What Happened
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for making India's agricultural products export-oriented and globally competitive, urging farmers and agri-businesses to integrate with global supply chains.
- Modi highlighted the National Mission on Edible Oil and Pulses and the National Mission on Natural Farming as key pillars strengthening the agriculture sector and reducing import dependency.
- He stressed the need to create new jobs in the farm sector through value-added exports and to empower farmers through market linkages.
- The statements were made in the context of India's push toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in agriculture and align with broader Union Budget 2026-27 priorities.
Static Topic Bridges
National Mission on Edible Oils — Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
India is one of the world's largest importers of edible oils, spending approximately USD 10–14 billion annually on palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil imports. NMEO-Oilseeds is a central sector scheme approved by the Union Cabinet to achieve edible oil self-sufficiency.
- Approved by the Cabinet in 2024; covers the period 2024-25 to 2030-31.
- Financial outlay: ₹10,103 crore.
- Production target: Increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
- Target crops: Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum; also secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils.
- Complementary scheme: National Mission on Edible Oils — Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), targeting 10 lakh hectares of oil palm cultivation by 2026.
- Combined target: Increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31, meeting approximately 72% of projected demand (up from ~40% currently).
Connection to this news: Modi's reference to the National Mission on Edible Oil directly links to NMEO-Oilseeds — a flagship scheme designed to cut India's edible oil import bill and create a domestic oilseed surplus that can eventually be export-oriented.
Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission (Mission for Pulses Self-Reliance)
India is the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet remains a net importer of certain varieties. The government launched a dedicated mission to achieve pulse self-reliance as part of the broader food security agenda.
- Officially termed the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission; part of the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana framework.
- Financial outlay: Over ₹11,000 crore.
- Goal: Increase area under pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares; boost production of tur (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and masoor (red lentil).
- Includes a procurement guarantee mechanism to reduce price risk for farmers.
- India's pulse production in 2024-25: approximately 24–25 million tonnes; domestic requirement: ~26 million tonnes — a persistent structural deficit.
- Pulses are listed as "essential commodities" under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955; prices are periodically regulated.
Connection to this news: Pulses represent the other key area where India seeks self-reliance before targeting exports. Modi's reference to the mission signals the government's phased approach: first achieve domestic sufficiency, then build export capacity.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Natural farming is a chemical-free agriculture practice rooted in local biodiversity and traditional knowledge. India has launched a centralised mission to scale it up, reduce input costs for farmers, and position Indian agriculture for premium organic export markets.
- Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024; implementation through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
- Financial outlay: ₹2,481 crore over two years.
- Target: Bring 1 crore farmers under natural farming practices; cover approximately 7.5 lakh hectares.
- Based on the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), rooted in practices promoted by scientist-philosopher Subhash Palekar.
- Key inputs: Jeevamrit (fermented mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil) — replaces chemical fertilisers.
- Andhra Pradesh's Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a state-level precedent, having enrolled over 6 lakh farmers.
- Natural farming aligns with India's international commitments under sustainable development (SDG 2 — Zero Hunger; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption).
Connection to this news: Natural farming reduces dependence on imported chemical inputs (fertilisers and pesticides), cuts farmers' costs, and creates a certified organic production base that can access premium markets in the EU, US, and Japan — directly supporting the PM's call for globally competitive agricultural exports.
Key Facts & Data
- NMEO-Oilseeds outlay: ₹10,103 crore (2024-25 to 2030-31)
- Oilseed production target: 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31 (from 39 MT in 2022-23)
- India's edible oil import bill: approximately USD 10–14 billion annually
- Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission outlay: Over ₹11,000 crore
- Pulse cultivation expansion target: 35 lakh additional hectares
- NMNF outlay: ₹2,481 crore; target: 1 crore farmers, 7.5 lakh hectares
- India's oilseed production in 2024-25: approximately 42.6 million tonnes (record high)
- India's position: World's largest producer and consumer of pulses; net importer due to demand exceeding production
- Domestic edible oil self-sufficiency target: 72% of demand by 2030-31 (from ~40% currently)