Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed agricultural reforms and rural development, emphasising that a developed India requires empowered farmers and modernised agriculture. Referencing a World Bank study, he highlighted the reduction of poverty in rural areas over the past 12 to 13 years and noted the agriculture sector’s growth exceeding 4% for the first time since Independence. Modi encouraged farmers to adopt chemical-free natural farming, explaining its differences from organic farming, and pointed out the benefits of dung as a natural fertiliser. He also recommended diversifying crops beyond wheat, rice, and sugarcane, mentioning that agricultural exports have surpassed four lakh crore rupees annually.
