Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense strength. He emphasized that the introduction of train services from the Valley has significantly improved the movement of goods across regions, thereby benefiting local farmers.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a significant interaction with progressive farmers from across India, held in New Delhi. This event coincided with the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a new scheme with an investment of ₹24,000 crore aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices in 100 select districts.
Among the participants was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie, a farmer from Ganderbal district in Kashmir. Ganaie shared his inspiring success story, 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.” He credited his growth to the Modi government’s supportive initiatives.
Responding to Ganaie, PM Modi highlighted the transformative changes, 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 marks a decisive step forward for trade in the region.
The newly operational goods train services connect New Delhi directly to Kashmir. This development allows the transport of vehicles, apples, and other fruits, creating a newfound accessibility for producers in Srinagar.
During the interactions, PM Modi encouraged farmers to gradually adopt natural farming methods. He suggested experimenting with small land portions to foster confidence and encourage positive results. Many farmers shared their valuable experiences following earlier discussions with the Prime Minister.
A woman farmer praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, describing the annual ₹6,000 financial support as “a blessing” that enabled her to purchase seeds and prepare fields timely. Several farmers showcased innovative agricultural practices, including aeroponically grown “Jain potato” and value-added garlic products like paste and powder.
Highlighting India’s agricultural successes, PM Modi shared impressive statistics, underscoring the progress made over the past 11 years. Agricultural exports have nearly doubled. Foodgrain output increased by 90 million metric tonnes, while fruit and vegetable production rose by 64 million metric tonnes. India now ranks first in milk production and is the second-largest fish producer globally. Furthermore, honey production has doubled since 2014.
The Prime Minister noted that over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been established to enhance farmer cooperation and improve market access. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between farmers and the market, facilitating better prices for their produce.
Moreover, PM Modi explained that the inspiration behind the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana stems from the success of the Aspirational Districts Model. He reiterated the government’s goal to empower every farmer through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth, emphasizing the role of youth in driving this vision.
The synergy between enhanced train services and agricultural growth signals a turning point for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s encouragement and structured support through government schemes promise to unlock the vast potential of this region.