformation” addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
According to data released by the Department of Fertilizers, around 16 lakh participants — including about 12 lakh male and 4 lakh female farmers — watched the Prime Minister’s address through Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) across the country.
The digital outreach covered all 36 states and Union Territories, with the audience primarily comprising members of the farming community. The session also saw participation from senior executives of 23 fertilizer companies, including public sector firms such as National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (RCF), cooperatives like IFFCO and KRIBHCO, as well as private sector companies.
Addressing the participants via video conferencing, Modi said the Union Budget charts a new course for agricultural and rural transformation.
He reiterated that the government’s key objective is to increase farmers’ income, strengthen the agricultural sector and boost the rural economy.
The Prime Minister said sustained investments in agriculture, adoption of modern technology and improvements in infrastructure over recent years have helped increase production and create new opportunities for farmers.
Highlighting changing global consumption trends, Modi pointed to the growing international demand for organic and chemical-free food due to rising health awareness.
He said this presents an opportunity for Indian farmers to expand their presence in global markets.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that suggestions emerging from the webinar would help strengthen the agriculture sector and support the development of the rural economy.
